Acting U.S. attorney general Todd Blanche speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department, May 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)2026-06-02T11:02:19Z WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is set to return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday after the Trump administration signaled it was pausing contentious plans to move forward with a nearly $1.8 billion fund that could compensate allies of President Donald Trump who believe they have been unjustly investigated and prosecuted. The hearing before the House Appropriations Committee was scheduled for discussion of the Justice Department’s budget, but lawmakers will almost certainly focus their questioning on the creation of a fund that has provoked outrage over the mere possibility that violent pro-Trump rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, could be eligible for payouts. The Republican president is now reconsidering whether to move forward with the fund established to resolve his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns, a person familiar with his thinking said on Monday, in the face of Republican backlash and legal setbacks. The Justice Department also said Monday it would comply with a Virginia court temporarily blocking the administration’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” effectively agreeing to pause the plan for at least two weeks. Another judge in Florida raised the prospect of reopening the IRS lawsuit because of “grievous allegations” of improper dealing made against the administration by settlement critics. Read More The Trump administration has defended the fund as an appropriate measure to make up for what officials insist was a weaponized Justice Department during President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, a claim the Biden administration strongly denied. Though some Trump supporters, including participants in the Capitol riot, have celebrated the announcement, the reaction among Republicans in Congress has been decidedly more hostile, forcing Blanche to try to assuage a GOP constituency that generally operates in close alignment with the administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks to a reporter outside the White House, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks to a reporter outside the White House, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The furor has especially complicated matters in the Senate, where Republicans defiantly left town 10 days ago without passing legislation to fund Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies. Republicans who returned to Washington on Monday said they won’t have the votes to pass the Homeland Security spending bill until the White House works with them to place parameters on the fund. Many have pushed the administration to impose limits or scrap the idea altogether. At a Senate budget hearing last month, Blanche refused to rule out the possibility that those who carried out violence on Jan. 6 could be eligible for payouts and has repeatedly said in interviews that anyone who feels persecuted by the criminal justice system is free to apply. Payouts will be decided by a five-member commission appointed by Blanche. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies during a Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing to address the Trump administration’s budget request for the Justice Department, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies during a Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing to address the Trump administration’s budget request for the Justice Department, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More But he has apparently struck a more conciliatory tone in private when confronted by Republican anger. Blanche encountered a groundswell of opposition last month at a tense private meeting with GOP senators, with more than half raising concerns, including by shouting at the Justice Department’s top official, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said in a recent episode of his podcast. “There were fireworks at an epic level — and I’ve got to say, it’s one of the roughest meetings I’ve seen in my entire time in the Senate,” Cruz said. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Gabriela Passos, File) Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Gabriela Passos, File) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Behind closed doors, Blanche was “adamant” that no one who assaulted police at the Capitol would receive compensation, according to Cruz.“He said not just ‘no,’ but ‘hell no,’” the senator recalled. ERIC TUCKER Tucker covers national security in Washington for The Associated Press, with a focus on the FBI and Justice Department. twitter mailto ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Richer covers the Justice Department and federal courts. She joined The AP in 2013 and is based in Washington. twitter 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Nature, Published online: 02 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01724-0Quick identification of viruses holds the key to minimizing their spread.

Rams legend Aaron Donald beckoned from retirement after Myles Garrett trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Aaron Donald is retired from the NFL, and it seems he's happy to keep it that way.But what if there had been just a flicker of doubt in his mind? The Los Angeles Rams' trade of Myles Garrett on Monday could certainly have prodded at that, if it was there in any way.Because the Rams just got the guy who set the NFL's single-season sacks record in 2025, acquiring him in a massive blockbuster trade from the Cleveland Browns.Donald played with some good defensive players, but never anyone like Garrett.Analysts and fans took to social media to point out that a Donald return would be just about the most exciting thing that could happen next:Aaron Donald owes it to science to unretire and line up next to Myles Garrett just to see what would happen.— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) June 1, 2026MORE: Myles Garrett's Browns career comes to the most Cleveland of endingsDonald just turned 35 in May.He hasn't played in the NFL since 2023, when he appeared in 16 games and had 8.0 sacks.Donald is one of the most impactful interior defenders in NFL history.In the past couple years, there have been moments when people have wanted to believe Donald might come back. It doesn't seem like it's something that would actually happen.But if anything could entice Donald, maybe it'd be Garrett.No, there's nothing to actually suggest Donald is returning. But it's fun to dream about.More NFL news:The Aaron Rodgers problem no one is talking about for the SteelersCommanders, Brandon Aiyuk are waiting for the same thingLamar Jackson has an obvious reason not to sign right nowCould the Bosa brothers join forces?There's a risk the OBJ signing is a mistake

The 2026 MLB season is gearing up for week eleven. Through the first ten weeks, numerous players have gotten off to fast starts. There have been front-runners for All-Star selections, early cases for season-long awards, as well as rookies quickly making a name for themselves in the Majors. Heading into week eleven, here are the top 10 catchers in the league. MORE: MLB report card grades for all 30 teams in May 2026 1. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta BravesMay 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) hits a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesBaldwin is having a fantastic start to the season. He’s not only a league leader at the catching position but one of the offensive leaders on the Atlanta Braves. He’s still weeks away from returning from an oblique injury, but hopefully, he picks up where he left off upon returning to Atlanta’s lineup.2. Shea Langeliers, AthleticsEntering the week, Langeliers leads MLB catchers in hits. He’s produced a high number of extra-base hits. He leads the Athletics in at-bats, hits, home runs, total bases, and slugging percentage.3. Liam Hicks, Miami MarlinsHicks is on his way to representing the National League in the All-Star game. The Miami catcher’s production has been consistent, already has double-digit home runs and is leading MLB catchers in RBI. Liam Hicks leads the Marlins in home runs and RBI.4. William Contreras, Milwaukee BrewersApr 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesThe veteran has helped the Brewers to the top of the National League Central. Entering the week, Contreras leads the Brewers in RBI. Among MLB catchers, he ranks third in on-base percentage.5. Dillon Dingler, Detroit TigersDingler put his power on display last week. Entering week eleven, Dingler ranks tied for third in home runs among MLB catchers. Detroit’s offense has struggled, but Dillon Dingler has been one of the team’s main producers and the only Tigers hitter reaching double-digit home runs.6. Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota TwinsJeffers got off to a hot start before undergoing hand surgery on May 19th. The Minnesota catcher is set to miss the next two months of the season. The veteran was having a career year before this disappointing injury.7. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore OriolesMay 18, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesRutschman is continuing his rejuvenated season. Entering the week, he is one of two MLB catchers with almost as many walks as strikeouts. The ability to reach base has played a role in his bounce-back season.8. Samuel Basallo, Baltimore OriolesThe Baltimore rookie is making a name for himself. Producing on par with his scouting report, Samuel Basallo has displayed power while being a free swinger. By the end of the season, the rookie can reach 30 home runs.9. Hunter Goodman, Colorado RockiesGoodman has been a true two-outcome hitter. Entering the week, Goodman is tied for second in home runs among MLB catchers. Unfortunately, he leads MLB catchers in strikeouts.10. Salvador Perez, Kansas City RoyalsEarly into the season, the veteran has been all or nothing. He’s either hitting home runs or striking out. Entering the week, Perez is tied for first among Royals hitters in home runs.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

BERLIN, Pa. – Berlin Brothersvalley defeated Carmichaels 2-0 Monday in the first round of the PIAA Class 1A softball playoffs.Junior starting pitcher Elena Ritchey powered the Mountaineers with a complete-game shutout performance that included 12 strikeouts and two hits allowed."She's fantastic. Especially after last year battling the injury and then coming back, a lot of uncertainty there," Berlin Brothersvalley coach Brian Slope said. "She's just gotten better and better every outing, and I don't think we've seen her best yet."This year's playoff game was a similar result to 2025's first-round battle when Berlin Brothersvalley won 3-0 over Carmichaels.Sam Walker started for the Mountaineers that day and allowed two hits with six strikeouts, while Carmichaels' Bailey Barnyak struck out 11. Barnyak, who will play at Indiana (Pa.), had an equally impressive effort Monday with seven punchouts."That was a heck of a pitchers' duel right there." Slope said. "Luckily, we came out on top."Berlin Brothersvalley will play District 10 champ Cambridge Springs, an 8-1 winner over Jefferson-Morgan, Thursday in the quarterfinals. Cambridge Springs beat Berlin Brothersvalley 4-2 in the 2025 quarterfinals.Berlin Brothersvalley's first run came in the second inning. PennWest Edinboro signee Elsie Barna drove a line drive to right field, then stole second base early in the next at-bat. Callie Ritchey dropped one into the left-center field gap to put runners on the corners.Bena Barna then laid down a bunt that scored the runner at third and put Mountaineers on the corners again, but Carmichaels was able to limit the scoring with two strikeouts and a groundout to close the frame."Bailey pitched her butt off," Carmichaels coach David Briggs said. "We played pretty good defense behind her. (Berlin Brothersvalley) has a pretty strong hitting team, so it's just tough when it comes to them."Each team recorded just one hit over the next three frames, and nine total batters were sat down via strikeouts.As a result, Berlin Brothersvalley's game-sealing run wasn't until the sixth inning when Elena Ritchey stood in scoring position after a base hit to left field and a sacrifice bunt from Elsie Barna.Callie Ritchey was credited with the RBI on a base hit to center that brought home Elena Ritchey for the 2-0 lead.Berlin Brothersvalley finished the win with six hits and left four runners on base."We had base runners on almost every inning, so I'm happy with that," Slope said. "We could have been a little more patient at times, take a few more pitches, but we've been aggressive all year and it's worked out pretty well."(Barnyak) is a very good pitcher. I would say that's more of a credit to her than anything from our side. I like our lineup from top to bottom, and she did a very good job."Carmichaels recorded its second hit of the contest in the seventh, but Elena Ritchey's 11th and 12th strikeouts, and a groundout sealed the second PIAA playoff win in Berlin Brothersvalley softball history."It's been a fun run with these girls," Briggs said. "I'm proud of our team this year. We had a lot of new people in some new places. A lot of people didn't think we would do what we did."This is the fourth consecutive year that Berlin Brothersvalley has made the PIAA playoffs, and the second time advancing to the quarterfinals.After 2025's 4-2 loss to Cambridge Springs, the 23-2 Mountaineers will look to make a push for the state title this season."These girls are playing for each other," Slope said. "There's no ego on this team. There is no me on this team. It's all for each other. I can't ask for more than that."

After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's sensational breakthrough season, IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi made a bold prediction for the teenage prodigy, claiming that he could become the biggest superstar on the planet.The 15-year-old emerged as one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer and grabbing headlines throughout the season with his fearless batting and remarkable temperament. His performances earned widespread praise from across the cricketing fraternity, with several former players and experts hailing him as a generational talent.Now, following the conclusion of the 19th edition of the IPL, Modi has added his name to the growing list of admirers, backing the Rajasthan Royals youngster to achieve unprecedented heights in the sport.Speaking to Wisden, Modi predicted that Sooryavanshi could one day score a double century in T20 cricket and even become a bigger celebrity than the world's biggest film stars. 131461895"I am looking forward to that day (Sooryavanshi's double ton). You will make a 200, I promise you. Don't let money get into your head. You will become the number one superstar on the planet, bigger than any Hollywood and Bollywood star on the planet," Modi said.— WisdenCricket (@WisdenCricket) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's season to rememberAt just 15 years, Rajasthan Royals (RR) prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrote cricket history by producing a truly generational "season to remember" in IPL 2026. The teenage opener utterly dominated the tournament, becoming the youngest Orange Cap winner and Most Valuable Player (MVP) in IPL history while shattering multiple long-standing records.Orange Cap: Finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 776 runs.Most Valuable Player (MVP): Topped the tournament's impact charts with 436.5 points.Emerging Player of the Season: Recognized as the standout young talent.Super Striker of the Season: Maintained a mind-boggling tournament strike rate of 237.30.Super Sixes of the Season: Smashed a record-breaking 72 sixes Across 16 matches, he accumulated 776 runs at an average of 48.50. His strike rate is the highest ever recorded by any Orange Cap winner in the 19-year history of the league.

BaseballJohnstown Collegiate LeagueMartella’s Pharmacy 9, Infinity Practical Solutions 6: Cainen Atherton swatted a home run and drove in three runs as Martella’s Pharmacy opened the season with a win at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point.Ben Ryan also chased in three runs, while Grayden Gillott plated two runs. Atherton and Gillott each scored two runs for Martella’s Pharmacy, which knotted the game at 6-all in the fourth with a four-run frame.Mason Pfeil tossed the final five innings, fanning six batters to notch the win on the mound.Zane Hagans’ two RBIs led the way for Infinity Practical Solutions, which saw its six runs come in the third inning.High SchoolPIAA TournamentClass 3A First RoundSouth Park 6, Bedford 3: In Bedford, the Eagles broke away late with two runs in the sixth and another one in the seventh as the visitors beat the Bisons.Cooper Hochendoner went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and three RBIs. Robert Lenzi struck out 10 batters and allowed three unearned runs in six innings.District 7 runner-up South Park (16-6) outhit Bedford 8-4. The Eagles scored twice in the first inning, and added one in the second.District 5-8-9 champ Bedford (8-15) tallied all three of its runs in the fifth. South Park made two errors.The Bisons received singles from Blake Cragan, Carter Frederick, Gabe Taylor and Jonah Topper. Cragan, Frederick and Gaston Watkins each scored. Bedford struck out 11 times as a team.Bedford's Aspen Anderson pitched 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and allowing three earned runs. Zach Eichelberger went the final 1 2/3 frames, permitting three walks and three runs (two earned).South Park will play District 6 champ Tyrone, a 5-3 winner over Avonworth, Thursday in the quarterfinals.SoftballHigh SchoolPIAA TournamentClass 3A First RoundSusquenita 4, Bedford 1: In Duncannon, the host Blackhawks scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth and added another one in the sixth to dispatch the Bisons.District 3 champion Susquenita (24-1) has won 21 games in a row. The Blackhawks scored a run in the second inning against Bedford senior right-hander Emma Byers.District 5-6 runner-up Bedford (20-3) answered with a tally in the third. The Bisons made three errors in the field.Susquenita outhit Bedford 7-5. Lara Bulger, Rebekah Costal, Brielle Hartman, Sammi Shoemaker and Zoie Ulanowicz each provided a hit for the Bisons. Bailey Mickle drove in a run, and Hartman doubled. Byers walked two and fanned five batters in six innings, allowing two earned runs.Kylah Fleisher struck out four in a complete-game victory. Fleisher doubled and drove in a run at the plate. Braelyn Prinz provided two hits and a stolen base. Kaydon Brandt, Leah Conroy and Prinz each plated a run.The Bisons advanced to the PIAA tournament for the first time since 1997.After starting 17-0, Bedford scored two combined runs in its three losses at the end of the season.Susquenita will play Sharon, a 4-0 winner over Mount Pleasant, in the quarterfinals Thursday. Sharon junior right-hander Maddy Vogan, a Penn State commit, hit the first batter of the game and then retired 21 straight batters, 16 via strikeouts.

People carry packages at Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar, Iran, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)2026-06-02T11:25:57Z DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Year-on-year inflation in Iran reached a level in May unseen since World War II, underlining the economic pain average Iranians face as the Islamic Republic worries about the war with Israel and the United States restarting.A report Monday by Iran’s Central Bank represents the first official acknowledgment of what Iranians shopping, paying for a taxi or visiting a medical clinic already know: The rial currency is battered by the war and uncertainty around it resuming.Meanwhile, longtime problems of economic mismanagement and government corruption also appear to be dragging down Iran’s oil-backed economy as it remains under a U.S. naval blockade.Economic pressure in the past has sparked nationwide protests, something Iran’s theocracy has been trying to avoid since a crackdown on demonstrators in January killed over 7,000 people, according to activists’ estimates. But even as hard-liners hold gun-handling workshops and organize marriages under the shadow of a ballistic missile to bolster spirits, experts note that new demonstrations could emerge if people find themselves priced out of feeding their families.“I have no doubt that if Trump leaves (Iran without a formal peace deal) ... most probably, we will see something like January by the end of summer because of the economic and social situations,” analyst Mohsen Jalilvand said in a video published by Iran’s Fararu news website. ‘We will definitely have higher prices’Iran’s Central Bank said the consumer price index, which measures a basket of goods and services, reached 77.2% in May compared to the year before. It added the rate is 8.5% higher than in April. Inflation in daily and general needs — like medicine, taxi fares, tobacco and communication fees — rose 113.8% from the year before.Iran only saw worse inflation in 1942 during World War II, sparked by the British and Soviets invading the country and taking over its railway, disrupting food supplies. The lack of food, worsened by a poor harvest, sparked hyperinflation and a famine. Hunger and a typhus outbreak killed many.A private economic think tank in Iran, the Bamdad Institute of Economic Studies, described the current figures as “an unprecedented rate since World War II.” Iran’s Central Bank did not acknowledge the significance of the figures. Read More Airstrikes this year have greatly damaged Iranian businesses and its oil industry, Meanwhile, the U.S. blockade has been targeting Iranian crude oil shipments trying to reach the international market, a key source of hard revenue. Tax revenues have been depressed by businesses struggling even after the fighting paused. The rial, which traded at 32,000 to $1 in 2015, now trades at over 1.7 million to $1.“We will definitely have higher prices,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned in May. “We are fighting and we must accept this hardship.” Past economic woes have led to protestsIn 2017 into 2018, rising food prices sparked demonstrations that killed over 20 people and saw hundreds arrested. An increase in government-subsidized gasoline prices caused protests that saw over 300 people reportedly killed.Then came the protests over the rial at the start of this year, the most intense demonstrations to shake the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution and chaotic years that followed.Tehran-based economist Saeed Leilaz, speaking to The Associated Press, warned that annual inflation in Iran could reach 80%.“Iran’s society cannot tolerate above 25%” annual inflation, he said.___Karimi reported from Tehran, Iran. JON GAMBRELL Gambrell is the news director for the Gulf and Iran for The Associated Press. He has reported from each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and other locations across the world since joining the AP in 2006. twitter instagram mailto NASSER KARIMI Karimi reports and writes from Tehran, Iran, on various topics for The Associated Press. He began working for AP in 2003. twitter instagram mailto

A destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike is seen through a shattered window of the Jabal Amel Hospital, in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo)2026-06-02T11:38:17Z RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Ceasefires have been announced, often to great fanfare, in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. So why is there still so much fighting?In just the last few weeks, Israeli forces have captured more territory in Gaza and killed two top Hamas militants there, as well as more than a dozen other people. In Lebanon, Israeli troops captured a Crusader fortress over the weekend in their deepest incursion in 26 years, as Hezbollah kept up rocket fire into northern Israel.The fighting in Lebanon showed no sign of letting up on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said both sides had agreed — again — to de-escalate.The United States and Iran have traded fire, most recently on Monday, as they try to reach a more lasting truce. Iran has maintained its chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, perpetuating a global fuel crisis, while the U.S. has tried to cement its naval blockade on Iranian ports.None of the warring parties have officially exited the ceasefires, but the term is rapidly losing its meaning. Israel strikes Gaza and troops advanceTrump held up the October ceasefire in Gaza as a major foreign policy accomplishment that could lead to Mideast peace. But while it ended two years of full-scale hostilities and brought about the release of all remaining hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, no further progress has been made.Hamas has yet to disarm, and Israeli troops have advanced rather than withdrawn. An international stabilization force has yet to materialize, a new Palestinian administration is still in limbo, and reconstruction of the largely flattened territory has yet to begin.Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain in squalid tent camps, living with the stench of sewage and rodent infestations, and in fear of Israeli strikes. The U.S. and Israel blame Hamas, saying its refusal to disarm has held up the process. Hamas accuses Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire, including through regular strikes that have killed at least 932 Palestinians, including women and children, since it took effect, according to local health officials. Read More In both Gaza and Lebanon, Israel says it maintains the right to strike in response to perceived threats or attempts by suspected militants to cross sometimes blurry front lines — which are shifting as troops seize more territory.Israel now controls some 60% of Gaza, compared to around half when the ceasefire was signed, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said it planned to take more. Fighting rages in southern LebanonA Lebanon ceasefire reached in April has had little impact on the fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, particularly in southern Lebanon, where they have continued trading fire as Israel expands its occupation of Lebanese territory.Over the weekend, Israeli troops raised their flag over Beaufort castle, marking their deepest incursion into southern Lebanon since the end of the 1982-2000 occupation. Hezbollah responded with even deeper rocket attacks into northern Israel.Israel had continued carrying out strikes after an earlier ceasefire in 2024. Hezbollah had held its fire until the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, setting off the wider war. Hezbollah did not officially agree to the April ceasefire but said it would abide by it if Israel ceased its attacks and withdrew from Lebanon. Israel says it will keep fighting until the threat of rocket and drone attacks on its northern communities has been eliminated, either by its own actions or by the Lebanese government disarming Hezbollah. That has appeared even less likely as the fighting has escalated, despite continuing Israeli-Lebanese negotiations. Iran has meanwhile demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of any truce with the United States.US and Iran trade fire as they try to reach a dealA wider ceasefire reached in early April between the U.S., Iran and Israel was intended to end the regional war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway whose closure caused oil prices to spike, inflicting economic pain far beyond the region.Iran initially announced the reopening the strait after the ceasefire was reached, but moved to close it again after the U.S. imposed its naval blockade. Trump is demanding that Iran reopen the strait and make major concessions on its disputed nuclear program, while Iran wants a lasting end to the war, a lifting of the blockade and sanctions relief. The two sides appeared close to a deal last week but did not reach one. Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume the war if Iran doesn’t give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Iranian officials have said they won’t discuss nuclear issues until a more durable truce is reached.The two sides have repeatedly traded fire in the strait, with the U.S. acting to eliminate what it says are threats to commercial shipping or its own forces, and Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries hosting American forces. On Monday, the U.S. said it bombed radar and drone sites in Iran after Tehran shot down an American drone over the weekend. Iran then said it targeted American soldiers in Kuwait with missiles, which the U.S. says it shot down.In a statement posted on X, U.S. Central Command said it “will continue to protect our forces from Iranian aggression while supporting the ongoing ceasefire.” SAM METZ Metz covers Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and points beyond for The Associated Press. mailto

Police conduct a search operation at a makeshift camp of migrants who want to cross the English Channel to Britain near Dunkirk, northern France, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)2026-06-02T08:45:12Z BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has moved forward with a vast overhaul of its migration policy, aiming to ramp up deportations and ink controversial deals to build detention centers abroad, in what rights groups compare to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.“The new regulation will speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU,” said Nicholas Ioannides, deputy migration minister for Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the 27-nation bloc. The deal was struck between the EU’s three main institutions — the European Commission, the European Council and European Parliament — during a so-called “trilogue” Monday evening. “Europe cannot afford another period of standstill,” said Dutch lawmaker Malik Azmani, who shepherded the regulation through the European Parliament. “There is an urgent need for an effective return policy with higher return rates,” he said, adding that only 28% of rejected asylum seekers return to their country of origin, with the majority staying put in the EU. “This situation is deeply concerning. It undermines public confidence in our common migration policies.” Critics compared the regulation to the immigration policies of the Trump administration, which has struck a series of secretive agreements with nations around the world to deport thousands of people to countries that are not their own. The United Kingdom also planned to deport migrants to Rwanda, but the plan was bogged down in legal red tape and was dropped when a new government came to power in July 2024. Read More Several EU governments are already in talks with third countries“Across the Atlantic, we see the violence and fear created by ICE’s brutal immigration enforcement,” said Silvia Carter, spokesperson for the Brussels-based Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Europe should be learning from the harms of that model, not building its own version of it.” Law enforcement officers across the bloc no longer need warrants from judges to raid private residences or public institutions like hospitals, she said. “The regulation is going to create a draconian detention and deportation machine.”The provisional agreement will now head to the EU lawmakers and governments, where approval will likely be swift. “These new rules will ensure swifter, simpler, and more effective procedures across the European Union for returning non-EU nationals who have no right to stay, in full respect of international law and fundamental rights,” said Henna Virkkunen, EU commissioner for technology. EU member nations will soon be able to set up bilateral deals with countries outside the bloc to build deportation centers. At least five EU nations — Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece — are already in talks with third countries, mostly in Africa, to host “return hubs” on the model of Italy’s detention deal with Albania.“We are delivering the member states tools in their hands to make those agreements and arrangements with third countries,” Azmani said. Mélissa Camara, a lawmaker from the French Green party, said the deal was “a historic setback” for human rights in the bloc.“The legalization of return hubs outside the European Union, the green light for the detention of minors, home visits inspired by ICE practices: the legal arsenal serving a xenophobic ideology is now complete,” she said.EU migration policy has steadily shifted to the rightThe EU has continually tightened migration policies after right-wing parties secured the majority of votes in some countries in the 2024 elections to the European Parliament. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, from the center-right European People’s Party coalition, has said that the new measures will prevent a repeat of the 2015 crisis caused by Syria’s civil war, when about 1 million people arrived to seek asylum.Fueled by people fleeing conflict and poverty across Africa and the Middle East, the 2015 refugee crisis and successive years of irregular migration to Europe drove a rightward shift in the bloc’s politics not unlike the anti-immigrant sentiment that buoyed a “ red wave ” in the 2024 election in the United States. After successfully campaigning on tougher migration policies, the winners of that election, the European People’s Party, the largest political group in the EU, began negotiating migration reform with centrist and left parties only to eventually sidestep them by allying instead with the far right, said Carter, the asylum rights activist. “There was quite an unprecedented shift in the European Parliament.”Advocacy groups warned the regulation would cut deep into the protections granted by the EU fundamental charter on human rights and expose people to risks outside the bloc.“This deal will give governments much broader powers to detain and deport people,” said Marta Welander, a spokesperson for the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization. “It looks set to normalize immigration raids, expand the use of detention in prison-like facilities outside EU territory that are essentially legal black holes, and increase the risk of people being deported to countries where they could face persecution, torture or worse.”——Follow AP’s coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration SAM McNEIL McNeil covers Europe and beyond with a focus on conflict and the environment. twitter instagram facebook mailto

The war has not been going the Kremlin’s way recently, with battleground losses and mounting casualties. With renewed strikes, Moscow hopes to gain a better position for negotiations.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Muhammad Ali's legacy extends beyond his stinging right jab, world titles and Olympic gold medal, to the heart and compassion he showed long after he left the ring, his wife Lonnie Ali said.“He transcended boxing into every space you can imagine,” she told The Associated Press this week ahead of the 10-year anniversary of Ali’s death on June 3, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.“Muhammad lived by this mantra: service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth," Lonnie Ali said during an interview at The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. “He showed up every day with kindness and empathy in his heart for people who are in need."Ali, known as the “Louisville Lip” in his hometown, rose to prominence as a trash-talking world champion boxer in the 1960s and began speaking about civil rights issues as his star was rising. He is widely regarded as the most famous and influential boxer of all time, winning the heavyweight title three times.The Ali Center is sponsoring a “Day of Compassion” on Wednesday, the 10th anniversary of his death, to promote acts of service and caring. Lonnie Ali, who serves as the center's lifetime director, said the hope is an expanding annual event to highlight works of service and volunteering.The day will focus on one of "the core values that made up Muhammad Ali” in an increasingly divided country, she said.“Today, we are in a place where we are losing touch with our humanity and with each other,” she said. “It’s causing rifts, not just in families and communities, but in this nation. We’re becoming increasingly polarized and separated, and sort of retreating to people who think like us, look like us, and not really reaching out.”She also challenged political leaders to lead with compassion, noting the recent weakening of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court. “We should always be thinking about how we can uplift a community, not how we can make it harder for them,” Lonnie Ali said. “We want equal representation in this country. You can’t have equal representation when you’re denying people voting rights, you can’t do that.”But there is hope, she said, and she saw that when the city of Louisville came together for a weeklong celebration of Ali's life in 2016. The week was capped by a funeral procession through the city and past her late husband's modest childhood home near downtown Louisville. Former President Bill Clinton and actor Billy Crystal spoke at his funeral, and Will Smith, who portrayed Ali in a 2001 movie, was a pallbearer.The outpouring of love for Ali at his hometown funeral service was livestreamed to millions around the world. A decade later, Ali’s face graced a U.S. Postal Service stamp for the first time, showing his enduring influence.“We’re talking about people who traveled thousands of miles to come here, who had never met the man, never laid eyes on him personally, but wanted to ... give their last respects to him: kings, princes, presidents, heads of state, celebrities, sports figures,” Lonnie Ali said.

Mar 31, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard William Buford (44) drives against Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2012 NCAA men's basketball Final Four at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images We know that your life is busy, but that doesn’t mean you want to miss any news about your favorite team. So, we are rounding up all of the most important news, analysis, and commentary from LGHL and the rest of the Buckeye beat. For your ear holesSubscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart RadioWhat We Think We Know WeekFrom now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the things we think, but aren’t 100% confident on. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all our “What We Think We Know” articles here.I think Chris Henry Jr.‘s first impacts will be felt in the red zoneMichael Citro, Land-Grant Holy LandOn the gridironCarter and Hawk Placed on 2027 NFF Hall of Fame BallotOhio State AthleticsThat looks like the smile of a man who knows what’s coming…5⭐️ RB David Gabriel Georges with the mic at Ohio State official visit👇Ryan Day is all smiles!!! pic.twitter.com/jNipMKfMfg— TJ Warner (@TJwarner_) June 1, 2026Five critical offseason questions for Ohio State tailbacksSpencer Holbrook, Lettermen RowWhy Blaine Bradford could be Ohio State’s next great safetyCole VanWiechen, Land-Grant Holy LandWhat I’m hearing on Ohio State recruitingGarrick Hodge, Eleven WarriorsOn the hardwoodDiebler Completes Staff for 2026-27 SeasonOhio State AthleticsJake Diebler promotes Jamall Walker to Ohio State’s associate head coachPatrick Murphy, BucknutsDave Richardson, William Buford return to Ohio State basketball staffAdam Jardy, The Columbus DispatchBuford is back with the Buckeyes 😁Buckeye Nation, welcome back William Buford as our new Program Assistant‼️#GoBucks | #FightToTheEndpic.twitter.com/RKwQa55n7I— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 1, 2026In program assistant role, William Buford ready to impact Ohio StateAdam Jardy, The Columbus DispatchDave Richardson Returns to Ohio State As Men’s Basketball Strength and Conditioning CoachJosh Poloha, Eleven WarriorsBasketball strength coach Richardson ready to ‘win with people’ again at Ohio StateAdam Jardy, The Columbus DispatchThree Thoughts as Jake Diebler confirms Ohio State staff changesAustin Ward, Lettermen RowJake Diebler Confident Ohio State Has Roster to Contend in 2026-27: “I Think This is the Deepest Team We’ve Had, and I Don’t Know That It’s Even Close”Dan Hope, Eleven WarriorsHere’s why Michigan’s title doesn’t add pressure to Ohio State’s DieblerAdam Jardy, The Columbus DispatchOutside The Shoe and The SchottMen’s Gymnastics: Former Head Coach Mike Willson Passes AwayOhio State AthleticsMen’s Volleyball: Buckeyes Place 10 on Academic All-MIVA ListOhio State AthleticsAnd now for something completely differentNEW: Kirk Herbstreit will not appear in College Football 27, @PeteNakos reports🎮https://t.co/UDtv1PZZM8https://t.co/PlWfiLrfPipic.twitter.com/WM5X4YWbbs— On3 (@On3) June 2, 2026

Myles Garrett gave everything he could to the Cleveland Browns. So with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year heading to the Los Angeles Rams after Monday's blockbuster trade, he wished the city he called home for nine years a heartfelt goodbye.Here's some of what Garrett had to say in a lengthy statement posted to social media."Cleveland made me tougher," Garrett wrote. "You challenged me. You taught me about perseverance, about showing up even when things aren’t easy, and what loyalty really looks like. Through the highs, lows, setbacks, injuries, expectations, inclement weather, and difficult seasons, you all kept showing up. I never took that for granted."To the Dawg Pound—thank you for embracing my family and I from Day 1. Thank you for every packed stadium, every moment of belief, every kid wearing my jersey, every message, every criticism, every expectation. I respected that then and I respect it now. I wish I could have done more for you.”It's hard to imagine Garrett doing more Cleveland than he already has. The former No. 1 overall pick tallied 125.5 sacks over nine seasons, including a record-breaking 23.5 this past campaign. Garrett even set the Browns up for the future, as the Rams paid a pretty penny to acquire him: former Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZkrYpggD4F— Myles Garrett (@Flash_Garrett) June 2, 2026It's a clear win-win deal, and as Garrett prepares to play for a Super Bowl contender for the first time in his career, he's not forgetting where he started.This article originally appeared on For The Win: Myles Garrett bids sweet farewell to Browns after blockbuster Rams trade

Last week, the Big Ten Conference announced the kickoff times and TV designations for the first three weeks of the regular season. The Michigan Wolverines will be kicking off their season under the lights for the third straight season on NBC against an inferior non-conference opponent.This isn’t a surprise, as I actually predicted in the Maize n Brew Slack room that Michigan would be a primetime kick in Week 1 vs Western Michigan. And when I say “primetime” for games in the Big Ten, I just mean the game kicks off when the sun goes down.These games are, a majority of the time, unimportant and have no implications on how the season goes.When someone says “primetime,” I think of the best of the best teams going against each other in the evening viewing window and providing fans with a captivating product that will keep their butts on the couch for the next three-and-a-half hours. What the Big Ten is providing viewers with these days is a far cry from what I would consider primetime.Ohio at Ohio State (37-9 final score). Indiana at Purdue (56-3). Ohio State vs Minnesota (42-3). Ohio State vs UCLA (48-10). These are just a few examples of games that were played on “Big Ten Saturday Night” on NBC last season. The Wolverines were featured four times in a primetime slot on Big Ten-affiliated networks. Here are the results of those games:Week 1 vs New Mexico, 34-17 winWeek 6 at USC: 31-13 lossWeek 8 at MSU: 31-20 winWeek 9 vs Purdue: 21-16 winFurthermore, here are the first three Big Ten Saturday Night games for 2026:Week 1: Michigan vs Western MichiganWeek 2: Iowa vs Iowa StateWeek 3: Notre Dame vs Michigan StateLet’s be clear — these games are terrible. Iowa-Iowa State is a fun rivalry that deserves a primetime slot, but a majority of these games are unwatchable because NBC — as well as CBS and FOX — is only concerned about getting games that feature the biggest brands. They didn’t agree to the Big Ten TV contract to show the bottom-dwellers of the conference most of the time. They are incentivized to continue picking the Michigan’s and Ohio State’s of the world as much as they can regardless of the opponent because those games are sure to attract the most viewership and justify the money they paid the Big Ten.But the product for the fans is horrible. No fan is rewarded financially — or in any way, really — to have their teams either get their ass kicked or do some ass kicking in primetime.For me, most of the games listed above are hard passes as it pertains to primetime viewing. If you want to throw these games on at noon and have it be one of the four options I put on multi-view, that’s fine and dandy. But I don’t want to stay up until midnight to watch a game that is effectively over by halftime.Meanwhile, the SEC wins in the primetime slot on ESPN each and every Saturday. Those games consistently feel massive, whether it’s because of the matchup itself, the atmosphere or the stakes. When I flip on ESPN at 7:30 p.m., I typically feel like I’m about to watch one of the biggest games of the weekend.That’s because the SEC treats primetime like a showcase window for its best matchups, while the Big Ten treats it like a branding exercise. Instead of consistently putting the most compelling games in that slot, the Big Ten’s television partners frequently lean on brand recognition. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon are going to draw attention no matter what team they play, so the networks continue forcing those brands into standalone windows even when the matchup itself lacks intrigue.From a business perspective, it makes sense. But from a viewer’s perspective — the only perspective that should truly matter — it creates a mid-tier product.So when college football returns on Sept. 5, the night game atmosphere in Ann Arbor will still be great. Fans will still be excited football is back and we have an entirely new season to watch. But calling Michigan-Western Michigan a “primetime” game feels misleading when the game is largely expected to be decided long before the clock hits 00:00 in the fourth quarter.Primetime college football games should feel special and should feature games people circle weeks in advance, not matchups viewers abandon midway through the third quarter for another screen or an early bedtime. The Big Ten has the brands and national relevance to create an elite Saturday night package. But until its television partners prioritize competitive matchups over the biggest brands, “Big Ten Saturday Night” on NBC will continue feeling more manufactured than meaningful.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 01: Michael Massey #19 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 01, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images Kansas City is keeping stadium negotiations private for now and not revealing any figures.Lucas and Vasquez have both said newly generated sales taxes from a taxing district around the proposed stadium would primarily pay for the bonds. Lucas told reporters that Kauffman Stadium’s sales taxes were used to help project how much that might be.“Our projections are based off of revenues that are generated at Kauffman Stadium today, and it would be based off of ancillary development in the Crown Center/Washington Square Park area,” Lucas said in April, noting the funding to pay for bonds would not come from the general fund or the city’s earning tax.“I’m proud of the city manager and his staff and what they’re building up, and I think that’s how we can deliver a good, fiscally responsible project that is based largely on people who are spending at a baseball stadium,” Lucas added.On Sunday, Michael Wacha became the 10th active pitcher to reach 300 career starts.“I think I’ve said a bunch of times, he’s the best starting pitcher teammate I’ve ever seen,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, he’s into every single pitch in the dugout when he is not pitching. He’s extremely intense and into his starts, obviously, and he prepares as well as possible. He’s the consummate pro.”Wacha loves pitching for the Royals and is hopeful to continue making starts as his career continues to unfold.“Just love this game,” Wacha said. “And I love competing out there on the mound. You know, I’m already looking forward to the next one.”Pete Grathoff brings up the famous Buddy Bell quote.“I never say it can’t get worse,” Bell said after the Royals had lost to the White Sox 4-0 in April 2006. “This game is too hard to play. There’s always something lurking around the corner.”It’s an oft-repeated phrase among Kansas City sports fans, and it unfortunately resonates today. Not only did the Royals lose that game Saturday, but third baseman Maikel Garcia, the WBC MVP, left with a hamstring injury.And things just seem to be getting worse for the Royals.David Lesky talks about who is to blame (or not blame) for the Royals’ poor performance.One thing I would like to head off is spending the next four months pointing fingers and arguing over who is to blame. I am of the belief, and have actually lost subscribers over it (which is super fun), that Matt Quatraro isn’t the problem. As all managers do, he has done things I wouldn’t have, but my point has always been that managers, unless there’s clubhouse unrest or they’re making asinine decisions, are generally not THE problem. Ultimately, the game is played on the field. You don’t like the lineup? I’ve long been someone who gets beyond frustrated by lineup complaints. You don’t like a pitching decision? That’s fine, but I’ll say that your decision is all theoretical, while you know what happened in the decision was actually made, and if you’re upset, it was likely negative.Matthew Swigonski at Kings of Kauffman also plays the blame game.Caleb Moody at Kings of Kauffman is unhappy that the Royals will continue to trot out Erceg as closer.He also talks about some of the historical indicators around the multiple losing streaks.Jay Jaffe explores why the Tigers have fallen apart this season.The posturing between the MLBPA and MLB owners as they begin negotiations on the new CBA continues.Reds star Elly De La Cruz hit the IL with a hamstring strain.Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan wanted no part of this bunt fielding play.Old friend Dairon Blanco signs in the Mexican league.Serena Williams is coming back to tennis.Patrick Mahomes’ rehab seems to be going well.We had two blockbuster trades in the NFL yesterday.First, the Cleveland Browns traded EDGE Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for EDGE Jared Verse, a 2027 first round pick, and more.Second, the Philadelphia Eagles traded WR AJ Brown to the New England Patriots for a 2028 first round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick.The New York Giants are bringing back their former start Odell Beckham Jr.Longtime NBA coach Rick Adelman died.AI company Anthropic has filed for IPO.GoPro is in danger.I aspire to be like this Capybara.Your song of the day is Hey I Don’t Know by KONGOS.

One clever fix: a wall-mounted drying rack. READ MORE...

Christoph Baumgartner has scored 19 goals in 58 caps for Austria [Getty Images]Austria captain David Alaba has been given the all clear to travel for the World Cup after picking up a muscle injury on Monday but midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has been ruled out of the tournament.Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid defender Alaba was substituted at half-time of Austria's 1-0 friendly win against Tunisia but has been passed fit to travel to America with the rest of the squad.It is not such positive news for RB Leipzig midfielder Baumgartner, however.The 26-year-old suffered a thigh muscle injury during Monday's pre-match warm-up and has been ruled out of the World Cup, the country's football association confirmed on Tuesday.Baumgartner is one of Austria's more important players and enjoyed a fantastic season in Germany, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions for the Bundesliga club. "This is of course very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team," coach Ralf Rangnick said in a statement."He is an important player and a central personality within our team. Now our full support is for his recovery."Austria's World Cup campaign begins against Jordan on 16 June before taking on reigning world champions Argentina on 22 June and rounding off against Algeria on 28 June. Follow your club with BBC SportListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone

2025 NYC Pride March © Imagn ImagesNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has shown his support for the Knicks in many creative ways. On Monday, Mamdani was at it again, this time inviting the youth of the city to tune in to the Knicks-Spurs Finals series.In a clip posted on X, the Mayor is seen signing an “Executive Order” that temporarily repeals the bedtime of children in the Big Apple. Mamdani explained that he came up with this “measure” in order to give kids the chance to watch the Knicks go for championship glory.Mamdani added that issuing this “order” was not a difficult decision at all, as he is all in on rousing support for the hometown team.The excitement in New York City is palpable, and for good reason. The Knicks haven’t been to the Finals since 1999, and the last time they won the NBA title was way back in 1973.In between those milestones, the Knicks had their fair share of lowlights, even becoming cellar-dwellers that their own fans were ashamed of. This decade, however, has seen the team return to powerhouse status, with head coach Mike Brown looking to cap off a foundation laid by ex-Knicks mentor Tom Thibodeau.The arrival of Jalen Brunson via free agency was a game-changer, and the addition of Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby gave him a well-balanced supporting cast. Now, this new era of Knicks basketball will face its biggest test yet as the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs stand in their way.“I Apologize for That One”: Draymond Green Expresses Regret Over Grim Prediction of Knicks’ FutureSometime last year, four-time NBA champion Draymond Green shared his belief that the Knicks will be going through “15 years of misery.” Seeing Brunson and his crew reach the NBA Finals this season, Green went on his podcast to do an about-face on his grim prediction.“The reality is, y’all fired your coach and you brought in a coach that won a championship with us…And y’all went and got more players like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, so yeah, so I’d apologize for that one.”Based on their energy on the court and inside their locker room, the Knicks look to be in a good position to contend for years to come. The only question is whether they’ll get to conquer the mountaintop, something that Green’s Warriors have done four times over.READ MORE: What Happened to Mitchell Robinson? Latest on Knicks Center’s Shocking Injury Revealed“He’s Been Disrespected”: Isiah Thomas Bats For Jalen Brunson After Becky Hammon Doubles Down on Controversial Take

NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony recently joined "The Herd" to talk about top prospects in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. And although many draft experts are projecting former Duke star Cameron Boozer to go No. 3 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies, Givony is adamant that Boozer may be far and away the best player in the 2026 class.During his appearance, Givony expressed his high expectations for the former Naismith Player of the Year, saying, “If you talk to the analytics people in NBA front offices, who have a lot of influence these days, 100% of them have Cam Boozer at No. 1 at the top of their draft model."Givony further argued his case, saying, "Cam Boozer has been the best player in every setting he’s competed on since he was 14 years old."Lastly, Givony added a projection for Boozer's rookie season. “I think he’s going to be a 20-10 guy from day one, and he’s even going to make a run potentially at being an All-Star as a rookie," Givony said.While Givony's prediction may be a tad heavy-handed considering a rookie hasn't made an All-Star team since 2011 (Blake Griffin), Boozer's stats, measurements and winning pedigree are giving NBA front offices a lot to think about as the draft approaches, now only three weeks away.This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Draft expert makes case for Duke's Cameron Boozer to go No. 1 overall

Marco Silva managed Hull City, Watford and Everton before taking the Fulham job [Getty Images]Fulham head coach Marco Silva is close to reaching an agreement to take charge at Benfica.Silva's contract at Craven Cottage is set to expire this month but as yet there has been no official confirmation of the 48-year-old's exit.Fulham have offered their Portuguese boss a contract renewal but he is yet to accept.And it is understood discussions have progressed significantly between him and Benfica in recent days, with an agreement within reach.Benfica are looking to appoint a successor to Jose Mourinho, who has left the club and signed a three-year deal to become Real Madrid's new head coach.Mourinho, 63, took over at Benfica for a second spell in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga.Silva joined Fulham in July 2021 from Everton and guided them back to the Premier League in his first season, following the club's relegation to the Championship a year earlier.The Cottagers finished 11th in the top flight last season, level on 52 points with Chelsea.Latest Fulham news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Fulham - what do you want to know?

Shannon Sharpe has run out of patience with Caitlin Clark. The sports personality sounded off on the Indiana Fever star’s heated sideline exchange with head coach Stephanie White, calling her behavior a growing problem for the team in the 2026 WNBA season. The confrontation unfolded Saturday night in Indiana’s 100-84 loss to the Portland Fire. The Fever dropped to 4-4 on the season. MORE: Fake Fever rumor involving head coach Stephanie White dupes Skip BaylessTempers surfaced on the bench when White subbed Clark out, openly airing her frustrations. Clark responded animatedly, with cameras catching her holding both hands up as she talked back to her coach. The viral moment drew headlines once more. It added another chapter to an ongoing tension between Clark and White that has defined Indiana’s sideline dynamic. Sharpe, who has long positioned himself as a Clark supporter, did not pull punches this time. “I’ve been in Caitlin Clark’s corner. But enough is enough, now. I’m tired of her behavior,” Sharpe said on the latest episode of his Nightcap podcast.“I’m tired of the shoving, I’m tired of the elitism, I’m tired of the entitlement. Play basketball. She’s not holding up her end.”Shannon Sharpe says Caitlin Clark and Stephanie White’s repeated clashes are hurting the teamIndiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark talks with head coach Stephanie White | Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn ImagesThe sideline clash carried consequences on the floor. Clark turned in the worst performance of her season, finishing with six points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal in 22 minutes. She shot 1-of-7 from the field and 0-of-2 from 3-point territory.Apart from the Fever’s slow start, Sharpe sees a deeper problem taking shape in Indiana. A fractured dynamic between the Fever’s best player and head coach, he argued, could negatively affect the team.“If your coach can’t coach you, you might as well just go ahead and get them up out of there,” he said. “It won’t be long, because if your best player keeps disrespecting you, (other players) are not going to respect you, either.”The former NFL superstar turned sports analyst urged Clark to address conflicts off the floor and channel her competitive energy more constructively.“I’ve given you the benefit of the doubt. And I understand you missed last year, and you tried to get your rhythm back. But enough, now. Come on now,” he added. “You’re too good of a player, but you can’t just play one end of the court. And don’t show your coach up. If you want to be passionate, be passionate on both ends of the court.”

The court further delayed the Trump administration’s proposed quarantine unit for Americans exposed to the virus. The plan has sparked angry protests in Kenya.

NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's sensational IPL 2026 campaign has sparked a growing debate over whether the 15-year-old batting prodigy should be fast-tracked into India's senior T20I side. The teenager from Bihar's Samastipur took the tournament by storm, smashing 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237.31. He also rewrote the record books by hitting 72 sixes during the season, finishing as the Orange Cap winner and the tournament's Most Valuable Player.With Sooryavanshi already part of the India A squad touring Sri Lanka, calls for his inclusion in India's upcoming T20I series against Ireland later this month have only grown louder. Several former cricketers have backed the youngster for an immediate promotion to the senior side. India are scheduled to play two T20Is in Ireland, starting June 26.Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, however, has urged caution."Vaibhav would be the next in line after the incumbents, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. But I would like to see Vaibhav play in similar batting conditions to those in the IPL, if they pick him for India at all," Manjrekar told Sportstar.The former India cricketer believes it would be premature to expose Sooryavanshi to challenging overseas conditions straight away."Would not be a great idea to put him straight into, you know, foreign kind of, on a foreign pitch, like New Zealand, South Africa, overseas. He might go out there and repeat what he has done in the IPL. But, yeah, it's a tough one when you look at the contenders. Whether Gill is in front or Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, it's a tough call to make. So, let it happen organically and see how it goes," he said.Manjrekar also pointed out how quickly perceptions can change in T20 cricket."Few months and things changed. No one talking about Abhishek Sharma," he remarked.While impressed by Sooryavanshi's explosive batting, Manjrekar said the youngster's long-term future should be guided by his own ambitions rather than public expectations."If he wants to just be a T20 sensation and focus on T20 cricket, so be it. And that shouldn't be held against him. But then you'll be judged only as a T20 phenomenal player. He plays 50-over cricket, and I think there's great value in certain conditions for him to bat in the first 10 overs and do what Rohit Sharma did in the 2023 World Cup. Even better than Rohit," Manjrekar said.The former batter also highlighted several aspects of Sooryavanshi's game that have stood out during his breakthrough season."For me, my problem with predicting the future of a certain player, you see the potential. What I will take from his performances is phenomenal for somebody who's really young and he's got some hitting talent, he's got some great ball sense. He also has the range as we saw in the last show, you know, he hits it everywhere around the park."Manjrekar was particularly impressed by the youngster's fearless approach and willingness to put the team's interests ahead of personal milestones."Three times he's got out in the 90s. So he's somebody who doesn't care about hundreds and every time he's got out playing the big shot. So that's the thing to like about. If somebody is selfless and doesn't care about milestones, he's not going to be wasting too many balls."He also noted Sooryavanshi's maturity in adapting to match situations."Even in that final playoff game you could see him just, you know, toning down his batting a little bit because Rajasthan Royals were losing wickets. So there are a lot of things to like about."For now, Manjrekar believes the cricketing world should enjoy the teenager's rise without rushing to draw conclusions about his future. 131461307"But what I can say with surety at this stage is that he had a phenomenal IPL season. Tremendous batting performances, consistency, big scores and for someone so young, you know, well done. I'm sure he must have been the most dangerous batter this season for any opposition."And I'm just going to stop there and see how this story unfolds going forward," he said.

🐣 This week's wonderkid: Hugo Sochůrek 🇨🇿As every week, OneFootball shines a light on a young talent on the rise. This time, the focus is on a 17-year-old Czech talent, on the verge of experiencing his first World Cup.Just a few months ago, Hugo Sochůrek was playing with Sparta Prague’s reserve team in the Czech second division. This year, he is part of the 26-man squad called up to represent the Czech Republic at the World Cup in North America!The absolute youngest player in the tournament. He became the youngest player in the history of the Czech national team during the warm-up match against Kosovo, coming on as a substitute at just 17 years old.Born on June 7, 2008, in Tábor, Hugo Sochůrek started out in the youth teams of his local club, Táborsko, before joining Sparta Prague’s academy in 2020 at the age of 12.What stands out about him is that his profile is completely different from what you usually see in Czech football today. A Czech media outlet wrote in 2026 that his player profile is unusual in the Chance Liga, and certainly among Czech footballers, players like Hugo Sochůrek are rare.A central midfielder standing at 1.83m, he plays on the ball, looks for spaces, and distributes intelligently. At barely 17, he is already posting crazy numbers for his age: 3.4 successful dribbles and 3 successful tackles per 90 minutes, a combination that brings to mind more of a Premier League midfielder than a Czech league teenager.Remember the name well: Hugo Sochůrek, 17, Czech Republic. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

New York Giants legend Eli Manning fully supports the franchise’s decision to reunite with Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason.Manning voiced his approval for the Giants signing Beckham in free agency on Monday, just moments after the deal was announced.I like the look of this. https://t.co/0sxj0kDXHR— Eli Manning (@EliManning) June 1, 2026Beckham is one of the greatest wide receivers in Giants franchise history. The Louisiana native surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in four of his five seasons with the team from 2014 to 2018. He was also a two-time second-team All-Pro with New York in 2015 and 2016.Manning was the Giants’ starting quarterback throughout Beckham’s entire tenure in New York. The two connected for one of the most memorable plays in NFL history — Beckham’s spectacular one-handed catch in 2014 — and led the Giants to a playoff run in 2016.Beckham last played in the NFL in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins. He is expected to compete for a 53-man roster spot this summer.This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Eli Manning voices approval for Giants' reunion with Odell Beckham Jr.

Both current and former Denver Broncos players are up in arms following recent comments from retired NFL superstar Tom Brady.In a recent interview on the "Champion Mindset" podcast, Brady said that he saw players on NFL practice squads excel in practices, and get called up to active rosters, only to seemingly not be prepared to meet the moment of the bright lights."These (practice squad players) are like, they weren’t prepared for (being on the active roster)," said Brady. "So whatever we saw in practice against where there was not a lot of pressure, now when they’re put in a situation where there’s an expectation for performance, they’ve never had to personally deal with that and then they fail. And then what I realized was, a lot of guys on those practice squads, they don’t want to be elevated to the roster. They’re very happy living this life where they could tell their family and friends, which I have no problem with that."Current Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who has spent time on several practicesquad rosters, took exception to Brady's words. "Haven't met one person who is okay with just being on the PSquad," tweeted Humphrey, who linked his response to Brady's comments below. Haven’t met one person who is okay with just being on the PSquad. https://t.co/G4wYOX0oVE— Lil’Jordan Humphrey (@LJ_Humphrey23) May 31, 2026Former Denver backup quarterback Ben DiNucci also had an issue with how Brady characterized practice squad players. "I’ve never met a p squad player in my 6 year career that wasn’t trying every week to get elevated," DiNucci tweeted.I’m telling you right now I would’ve enjoyed an extra $600k the 3 years I was on p squad to feel a little “pressure” of being on active roster “Pressure avoidance” 🤣🤣🤣You can’t be serious with this Prefer it ?!? I’ve never met a p squad player in my 6 year career that… https://t.co/Q3thAmglvl— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) June 1, 2026Practice squads are an important part of any team, and arguably have to work even harder to make a 53-man roster, whether it be before the season starts, or once games begin. Several things have to happen in order for them to get called up to the starting roster. While they are still recognized as being part of winning teams, including receiving Super Bowl rings, many would undoubtedly rather be on the field playing than playing the role of understudy.The Broncos will be in the process of roster construction for the better part of the next two months, including piecing together their practice squad in late August and early September ahead of the 2026 season.Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Ex-QB and WR disagree with Tom Brady's comments

PARIS (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner was stunned in the French Open second round. Lorenzo Musetti, a semifinalist in 2025, didn’t make it back to Paris this year due to an injury.Still, three Italian men have reached the last eight this year for the first time: Matteo Berrettini will play Matteo Arnaldi in the night session on Wednesday — which ensures at least one Italian in the semifinals — and Flavio Cobolli will meet Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in another quarterfinal in the same half of the draw.“It’s just good for Italian tennis,” Berrettini said.Cobolli had never won a match on a center court at a Grand Slam until be beat American player Learner Tien in straight sets in the third round at Roland Garros. But he had already learned to play in a big spotlight in November when he won the decisive point for Italy third successive Davis Cup title at home in Bologna.“The Davis Cup helped me handle the pressure in matches where there’s a lot on the line,” Cobolli said.Tuesday is Italy’s National Day and Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassorri were playing in a doubles quarterfinal in Paris. Then on Wednesday, besides the Berrettini-Arnaldi and Cobolli-Auger-Aliassime singles matches, Sara Errani and Vavassori will play in the semifinals of mixed doubles.“It just goes to show you that Italian tennis is tough,” said 1989 French Open champion Michael Chang, who coaches Tien. “To be able to win the Davis Cup even when Jannik’s not playing, the depth is very great there.”Chang witnessed the country’s tennis boom recently at the Italian Open.“Playing on courts outside of the Foro Italico, everyone’s playing tennis,” Chang said.Cobolli was also a soccer playerThe 24-year-old Cobolli was a talented soccer player and a member of Roma’s youth club until he decided to focus full-time on tennis.He still prefers watching soccer to tennis, and went to watch Roma’s final game of the Serie A season at the “Roma Club Parigi” the night before his opening match in Paris.“I play(ed) with many guys that now are doing pretty well, like (Arsenal fullback Riccardo) Calafiori, (Watford midfielder Edoardo) Bove, (Atalanta winger Nicola) Zalewski, (Lazio winger Matteo) Cancellieri,” Cobolli said. “We were in the same team, and we have a good relationship. If I win a good match, they write me, and the same with them.”Cobolli comes from the same tennis club in Rome where 1976 French Open champion Adriano Panatta played, Tennis Club Parioli, and Panatta has been invited to award the men’s singles trophy on Sunday to recognize the 50th anniversary of his title.The 14th-ranked Cobolli could rise as high as the top five if he wins the title.Berrettini's soul searchingBefore Sinner exploded onto the scene, it was Berrettini leading the way when at Wimbledon in 2021 he became the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Panatta.Nicknamed “The Hammer” for his big serve, Berrettini’s best surface is grass.But a year after he lost the final to Djokovic at the All England Club, Berrettini withdrew from Wimbledon after testing positive for COVID-19 days after winning the Queen’s Club title.Berrettini has been riddled with injuries for the past five years and hadn’t even played at the French Open since his memorable 2021 season.When Berrettini lost in the second round of a Challenger event — tennis’ minor leagues — just before coming to Paris, he took a walk around after the loss in Valencia, Spain, and took stock of his life.“I looked at people coming out of offices and parents bringing their kids home from school and I thought to myself, ‘There’s a world beyond (tennis).’ Sometimes it takes some perspective. People like Sinner who win all the time are just very unique. The rest of us need some losses now and then to rediscover the necessary energy. If everything went well all the time then I would be No. 1.”Berretini's ranking fell to No. 105 entering the French Open.Arnaldi the marathon manThe 104th-ranked Arnaldi has played 18 sets in his four matches so far and won consecutive five setters. His total of 17 hours, 42 minutes on court to reach the quarterfinals easily surpassed the French Open record of 15 hours, 44 minutes established by Nicklas Kulti in 1992.Arnaldi lost eight of his first 10 matches this year before he won seven straight on clay — four of them in deciding sets — across a Challenger in Cagliari and the opening two rounds of the Madrid Open.Arnaldi reached a career-high ranking of No. 30 in 2024 before struggling last year with a right foot injury.“In Cagliari I started to rediscover my confidence,” Arnaldi said, “and that’s what has made the difference.”___AP Sports Writer Jerome Pugmire contributed.___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to reach the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on June 2. Pandya is likely to spend over a week at the facility before joining India ODI squad for the Afghanistan series on June 11.The 32-year-old, who last played in the format back in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025. He was named in the ODI squad picked on May 19 but "subject to fitness clearance".It is learnt that the BCCI medical team had instructed both Rohit Sharma and Pandya to report to the CoE but there is no clarity on the former at this stage. Pandya is likely to undergo fitness drills and match simulations over the next week.India Test team begins training in Mullanpur. Meanwhile, India Test squad will have their first training session ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6. The team will train in the afternoon - from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - and their opponents Afghanistan had a morning session - from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.Gurjapneet Singh, Auqib Nabi, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in the build up to the Test.India’s Test Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper) 131461382India’s ODI Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma*, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh DubeyNotes:*Subject to fitness clearance.The first ODI has been rescheduled and will now be played on June 13, 2026.

Tennessee (49-12) was eliminated in the College World Series semifinals on Monday against Texas (51-12).The Lady Vols lost Game 1, 5-2, and Game 2, 4-0, in a doubleheader at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.In Game 2, senior Karlyn Pickens (15-8) started for Tennessee and pitched a complete game in six innings. She totaled 93 pitches, including 59 strikes, and six strikeouts against 26 batters. Pickens allowed seven hits, four runs (four earned) and three walks.She met with media after the game and discussed her collegiate career ending.Everything Karlyn Pickens said after season-ending loss in College World SeriesWhat does it mean to you to look back and see the impact that you had for this program?“Just my four years here have been nothing but just amazing. I've enjoyed my experience so much. I've been a part of four amazing group of girls, and I think that's kind of the hardest part of walking away from it is just the bonds we have with this team and teams of past and stuff like that. I'm thankful to have been able to be a part of this program, to be able to put on this uniform and fight for the Lady Vols and my team.”Your softball career will continue in the AUSL, but what has the Tennessee program given you over the past four years?“Oh, gosh, given me so many things, I can't even name them all. I'm just so grateful for my coaches, my teammates, just all the support staff, all the relationships I've made here at Tennessee. It's given me a platform to play the sport I love with the people I love and do so with just so much joy and fun. I've soaked in and loved every single moment of it, and I'm very excited that my playing days aren't over, but it's definitely the end of a chapter. It sucks that I won't get to put on this uniform again, but I'm just so grateful for all the experience I've had.”We always talk about veterans that you had growing up, but what was it like for Sage Mardjetko and Erin Nuwer this year and beyond?“I remember my freshman year having Ashley Rogers, Kiki Malloy, Riley West, just to name a few. They were so helpful for me growing into just a young woman and also in the sport as well. Being able to be that for some of the younger girls on our team has definitely been awesome. We have such an amazing bond on our pitching staff. We just all love each other so much, and we just laugh about the funniest things. It's just such a great relationship that we have, so to be able to hopefully leave a positive mark on them, it's been special.”What is it like for you to have such a strong pitching staff and how does that help your game?“It helps my game tremendously. Just having so many arms that we can go to and have so much confidence and trust in one another. Then it also forces the team for preparing purposes for who they're going to prepare for. I think it just allows us all to go out and be confident knowing that teams aren't just selling out for one player, but that we also just trust each other.”Most of this team is eligible to return, the pitching staff is, what is your message to them as they go into the offseason?“I would say just to continue to be them, be confident, play with joy, and just win it next year.”Your college career is over, but what does it mean to you in potentially being able to come back here representing the USA with the Olympics in 2028?“It's super special. It's definitely been a dream of mine, and I would love to mark that off the bucket list for sure. The sport of softball on its own has done so much for me and grown in so many amazing ways. Just to be able to be part of that and be part of the growth of the sport is super special. I just love this game. I love everything about it.”Were you dealing with any issues with sweat or keeping your hands dry? You were also in the bullpen during Game 1 staying warm. What was it like watching from the bullpen and trying to keep yourself ready and knowing that Game 2 was maybe on the horizon for you?“Definitely was a little sweaty out there. Keeping the hand dry kind of was in the back of my mind. Yeah, we tried to fix that as best we could, just using rosin, all that stuff. Then the first game, just staying ready. Never know when you might go into a game. Yeah, that's my job. It's not my job to decide when I go in, so just stay ready.”Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens recaps College World Series loss

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. government has given a visa to Woodensky Pierre, the only member of Haiti’s national soccer team who lives in the Caribbean country, to travel and participate in the World Cup, an official said Tuesday.Thecieux Jeanty, Haiti’s soccer federation spokesperson, told The Associated Press that Pierre is scheduled to travel to Florida on Tuesday.“It was a great moment for him, a moment of happiness,” he said.Teammates arrived in Florida last week to start preparing for the World Cup. It is the second time that Haiti has qualified. The last time it appeared on soccer’s biggest stage was more than half a century ago.Pierre had been training with local players in an upscale area of Port-au-Prince as he awaited the visa. The team’s stadium in Haiti’s capital was considered too dangerous, so Haiti was forced to play its “home” World Cup qualifiers in Curaçao.Pierre is from Cite Soleil, a seaside neighborhood that has long struggled with hunger and gang violence.Haiti will play World Cup warmup matches against New Zealand on Tuesday and Peru on Friday.Haiti opens World Cup play on June 13 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, against Scotland, then plays five-time champion Brazil on June 19 in Philadelphia and Morocco on June 24 in Atlanta.

Jun 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) receives a sports drink shower from shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) following a walk-off RBI-single against the New York Mets during the tenth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Meet the MetsThe Mets saw their modest four-game winning streak come to an end yesterday in an extra innings loss to the Mariners. The lone offense for New York in the 3-2 defeat came on solo home runs from Jared Young and Marcus Semien, which happened to be their only two hits of the evening.Choose Your Recap: Amazin’ Avenue, MLB.com, NY Post, Newsday, ESPN, Faith and Fear in FlushingSemien, who has been warming up for New York after an agonizingly slow start, is leaning on his work ethic after 14 years in the big leagues.The Mets are relying heavily on their young pitchers to get them back into the playoff mix.The Mets enter June in an extended evaluation period as the trade deadline looms.Some key Mets continued their rehab assignments, with Francisco Alvarez set to catch today and Kodai Senga slated to pitch tomorrow. Senga will get up to 85 pitches in the outing and could return to the Mets after that.Jorge Polanco homered and played first base in his first weekend of rehab.Tim Britton pondered three key questions for the Mets ahead of the trade deadline on the latest This Week In Mets.The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have extended their contract with the club through 2035, and their stadium is set to undergo major renovations.Around the National League EastThe Braves retained their top spot on the MLB Power Rankings.Spencer Nusbaum shared what he’s hearing about the Nationals’ farm system.Bryce Harper expressed concerns over the ramifications of a lockout in baseball.The Marlins stopped their skid with a 7-3 win over the Nationals.Around Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball will celebrate Lou Gehrig Day for the sixth year.Bruce Meyer says that MLB’s proposal of a salary cap amounts to a ‘pay cut’ for the players and said the players will never agree to a cap.The MLB.com staff identified one player on each team that needs to get hot right now.Mark Feinsand offered 10 big questions as Trade Deadline season approaches.Jim Callis examined the ten hottest rookies from the past month.The Yankees gave umpire Jen Pawol solid reviews for her work behind the plate in the team’s weekend series in Sacramento.Ben Rice and Jacob Misiorowski were named AL and NL Players of the Week, respectively. Misiorowski posted a truly insane 0.23 ERA in the month of May.The Tigers are flailing, which means Tarik Skubal will dominate the trade market.Skubal threw a simulated game, and a Triple-A rehab assignment could be on the horizon.Cardinals’ phenom JJ Wetherholt is on pace for historic rookie numbers in all facets of the game.Jared Greenspan analyzed how Ben Brown’s new two-seamer is fueling a breakout season.Elly De La Cruz is heading to the IL for the first time in his big league career. To replace him on the roster, the Reds called up No. 3 prospect Edwin Arroyo, who will look to provide an infield spark for the Reds.Katie Woo took us inside the mind of Justin Wrobleski, one of baseball’s budding young stars.Kyle Tucker is still trying to find ‘who he is’ offensively as he continues to struggle with the Dodgers.The Tigers built a 6-0 lead and held on to clip the Rays 10-9.The Rays beat up the Reds 9-2.The Twins defeated the White Sox 9-6. In defeat, Chicago turned a double play that has not been seen since 1972.The Brewers scored seven in the second and cruised from there as they annihilated the Giants 16-2.The Rangers edged the Cardinals 2-1, as Jacob deGrom earned the 100th victory of his major league career on his son’s third birthday.The Rockies used a five-spot in the eighth to defeat the Angels 9-8.The Diamondbacks topped the first-place Dodgers by a 4-1 score.Yesterday at Amazin’ AvenueMichael Drago looked at the Knicks’ era of prosperity and couldn’t help but wonder when the Mets would experience their own.Brian Salvatore previewed the team’s series against the Nationals.Steve Sypa handed out grades to the team’s prospects for the month of May.Linus Lawrence provided a Monday Stat Party.This Date in Mets HistoryOne day after No-Han, R.A. Dickey tossed a complete game of his own, albeit one that was less celebrated than Johan Santana’s. The eventual 2012 Cy Young award winner scattered seven hits while striking out nine to pick up his eighth win of the season in a 5-0 Mets victory over the Cardinals.

When opportunity knocks...(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)On Saturday, Liverpool sacked Arne Slot.A year on from the Dutchman leading Liverpool to the Premier League title, becoming only the fifth manager to win the competition in his first season in charge, he was out of the door.Liverpool finished fifth in 2025-26, losing 12 league matches. They spent huge money on players that have (so far) failed to deliver, and the fanbase had grown uneasy with Slot’s style of play, which is more controlled, measured and pedestrian, when the Premier League is all about pace and ferocity, not to mention Jurgen Klopp’s ‘heavy metal football’, which was such a success at Anfield.All that being said, it still seemed as though Liverpool’s owners would be sticking to their guns on Slot. He was going to be backed again; stalwarts like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson were leaving, and it would be up to Slot to oversee the rebuild.Only, an opportunity presented itself; one that Liverpool seemingly felt just too good to turn down.Andoni Iraola is a free agent. That has, of course, been known for sometime, but perhaps Liverpool had expected him to be snapped up by now.However, at the time of Slot’s departure, the only club that had made any significant headway towards appointing the Spaniard was Bayer Leverkusen. Crystal Palace had gone in big, but it always felt like Iraola was holding out for a bigger fish in the Premier League, and he reportedly snubbed AC Milan.Sometimes, the stars align and one must decide whether to change course, or to stick with the original plan. Liverpool, it seems, have decided to twist.Don’t worry, this is not a Liverpool feature, but it does feel as though there is a growing sense of frustration within the Everton fanbase that TFG — and the people they have appointed to run the club on a day-to-day basis — aren’t showing the same appetite for change; the same willingness to gamble.Some Liverpool fans will argue they were only going one way under Slot. Others might point to the fact that 12 months ago, he was the best thing since sliced bread (as our neighbours are, of course, prone to hyperbole).But the club made a decision. Whether it was part of their plan or not (it seems not, given Xabi Alonso was there as a free agent for so long, yet Liverpool decided to stick with Slot until after the season had ended), they have made their move and a manager that many Evertonians feel would have been a realistic, but bullish, appointment, could now end up in charge of our rivals.The frustration among the Everton fanbase in the wake of Slot’s sacking has seemed to focus mainly on “ambition”, or a lack of, from the club.Everton finished the season with a whimper and David Moyes’s decisions backfired. There is a case to be made that an elite club simply would not tolerate that, especially with the likes of Iraola, or Oliver Glasner — fresh from leading Crystal Palace to their third trophy in the space of a year — available. But they won’t be available for long.The counter-argument is the one Angus Kinnear has already put forward: that Everton value stability. The issue is, when does stability become stagnation?A bit of perspective: Had Everton taken four more points from their final seven matches, they would have qualified for the Europa League, and none of this talk about Moyes would be happening.That being said, it doesn’t mean the talk shouldn’t be happening. Questions should be asked, and I stressed last week that Everton need to act with urgency.While there have been some tentative transfer links to a variety of uninspiring — albeit, probably realistic — targets, the main crux of the issue is that Everton, or namely, TFG, seem content with the radio silence.Kinnear may well believe he has said what needed to be said. That he has made it clear Everton are not changing course, and that Moyes is the man heading into next season.That probably is the case, but then it raises questions over the long-term future, given Moyes only has 12 months left to run on his deal.In the meantime, the vacuum is being filled by Evertonians who want to see decisive action from their club, or at the very least, some open and more frank communication. Admit what went wrong and what they are going to do to try and fix it.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, one of the season’s success stories, said Everton were “miles off it” as he reflected on the woeful end to the campaign in a social media post last week. For that honesty, he received respect and appreciation.Liverpool’s gamble with Iraola, who seems almost certain to take over at Anfield, may well backfire. It’s worth noting that as frustrating as Everton’s winless run at the end of the season was, Iraola has gone on several longer, worse such runs during his time at Bournemouth.He has, however, proved he is a highly adaptable manager with a direct, attacking approach that, on paper at least, probably suits a club with elite players and high standards.And as much as we all hate to see it, Liverpool have shown once again that they do not tolerate it when their high standards aren’t met.Sometimes, it would be nice for Everton to show that, too.Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()A club with no ambition to compete doesn't care who the manager is.Hope I'm wrong but keeping Moyes after that horrible style of play last season suggests the owners are happy to protect their interests by mid-table finishes.I have no expectation whatsoever they will spend the full amount allowed on transfers. Dave Abrahams 2 Posted 02/06/2026 at 08:50:44I think at the very least whoever is looking at EvertonFC’s interest here in Liverpool should have a good look at this manager’s career and then make the decision to keep him for the next twelve months or to let him go and let the owners know this.I think even the most moderate and liberal fans would give the nod for him to leave now although there would be a few with the opposite point of view. Ged Simpson 3 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:04:49"Stability"..Makes me yawn.The fights with relegation at least got the heart pumping compared with the second half of last season. To attack quickly can result in losing by more than one goal but surely practice makes perfect.Seems we just practice passing side to side or back to Pickford to roll it to a defender, then receive it back before lumping it upfield.I know. We had key injuries like Grealish but we just retired into our shells and hoped to 'nick one" or celebrate a draw.New owners, new stadium but a manager with very tired style of selection and play.New stadium syndrome, safe pair hands etc but how long for?I fear for quite a while yet but 🙏 I am proved wrong by TFG Darrel Pugh 4 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:11:20I write not in the heat of a bad result, but in the cold clarity of sustained observation — and what I see at Everton Football Club is a slow, institutional surrender to mediocrity.Under David Moyes, the ambition at BMD has been quietly dismantled and replaced with something far less noble: the annual ritual of survival. Avoiding relegation has become the benchmark. Not silverware. Not European football. Not even a top-half finish. Just survival — dressed up in press conference language as though it were a strategic vision. Moyes delivers his post-match verdicts with the unearned authority of a man who mistakes longevity for greatness, confusing his own durability with the club's progress. There is an arrogance in that posture — a refusal to be questioned, a disdain for ambition itself — that has come to define the culture at the top.And then there is Angus Kinnear.The CEO brings to Everton a particular brand of corporate detachment — the kind cultivated in boardrooms far removed from terraces, pubs, and the lived experience of genuine supporters. His communications read less like messages to a fanbase and more like internal memos at a mid-tier consultancy. The language is polished but hollow: brand equity, stakeholder engagement, strategic realignment. It is the vocabulary of a man who views football people — the very lifeblood of the institution he stewards — as a demographic to be managed rather than a community to be served. Fans with decades of devotion to Everton find themselves talked at, not with. The condescension, though never explicit, is unmistakable.What is most troubling is the combination of the two: a manager who has made peace with mediocrity, and a CEO who has made a career of packaging it attractively. Together, they represent a club that no longer dares to dream on behalf of its supporters.Everton supporters deserve far better than a club that measures success by the absence of failure. Ian Bennett 5 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:14:01Even if Everton were on pole position, id have little faith we wouldnt get trumped at the last minute for Iraola.His stock is high, and he will be going into a club with a far better squad, far bigger wage bill and far bigger finances.The disappointment from some on here fails to grasp that he wont make a decision until all options have been explored for him. He is a professional not a fan, so he will do what works for him.This wasn't a missed opportunity, it was never an opportunity in the beginning. And thst goes for Palace as wellIf you wanted an opportunity, then Everton needed to throw a ridiculous amount of money at him, sack Moyes, give him a huge improved wage bill and transfer budget. An outlay of £250m plus across everything.I just don't see that happening. This a slow fixer upper of a club. The casino approach under Moshiri has been tried, and there wont be a rush to going back to it. John Pickles 6 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:20:04I am one of the 'fanbase', you do not speak for me.We are not an Elite club and haven't been for decades. Brian Harrison 7 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:20:55Something must have happened between Friday and Saturday for the dramatic change of heart by the other lot to sack Slot. Alonso had been available for a while and most Reds wanted him to replace Slot but they didnt and let it be known that Slot would be given more time and only last week allowed him to bring in an assistant manager, so why do that if you are going to sack him. Also Iriola told people weeks ago he was leaving so if he was their desired choice why werent they in negotiations then to hire him.I have to say I really like his approach and would have loved him here, but he hasn't had the experience of managing a big club and we all saw what happened to Franks at Spurs and Alonso at Real Madrid. Dont forget Iriola went a couple of months without winning a game at Bournemouth that wont be acceptable by the other lot.I was saying to a mate only yesterday why arent we producing good young English coaches. St Georges Park was set up decades ago to do just that so why has it failed so spectacularly. There is Eddie Howe and hardly anybody else. Yet you look at the leagues in Spain and Italy and Germany and most clubs are managed by managers from their own Country. Even our national side looks more to continental coaches who have had very few english managers over the last 20 years. Jeff Spiers 8 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:21:45Liverpool are ruthless. Take no prisoners. We're not. I say this through 74-year-old gritted teeth! Darren Hind 9 Posted 02/06/2026 at 09:39:02Darrel Pugh.You need to be posting more often on these pages.Excellent post Phillip Warrington 10 Posted 02/06/2026 at 10:00:31I don't know why people think Iraola would even consider Everton. If we had made it to Europe, maybe… of which I still blame players more than Moyes.Moyes is not the one who missed chance after chance and made mistake after mistake which led to most goals scored against us.Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye are great players but they missed a ton of chances in the last 6 games that would have put us in Europe.Rohl and Alcaraz run around a lot but their end product is crap and our forwards a waste of time. And there lies the problem: whoever they get to take over knows the amount of money it will take to turn this squad into a Top 5 contender is going to be considerable.It’s probably too much for the owners to even consider, and there's the other problem: how much could Everton spend without braking any rules?The only two managers I think could change things would be Glasner or Iraola but I can’t see either of them even thinking about Everton, so to me, it’s better to stick with Moyes for another season.Hopefully we can land a decant striker and right-back and would say we should have another year of stability and free from relegation. Then who knows… maybe we will be seen as a club fighting for Europe and not relegation. Dave Williams 11 Posted 02/06/2026 at 10:02:39Good posts on here especially Darrell. TFG appear to be focussed on creating a financial success with the stadium at the forefront. We supporters want to see entertaining football with excitement and the step up to the supporters ambitions for the club will be expensive and not without risk. It’s far easier to detach themselves from the fan base and not answer to anyone rather than engage with loyal customers and give them something to get excited about. I think they will sell one of our better players- Ndiaye if he has a good World Cup- and allow Moyes to use the proceeds. We might all be pleasantly surprised as it’s not clever to reveal your transfer plans or budget for others to see but we need something to grasp to give hope for improvement. Tony Hughes 12 Posted 02/06/2026 at 10:17:25The new stadium is like our Ferrari but in Moyesy we've put a battered old Austin Allegro engine in to run it. Paul Hewitt 13 Posted 02/06/2026 at 10:27:54TFG’s other toy, Roma, are now in the Champions League, they will spend most of their time, money and effort on them.Moyes will stay; mid-table mediocrity will be good enough. Jeff Spiers 14 Posted 02/06/2026 at 10:48:39Paul, sad but true Dave Lynch 15 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:11:30People are saying we need a massive transfer budget, I don't agree.We have good players, it's how they're coached and set up to play that's the problem. Yes we need 4 possible 5 new faces for key positions but we can offset that by unloading average players on big money.It's absolutely heartbreaking what we are enduring atm, some are saying the Friedkin's just want to make money from the stadium, but you cannot run a stadium without income and by far the biggest income are the fans who turn up regularly.Alienate them and attendances will drop and reduce the income. I honestly cannot fathom why they can't see through this charlatan of a manager. Scott Robinson 16 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:12:56Every club that has had a revolving managerial door policy has been an unmitigated disaster — Spurs, Chelsea, Man U etc... I'd prefer stability over instability any day. Paul Hewitt 17 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:22:54Scott. That's fine. But don't expect entertaining football or trophies anytime soon. Jimmy Carr 18 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:29:44That Roma have achieved CL qualification is a good thing, a pathway Everton can follow. They’ve owned Roma for about 6 years, I think, and been at Everton for all of 18 months. Do the math. James Newcombe 19 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:31:02We pretty much need a new starting defence, and I think Moyes is the man to build that over a season or two. Andrew Ellams 20 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:33:58Jimmy, I just don't have the faith that's the intended plan.I think they're here to cream off the PL cash to fund the Roma project. Jimmy Carr 21 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:46:54Andrew (20) jury’s out. If we saw £150m spent on the squad this summer, it might be fair to say European football is their target. I think that’s a better metric. Andrew Ellams 22 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:55:13Jimmy, it depends how many players that £150m is stretched across.6 at £25m each doesn't get you much these days. Raymond Fox 23 Posted 02/06/2026 at 11:58:37I'll be surprised if the get rid of Moyes, what scares owners most is relegation. While a fresh face as manager would be good, we have tried as many as I have had hot dinners to no avail before. As Brian mentioned before our players have escaped much of the criticism for the flop in results in our last games. Our priority is better players, problem is top players prices have gone through the roof. Moyes picked the same teams that had got us some good previous results, so who's to blame. The owners will probably see that with a couple of better extra players and more luck with injuries we would have qualified for Europe no problem. It's been an opportunity missed this season no doubt and I don't think you can pin the blame entirely on Moyes.I, like many others would like to see a fresh manager but I don't see it happening. Christy Ring 24 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:05:10If the owners and the CEO turn a blind eye to our performance under Moyes in our last seven games this season, considering he refused to change formation and shape, and his total lack of use of the younger players on the bench, and waiting until the final 10/15 minutes to change things, instead of trying to win a European place, we ended up just ahead of Leeds, that's shows what a stubborn and conservative manager Moyes is, and when asked could he understand the frustration of our brilliant fans, he replied NO. Is that an ambitious manager?. Stan Grace 25 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:07:36If Roma is the benchmark to measure TFGs footballing success level since they took over in August 2020, then it's worth looking at where Roma finished over the last ten years. 2025–26: 3rd 2024–25: 6th 2023–24: 6th 2022–23: 6th 2021–22: 6th 2020–21: 7th 2019–20: 5th 2018–19: 6th 2017–18: 3rd 2016–17: 2nd So it's taken them 6 years to return to the club where they had finished just two years after taking over.Now if we compare that to the last ten years of Aston Villa, whose owners took over in July 2018: 2025/26: 4th 2024/25: 4th 2023/24: 4th 2022/23: 7th 2021/22: 14th 2020/21: 11th 2019/20: 17th 2018/19: 5th (Promoted via Championship play-offs) 2017/18: 4th (Championship) 2016/17: 13th (Championship) The improvement, while taking a number of years too, has been much more significant. Emery became manager in November 2022, suggesting a change to a successful, quality manager DOES make a difference. Tony Abrahams 26 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:08:15UNDER DAVID MOYES THE AMBITION AT BMD, HAS BEEN QUIETLY DISMANTLED AND REPLACED WITH SOMETHING FAR LESS NOBLE.If anyone spoke for me, then this more than anything is definitely the line I would use Darrel, mate👍We are not an elite club anymore but when I look back over the years, I think the moment when I truly realised this was when David Moyes, was clapped out of Goodison, being treated by the fans like he had performed miracles.For the people who genuinely believed this, then the acceptance of Bill Kenwright, was even harder to understand, and now we have just moved into a stadium fit for kings - playing centre backs out of position and watching Dour Davie’s, overworked small squad, playing football the negative way. Iain Johnston 27 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:13:47During the latter years at the Old Lady it was once said that we are now EITC, a charity with a football club.I'm wondering if TFG see us as a multi venue asset with a football club?As a club we earned just under £132m last season for finishing 13th, for this season it's around £150m. An extra £18m for standing still, TFG don't need much ambition to achieve a financial windfall. Jim Bennings 28 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:16:02Why does anyone seriously think this summer will be any different to last, or the preview or the previous?We are Everton and are happy with status quo and the comfort zone of stability and safety.We are slow with transfers, slow with ambitions, slow off the pitch, other clubs are marketing new kits, we'll wait all summer then no doubt fuck it up.TFG disappoint me.They acted sensibly when they appointed Moyes after replacing Dyche, it was what we needed at that time.But since, I have serious reservations about what they are going to do with Everton Football Club and certainly haven't seen nor heard much of ambition. Andrew Ellams 29 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:20:29I fully expect them to spend just enough to keep us ticking over Jim.No way will there be any exciting marquee signings. Steve Brown 30 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:33:23Andrew @ 20, I think the Roma fans are feeling the same about us!Roma’s net spend is -122.43 million euros in the last 5 years. They have relied heavy on free transfers and loans to manage FFP restrictions, with very low net spend figures. Construction on their new stadium won’t start until 2027.The Premier League is the cash cow of European football, and that is particularly true of a club wth a brand new 52,000 stadium and all the commercial opportunities that opens up. Everton have the opportunty to become a very wealthy club, but this summer’s transfer spend will tell us a lot about the extent of TFG’s ambition.The real question is how much they will allow Moyes to spend, given he has 12 months left on his contract and doesn’t seen aligned with their long term strategy i.e. focussing on young talent and the Academy? Ian Wilkins 31 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:47:02Darrel@4, very nicely put, I agree with you entirely. Ryan Holroyd 32 Posted 02/06/2026 at 12:51:37The owners are happy for Everton to be midtable, not spending their own money.They got a bargain with us. £300m quid and probably with a billion now Tony Abrahams 33 Posted 02/06/2026 at 13:14:25Reading this rest of your post makes me sad Darrel. I am a cradle to grave Evertonian, or at least I always thought I would be, but “that something inside so strong” is slowly being replaced by a feeling of anger, although that might be the wrong word because it’s more a feeling of apathetic boredom, that only becomes painful, when I look at things a little bit closer, which is something your excellent (sadly) post, has made me do.Keep the faith, I’ve been keeping the faith for fucking years, but without ambition, we might as well be dead

Video captured a MAGA counterprotestor shouting homophobic slur to “No Kings” protestors in Denver, Colorado, shortly before face planting twice on the pavement, causing his face to bleed as other protestors suggest that he leave for his own safety before others possibly cause him more harm. The video begins with him and other silver-haired white men shouting “Let’s go ICE,” a reference to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who have been arresting American citizens and brown-skinned people to satisfy the president’s goal of mass deportations. The men then chant, “God bless Trump,” as the man points his middle fingers at others. Related Millions at No Kings protests underscore Trump is much weaker than he wants you to believe As protestors yell at him, the man yells to one of them, “F**k you. Ride your bike, you f**king f*g.” A young person carrying a skateboard, who briefly repeats the man’s chants behind him, then steals the man’s sunglasses and runs off. The man chases him but then trips and falls face first onto the pavement with his buttocks in the air as protestors laugh at him. With onlookers still jeering, the man then gets up and resumes his chase while repeatedly screaming, “Fa**ot!” Then, a masked person wearing a U.S. flag as a cape trips the man , sending him falling face first into the gutter with his underwear clearly visible. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Someone then screams to the man, “You f**ked around and you found out!” As the men are then pushed away from the crowd, someone warns them, “You guys are gonna get your a** beat if you don’t quit, I’m serious.” Another yells, “Get the f**k out of here!” When the man who screamed the anti-gay slurs faces the camera once again, blood streams from the top of his left eyebrow down the left side of his face. Another man in a light blue t-shirt for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) tells the man, “Get out of here. This is a mob, dude… I’m sorry what happened to you, but you need to go though. I don’t want you to get hurt more than you are.” MAGA man eats pavement after shouting slurs at No Kings protesters[image or embed]— Molly Ploofkins (@mollyploofkins.bsky.social) October 19, 2025 at 5:38 AM Over 5 million people attended the protests, which occurred in over 2,600 towns and cities nationwide. The president and fellow Republicans spent the entire week before the protests claiming that they would be anti-American “hate rallies” filled with antifa terrorists, Marxists, and socialists. In reality, many protestors expressed a love for their country and demonstrated against Trump’s authoritarian regime. One of the few reported incidents of attempted violence occurred when a 59-year-old Trump supporter pointed a gun at protestors in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The $368 million network of instruments collecting data in both the Atlantic and Pacific has been critical to climate and ocean research.

The post Recycillogical appeared first on The Onion.

WASHINGTON—Indicating a downward trend across all genres, a new report from the Recording Industry Association of America released Thursday found that music’s power to bridge divides and lift spirits had dropped 74%. “After this latest dip in its capacity to unify, we can no longer recommend music as a reliable means of bringing people together,” said RIAA representative Marc Olivier, noting that in the past year there had been almost no instances of the art form inspiring a group of strangers to set aside their differences and join hands in song. “We found music’s ability to foster connections that transcend race, creed, and even language has steadily declined over the past 50 years, culminating in a marked drop in swaying and singing arm-in-arm among nearly every demographic. New data shows that combinations of melodic instrumentation, energizing rhythm, rich harmonies, and a catchy chorus now offer no significant balm to emotional wounds, and only succeed in soothing a young soldier’s crisis of conscience or deescalating tensions between law enforcement and civilians in 1% of cases. That’s down from a record high of 86% in 1975.” The report did note the exception of the “Happy Birthday” song, which, when performed in a restaurant, still held the power to galvanize anyone within earshot to join in on the fun. The post Report: Music’s Power To Unite, Heal Down 74% appeared first on The Onion.

BOISE, ID—Inviting friends, family, and “lovers of crepes from far and wide,” local man Mark Kovac, 53, held a gathering Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the single worst financial decision of his entire life. Lulu’s Crepes, which 10 months from now will be referred to by a loan officer as the sinkhole that devoured all of Kovac’s liquid assets, marked the occasion with complimentary food, sparkling cider, and a raffle to win a French-style beret. The café officially opened its doors to the public this week, serving both breakfast and lunch in a part of town that Kovac will soon learn is not as “up and coming” as a real estate broker led him to believe. “We serve what I call customizable crepes, where you start with just your basic crepe and then chose from over 60 different filling options,” the first-time entrepreneur said as he showed reporters around the sole cause of his credit score plummeting hundreds of points and not recovering for decades. “A few years ago, we had some friends staying at our house, and I made crepes for breakfast. One of them said, ‘Mark, this is as good as what you’d get in a restaurant!’ That made a little bell go off in my head.” “Think about it: Who doesn’t love crepes?” he continued. “Plus, it’s a cool hangout spot the young people are gonna love.” As an acoustic duo played music beneath a balloon arch, Kovac sat down to discuss how he quit a stable, mid-level position at a recession-proof pharmaceutical company to work full time on his restaurant concept. The husband and father eventually hit on the idea of serving both sweet and savory crepes so “folks could stop in for dessert, a light lunch, you name it.” He also plans to serve “the best coffee in town” as soon as he figures out how to install and operate a $10,000 espresso machine he purchased. Grinning at a small group of people who squinted at a menu to select ingredients for their crepes, Kovacs said it was great to see so many familiar faces. He had aimed to open Lulu’s last summer, but was delayed by the need for extensive renovations he paid for by cashing out a 401(k) that, if left untouched, would have accrued $2.1 million by the time he retired. When he needed help securing a 10-year commercial lease, he turned to an outside backer who soon became the namesake of his creperie. “He named it after me—isn’t that sweet?” said Kovac’s mother, Luisa, an 81-year-old woman who will almost certainly spend her final years in a low-income senior-living facility after putting her house up as collateral to help open the café. “I’m more of a pancake girl, myself, but if Mark says there’s a goldmine in crepes, then I’m glad to invest my money in his business.” During brief remarks to his guests, Kovac thanked his mother as well as his three children, who as a result of his ruinous passion project will not be able to afford college. He then turned to his wife. “I could never have achieved my dream without Susan’s support,” said Kovac, embracing the woman who in time will only communicate with him through a legal mediator as they argue over the last remaining pennies in any joint accounts. “I have a feeling this adventure will bring us closer together than ever.” “It’s true what they say,” he added. “If you do what you love [and fail to account for the razor-thin profit margins exacerbated by high staff turnover and your own inexperience in the market], you’ll never work a day in your life.” The post Worst Financial Decision Of Man’s Life Celebrates Grand Opening appeared first on The Onion.

Both bride and groom knew working with a matchmaker would be a waste of time, but they were determined to get their money’s worth no matter what. The post Greta Sampson and Arnold White appeared first on The Onion.

Listen, sweetie. There’s something your father and I wanted to talk to you about. Over the past few months, we’ve noticed you’ve been behaving a little differently. Your grades have slipped, you always seem a little distracted, and, yes, we’ve noticed you sneaking out late every night. But we’re not angry. If anything, we’re just sad you didn’t think you could tell us you were the Santa Fe Slasher. Why didn’t you tell us the truth? Did you think we’d be mad? Disappointed? Ashamed to be the parents of an active serial killer? No! Of course not! Now, I’ll admit we were a bit surprised at first. We didn’t know you even liked knives. But we’re your parents, pumpkin. We’ll love and support you no matter what you do! We don’t care how many dozen people you’ve stabbed, or how many other unconfirmed victims there might be. There’s nothing shameful about being the most prolific serial killer in New Mexico state history. When we saw those first grisly news reports six months ago, we never would have guessed it was you. Not because there’s anything wrong with being the Santa Fe Slasher. We just really believed you all those times you said you were going to play Fortnite and sleep over at Matt’s house. But then one night we called Matt’s parents, and they said Matt had been dead for weeks. Your father and I exchanged looks, like, “Uh-oh, that doesn’t sound right.” Then we poked around a little and found the bleach and the cleaver and the trash bag and the head, and we started getting pretty suspicious. Yes, kiddo, I know we shouldn’t have gone in your room without asking. But your father and I were worried. We understand that was a violation of your privacy, and we’re sorry. In fact, there are other things we’d like to apologize for as well. Things like all the careless comments we’ve made in front of the TV. Thoughtless stuff like “How disturbing,” “What a nightmare,” and “Huh, is that our machete?” That’s no way for a parent to talk about their own child! Worst of all, I remember one morning over breakfast I picked up the paper and said, “What kind of monster would stab a pageant queen more than 60 times, then stuff her corpse into a playground trash can?” Gosh, I cringe just thinking about it. It was so insensitive of me! You’re not a monster, honey. You’re a strong, smart, curious, careful, cunning mass murderer. Who are we to judge you for stabbing someone more than 60 times? Heck, you could have stabbed her 6,000 times and it would have made no difference to us. And jeez, that’s not even the worst of it. Remember when we all went to that funeral for the Hansen girl? It was one of the closed casket ones. I marched right up to her mother at the wake and said, “Cathleen, they’re going to catch this son of a bitch, I know it, and he’s going to fry.” You were right by my side, munching on a bagel and taking in every word I said. Saying that was probably the worst thing I’ve ever done. I don’t want you to fry. I want you to thrive! How much have all those knives and duct tape been costing you, anyway? I bet you’ve been burning through your allowance. Money’s a little tight right now, but I can ask around and see if we can get you any more lawns to mow. I know the Riveras probably need someone. Their yard’s basically gone to pot since you stabbed their son and his girlfriend. Not that that’s your fault, sweetheart. It’s their job to maintain their lawn. If being the Santa Fe Slasher makes you happy, then it makes me and your father happy. Plus, from what we’ve seen in the news, it sure looks like you’re having a ball. You’re getting out of the house, you’re meeting people, and I bet it’s great exercise. Your father and I want to support you any way we can. Maybe we could even tag along some time. That wouldn’t embarrass you too much, would it? Ooh, I can just imagine the three of us driving around the city together, hunting for victims and listening to This American Life. We’d let you do the killing, of course, but then maybe Dad and I could write something in the blood—something like “Burn in Hell for the sins of Eve!” or “God has forsaken the souls of Santa Fe.” Alternatively, I have some beautiful stationery just piling up in the kitchen junk drawer if you’d prefer to taunt law enforcement that way. Or, if that sounds lame, your father and I will just stand there and cheer. Either way, when the body’s dumped, I promise we can all go to Dairy Queen! That is, if all this sounds good to you. We’re not trying to smother you, hon. We just want to be a part of your life. More than anything, we just want you to know how proud you make us. Now let’s get those grades up, all right, buddy? If you do, your dad and I might even consider getting you that brand-new meat grinder you’re always asking about! The post I’m So Sad You Didn’t Think You Could Tell Your Father And Me You Were The Santa Fe Slasher appeared first on The Onion.

The Boston Celtics have built their teams in a number of ways over the decades, but few if any methods have born more fruit than through the NBA draft. The best players to suit up for the Celtics have, by and large, come to Boston either through being taken directly in the annual event, or via trades made that night.And it is not just the top stars who have been picked up by the Celtics via the draft. Countless members of the storied ball club's alumni have been taken by the team via that annual event, and some schools are better represented than others. We can see blue blood programs and some very small schools both delivering top talent to Boston's rosters over the years, so we decided to take a look at which players came from which schools overall.So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Celtics out of Louisville.Ken Reeves - guardDraft year and position: 4th round (1st pick, 37th overall), 1950 NBA DraftSeasons at Louisville: 3Seasons played with Celtics: did not make the teamTerry Rozier - guardDraft year and position: 1st round (16th pick, 16th overall), 2015 NBA DraftSeasons at Louisville: 2Seasons played with Celtics: 4All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Every Louisville player drafted by the Celtics

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté set for Real Madrid moveIbrahima Konaté’s (27) impending exit from Liverpool has been confirmed. Despite sounding positive on the subject of a contract extension towards the end of the Premier League season, an agreement between the Merseyside club and the France international could not be reached. As a result he will depart Liverpool upon the expiry of his deal this summer. He has already played his final game for the Merseyside club and, as per a report from Onze Mondial, he is set to join Real Madrid.Deal hinges on Pérez’s re-election?The publication understands that there is an agreement in place between Konaté and the Spanish giants. However, in order for the deal to be confirmed, Florentino Pérez must first earn re-election as club president. The election will take place on Sunday. A deal could, therefore, be rapidly concluded for the Frenchman, who is preparing for this summer’s FIFA World Cup with Les Bleus.GFFN | Luke Entwistle

FEATURE | What could Crystal Palace expect from Pierre Sage?Since last October, Crystal Palace knew that they would be in need of a new head coach in the offseason. Talks between the incumbent Oliver Glasner and chairman Steve Parish over a contract extension ended without a deal, but with a roadmap in place: Glasner would be leaving at the end of the season. Palace had time to prepare for the future, a luxury that is rarely afforded in modern football. But despite this, it looks as if they have missed out on their top target, Andoni Iraola. His Premier League experience with Bournemouth and attractive high-tempo football were alluring, but bigger fish have taken notice. Rather than get dragged into a losing battle with Liverpool for the Basque manager, Palace have moved down their list and landed on the name of Pierre Sage. A less familiar profile in England, but someone who has carved out an impressive reputation in France as a miracle worker during his time with Olympique Lyonnais and RC Lens. Pierre Sage parachutes into LyonJohn Textor has made plenty of mistakes in football, as Palace and Lyon supporters can readily attest, but his decision to parachute Sage from head of Lyon’s youth academy to their interim head coach midway through the 2023/24 season was not one of them. At the time of his appointment in late November, Lyon were sat bottom of the table and staring down the barrel at an unfathomable relegation. There was little hope with the club having only picked up seven points from Laurent Blanc and Fabio Grosso’s tenures, but miracles happen. Sage transformed the floundering side, taking them off the foot of the table and into the European positions by the end of the season, all the while charting a course into the Coupe de France final, which they would lose to Paris Saint-Germain. His reward was a two-year contract, but he wouldn’t see out the end of the deal. Midway through the 2024/25 campaign, Les Gones would experience a dip in form. In January, a run of five games without a win, which included an embarrassing penalty shootout exit to amateur side Bourgoin-Jallieu in the Coupe de France, signalled the end for Sage. A market opportunity for LensAt the time, Textor suggested that he had lost faith in Sage’s ability to secure Champions League football with Lyon in 6th and four points off qualification. He moved swiftly to appoint Paulo Fonseca, who would lead Lyon to a 6th place finish and three points off qualification. Sage was dubious about the reasoning when speaking to The Athletic, “The decision was a market opportunity for the owner. The name of Paulo Fonseca against the name Pierre Sage.” However, his free agency would prove to be a “market opportunity” for a Lens side looking for a successor to Will Still ahead of the 2025/26 season. Lens were predicted to struggle to qualify for Europe following a series of transfer windows that better resembled fire sales. After the smoke cleared, a more balanced squad had emerged. Even still, what Sage did with this team was completely unexpected and totally magnificent, especially when you compare the meagre resources at Lens compared to their direct European rivals. Under Sage, Lens became title challengers. They took PSG the distance with the league only being settled in the (rescheduled) penultimate game of the season. This alone would have been impressive, but Sage also led Les Sang et Or to their first Coupe de France trophy in their 120-year history. “I wanted to go to war for him”“I had a natural connection with [Sage],” Lens captain Adrien Thomasson told After Foot. “When talking about confidence in football, it’s really something very important: the confidence a coach can give to his players and try to get the best out of each individual. And for me, right away, I wanted to go to war for him.” It’s an impression that was echoed by Sage’s former captain at Lyon, Corentin Tolisso, upon the head coach’s return to the Groupama Stadium on the final day of the season. “He left a very positive mark here,” Tolisso said. “He saved the club. I think it’ll be a very emotional moment for him. I think he’ll be happy to come back, and I’ll be very happy to see him again too, because he was very important to me.” However, the affection Sage has earned through his man-management wasn’t built upon a soft touch. As Thomasson explained, “He’s not a manager you can joke around with.” The midfielder went on to say, “He imposed a rigour, a requirement on a daily basis.” And there were perhaps moments this season where his unceasing demand for discipline spilled over into frustration. Following a 3-3 draw with Stade Brestois in late April, Sage said that he felt “betrayed” by members of his squad. Earlier in the month, Samson Baidoo’s ongoing injury concerns saw the head coach lose patience in a press conference, with him stating, “I have absolutely no idea when he’ll play again, and I must admit it’s a real problem for me.”“The courage to leave space behind”At Lyon, Sage most frequently used a 4-3-3 shape, but he could shift between a back four and a back three. Regardless of the number of defenders, he generally wanted to maintain three in midfield. When he moved to Lens, he adopted the club’s preference for a 3-4-3 and a two-man midfield and never wavered from it. The formation could be adapted when the principles remained the same.“For me, it’s simply a matter of courage,” Sage said back in August after watching his Lens side fall to a preseason defeat to AS Roma. “The courage to leave space behind you and press, then the courage to ask for the ball, and occasionally, lose it.” Sage wanted his sides to press from the front in a hybrid system (effectively pressing the opposition’s build-up and then defending in a low block if the opposition beat the press) where they would look to funnel the ball into wide pressing traps. As soon as the ball was won, the team would spring forward with breathtaking verticality. At Lens, the vast majority of attacks this season were geared around getting the ball into a crossing opportunity as fast as possible (with them registering the second most crosses in the league according to Opta with 531 attempts). The wing-backs are encouraged to push high up the pitch, and for as many attackers as possible to crash the box (sometimes leaving as few as four players to defend the counter). At times, Lens could look somewhat cavalier as they rushed up the pitch, with defenders often trusted to defend in one-versus-ones against their attacker. Lens also did play with a good bit of fortune behind them, as they consistently outperformed their expected goals against over the season. Lens conceded only 35 goals in Ligue 1 despite having an expected goals against tally of 43.66, as per Opta. A sad but understandable decisionIt’s somewhat sad that after returning Lens to the UEFA Champions League, Sage might not be there to oversee their European campaign. There was a romance to the way the manager had transformed the side, and it’s hard to see who they would replace him with. At the same time, it’s also understandable on a personal level why Sage would be tempted to leave. His stock has never been higher, and it has been an expressed dream of his to work in the Premier League. Football is, after all, temporary, and the Premier League is always searching for the next new thing; who knows when another chance for him could come? GFFN | Nick Hartland

Players That Sheffield United Fans Should be Watching Closely at the World CupWith the FIFA 2026 World Cup now right around the corner, Sheffield United supporters may not have a Blade representing England, but there is still a small Sheffield United flavour to keep an eye on this summer.From current first-team players to former fan favourites and potential transfer targets, several names with connections to Bramall Lane could be taking centre stage on football’s biggest stage. Their performances over the coming weeks could even have implications for Sheffield United’s future heading into the 2026/27 campaign.Curaçao – Tahith ChongPerhaps the most intriguing current Sheffield United connection comes in the form of Tahith Chong.The winger’s time at Bramall Lane has never quite got going in the way many supporters had hoped. Arriving with a reputation built during spells at Manchester United, Birmingham City and Luton Town, Chong has shown flashes of quality but has struggled to consistently impose himself in a Sheffield United shirt.With speculation surrounding his future and uncertainty over whether he remains part of Chris Wilder’s long-term plans, the World Cup presents a huge opportunity for the Curaçao international.International tournaments have often provided players with a platform to reignite careers and remind managers exactly what they are capable of. Should Chong produce a series of impressive displays on the world stage, it could force Wilder to take another look at the talented attacker before making any decisions regarding his future.At a minimum, a strong tournament could increase interest from elsewhere. At best, it could earn him another opportunity to prove himself in red and white next season.Australia – Harry SouttarFew players made as big an impression on Sheffield United supporters during the 2024/25 campaign as Harry Souttar.The towering Australian centre-back quickly became a key figure after arriving on loan, bringing leadership, aerial dominance and composure to the Blades’ back line. His influence was immediately obvious, and many supporters believed he was among the best defenders in the Championship before disaster struck.An Achilles injury cruelly cut short his season and ended what had been an outstanding loan spell. His absence was felt enormously during the run-in, and Sheffield United never truly looked as secure defensively after losing him.Fortunately, Souttar has worked his way back to full fitness and recently returned to action for Leicester City during the closing weeks of the campaign. Unfortunately for the Foxes, their fate had already been sealed by then, with relegation confirmed long before the season’s conclusion.That situation could potentially create an interesting opportunity this summer. Leicester may need to reduce costs and reshape their squad following relegation, and if that includes trimming their wage bill, a move away from the King Power Stadium cannot be ruled out. Whether that comes in the form of another loan or something more permanent remains to be seen, but there is little doubt Sheffield United supporters would welcome Souttar back with open arms.A strong World Cup campaign with Australia would only strengthen the case for the Blades to revisit their interest.New Zealand – Tyler BindonAnother player who could attract attention this summer is New Zealand defender Tyler Bindon.Bindon’s loan spell at Sheffield United last season produced mixed reviews. There were moments where his inexperience at Championship level was exposed, and questions remained about whether he possessed the pace required to consistently compete against some of the division’s quickest attackers.However, there were also clear signs of promise. As the season progressed, particularly throughout 2026, Bindon’s performances became more assured and consistent. His reading of the game, positional awareness and willingness to learn stood out, while his maturity often belied his age.For a young defender still developing his craft, that progression was encouraging.Whether Sheffield United pursue another move remains unknown, but Bindon certainly remains a player worth monitoring. The World Cup provides an ideal stage for him to test himself against elite opposition and continue his development.Should he perform well for New Zealand, he may once again find himself firmly on Sheffield United’s shortlist as Wilder looks to strengthen his defensive options.Tunisia – Anis SlimaneWhile his spell at Bramall Lane was brief, Anis Slimane remains another former Blade who will be representing familiar interests this summer.The Tunisian midfielder arrived during Sheffield United’s Premier League campaign in 2023/24 but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. Following Chris Wilder’s return and subsequent squad reshaping, Slimane was moved on in 2024 as the club looked to build a different profile of team.Since leaving South Yorkshire, however, Slimane has rebuilt his reputation. At Norwich City, he has carved out a useful role as an impact player capable of influencing matches from the bench or stepping into the starting line-up when required. While not always a guaranteed starter, he has become a valuable squad member at Carrow Road and has demonstrated qualities that perhaps were not fully seen during his time at Bramall Lane.A Summer of Interest for UniteditesWhile Sheffield United’s involvement at the FIFA 2026 World Cup may be limited, there are still plenty of reasons for Blades supporters to tune in besides watching England matches.

Join "The Ariel Helwani Show" live on Uncrowned and YouTube at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK time as Ariel and the Boys in the Back keep the week rolling with another star-studded combat sports lineup. Check out Tuesday's rundown below.1 p.m. ET: Ariel and the gang kick off the program.1:15 p.m. ET: Wrestling legend Mick Foley stops by.2 p.m. ET: Old friendScott Coker joins us in-studio to discuss his latest venture.3:15 p.m. ET: Top boxing prospect Omari Jones reflects on his victorious weekend.3:50 p.m. ET: WBC super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster checks in after his latest title defense.Catch all new episodes of "The Ariel Helwani Show"liveevery Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET on Uncrowned and The Ariel Helwani Show's YouTube page.To listen to every episode, subscribe on Spotify or iTunes.

In a clear sign of Hollywood’s softening stance on artificial intelligence, the cinema icon is backing Black Forest Labs, an image generation start-up.

WASHINGTON—Declaring the money long overdue compensation for some of the nation’s most persecuted individuals, President Donald Trump announced an $88 billion fund Tuesday specifically appropriated to any man ever rejected by a woman. “At long last, there will be justice for every man in America who was very unfairly told no,” said the president, noting that all heterosexual males could claim up to $5 million each by documenting abuses such as being denied a second date, not receiving photos upon texting ‘send nudes,’ or being given false contact information to thwart any possibility of future interaction. “Whether you’re an Uber driver who had his heart broken by a lady passenger who refused your marriage proposal or one of the millions of men who was cruelly abandoned by a woman after two exchanges on a dating app, you can receive payment. Of course, financial compensation doesn’t undo the tremendous emotional damage of not getting anything you want from a woman. But hopefully it will ease some of the pain for men who sent a bouquet of roses every day for a month to a woman’s place of work, only to be told their behavior was off-putting and vaguely threatening.” Trump added, however, that men would never be penalized for rejecting women and would, in fact, be eligible for a tax break if they told a date to her face that they didn’t think she’d be so fat. The post Trump Launches $88 Billion Fund For Anyone Who Has Ever Been Rejected By Woman appeared first on The Onion.

WASHINGTON—Drawing intense scrutiny for what opponents have characterized as misuse of agency resources, FBI director Kash Patel came under fire Tuesday for using an FBI jet to blow-dry his hair. “On numerous occasions, Kash Patel has inappropriately utilized a government-funded Gulfstream jet to add shine and smoothness to his hair after a shower,” said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, adding that Patel’s hair care habits had already cost American taxpayers $250,000 in jet fuel alone. “This aircraft is intended for important government business, but Patel has repeatedly used it for his own personal grooming. Just last week, he delayed an FBI forensics team’s response to the scene of a mass shooting by blow-drying his hair for a date with his girlfriend in Nashville. After all of this administration’s feigned outrage over government waste, it’s disgraceful for an FBI director to interrupt federal investigations so he can dry off after partying with the U.S. men’s hockey team in Milan.” According to FBI officials, Patel was unavailable for comment on the alleged misuse of government resources because he had mistakenly stood on the wrong side of the jet’s turbine and been sucked into the engine. The post Kash Patel Under Fire For Using FBI Jet To Blow-Dry Hair appeared first on The Onion.

SAO PAULO (AP) — As soccer fans prepare for the World Cup, a jersey worn by one of the sport's most iconic players is heading to auction.The late Pelé’s match-worn, number 10 shirt from the 1958 World Cup final will be up for an online auction between June 29 and July 16, Sotheby's said Tuesday. “This is the garment worn by one of the greatest footballers in history on the night his reign began,” Brahm Wachter, head of Sotheby’s modern collectables, said in a statement.The jersey is the one Pelé wore in his first World Cup final. Edson Arantes do Nascimento — aka Pelé — was 17 years old when he scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 win against hosts Sweden at the Rasunda Stadium in Stockholm. He remains the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final. Pelé, who died at age 82 in December 2022 of colon cancer, gifted the handmade shirt after the final to his roommate and teammate, Dida. It remained with Dida’s family for decades before being housed in a Brazilian museum and eventually acquired by its current owner, who remains anonymous, in 2004.The Brazilian legend’s first goal in that final was one of the World Cup’s best ever, according to fans and players alike. He controlled the ball with his chest, flicked it over a Swedish defender, and scored. The second came near the end of the match with a header.Pelé went on to win his third World Cup title in 1970 in Mexico, one of the three hosts of the tournament with the United States and Canada. The same Azteca Stadium that saw him as a champion back then will host the opening game of this year's World Cup, with Mexico taking on South Africa.The auction period also includes a public exhibition starting July 1 at Sotheby’s Breuer building in New York.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup