Mining has been the lifeblood of this remote Congolese hill town for decades. Now, it is fueling the spread of a devastating outbreak.

A three-judge panel will consider whether a lower court erred in ordering construction stopped until President Trump secured the support of Congress.

Fearing a loss of influence, groups linked to the Kremlin and intelligence agencies have sought to discredit the country’s prime minister.

DES MOINES, IA—Joining a long line of musicians who have threatened legal action against the commander-in-chief, nu-metal band Slipknot issued a public statement Tuesday demanding President Donald Trump stop using their masks during his rallies. “Donald Trump’s vile, evil agenda is not at all aligned with what our terrifying masks represent,” frontman Corey Taylor wrote on X in response to a video the White House posted of Trump waving to the crowd at a rally as he walked out on stage in an expressionless gray mask covered in oozing wounds, black sutures, and dreadlocks made of rope. “We are sickened to see what is supposed to be a celebration of each band member’s inner demon being used to promote such dark and hateful rhetoric. We’ve already been in contact with our lawyers and will not hesitate to pursue all legal remedies should he use our disfigured clown masks or long-nosed gimp suits to advance his disturbing viewpoints in the future.” Taylor went on to state that the band told former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush the same thing in 2016 when he wanted to use their mutant pig boy persona to announce his presidential campaign. The post Slipknot Orders Trump To Stop Using Their Masks During Rallies appeared first on The Onion.

Shakira and Burna Boy will perform in Mexico City for the first of three opening ceremonies at the World Cup.The music stars will perform Dai Dai, the official song for the tournament, ahead of the opening game between co-host Mexico and South Africa on Thursday.FIFA has planned opening ceremonies for each host nation, with curtain-raisers ahead of games in the United States and Canada as well. World soccer’s governing body has revealed the line-up for the show in Mexico, which also includes Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla. It said more artists would be announced for the ceremonies in the U.S. and Canada.Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé headline in Toronto on June 12 ahead of Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.Later that day Katy Perry, global pop star LISA, Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema, Brazilian pop artist Anitta, and hip-hop artist Future are performing in Los Angeles before the U.S. faces Paraguay. The trio of shows is being created by Italian producer Marco Balich, who was behind the spectacular opening ceremony for this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Each show will be held about 90 minutes before kickoff.Shakira is also among headliners performing at a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the World Cup final along with Madonna and boy band BTS.Diana Ross performed at the opening ceremony in Chicago when the World Cup was last held in the U.S. in 1994 and famously missed a penalty kick as part of the show. The song Dai Dai aims to raise $100 million in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. ___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Carolina Panthers are coming out of another great offseason, where they added some top free agents in areas of need and pieced together a strong draft class. And if all continues to go to plan, then quarterback Bryce Young—in perhaps the most important storyline of their upcoming campaign—should take the next step in his development en route to an NFC South title defense.But nothing in the NFL is guaranteed. What if Young gets injured early on? Or what if he, like in 2024, completely falters and leaves head coach Dave Canales with a tough choice to make under center?In that case, ESPN may have a good Plan B for them. San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones has been listed among their early candidates to be moved at the NFL's 2026 deadline.Insider Dan Graziano writes:The 27-year-old former first-round pick started eight games for the Niners last season in relief of an injured Brock Purdy. San Francisco won five of those games, which means he helped get the team to the playoffs in one of the all-time toughest divisions and in spite of massive injury issues elsewhere on the roster. Jones posted career highs in completion percentage (69.6) and QBR (62.3) in 2025. He's in the final year of his contract and would cost an acquiring team $3.15 million in 2026.Jones looked awful, at times, early in his career with the New England Patriots—but he was a pleasant surprise last season with the 49ers. He wound up going 5-3 with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a career-best 97.4 passer rating.For a backup you're not going to find better production, and Jones would be a dramatic upgrade over either Kenny Pickett or Will Grier for the spot behind Young.Of course ,it's probably worth mentioning that the 49ers have made it known they have no intention of trading Jones. That means any potential offer will have to wow them in order to pry Jones away.It's worth a conversation, though—because Jones could not only fill in as an excellent backup, but he might also have the potential to replace Young as a starter if Carolina is forced into that route. He is still young at 27 years old, has 57 career starts under his belt and seems to be getting better with time.Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 49ers QB Mac Jones could be Plan B for Panthers if Bryce Young fails

Arsenal 18yo makes international debut before his senior club debutCeadach O’Neill has made his Northern Ireland debut before making his first senior appearance for Arsenal, playing in a friendly win over Guinea on Thursday.Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill is yet to make a first-team appearance for his club, with his appearances on the bench for FA Cup matches against Wigan Athletic and Southampton being the closest he’s come.O’Neill was arguably not even an u21 player this season, making most of his appearances for the Arsenal u18s.But it’s a different story internationally, with the young forward making his senior international debut for Northern Ireland on Thursday night.Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesO’Neill came off the bench for Northern Ireland for 26 minutes against Guinea, helping his team’s 10 men to see out a 1-0 victory. He may get another chance next week, when his team play another friendly against France on June 8th.The teenager had a busy season with the Arsenal academy, playing across various levels.For the u18s, the forward scored 11 goals and assisted one in just 16 appearances, an excellent return. He also scored two and assisted one in four games for the underperforming u19s in the UEFA Youth League.O’Neill’s u21 minutes were more limited, but he scored two goals and assisted one in his seven starts. He’ll likely be an u21 starter next season, after ageing out of u18 football.Photo via O’Neill on InstagramNorthern Ireland have had a lot of luck with Arsenal youth products in the past, with Dan Ballard previously breaking into the senior national team whilst still with the Gunners academy. O’Neill is now the latest player to follow that same pathway.

2026-27 Serie A fixture release: start time, criteria and where to watch live streamingThe 2026-27 Serie A campaign takes shape today with the fixture list for the new season released at 18:30 CET: here’s all you need to know.Lega Serie A will announce the fixtures for the 2026-27 campaign today during the Festival della Serie A at the Teatro Regio in Parma.Dates and kick-off times will be announced in the coming weeks, but Serie A fans can get their first glimpse of the new season, which is scheduled to start on the weekend of August 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2027.The only two midweek rounds are scheduled for October 28 and Wednesday, January 6, 2027, while there will be no games on the weekend of December 27. The four international breaks are scheduled for September 27, October 4, November 15, and March 28.REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 01: Keep Racism Out logo is seen prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Udinese Calcio at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 01, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)2026-27 Serie A fixture release – where to watch liveThe Serie A fixture release will be streamed live by the Lega Serie A YouTube channel and Radio Tv Serie A, starting at 18:30 CET (17:30 BST).Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.On Thursday, Lega Serie A announced a multi-year partnership with Fastbreak AI “to deliver a smarter, more efficient season structure that better accounts for club needs and preferences while optimising the placement of marquee matchups throughout the calendar.”Monza, Frosinone and Venezia have earned promotion to Serie A, while Pisa, Verona and Cremonese dropped to Serie B in 2025-26.2026-27 Serie A fixture release criteria*Starting from the 2026/2027 Season, September and October FIFA international windows will be merged into a single break with four dates for international matches. Consequently, Serie A will be suspended on Sunday 27 September 2026 and Sunday 4 October 2026.ASYMMETRY: The order of matches in the first leg will differ from the second leg.8 MATCHDAYS: A minimum interval of eight matchdays separating home and away fixtures against the same opponent will be guaranteed.ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)MIDWEEK ROUNDS: Two midweek rounds are scheduled in the 2026/2027 Serie A Season: MD 9 (28 October) and MD 18 (6 January).DERBIES: All derby fixtures will be scheduled on different matchdays and will not take place on MD 1, MD 9 (midweek round), nor MD 38.MATCHES BETWEEN CLUBS PARTICIPATING IN UEFA COMPETITIONS: Clubs participating in the UEFA Champions League will not face Clubs participating in the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League on MD 7, 21, 25, 28, 31 and 34, as these fall between UEFA “back-to-back” matchdays. This restriction also applies to MD 4 for Clubs participating in the UEFA Europa League only.HOME AND AWAY ALTERNATION: Mandatory alternation of home and away matches will apply to the following pairs of Clubs: INTER-MILAN, LAZIO-ROMA, JUVENTUS-TORINO.*via LegaSerieA

Rodri addresses Real Madrid agreement claim by presidential candidate Enrique RiquelmeEnrique Riquelme has claimed Rodri “will play for Real Madrid” if he wins presidential electionRodri has maintained he will only address Man City future after the FIFA World CupSpanish midfielder into the final year of his Man City contract amid renewal talksRodri has responded to Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme’s bold claims about his future, insisting all decisions on where he plays his football will wait until after the FIFA World Cup.Riquelme has publicly declared this week that “a player like Rodri will play for Real Madrid” should he win the June 7 presidential election, repeating the claim on multiple occasions and insisting Manchester City “should be respected” in any negotiations.Rodri is into the final year of his current Manchester City contract, with Fabrizio Romano having reported that the midfielder is seeking a better financial offer than what the club has currently tabled – adding further complexity to a situation that director of football Hugo Viana will need to resolve before it reaches the point of no return.“I understand” – Rodri issues fresh update on Manchester City futureRodri: Everything related to my future will have to waitSpeaking ahead of Spain‘s opening fixtures at the marquee tournament, Rodri addressed the speculation surrounding his Manchester City future, declining to be drawn on the transfer noise while making his immediate priorities clear.“I’m here to speak about the World Cup. Everything related to my future, will have to wait until after the World Cup,” Rodri said, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.The 29-year-old has previously said that he “understood” the situation surrounding his contract while refusing to elaborate further – and suggested that his City future might look different were it not for the World Cup – a comment that will not have gone unnoticed at the Etihad Stadium.Could Rodri join Real Madrid this summer?Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri is long-standing and genuine, predating the current election campaign by several years.Whether Riquelme or Florentino Perez wins on June 7, the appetite in the Spanish capital for the world’s best holding midfielder is not going away.Rodri has given nothing away publicly but the clock on his City contract is ticking, and a resolution now appears unlikely before the World Cup concludes in mid-July.

The stars of “Giant,” “Fallen Angels,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Ragtime” and more prove they’ll go to great lengths to be believable in a role.

Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defense minister, said in an interview that European nations should forge a new joint defense system and take greater responsibility for their own security.

James Murdoch says acquiring New York magazine and Vox has nothing to do with his father. But in some ways, it’s a tribute.

The full impact of graduating into this hiring downturn will not come into focus for years, and much remains uncertain, especially about A.I.’s role.

Stephen Hanson, whose empire included Blue Water Grill and Ruby Foo’s, performed an array of tasks, including arranging jobs, visas and entertainment for women.

In a league that is constantly evolving, where teams like the Detroit Lions are regularly amending their rosters, nothing stays the same. Penei Sewell can attest to that.“Every year we talk about a different year,” he said Thursday, June 4. “But this one’s kind of … a lot different.”The offensive line Sewell now anchors bears no resemblance to the starting unit he joined upon entering the NFL five seasons ago. Sewell, rather remarkably, is the last member of that 2021 group still on the team. But even he has been uprooted to some extent after the All-Pro tackle was asked to flip from the right side to the left, where he will take over for Taylor Decker and serve as Jared Goff’s blindside protector.The move has been anticipated since the end of last season, when Decker began to publicly contemplate retirement and cast his own future in doubt. The organization, though, wasn’t ready to commit to it.More: Two new additions could help give Lions star Aidan Hutchinson a breakBut when Decker was granted his release in March and free agent Larry Borom was signed shortly thereafter, the writing was on the wall. Lions coach Dan Campbell didn’t deny it, telling reporters at the NFL annual meeting that he wanted Sewell to make the switch. Then, in April, the Lions gave the final confirmation it was happening when they used their first-round pick to draft Clemson’s Blake Miller.Miller, after all, played almost exclusively on the right side during his college career.Sewell, in contrast, was once a standout left tackle at Oregon and seemed destined to play the position in the pros. As a rookie, he did by happenstance, starting the first eight games of the 2021 season after Decker suffered a serious finger injury just before the opener. But when Decker returned to the lineup, Sewell transferred back over to the opposite end. Notwithstanding a two-game stretch in 2023, he remained there for the next 4½ seasons. Over that period, he blossomed into one of the NFL’s top blockers, earning four straight Pro Bowl invitations.“I think he’s one of the best who ever did it,” Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew said.So, if anyone could handle a mid-career role change without suffering a drop off in performance, the Lions were confident it was Sewell.In their eyes, he had the necessary athleticism, work ethic and know-how to make a smooth transition.LOOK OUT: Last season's bitter end has Detroit Lions 'hungry' again“It'll be like riding a bike for him,” Campbell said. “Will it be things he'll have to learn? Yeah, of course there will be. But I mean he has played left. That's muscle memory. He played a lot of left in college and for us for those in '21, those first few games. And he still took reps at left even over the last five years, so that'll be seamless. That'll be seamless. Sewell can do it all.”That may be true. But even Sewell understands this task won’t be easy. He’ll have to rewire himself by mirroring the movements he had become so accustomed to carrying out in recent years. That will require him to reverse his stance and push off a different leg.“It is what it is,” he said.Standing in front of a throng of reporters after the Lions completed their sixth organized team activity, Sewell didn’t divulge much about his big move. But it could have major consequences going forward for one of the team’s most valuable players: Jahmyr Gibbs. After backfield sidekick David Montgomery was shipped off to Houston this past winter, the speedy ball carrier became the team’s de facto “bell cow,” as Campbell put it.“He really became more of that last year, but we're going to hang our hat on him quite a bit,” the Lions coach continued. “We expect him to have a big year for us.”To get where the Lions want him to go, there is a good chance Gibbs will have to follow Sewell and adjust along with him. In his first three seasons in the league, Gibbs’ yards per carry average was 15% higher when he took the ball to the right side versus the left, according to Pro Football Reference. His touchdown-to-rush attempt ratio was also markedly better. In the vicinity where Sewell generally operated – over right tackle, right guard and right end – the Lions’ ground offense experienced far more success last season than it did when traversing the exact same three lanes on the opposite side of the line. The difference – a whopping 2.27 yards per carry – was stark, according to Pro Football Focus.“I didn’t know that,” Gibbs said.But he is certainly aware of Sewell’s impact and his reputation as the premier run blocker in the NFL.Everyone is.At a time when the offensive line is integrating at least two new starters, Sewell’s shift to left tackle is among the most consequential changes the Lions made this offseason.The Lions are counting on him being the same player he was on the right side.There is no reason to believe he won’t be, they say.“Penei,” Goff said, “will be fine.”Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com. Follow him @RainerSabin on X.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions losing no sleep over Penei Sewell's move to left tackle

In a league that is constantly evolving, where teams like the Detroit Lions are regularly amending their rosters, nothing stays the same. Penei Sewell can attest to that.“Every year we talk about a different year,” he said Thursday, June 4. “But this one’s kind of … a lot different.”The offensive line Sewell now anchors bears no resemblance to the starting unit he joined upon entering the NFL five seasons ago. Sewell, rather remarkably, is the last member of that 2021 group still on the team. But even he has been uprooted to some extent after the All-Pro tackle was asked to flip from the right side to the left, where he will take over for Taylor Decker and serve as Jared Goff’s blindside protector.The move has been anticipated since the end of last season, when Decker began to publicly contemplate retirement and cast his own future in doubt. The organization, though, wasn’t ready to commit to it.More: Two new additions could help give Lions star Aidan Hutchinson a breakBut when Decker was granted his release in March and free agent Larry Borom was signed shortly thereafter, the writing was on the wall. Lions coach Dan Campbell didn’t deny it, telling reporters at the NFL annual meeting that he wanted Sewell to make the switch. Then, in April, the Lions gave the final confirmation it was happening when they used their first-round pick to draft Clemson’s Blake Miller.Miller, after all, played almost exclusively on the right side during his college career.Sewell, in contrast, was once a standout left tackle at Oregon and seemed destined to play the position in the pros. As a rookie, he did by happenstance, starting the first eight games of the 2021 season after Decker suffered a serious finger injury just before the opener. But when Decker returned to the lineup, Sewell transferred back over to the opposite end. Notwithstanding a two-game stretch in 2023, he remained there for the next 4½ seasons. Over that period, he blossomed into one of the NFL’s top blockers, earning four straight Pro Bowl invitations.“I think he’s one of the best who ever did it,” Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew said.So, if anyone could handle a mid-career role change without suffering a drop off in performance, the Lions were confident it was Sewell.In their eyes, he had the necessary athleticism, work ethic and know-how to make a smooth transition.LOOK OUT: Last season's bitter end has Detroit Lions 'hungry' again“It'll be like riding a bike for him,” Campbell said. “Will it be things he'll have to learn? Yeah, of course there will be. But I mean he has played left. That's muscle memory. He played a lot of left in college and for us for those in '21, those first few games. And he still took reps at left even over the last five years, so that'll be seamless. That'll be seamless. Sewell can do it all.”That may be true. But even Sewell understands this task won’t be easy. He’ll have to rewire himself by mirroring the movements he had become so accustomed to carrying out in recent years. That will require him to reverse his stance and push off a different leg.“It is what it is,” he said.Standing in front of a throng of reporters after the Lions completed their sixth organized team activity, Sewell didn’t divulge much about his big move. But it could have major consequences going forward for one of the team’s most valuable players: Jahmyr Gibbs. After backfield sidekick David Montgomery was shipped off to Houston this past winter, the speedy ball carrier became the team’s de facto “bell cow,” as Campbell put it.“He really became more of that last year, but we're going to hang our hat on him quite a bit,” the Lions coach continued. “We expect him to have a big year for us.”To get where the Lions want him to go, there is a good chance Gibbs will have to follow Sewell and adjust along with him. In his first three seasons in the league, Gibbs’ yards per carry average was 15% higher when he took the ball to the right side versus the left, according to Pro Football Reference. His touchdown-to-rush attempt ratio was also markedly better. In the vicinity where Sewell generally operated – over right tackle, right guard and right end – the Lions’ ground offense experienced far more success last season than it did when traversing the exact same three lanes on the opposite side of the line. The difference – a whopping 2.27 yards per carry – was stark, according to Pro Football Focus.“I didn’t know that,” Gibbs said.But he is certainly aware of Sewell’s impact and his reputation as the premier run blocker in the NFL.Everyone is.At a time when the offensive line is integrating at least two new starters, Sewell’s shift to left tackle is among the most consequential changes the Lions made this offseason.The Lions are counting on him being the same player he was on the right side.There is no reason to believe he won’t be, they say.“Penei,” Goff said, “will be fine.”Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com. Follow him @RainerSabin on X.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions losing no sleep over Penei Sewell's move to left tackle

OKLAHOMA CITY — Minutes before Texas Tech and Texas touched off the Women’s College World Series finals Wednesday, Red Raiders coach Gerry Glasco told ESPN’s Holly Rowe, “Everything we’ve built in the last year-and-a half has been for this moment, and I believe we’re ready.”Barely 24 hours later, with Tech down 1-0 in the series but clinging to a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth, shortstop Hailey Toney fielded a sharp grounder to her right, pivoted to make the easy throw to third base to get out of the inning — and missed wildly. Two runners scored, ruining Tech ace Nijaree Canady’s shutout.Two innings later, after falling behind 3-1, two Texas Tech fielders let an easy foul ball down the third base line drop between them. Three batters after that, right fielder Lauren Allred couldn’t glove an incoming line drive, resulting in another run to make it 4-1. Even her relay throw to second base was bobbled.A year ago, Tech was a Cinderella that made it all the way to the final night of the season before succumbing to Texas. This time, Glasco’s loaded group of all-star transfers was the preseason No. 1 team and yet missed out on a national championship to Texas again, this time one night short of the final night of the season.The 2026 Red Raiders — which may have been the most expensive non-revenue team of the NIL era — were not ready.“Anyone that understands our sport knows that you can’t buy a championship,” said the coach who so many softball fans have accused of trying to buy a championship.Kentucky men’s basketball, Texas football and a bunch of other big-spending non-champions in other sports would concur with Glasco.Texas Tech became the villains of its sport for attempting to elevate the previously forlorn program the way so many football and basketball programs have rebuilt theirs: By shelling out dollars to upgrade their rosters. No one knows exactly how much Texas Tech spent, just that it’s well more than anyone else. In a sport where a small handful of players make even $100,000, the Red Raiders had a lineup full of players making well north of that, led by seven-figure pitcher Canady.It wasn’t just the dollar figures that irked folks; it was the alleged tampering. The softball establishment was so offended by their tactics — Tennessee coach Karen Weekly told The Athletic last month that ex-Lady Vol Taylor Pannell signed a deal with Tech during last season — that Power 4 teams refused to play them in non-conference games.While all that controversy was great for the TV ratings — not to mention sportswriters — it put an enormous target on Texas Tech players’ backs. Their entire NCAA tournament run was an adventure, from having to rally from down 8-0 in the seventh inning against Ole Miss in the Regionals to a 10-2 loss at Florida in the Super Regionals (and Florida’s pitchers plunking ex-Gator Mia Williams five times in three games) to an extra-inning loss to Tennessee in their second WCWS game, followed by an extra-inning win against UCLA the next night.They snapped out of it in time to sweep a two-game semifinal against No. 1 seed Alabama, capped by a vintage Canady complete-game shutout, but still, Tech’s lineup of four .400-plus hitters, eight players with double-digit home runs and two All-American pitchers, felt a bit … off, this entire postseason.It may be that no one would have gotten hits off Texas’s history-making pitcher, Teagan Kavan, in this series. But as the wheels came off late in Game 2, with Canady allowing a seventh-inning home run to Texas’s Kayden Henry, followed by all those fielding miscues, one wondered whether the burden of being the bad guys finally did them in.“I don’t know if (we were) rattled or we just (weren’t) prepared for the pressure,” said Glasco, “but there were plays we should make that we didn’t.”Glasco and his players insisted that finishing as the national runner-up again does not qualify as a disappointment. (“Only if you’re naive and don’t understand the difficulty of the sport … did you think this is disappointing,” said Glasco.) His biggest regret, though, was not being able to win a national championship for Canady.The two-time National Pitcher of the Year, winning in 2024 at Stanford and ’25 at Texas Tech, elevated not just two programs, but also her entire sport — through her blistering rise balls and trademark “NiJa Stomp” after big strikeouts. But even she seemed off for much of her final college season.LIGHT THE TOWER 🤘🏆 pic.twitter.com/MHNricHLi5— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) June 5, 2026Canady, who sat out Tech’s fall practices/scrimmages to recover from last year’s heavy load, had ridiculous ERAs of 0.57, 0.65 and 1.11 her first three seasons. That number rose to 1.87 as a senior, hurt by a turbulent postseason in which she allowed 10 home runs in 12 NCAA tournament appearances. Last year, she allowed 13 the entire season.“I feel like this whole year has been hard,” she said after Thursday’s game. “Me and (pitching coach) Tara (Archibald) were kind of looking at the stats of other pitchers, and it was an offensive-heavy year. I think that contributed a lot to it.”But that didn’t seem to affect her Texas nemesis, Kavan, who became the first repeat WCWS Most Outstanding Player by allowing just four earned runs in 26.1 innings.Canady, who last month became the No. 2 pick in the AUSL draft, will still leave a massive legacy in her wake, even if her four WCWS trips ended without a trophy. “I don’t think someone’s whole career is defined by a National Championship,” she said.Much like in football, the end of the season runs up against the start of the transfer portal. It officially opens Monday, but several standouts across the country have already announced they’re entering. The buzz in the Devon Park press box this week was that there’s about to be a whole lot more.Texas Tech is no longer the only softball school opening its wallet.The Red Raiders themselves return most of their lineup in 2027, but many assume they’ll go all in again to find a replacement for Canady. The question is, will their billionaire benefactors be so quick to write checks this time after coming up short again.Glasco seemed to indicate … yes.“Our investors are beyond thrilled with where we’re at,” he said after Thursday’s loss. “The families and the businesses that are supporting (us), they’re elated … they couldn’t (have) imagined what we did happening 24 months ago.”Perhaps those investors aren’t ready to stop chasing a championship just yet.If only they could guarantee a return.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Texas Tech Lady Raiders, Texas Longhorns, College Sports, Women's College Sports2026 The Athletic Media Company

Far from its European heartland, Bosnia and Herzegovina is poised for its second World Cup appearance, buoyed by an unexpectedly fervent fanbase in the American Midwest. St Louis, Missouri, home to an estimated 60,000-70,000 Bosnians who largely arrived in the early 1990s fleeing the Bosnian War and the dissolution of Yugoslavia, is set to become a temporary epicentre of national pride.The team will face Panama in an international friendly this Saturday at St Louis' Energizer Park, before heading to North American venues for their World Cup group matches against Canada in Toronto, Switzerland in Los Angeles, and Qatar in Seattle. "We should be able to create an atmosphere like a home match," remarked Elvir Kafedžić, a Bosnia-born St Louisan and assistant coach for the city’s MLS team, St Louis City SC.Kafedžić’s own journey mirrors that of many in the community. He was just nine-and-a-half when he fled Bosnia in 1992 with his mother and brothers. "Unfortunately, I remember a lot of it," he said, recalling a meandering path through Montenegro, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Germany. Their temporary protection in Germany ended in the late 1990s, prompting a move to St Louis in 1999 where relatives had already settled. "We didn’t have anywhere to go back to in Bosnia," he explained.Bosnia will be playing in just their second World Cup (Getty)Bosnia secured their World Cup spot two months ago, dramatically defeating four-time champions Italy 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The decisive penalty was converted by Esmir Bajraktarević, a Bosnian-American from Appleton, Wisconsin. The qualification sparked jubilant scenes in St Louis. "That day you could see cars flying Bosnian flags in the streets," Kafedžić recounted. "All the restaurants, all the coffee shops were packed wall-to-wall with strangers hugging each other. For me, this goes beyond soccer. This shows who we are, the pride, where we come from and how deeply we’re connected to our roots."The national squad is led by 40-year-old captain Edin Džeko, who has scored over 50 goals across the English Premier League, Italy’s Serie A, and the German Bundesliga, alongside 18-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegović. Bosnia’s only previous World Cup appearance was in Brazil in 2014, where they were narrowly eliminated in the group stage. Their first World Cup goal was scored by Vedad Ibišević in a 2-1 loss to Argentina – a player who honed his skills in St Louis high school football, starred at Saint Louis University, and went on to a successful professional career, primarily in the Bundesliga.St Louis emerged as a haven for Bosnian refugees due to its job opportunities, affordable housing, and an existing small community. "We all came looking for a better life because everything was taken away from us at home," Kafedžić stated. "You can’t put in words how thankful we are." A vibrant section of the city’s South Side is now affectionately known as "Little Bosnia”, characterised by neat rows of red-brick houses, bustling bars, cafes, and bakeries, and a replica wooden fountain, the Sebilj, mirroring one in Sarajevo. "It represents Sarajevo in the heart," said Jasmina Silić, working at the Skala Bar on Gravois Avenue, a central artery of the community.Just doors away from Skala Bar stands the "Association of Survivors of the Srebrenica Genocide”, a stark reminder of the war’s atrocities and the ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Bosnian Serb forces. More than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims perished in Srebrenica, an event declared a genocide by the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. The war claimed an estimated 104,000 lives, displaced two million, with 83 per cent of civilian deaths being Bosnian Muslims.The Bosnian imprint extends across St Louis, a metropolitan area of nearly three million. The MLS stadium’s best-selling food comes from a Bosnian restaurant, the "Balkan Treat Box”, while Saint Louis University hosts the Center for Bosnian Studies. Books like "Bosnian St. Louis: Between Two Worlds" by Patrick McCarthy and Akif Cogo document the diaspora’s story of tragedy, resilience, and enduring ties to Europe. "One woman in St. Louis still carries the keys to her house in Bosnia," they wrote. "Another man describes his feelings toward Bosnia as a divorce he did not want from a woman he still loves."Before the war, Bosnia was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, predominantly Muslim but with significant Croatian Roman Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Christian populations. This diverse heritage binds the World Cup team, making it a powerful symbol of pride and reconciliation. "A lot of people from here go to Bosnia every year to see families," Silić noted. "The team represents unity because it’s all three religions and everybody is one like it used to be when it was still Yugoslavia."

Glasgow Warriors captain Kyle Steyn is expecting another tough battle with Bulls [SNS]In a campaign where Glasgow Warriors have at times looked like redefining what is possible for a Scottish side, it seems unthinkable they could end the season empty handed.Trophies have to be earned, however, and Warriors know from previous experience this season that for all the hard work and fantastic wins that lay a path to glory, one off-day can bring your challenge to an abrupt halt.After a perfect four bonus-point wins from four Champions Cup pool stage matches - including thrilling victories over Toulouse and Saracens - and a gritty win over the Bulls in the last 16, Warriors were fancied to take care of Toulon at home to secure a first European semi-final in the club's history.The French giants had other ideas and edged a tight, attritional affair to end Glasgow's European adventure.It was a loss that seemed to knock Franco Smith's side off course. In the aftermath, two chastening United Rugby Championship defeats in South Africa by the Lions and the Stormers left Warriors in a slump that threatened to consume their season."Up until then, it had been a really strong season for us. We probably hadn't run into too much trouble," Glasgow wing Kyle Steyn told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast."Rugby is pretty good at that, it brings you back down to earth pretty quickly. Those three weeks definitely did."I was really proud of the fact that the group didn't really overreact. We knew that it's that old cliche saying, you're never as good as you are when you win and you're never as bad as you are when you lose."Having been through that before in seasons and understanding that it is a long season and things like this happen, it's about how do you refocus as quickly as possible?"Bulls overpower Munster to reach URC semi-finalsGlasgow battle past Connacht to reach URC semi-finals'Glasgow are not number one for nothing'Excellent wins over Cardiff and Ulster steadied the ship and secured top spot in the URC table. Last weekend's quarter-final win against a gritty Connacht side was excellent preparation for a semi-final against the Bulls at Murrayfield on Saturday.Once again thoughts are drifting towards what victory would bring - a final back at the national stadium on 20 June.Anyone who has seen the Bulls in action lately will not be taking that for granted. Their impressive 45-14 dismantling of Munster in the quarter-final was their seventh URC win on the spin.They are the league leaders for tries and points scored. Back-row Jeandre Rudolph tops the turnover charts with 20, while scrum-half Embrose Papier, second in the try-scoring charts with 11, has been named the best South African player in the league this season.Something of a rivalry has built up between these sides in recent times, but the mutual respect is clear."Glasgow is so clinical," Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann said after his side's win over Munster."They defend very well and don't make it easy for you. They are an all-round, highly skilled attacking team. That's why we have to be better."Glasgow are not the number one side for nothing. They are one of the best attacking teams, one of the best set-piece teams and one of the best defensive teams."We just have to find a way to win."Will Murrayfield switch suit the Bulls?Putting one over on Glasgow on Scottish soil would be sweet for the Bulls given their previous knockout defeats at the hands of the Warriors, not least that famous night in Pretoria that sealed the URC title in June 2024.The South Africans will surely relish the switch to Murrayfield. The Glasgow commercial team will move heaven and earth to shift as many tickets as possible, but the stadium will be far from full and less intimidating than the atmosphere generated at a packed Scotstoun.Moving away from the plastic pitch to a more natural surface will surely be welcomed by a side whose scrum power is central to their game. The Bulls may just feel the change of stadium could strip Glasgow of some of their aura."I'm not really too bothered about how they see it," said Warriors captain Steyn, who scored two tries in a player of the match performance against Connacht."The challenge is going to be there anyway and it's a semi-final. We've obviously come up against them twice this season and they've both been really physical, really tight games and we're expecting nothing less."We love Scotstoun. If you gave us an opportunity to play there, we'd take it every time. We also really thrive on the opportunity for rugby in Glasgow to grow and to get more fans into a stadium and to have opportunities like that. We've really loved the opportunity to be at Hampden in the past couple of years for the 1872 game."Now we've got Murrayfield, we're just really excited about that. We're really hoping that we can do whatever we can to pump the ticket sales and hopefully get Glasgow, Edinburgh, Scottish rugby fans, everybody in there. "To have more of these big games in Scotland, we hope can only be a good thing for any aspiring young Scottish kid that wants to play rugby, boy or girl. The more games of this kind of scale that we can get in the country, the better."

North Dakota state Rep. Eric Murphy at home planning a day of canvassing in his Grand Forks district. Murphy, an incumbent Republican, faces a contested primary election from conservative challengers after he introduced a bill to expand abortion access last year. Dan Koeck for ProPublica If Eric Murphy loses his primary election on June 9, he believes he already knows one reason why. Last year, the North Dakota state representative, a Republican, tried to expand the window of pregnancy in which women could access abortion. The state legislature had banned it for almost everyone from the moment of conception. Tied up in court, the ban hadn’t yet gone into effect. But Murphy wanted to lock in a less restrictive law, making abortion accessible up to 15 weeks and even later for women whose doctors deemed it a medical necessity. To convince his fellow legislators, he read out loud from two ProPublica stories about women in Texas who died without lifesaving care. “Physicians felt compelled to follow the law,” he said in a hearing, “and both women died so that an inane law could be followed.” A conservative colleague had warned him not to file the bill, Murphy told ProPublica, recalling the man’s words: “I can no longer protect you from who’s going to come after you.” There was some truth to that sentiment. At least four Republican state lawmakers who challenged severe abortion restrictions lost support from anti-abortion groups and key party allies and went on to lose primary elections, ProPublica found. The blueprint in those races was remarkably similar. Opponents either embraced stricter abortion policies or avoided the issue altogether. Anti-abortion organizations campaigned against the incumbents, party endorsements shifted to their opponents and activists worked to turn out voters in low-participation primary elections. In some of the races ProPublica examined, lawmakers who replaced abortion-ban reformers went on to support even stricter abortion legislation. In South Carolina, for instance, two new senators supported a bill to eliminate almost all exceptions to the state’s abortion ban. One provision of the bill would send women convicted of illegally terminating their pregnancies to jail. Murphy is one of at least two Republican state lawmakers now facing a contested primary after trying to modify their states’ abortion restrictions. Richard Briggs, a state senator from Tennessee, is also fighting to keep his seat. In 2019, Briggs voted for the state’s so-called trigger law — a ban that would snap into place if the federal right to abortion was ever overturned. But he had second thoughts after that actually happened. A cardiothoracic surgeon, Briggs realized the newly activated law didn’t provide adequate protections for patients having medical complications. “As a medical doctor, I drew the line,” he said in an interview. He introduced bills for a clearer medical exception and protection for doctors who intervened in cases where a fatal fetal anomaly risked the mother’s health. The latter bill failed and now serves as ammunition for the challenger vying for his seat in the state’s Aug. 6 primary. “My opponent consistently works to weaken Tennessee’s pro life laws,” Kent Morrell says on his campaign website, noting that Tennessee Right to Life had revoked its endorsement of Briggs. Murphy, who teaches biomedical sciences at the University of North Dakota’s medical school, ultimately did not succeed at reforming the state’s ban. His bill failed 87-6, and the state Supreme Court later reinstated the original ban, which forbids abortion from conception, with exceptions for rape and incest up to six weeks and to save the life of the mother. Murphy discusses campaign issues with retired teacher Deb Stahlberg at her home in Grand Forks. Dan Koeck for ProPublica The first time Murphy ran for election, his county’s Republican Party had endorsed him. Not this time. Instead, the party endorsed his two challengers, including Jill Chandler, the executive director of a “crisis pregnancy center” who believes abortion should be banned from conception. She told ProPublica she happened to be present in the committee room when Murphy made the case for his bill. “To know that he was an endorsed Republican candidate from my district and one that I had voted for because of that endorsement was eye-opening,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘This can never happen again.’” It was not the first time either Briggs or Murphy had taken positions that aggravated members of their parties in legislatures that have taken sharp turns to the right. Murphy voted against book bans and private school vouchers. Briggs had urged the public to get COVID-19 shots and has said that medical expertise should trump politics in decisions that involve public health. Briggs expressed confidence in his election chances; he feels that voters agree with the decisions he’s made and noted that his Republican colleague, Sen. Becky Duncan Massey, survived a primary challenge over her support for abortion-ban exceptions. Murphy believes the “silent majority” supports the intent of his abortion bill, but primary races historically have low turnout. It could come down to a handful of votes, he said. “I might lose an election over this,” Murphy said, “but would I rather win an election by not doing the right thing?” The Fallen Reformers As a Republican state representative in Louisiana, Mary DuBuisson sought legislation that would make sure victims of rape and incest could terminate their pregnancies, and she also sponsored a bill that would have allowed women whose pregnancies were not viable to end them. She ended up losing a primary runoff. Melinda Deslatte/AP Photo Mary DuBuisson, a former state Republican representative in a suburb outside of New Orleans, considers herself passionately “pro-life.” Like Briggs, she voted for her state’s near-total abortion ban in 2019. Three years later, just before Louisiana’s trigger law was implemented, it came before the legislature again. Recognizing that women would now have to live under the restriction, DuBuisson wanted to make sure victims of rape and incest could terminate their pregnancies. When her colleagues refused to include those exceptions, she became the only Republican to vote against the ban. A year later, she caused a stir when she sponsored a bill that would have allowed women whose pregnancies were not viable to end them. “To force a woman to carry to term with zero chance of survival is heartless and cruel,” she said at the time. She didn’t feel it would be controversial. Other Republican women in the House told her she was doing the right thing. But when it was time to vote, another female Republican state lawmaker made a motion that ultimately succeeded at killing the bill in committee. “I mean, I just couldn’t understand,” she said of all her colleagues. “What if this was you, your daughter or granddaughter?” When she came up for reelection, her primary opponent latched onto her record. Brian Glorioso was an attorney she had handily defeated in 2018. He called her proposed legislation a leftist attempt to circumvent the state’s abortion ban and said any “pro-abortion” doctor would falsely deem a pregnancy nonviable in records just to perform the procedure. She beat him in the Oct. 14, 2023, primary by 384 votes — not enough to avoid a runoff. Then, he got some extra support. On Oct. 16, Louisiana Right to Life told its followers this runoff was key. Glorioso was expected to have a 100% “pro-life” voting record, while DuBuisson’s was 77%. On Oct. 27, the state’s new governor-elect, Republican Jeff Landry, endorsed him, citing issues other than abortion; he wouldn’t tell ProPublica whether DuBuisson’s record on it played a role. But Landry, who had defended the state’s ban as attorney general, made clear during his campaign that he was “an unwavering defender of life, especially in the face of adversity,” citing his 100% rating from a national anti-abortion group. “I think it partially cost me my election,” DuBuisson said of her attempts to reform the ban. History repeated itself the following year, this time in South Carolina. Three state senators — all Republicans who consider themselves “pro-life” — worked across party lines to defeat an abortion bill that essentially banned the procedure from conception and eliminated rape and incest exceptions. At the time, the state allowed abortion up to 20 weeks. Sens. Sandy Senn and Penry Gustafson spoke out against limitations on abortion access for victims of rape and incest. Sen. Katrina Shealy, who had the longest tenure for a woman in the state legislature, pushed for making abortion accessible up to 12 weeks and later for exceptions in cases involving rape, incest and fatal fetal anomalies. Ultimately, a six-week window with rape, incest and fatal fetal exceptions became law. South Carolina state Sens. Sandy Senn, left, Katrina Shealy, center, and Penry Gustafson, right, show off model spines they received from Students for Life Action with a message to “get a backbone” and vote to ban abortion at six weeks. The three, nicknamed the “Sister Senators,” ended up losing their reelection bids. Jeffrey Collins/AP Photo Amid the Statehouse showdown, they were nicknamed the “Sister Senators.” All lost their county GOP’s endorsement to their male opponents. But the bigger repercussions came from anti-abortion groups that mobilized a multifront grassroots campaign against them. Students for Life Action announced that it generated “37,000 pieces of mail, almost 130,000 personal text messages, more than 51,000 phone calls and thousands of doors knocked” to unseat the trio. “All three of them got voted out — every single one of them lost because of that decision,” said Dr. Matthew Clark, the executive director of Personhood South Carolina, which believes abortion shouldn’t exist at all and that women who have them should be prosecuted for murder. Clark, an allergist and Presbyterian pastor, said his group’s desired legislation has a better chance to advance now that the Sister Senators have been replaced. Matt Leber, who beat Senn, previously co-sponsored a bill as a member of the state House that would make abortion a crime equivalent to homicide. It failed to advance, and Leber withdrew his name as a co-sponsor amid a controversy surrounding it in 2023. This legislative session, Leber and Carlisle Kennedy, who beat Shealy, supported a bill that carries misdemeanor criminal penalties for women seeking abortions, with jail time up to two years. Senate Bill 1095 passed with supermajority support out of a committee Leber sits on. The bill died before the session, but watchers of abortion restrictions noticed it got further than any other similarly repressive legislation ever has. A Fateful Disconnect Murphy speaks to a voter in Grand Forks. Dan Koeck for ProPublica The outcomes do not neatly match public polling. Surveys in states such as South Carolina and Louisiana have found that many Republican voters support at least some exceptions to abortion bans, including in cases of rape or threats to a woman’s health. But primary elections often draw only a small share of eligible voters, giving outsized influence to highly engaged activists and organized interest groups. DuBuisson’s runoff drew about one-third of registered voters. Participation in the South Carolina primaries was lower still. Some races were decided on tiny margins; Senn lost hers by 33 votes. The North Dakota GOP has moved further to the right on abortion in recent years, even as polling suggested the state’s restrictions were losing support from Republican voters. At its 2026 convention, the party passed a resolution rejecting any policies that “normalize” abortion. North Dakota is one of the few states with a multimember system, where two representatives and one senator govern together in the same district. District 43, which Murphy currently represents, is one of the only purple districts in an otherwise deeply red state. It includes part of Grand Forks, a growing college town home to the University of North Dakota. Murphy’s fellow representative, Democrat Zac Ista, told ProPublica he hadn’t been able to make a dent in this legislature. He announced he wouldn’t be seeking reelection, opening up an opportunity for a Republican takeover of the district. Ista said the lack of support rallying around Murphy is due to his position on abortion, as well as culture-war legislation he refused to support. “I think it’s illustrative of that schism, where at this district level, Republicans are really trying to sort of press the most extreme conservative opinions,” Ista said. Richard Glynn, the GOP county chair in Murphy’s district, had previously supported Murphy’s abortion bill. In written testimony, Glynn shared his experience hearing about young women performing illegal abortions when he was a freshman at the University of South Dakota in 1966. Four young women who were in sororities died from using metal hangers to terminate their pregnancies, he wrote. “These deaths were viewed as preventable if these girls could have received competent care. Unfortunately, North Dakota is going down the same path with limited access to obstetric care that negatively impacts the health of the woman,” his letter said. When reached by phone, Glynn said delegates in the county voted and Murphy had the least amount of votes, which is why he did not receive the county’s endorsement. Glynn declined to answer more questions before hanging up on a reporter. One of Murphy’s opponents, Mike Holmes, has drawn a lot of excitement — and an endorsement from Gov. Kelly Armstrong — for his expertise in energy technology and industrial development. The governor said Holmes understands “what it takes to keep North Dakota’s economy strong.” Holmes has been silent on abortion and didn’t respond to ProPublica’s requests for an interview. Chandler, who touted her “respect for life” in a campaign mailer, is favored among anti-abortion groups. “It’s a pretty stark contrast,” said Bridget Turbide, executive director of North Dakota Right to Life, who called Murphy’s proposal “the most extreme pro-choice bill we’ve ever seen.” A flyer promoting Jill Chandler, one of Murphy’s opponents, was paid for by Citizens Alliance of North Dakota, a conservative group that opposes abortion among other causes. Photo courtesy Eric Murphy Citizens Alliance of North Dakota, a conservative group that opposes abortion among other causes, paid for a mailer calling Chandler a “champion of family values.” The same group marked Murphy in “bad standing” in an online roster of legislators, questioning his alignment with North Dakota values. Murphy’s third colleague who also represents District 43, Republican State Sen. Jeff Barta, campaigned alongside him in 2022 as part of a unified Republican ticket when the primary election was uncontested. Asked about the upcoming race and the candidates, Barta pointed to Murphy’s proposal that would have expanded abortion access in North Dakota. “Last session, he introduced House Bill 1488, which created a little divide there,” Barta said. Barta said Murphy has also broken with the party on other issues. “That probably opened the door for the third candidate to run,” Barta added. Had that not happened, Murphy would have made it to the general election without having to defend his spot on the ballot. Before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, lawmakers taking such nuanced stands on abortion bans may not have risked a career death sentence, said abortion historian and law professor Mary Ziegler. “The kind of incrementalism that Eric Murphy seems to be doing is something from a bygone era, where people were more pragmatic in the movement and not punished for it,” she said. The post These Republican Lawmakers Challenged Abortion Bans. Then They Faced Backlash. appeared first on ProPublica.

Representative Adriano Espaillat and his progressive challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, have zeroed in on Harlem, traditionally hostile turf for the Democratic incumbent.

Expect wins for the musical “Schmigadoon!” and the play “Liberation,” and for the “Ragtime” stars Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy.

The agency had warned it could run out of money within months, but its regulators said suspending payments to a retirement fund had given officials more time to find a permanent solution.

England pacer Ollie Robinson created Test cricket record by becoming the first England bowler to take three wickets in the opening over of an innings, helping leave New Zealand struggling at 61/6 on a dramatic opening day of the first Test at Lord's on Thursday.Robinson, playing his first Test since February 2024, finished the day with figures of 4/10 from six overs as New Zealand ended the day still trailing England's first-innings total of 140.The conditions heavily favoured fast bowlers throughout the day. There was no spin bowling.England's batting lineup had earlier collapsed for 140 in 39.4 overs, but Robinson turned the match around immediately after taking the new ball.With the third, fifth and sixth deliveries of his spell, Robinson dismissed Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. Conway was trapped lbw, Williamson lobbed a catch to short leg and Ravindra was also dismissed lbw.“Feels a bit surreal, I couldn't have dreamt being back,” Robinson told broadcaster Sky Sports. “It was so loud. I was in a bit of a daze and just trying to focus. The crowd were amazing, it's one of the loudest I've heard them here."— englandcricket (@englandcricket) The performance capped a remarkable return for the Sussex captain. Around Christmas, Robinson believed his England career was over. He had been left out in 2024 due to concerns over fitness and attitude despite taking 76 wickets in 20 Tests. 131524422Following England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, head coach Brendon McCullum contacted Robinson at the start of the season and told him he was back in contention. Robinson responded by taking 18 wickets in the ongoing County Championship.With Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse unavailable for the opening Test, Robinson was handed the new ball and delivered immediately.“I was in a place where I never thought I'd play for England again,” he said. “To get the text from Baz (McCullum) shifted my mindset. To get back in the team, I knew the date of the first day of the test and there was a lot of work. I've tried my best to get back in the condition for today. I know there's a lot of hard work ahead.”By stumps, Robinson had bowled six overs, including three maidens, and helped put England in control.His feat also placed him alongside a small group of bowlers in Test history who have taken three wickets in their first over of an innings, as per a News18 report. Before Robinson, only six players had achieved that milestone, but no England bowler had ever done so.The first player to accomplish the feat was former Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Zoysa against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1999.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan matched it in 2006 against Pakistan in Karachi, dismissing Salman Butt, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf in the opening over.The other bowlers to take three wickets in their first over of a Test innings are Daniel Vettori, Haris Sohail, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

The Women’s College World Series field was loaded with elite pitchers. Some who will be remembered as all-time greats in the sport.NiJaree Canady, Jordy Frahm, Karlyn Pickens, Jocelyn Briski. Names that every softball fan knows.Yet when the celebratory confetti drifted to the dirt of Devon Park on Thursday night, it was Texas’ Teagan Kavan with the “National Champions” hat on her head and the Most Outstanding Player trophy in her hand — for the second year in a row.A day after pitching second-seeded Texas to a victory in the opening game of the best-of-three WCWS championship series, Kavan was asked to close Game 2. She slammed the door shut, retiring all six batters she faced, five by strikeout, including the final one that set off the championship celebration in a 4-1 win over No. 11 Texas Tech.More: Texas softball winning WCWS title is 'dream come true' for Caddo alum Jaycie Nichols“I kept telling myself in the bullpen, I was like, this is why we work so hard, for this moment, this exact moment right here, so just trust myself,” Kavan said. “But the hard work is over when you get here. It's just going out and playing free. “So I think with these girls behind me, I feel like I can do anything. That's where it comes from.”Texas coach Mike White wanted Kavan fully rested if a Game 3 was necessary. So on Thursday, he started senior Citlaly Gutierrez, who allowed just one run and bailed the Longhorns out of a bases-loaded jam with what White called “the biggest out in the whole tournament.”But after Texas took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning, Kavan began to warm up. She entered in the sixth, and the title was all but won.All of the pitchers named above, plus a couple others, came into the WCWS with better season statistics than Kavan. Lower earned-run averages. Higher strikeout rates.But there’s something about Kavan when she steps to the center of softball’s biggest stage.“Today when she came in and she smelled the win, she was not giving that up,” White said. “She was a killer. She was an assassin out there.“You've got to take your hat off to a kid like that, who can do that in this situation in those moments, with that many fans watching you and all that pressure. She felt no pressure. She just wanted to do it for her team.”More: Texas AD Chris Del Conte dishes on Longhorns softball at WCWS, Joe Castiglione friendshipKavan topped all the best in this year’s field, but she elevated herself above the greats of the sport in one unique way.She’s the first player to ever be named Most Outstanding Player of the WCWS since the award was created in 1995.None of the UCLA or Arizona legends of the late 1990s, or the Oklahoma superstars of the last decade accomplished that. “One of the elite talented pitchers,” Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said. “Every once in a while, I felt like, especially early in the middle of the year maybe, she wasn't getting the respect she probably deserved. In the postseason, she steps up so big every year.“If you know softball, you know how rare and special a talent she is.”Kavan pitched 33 ⅓ innings, finishing with a 1.47 ERA, 30 strikeouts and three walks. Of the seven games she pitched in, she earned the win in four of them, and saves in two others.Last year, she threw 31 ⅔ innings, allowing three runs (all unearned) with 18 strikeouts and six walks. Over six games, she had four wins and a save. “She's unbeatable when she is here at the World Series,” Texas catcher Reese Atwood said. “She goes out there, and she throws her absolute best games in the hardest moments to do so.”More: WCWS finals 'started with a bang' before Teagan Kavan, Texas softball took down Texas TechWhen the week began, she might have been a few notches down the list of college softball’s best pitchers. But Canady, Frahm and Pickens are seniors. Same for others like Maya Johnson at Belmont and Ruby Meylan at Oklahoma State, All-Americans who fell short of the WCWS.Kavan is a junior, and though White has some holes to fill in the offseason to prepare for a shot at a three-peat, he knows he’ll have Kavan in the circle yet again.She’ll be one of the faces of the sport, and maybe she’ll be near the top of those conversations for All-America honors, even Player of the Year awards. Or maybe she’ll pull her facemask down and go to work like she’s done the last two seasons, forgetting about the individual accolades and focusing only on the national championship trophy once again.“I think that’s what champions do,” White said. “They find a bigger thing than themselves.” Scott Wright covers Oklahoma State athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Scott? He can be reached at swright@oklahoman.com or on X at @ScottWrightOK. Support Scott’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com or by using the link at the top of this page.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Teagan Kavan, Texas softball topple Texas Tech for NCAA softball title

Currently three games under .500 with the Wisconsin Badgers, Luke Fickell has a lot to prove in 2026.Not only is a new athletic director coming to town, but Wisconsin has an extremely favorable schedule, one that could help get this program back on track.Looking at his overall 80-45 record as a college football head coach, Fickell has somehow managed to tank a Wisconsin football program that once dominated in nearly every aspect.NIL and the transfer portal certainly haven't helped, but one thing never changes, and that's recruiting.It's taken a few years for Fickell to find his footing, but his class of 2027 is undoubtedly his best yet. If there was ever a reason to believe he'll be sticking around for a few more years, that recruiting class proves it.Fresh off flipping Florida State's four-star safety, Mekhi Williams, Fickell proved by beating Nebraska and LSU that he isn't here to mess around. Wisconsin has a top 20 recruiting class, one no one would've expected at this time last year.Recruiting doesn't mean everything, but it shows he's building a culture, and people want to come play for him. Fickell has seen far more criticism than praise during his time in Madison, but things are starting to change, and it seems like he's secured a few extra years of job security. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: How Luke Fickell's recruiting bought him a few more years at Wisconsin

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 01: Detail view of a Blue Jays logo on a batting circle prior to a regular season game between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays on August 01, 2023 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of the 2026 season focused on filling in for a slew of injuries on the major-league roster. With players like Alejandro Kirk, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer and many others going down with significant injuries well before the season got truly underway, the defending American League champions have spent a lot of time shuffling their big-league roster and their minor league depth.And as the club mixes up its personal groups throughout the organization, it seems to be scouring the independent leagues for players who can provide versatility and experience.FORBES | By Peter ChawagaDodgers’ Dave Roberts Offers 4-Word Response On Trading For Tigers’ Tarik SkubalToronto Blue Jays Add Former Atlanta Braves Shortstop After Conversion To PitcherThe Blue Jays recently added infielder Beau Philip, a former Atlanta Braves top-60 draft pick who had been playing for the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association.The transaction was announced by the American Association earlier this week.“Dock Hounds transferred the contract of RHP Beau Philip to the Toronto Blue Jays,” the league reported on X, formerly Twitter.The acquisition of Philip should turn some heads among Blue Jays fans as he was identified as a right-handed pitcher in the report, though he was drafted as a highly touted infielder. He has spent significant time at shortstop, second base and third base while moving through multiple levels of affiliated baseball.Philip's path to the Blue Jays organization began when the Atlanta Braves selected him in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Oregon State University. At the time, Oregon State highlighted the accomplishment after Philip became one of the highest-selected position players from the program.“Oregon State junior shortstop Beau Philip has been selected in the second round, 60th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft on Monday,” the school noted at the time. “Philip just completed a junior season for the Beavers that saw him bat .311 with a team-best 14 doubles, one triple, five home runs and 31 runs batted in. Defensively, he was stellar, totaling just six errors in 44 games, all of which were starts.”FORBES | By Peter ChawagaYankees’ 6-Time All Star Sends Mets’ Marcus Semien Message As Concerns MountToronto Blue Jays’ New Pitcher Made Big Change After Atlanta Braves StrugglesAfter signing with the Braves, Philip spent several seasons in the organization’s farm system. He appeared in more than 350 minor league games within the Braves before becoming a free agent. During that stretch, he developed a reputation as a dependable defender capable of handling multiple infield positions, though he struggled offensively.He abandoned hitting in 2024 and took the mound, logging a 5.45 ERA in his first 19 games in the minor leagues.Following his departure from the Braves organization toward the end of the 2024 season, Philip continued his career in independent baseball, where he worked his way back onto the radar of major league clubs as a pitcher. His performance with the DockHounds, where he logged a 3.34 ERA in two seasons combined, ultimately convinced Toronto to offer another opportunity in affiliated baseball.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Rangnick eyes Man United and Southampton staff for Milan, but issues ultimatum – reportLa Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Ralf Rangnick wants to bring Southampton director Johannes Spors and Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell to Milan, but expects a final decision from the Rossoneri by next week.Milan are yet to appoint new directors and a coach after sacking Massimiliano Allegri, Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Igli Tare at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Their primary option for the technical director role is Austria coach Rangnick, who has just flown to the USA for the World Cup.The 67-year-old has met with Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, expressing openness to the opportunity, but only if he can implement his vision and bring some trusted staff members to San Siro.According to Gazzetta, Rangnick wants to work with Southampton director of sport Spors and Manchester United head scout Vivell at San Siro, while Oliver Glasner remains his top coaching choice.According to the report, Milan are interested in Glasner regardless of whether Rangnick is appointed as a technical director, though USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is also a strong candidate for the Milan job.Ibrahimovic and Cardinale have already met with the representatives of both Glasner and Pochettino, while, according to Gazzetta, Rangnick expects a decision from Milan regarding his potential appointment by the beginning of next week.

Nature, Published online: 05 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01609-2The month’s sharpest science shots, selected by Nature’s photo team.

France to 'crush' rivals: Cherki downplays defeat and backs ruthless World Cup runFrance's defeat to Côte d’Ivoire may have raised concerns for some, but it does not appear to have shaken the confidence inside the French squad. Certainly not for Rayan Cherki, who scored France’s only goal in the 2-1 loss.The Manchester City midfielder, echoing Marvel’s Hulk, said France are heading to the World Cup to 'crush' their opponents.Cherki’s excellent strike was one of the highlights of the friendly against Côte d’Ivoire, which featured plenty of testing and substitutions, with the Ivorians' comeback coming in the second half after Didier Deschamps had effectively changed the entire side.The City player underlined that the pre-World Cup friendlies are there for exactly that reason: preparation and experimentation.“We are not going to the World Cup as favourites, but to crush everyone,” he explained in an interview with TF1.“There is a bit of fatigue, but the goal is to be in good shape on June 16th. These friendlies are a bonus."France still have one more friendly before the World Cup, against Northern Ireland on the 8th. Their opening match in the tournament is scheduled for the 16th against Senegal before they face Iraq on the 22nd and Norway on the 26th.

Where to watch The Memorial today: Channels, live streams, TV schedules, tee times for 2026 PGA Tour golf originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.This weekend, the PGA Tour is heading to Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, for this year's edition of The Memorial Tournament.On the course this weekend will be nine of the 10 golfers currently in the FedEx Cup and OWGR top-10 rankings (with Collin Morikawa being the lone omission). Last year, Scottie Scheffler took home the win after edging Ben Griffin out by four strokes. Both golfers are in the field for this year's tournament and are vying for victories.Here's how to tune into The Memorial, along with tee times and schedules for the tournament.Where to watch The Memorial Tournament 2026TV channels: Golf Channel, CBS SportsLive stream: DIRECTV, ESPN+, Paramount+The 2026 Memorial Tournament will air on two TV channels and three streaming services. ESPN+ will contain the largest window of broadcasting time, from morning until night on all four days through the platform's PGA TOUR LIVE broadcast.The Golf Channel will host live round coverage throughout the tournament's entirety, with CBS Sports also hosting coverage beginning in the third round.All Golf Channel and CBS Sports coverage can be streamed via DIRECTV, and when the broadcast is on CBS, it will be available through Paramount+. Below is the full broadcast schedule.The Memorial Tournament TV, live stream schedule 2026DayCoverageTime (ET)TV/Live streamThu., June 4Main feed, featured groups and holes7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.ESPN+Round 1 broadcast2-6 p.m.Golf Channel, DIRECTVFri., June 5Main feed, featured groups and holes7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.ESPN+Round 2 broadcast2-6 p.m.Golf Channel, DIRECTVSat., June 6Main feed, featured groups and holes9 a.m.-6 p.m.ESPN+Round 3 broadcast12:30-2:30 p.m.Golf Channel, DIRECTVRound 3 broadcast2:30-6 p.m.CBS, DIRECTV, Paramount+Sun., June 7Main feed, featured groups and holes9 a.m.-6 p.m.ESPN+Round 4 broadcast12:30-2:30 p.m.Golf Channel, DIRECTVRound 4 broadcast2:30-6 p.m.CBS, DIRECTV, Paramount+The Memorial Tournament tee times, leaderboard Find the updated scores and tee times on The Sporting News leaderboard.Related LinksLatest golf news and rumorsThis week's PGA Tour leaderboardLIV Golf schedule 2026

Liverpool make contact with RB Leipzig over Yan Diomande transferLiverpool have approached RB Leipzig over the possibility of signing Yan Diomande this summer, according to The Athletic.While French outlet Foot Mercato has previously claimed that the 19-year-old has agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, The Athletic reports that Liverpool are “in the strongest position” with the player when it comes to a potential deal.RB Leipzig have made it clear they would like to keep Diomande beyond the summer after the 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga. However, an offer in excess of €130 million could change their stance.Diomande is under contract with Die Roten Bullen until 2030 and doesn't have a release clause.He is set to represent Ivory Coast at the upcoming World Cup.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins criticized Victor Wembanyama following the San Antonio Spurs’ 105-95 Game 1 loss against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.During a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Perkins said the San Antonio Spurs have a serious problem, as Karl-Anthony Towns “exposed” Wembanyama. The Frenchman may have finished with 26 points, but only shot 6-for-21 from the field, including an abysmal 2-for-12 with Towns as the primary defender.“The Defensive Player of the Year got exposed last night,” Perkins said. “‘Imma say this. Yes, Towns played the best defensive game of his life last night, but offensively, he showed the world that Wemby can’t guard him. He is a matchup problem for the Spurs.”“The way his ability to stretch the floor, and then he showed his versatility by his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. He was going through Wemby’s chest. He wasn’t shying away from physicality. And when they decided to put a smaller player on him, guess what the Knicks did? They searched him out. Here we go, go to you. And when Wemby came to double, he was dropping no-looks, he was dropping passes, he was finding shooters,” he continued.Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama speaks to the media after game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesSan Antonio Spurs News: Victor Wembanyama has a new admirer in Donald TrumpDonald Trump recently confirmed that he’ll watch at least one game of this year’s NBA Finals live to support the New York Knicks and its owner, Jim Dolan.During a recent interview, the United States president also shared that he has become a huge fan of Victor Wembanyama, as he is amazed by the San Antonio Spurs center’s physical attributes.“Wemby’s a great player — he’s going to be a great player, and he is already a great player. I say, ‘How do you guard this guy? He’s 7-foot-5, and he’s got a great shot, right?’ But they find a way to do it. They’re a great team, and I’m happy for Jim because Jim has been fighting hard to produce such a team, so yes, you never know,” Trump said.

Why Spurs fans chant 'Ole, Ole, Ole' during NBA Finals games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.From attending the Eras Tour to the election of a Brazilian President, Ole chants have broken out in all sorts of settings. Now, this chant is a signature part of the San Antonio Spurs' fan section. A sports staple has been claimed by the Spurs this season, as a fan group called "The Jackals," assembled by Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, has begun to make this a regular chant in San Antonio. It's a global commonplace in the sports world, but is not seen nearly as often in American sports leagues, especially the NBA. But Wembanyama gathered the troops to make this chant a stateside staple. San Antonio has embraced the chant, especially in a city that has one of the largest Spanish-speaking populations in the country. Here's why Ole chants keep breaking out at the Frost Bank Center.MORE: How did the Spurs build an NBA Finals roster through the draft?Why do Spurs fans chant Ole?Spurs fans chant "Ole" as a means of gathering excitement among the crowd. These chants are commonplace across many other parts of the world and in a variety of sports. The Spurs are the next in a long line to adopt "Ole" chants on the sidelines.This is one of many chants and cheers for "The Jackals," a section of devoted Spurs fans who wave flags and chant during Spurs' contests. "Ole" is one of the five Jackals chants listed on the Spurs' website. Others include "Dale 210," "Spurs Wonderland" and "You're Not Gonna Make It." This is the only snippet I have, but when the whole Frost Bank Center was doing the “Ole Ole Ole Go Spurs” chant, that’s exactly what I feel like Wemby pictured when he came up with the @SpursJackals.That was the first time I saw the whole arena doing chants. Let’s keep it… pic.twitter.com/yHHK5gwtG0— Tyler Glasscock (@TylerGlasscock_) April 20, 2026Ole, Ole, Ole chant originsThese "Ole" chants originated in the world of Spanish bullfighting. The word "Ole" in Spanish is an interjection used to show approval and joy. The chant first entered the modern sports world at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Soccer fans across the globe began using this chant at that year's World Cup thanks to a song called "E Viva Mexico," which was created especially for the 1986 World Cup. In the decades that followed, it's become a signature chant across the globe and a key aspect of the Spurs' cheering section. MORE: Who are the Spurs nuns who sit courtside and bless players?Who are the Jackals?The Jackals are a group of major Spurs fans brought together by Victor Wembanyama. The design of this group is to provide a cheering section throughout Spurs' games with chants, drums and flags. This fan section holds 70 seats each game. One of the key chants that the Jackals group uses is the "Ole, Ole, Ole" chant, which is a staple in the sports world. These Ole chants have been commonplace in soccer matches across the world, especially Spanish-speaking countries. The Jackals group was specifically created with the goal of emulating soccer fans and their chants.

An Israeli flag hangs on a destroyed building in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Thursday June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)2026-06-05T10:47:26Z DIBBINE, Lebanon (AP) — Israel’s air force struck different parts of southern Lebanon on Friday as the military issued evacuation warnings for nine villages, including one that has been spared much of the destruction and was sheltering thousands of people displaced by the three-month war.Six people were killed, Lebanon’s state news agency reported. The warnings forced hundreds of families to flee the village of Anqoun and the area of Aarnaya, on the edge of the predominantly Christian village of Maghdoucheh, near the southern port city of Sidon.The strikes came a day after the Hezbollah militant group rejected the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, and demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.The war in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized large swaths of the south since March 2, threatens efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has demanded that any lasting truce extend to Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections later this year, wants to press ahead with Israel’s offensive until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat. Nearly three hours after the evacuation warnings were issued by the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, Israeli warplanes struck the villages, including Anqoun. About 2,500 people displaced by the fighting were sheltering in Anqoun, the Lebanese news agency NNA reported. On Friday, U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanese troops were seen at an entrance of the village of Dibbine, near the town of Marjayoun, after Israeli forces withdrew following intense clashes with Hezbollah fighters. Read More The ceasefire agreement calls for Lebanon’s armed forces to take control of security zones in Lebanon from which the militants would be banned.It was the first time Israeli troops pulled out from an area in southern Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began three months ago. At the entrance of the village, dozens of homes were seen destroyed as a result of the clashes and airstrikes. A bulldozer for the peacekeeping force was opening the main road leading to Dibbine. Israeli troops have seized around a fifth of Lebanon, pushing further into the country’s south than at any time since the end of Israel’s 1982-2000 occupation. The latest declared ceasefire came about through U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon’s government, which accuses Hezbollah of dragging the country into war and had made efforts to disarm it before the latest hostilities.On Thursday night, an airstrike in the southern city of Tyre killed three and wounded seven people, including three children and two women, the Health Ministry said. More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since the war began. The fighting has killed at least 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians. ____Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received income from renting out three cottages at Royal Lodge, where he paid no rent himself, a British public spending watchdog found.

NORMAN — For Deiten Lachance, moving over 3,000 kilometers (nearly 2,000 miles) away from his home of Sherbrooke, Quebec, where 86% of residents speak French to the Blackland Prairie of Central Texas was a culture shock to say the least.Then-McLennan Community College (Waco, Texas) baseball coach Tyler Johnson and his staff spotted Lachance, a right-handed power hitting catcher for the Canadian Junior National Team, at a tournament in Atlanta. Lachance took big swings and had a large frame at over six feet but held only a few junior college offers.Johnson and his staff felt there was something inside Lachance they could tap into. They felt he had a chance to be special.That is, if they could help him adjust to a completely different lifestyle.“When I came there, I was barely talking English, I didn't understand nothing at all,” said Lachance, now a junior at Oklahoma. “It was terrible. Class and baseball was too much at a time. I wanted to quit after a month there.”Standing on the Kimrey Family Stadium turf Thursday, dripping with sweat in the 88-degree summer, where the “feels like” temperature was 22 degrees warmer than the average temperature on June 4 back home in Sherbrooke, Lachance is glad he stuck it out. More: How did OU baseball reach NCAA Super Regional vs Kansas? Five things to know about SoonersLachance, who speaks great English now, leads the Sooners in home runs (14), RBIs (58) and OPS (1.030) as they head on the road to face Kansas in the Super Regional round of the NCAA Tournament this week, beginning on Saturday. Lachance enters supers as one of the hottest hitters in America, homering nine times in his last 14 games.“I really took him under my wing (at McLennan) and tried to give him the stability of feeling comfortable so he could grow and just do his thing,” said Tyler Johnson, the son of OU coach Skip Johnson. “Nothing really special that we did, just wanted him to be comfortable and feel at home and obviously seeing him go on and do this stuff makes all of us super happy.”When Lachance stepped foot on McLennan’s campus, he understood what some of his coaches, professors and teammates were saying at times due to his travels with Team Canada over the years. But he couldn’t speak their language to save his life.So Johnson, with a heads up to the professor that his new student couldn’t speak English, enrolled Lachance into a speech class during the first semester of his freshman year where he was forced to speak the language and give speeches on a regular basis. Lachance, while feeling a ton of self-doubt at times about his ability to fit in, never complained. He also never missed a game in two years at McLennan.“I was like, ‘Here you go get used to it,' and he handled it well, he did a good job,” Johnson said. “It was just fun seeing him grow, learn more words and learn how to communicate with phrases. His excitement always shows up, you know what he's feeling and how much fun he's having because of how he plays and his body language.“What really separated him from a lot of guys from the get-go was how much fun he would have doing whatever we were doing on a baseball field, whether it was something that was extremely hard and difficult, or it was hot outside and we were in our three- or four-hour practice, or catching bullpens or in the weight room. The guy was just having so much fun.”More: NCAA baseball super regional predictions: Why these teams will reach College World SeriesFrom day one, Johnson knew he had a chance to one day play in a league like the SEC and possibly go pro. During the fall of Lachance’s freshman year, McLennan traveled to Norman to scrimmage the Sooners and the young French Canadian was catching up to and crushing balls off elite arms. He already has the strength to do it, Johnson thought to himself back then.For Lachance to take the next step and put everything together, he was going to have to learn how to consistently handle pitching. Lachance learned quickly, hitting .335 as a freshman, while totaling 14 doubles, 10 home runs and 69 RBIs and earning First-Team All-Conference honors. He was selected as an NJCAA Second-Team All-American following his sophomore season after playing in 66 games and recording a .380 batting average and .704 slugging percentage with 65 runs, 21 home runs and 104 RBIs. Similarly to his time in junior college, Lachance had a slow start to his first season at OU this spring:First 31 games (110 at-bats): 0 home runs.Last 26 games (104 at-bats): 14 home runs.“I told the staff there at Oklahoma,” Johnson said, “I was like, ‘as soon as he hits his first one, he's going to hit a lot.’”Lachance has homered 10 times in the last month, which includes a grand slam to help the Sooners claw back to beat Georgia Tech in the regional round. He was named the Atlanta Regional’s Most Outstanding Player.“I was looking for myself for the first 31 games. I couldn't hit a homer,” Lachance said. “It was hard for me, I’ve always been the power guy. But I took some time off and did a refresh in the middle of the season and things started clicking. I knew when I hit one, things were going to start rolling.”More: College baseball super regionals preview, schedule ahead of College World SeriesThings are more than rolling for Lachance and the Sooners’ offense.Mostly known for its small-ball, chaotic style of offense, OU homered 11 times last weekend. In addition to Lachance, Kyle Branch, Dasan Harris, Camden Johnson and Jaxon Willits are all heating up at the right time.The Sooners scored 38 runs on 45 hits across the final three games of the regional.“The guys woke up at the right moment,” Lachance said. “Our pitchers definitely have less pressure now, because they know we're going to score 10 (runs per) game.”It’s been quite the journey for Lachance the past three years. He’s two wins away from playing in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, an event he used to watch from his French-Canadian hometown.From luckily spotting him at a tournament to helping him learn a new language, it’s been a joy for Johnson to watch his former pupil help his father’s team go on a run and thrive on the biggest stage in the sport.“For Deiten to do this, honestly I looked at him like my little brother in a sense,” Johnson said. “Obviously being a long way from home, being in a different country, not being able to speak the language, I took him under my wing.”Lachance added: “Skip’s son, coach Johnson, gave me an opportunity. These three years have been the best three years of my life with the Johnson family.”Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.OU at KansasBest-of-three NCAA Super Regional at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, Kansas:Game 1: 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6 (ESPN2)Game 2: 5 p.m. Sunday, June 7 (TBD)Game 3 (if necessary): TBD Monday, June 8 (TBD)This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Deiten Lachance found his power on OU baseball run to super regional

The 2025-26 Milwaukee High School Sports Awards, Presented by Piggly Wiggly, is proud to announce player of the year nominees for the spring sports season.The player of the year winners for each sport will be announced during the live show June 15 at Brookfield Conference Center.During the show, these nominees will be honored, along with player of the year nominees and winners from the fall and winter sports seasons. Fall nominees already have been announced and can be found here. The winter nominees have also already been announced and can be found here.The show also will announce the winners of our premier awards, which include boys athlete of the year, girls athlete of the year, boys team of the year, girls team of the year, coach of the year and our Courage Award recipient.Nominated athletes who RSVP for the event here will receive a free ticket thanks to our sponsors.Additional tickets to the event can be purchased on the show’s website here.The Milwaukee High School Sports Awards, Presented by Piggly Wiggly, is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards.Here are the spring nominees:BaseballBrayden Alivo, sr., St. Thomas MoreCayden Burtness, jr., PewaukeeIan Kawczynski, sr., Catholic MemorialMaddux Lessard, sr., MuskegoCharlie McIntyre, sr., Whitefish BayOwen McLellan, jr., ShorewoodAlex Michna, jr., New Berlin EisenhowerLuke Mrazek, jr., St. Thomas MoreJon Murkowski, sr., GermantownSam Ortiz, sr., FranklinCooper Sievert, sr., Wisconsin LutheranAndy Werner, sr., University School of MilwaukeeBoys golfJonathan Amtmann, sr., ArrowheadHenry Bechthold, sr., University School of MilwaukeeThomas Began, sr., Whitefish BayCharles Davis, so., SlingerJacob Gerend, sr., Whitefish BayAlex Kuepper, jr., HartfordLiam Morn, sr., Kettle MoraineHayes Packee, jr., MarquetteCaleb Peterson, jr., FranklinLucas Piacsek, sr., Waukesha NorthVance Reiland, sr., HomesteadMax Zastrow, jr., Lake Country LutheranBoys lacrosseMitch Coburn, sr., HomesteadNick Garvey, sr., Kettle MoraineEvan Gordon, jr., MuskegoJackson Liacopoulos, jr., Brookfield CentralDrew Nerbun, sr., University School of MilwaukeeChris Wilkinson, sr., MarquetteGirls lacrosseSophie Bucher, sr., University School of MilwaukeeDarcy Doyle, sr., University School of MilwaukeeTess Lee, sr., Brookfield CentralElladie Naylor, so., OconomowocSophia Olden, jr., Kenosha Indian TrailEmily Simons, jr., MukwonagoGirls soccerBrailey Baxter, jr., Divine Savior Holy AngelsJosephine Carter, sr., CedarburgTaylor Collins, jr., MuskegoMadonna Helf, jr., Whitefish BayBraelyn Hundt, sr., Brookfield EastAmara Leppla, sr., ArrowheadMeredith Paar, sr., OconomowocTaylor Perkins, sr., Milwaukee KingAvery Roethe, jr., Divine Savior Holy AngelsMargaret Sisk, sr., Catholic MemorialMayah Skenandore, jr., Racine ParkSamantha Wacker, sr., SlingerSoftballKailey Anderson, sr., FranklinSamantha Brunner, jr., MuskegoLeah Budnik, fr., Lake Country LutheranKennedy Christopher, sr., Oak CreekSamantha Davis, sr., WhitnallAlivia Fischer, sr., HartfordZhana Guenther, jr., Wisconsin LutheranPayton Hisel, sr., Waukesha WestAshlyn Hunt, so., Catholic MemorialEmily Johnson, sr., CedarburgMaddie Martin, fr., GreendaleBitsy Palicka, so., Sussex HamiltonBoys tennisTommy Heinrich, jr., New Berlin EisenhowerEthan Hoffman, sr., HartfordOliver Milleman, jr., Catholic MemorialMichael Pan, jr., GraftonGrant Schaefer, so., Whitefish BayAndrey Semin, sr., Brookfield CentralJake Zheng, sr., Brookfield EastRyker Koch, jr., Brookfield EastBrady Latus, jr., Catholic MemorialFinn Milleman, sr., Catholic MemorialChase Larson, so., Menomonee FallsMiles Seder, sr., Menomonee FallsGirls track and fieldElla Anschutz, sr., MuskegoAshley Babcock, sr., New Berlin WestAvery Bott, sr., ArrowheadPayton Eicher, sr., ArrowheadRylee Faehling, sr., West Bend WestSydney Knautz, sr., DominicanKarstin McCabe, fr., Whitefish BayLaela Presendofer, sr., MukwonagoMacy Price, sr., Sussex HamiltonKyenret Rinkam, jr., Brookfield CentralElise Schroeder, sr., ArrowheadPiper Schuster, sr., SlingerBoys track and fieldNiyer Clayborn, jr., Wisconsin LutheranAiden Dykstra, sr., GermantownLuka Ivancevic, sr., HomesteadRyan Lien, sr., ShorewoodGabriel Olson, sr., Oak CreekGianni Quintero, sr., MarquetteBrendan Reardon, sr., MarquetteOwen Sayles, sr., OconomowocJay Tally, sr., HomesteadKeymari Upshaw, jr., Milwaukee Academy of ScienceEvan Wozniak, sr., ArrowheadCole Zielinski, jr., Waukesha WestThis article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2025-26 Milwaukee High School Sports Awards: see all spring nominees

Is Aaron Judge out for the season? Yankees' superstar injury return timeline revealed by MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Aaron Judge is going on the Injured List with a stress fracture in his ribs, the New York Yankees announced on Thursday.And on paper, that doesn't sound like a season-ending injury. But the severity of it is apparently enough that Judge's season-long status needed to be clarified.MLB.com beat reporter Bryan Hoch made sure to clear up Judge's 2026 season status very early in his story on Judge's injury. And while the news is technically good on that front, apparently it's a big enough ailment that it needed clarifying in the first place.Is Aaron Judge out for the season?No, Judge isn't out for the season due to this rib injury."Judge is expected to return at some point this season," Hoch wrote in his article about Judge's injury.Apparently, Judge has felt discomfort "over the past several weeks," per Hoch.The Yankees diagnosed it as a bone bruise, but eventually it was found his first rib on his right side had a stress fracture.How long is Aaron Judge out?This is tricky, because the actual timeline announced is that in four-to-six weeks, Judge will get more imaging done, which will then determine how much he has healed and what steps will be taken after that.So at that point, if he's healed, maybe he comes back soon. But if the images aren't great, then maybe it's an extended absence.The Yankees look set to be without Judge for at least a month, and maybe longer. That's far from ideal.

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are currently gearing up for the second game of the NBA Finals tonight. Thanks to Brunson’s fourth-quarter magic, the Knicks beat the Spurs to get one step closer to the championship after 1973.Before the first game kicked in, the players were seen doing a promotional shoot with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the trophy awarded to the NBA champions. Jalen Brunson was surprisingly seen nowhere near the trophy.Jalen Brunson Refused to Take a Picture With the Larry O’Brien TrophyThe New York Knicks took on the San Antonio Spurs in the first game of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Jalen Brunson’s extraordinary fourth-quarter performance took the Knicks over the line to beat the Spurs 105-95. Brunson scored 30 points in the game, 13 of them coming in the fourth quarter.New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks with the media before Knicks practice on Media Day prior to the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThis is the New York Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. They haven’t won the championship in 53 years, winning the last one in 1973. This is also Jalen Brunson’s NBA Finals debut.Jalen Brunson’s consistent performance in the playoffs made him win the Larry Bird Trophy for being the MVP in the Eastern Conference Finals. He carried his focus into the NBA Finals as well, which is why he didn’t let himself be near the Larry O’Brien Trophy. While most players walk in, pose, and smile with the imagery, Brunson flat-out refused to cross the threshold of any room containing the trophy.Just before the game, he had an interview on the mandatory NBA Finals Media Day right before Game 1. In one segment of the interview, Malika Andrews asked him about the reasons for not taking pictures with the trophy.“The Larry O’Brien Trophy is everywhere. It’s on the set, it’s next to the court… but you wouldn’t go in [the rooms for promotional material]. You didn’t want to be near the trophy. Why?” asked Malika Andrews. Jalen Brunson’s reply was straight and short. “No comment,” Brunson said.The Knicks’ tremendous form continues to show in the championship finals as they are now edging closer to the championship, winning the first game. With 3 games to win, the Knicks would surely feel confident continuing the 12-game winning streak in the upcoming games.Jalen Brunson and Knicks’ Winning Streak Continues to Dazzle After Double Clean SweepThe Knicks’ confidence comes from their playoff run this season. They went 12-2 in the playoffs, winning 11 games straight after losing Game 3 in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks. They won 4-2 in the first round. After that, the Knicks delivered a double clean sweep in the semifinals and Eastern Conference Finals.They faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the semifinals. They crushed the Sixers with a clean sweep, winning 4-0. They also swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The momentum is in full swing, the confidence is high, and everything seems to be working out for the Knicks at this moment.Winning Game 1 of the Finals stretched the streak to 12 games. The Knicks players were seen in a light mood taking photos with the Larry O’Brien Trophy just before the first game of the Finals. But Jalen Brunson set himself apart. He set the boundaries and did not go near the trophy, which reflects his full, intense focus on the game.Jalen Brunson’s attitude on the official NBA Finals Media Day reflects why he was the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals. He knows this is not the time for celebration, but for intense focus on the championship. It is safe to say his commitment is being reflected in his performance in the Finals.

SN 140: The Best XI United States men's national team players of all time originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.What began with Paul Caliguiri’s goal at Trinidad & Tobago to qualify the United States for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years has grown into a regional force that’s now a serious rival to Mexico and a threat to the world’s most established soccer nations.The USMNT have not reached the level of the world’s top teams. They are not France or Spain or Brazil or Argentina. But they have advanced from group play in five of the past eight World Cups, leaving behind such teams as Colombia, Ghana and Portugal (twice.) They are a fixture in the top 20 of the FIFA world rankings.To be one of the best 11 players from that group requires extraordinary accomplishment. As part of the Sporting News celebration of our 140th birthday, we endeavored to select the best American man at each position, and the list of those we excluded would have been an impressive group.Imagine, then, what glory the USMNT Best XI contains.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsThe USMNT All-Time Best XIGoalkeeper - Tim HowardCaps: 121Shutouts: 42World Cup: 2006, 2010, 2014; eight starts, 2W-3L-3D, 10 goals allowed, 1 shutoutTeam success: World Cup round of 16, 2014, 2010; World Cup group winner, 2010; Confederations Cup runners-up, 2009; CONCACAF Gold Cup champion, 2007, 2017.Overview: For all the spectacle he delivered as a shot-stopper, including a record 16 saves in the World Cup Round of 16 at Brazil 2014, the greatest moment of Howard’s USMNT career was best captured by the great Ian Darke on the call for ESPN. Just two words: “Distribution, brilliant,” Darke said immediately after Howard seized a ball headed directly at him by Algeria’s Rafik Saife and launched it down the right sideline to Landon Donovan. You probably remember the goal that resulted, but it doesn’t happen without the Howard pass that would have made Tom Brady proud.Howard was awarded the Gold Glove trophy at the 2009 Confederations Cup, when the U.S. finished as runner-up to Brazil.Asked if he could pick one former teammate with whom he could attempt to win a game, Donovan chose Howard.“We were ruthless in our desire to win. And I played with a number of guys who were very, very, very good players, but winning the game was not as important as their performance. But there are many guys I played with who winning the game was as important, just Tim was so elite,” Donovan told The Sporting News. “Tim also was willing to hold people accountable. I think that’s an art that’s completely lost now; you used to see it all the time.”Left back - Antonee RobinsonCaps: 52Goals: 4World Cup: 2022, 2006, four startsTeam success: World Cup round of 16, 2022; CONCACAF Nations League champion, 2021, 2023, 2024.Overview: Left back was perpetually a problem position for the USMNT until Robinson chose to represent the United States over his native England. John O’Brien, who played there for the 2002 World Cup quarterfinalists, might have have been the most talented player to fill the position for the Americans, but only earned 32 caps because of persistent injury issues.Left back has been the team’s most secure position since Robinson arrived, so long as he’s been healthy. He is consistent as a defender and has the ability to push forward in attacking circumstances.Robinson made his debut for the U.S. in 2018, during the year when the federation was starting to rebuild the program after failing to reach that year’s World Cup tournament in Russia. He has started double-figure games in three years since. He scored twice in the challenging qualification process for Qatar 2022, including the game-winner against El Salvador on a cold January night in Columbus, and also was credited with three assists.He started all four games at the 2022 World Cup and was part of a defense that did not allow a goal from open play in group competition. He is expected to be in the lineup when the USMNT open the 2026 World Cup on June 12 in Los Angeles.DECOURCY: Mauricio Pochetittino's biggest problem is not flirting with AC Milan Tim Heitman-Imagn Images Central defender - Eddie PopeCaps: 82Goals: 8World Cup: 1998, 2002, 2006, nine startsTeam success: World Cup quarterfinals, 2002; CONCACAF Gold Cup champion, 2005Overview: Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas, himself a World Cup star at the position in 1994, consistently praises Pope as an elite defender who would be at home on any version of the USMNT. Central defense never has been a sturdy position for this country from cycle to cycle, but Pope was in the middle for its most successful World Cup run and helped secure victories against Portugal and Mexico in 2002.Pope was respected for his ability to excel with his positioning and to deal with opposing aerial threats despite not being particularly tall at 6-1.He was part of the U.S. defense that shut out Brazil, 1-0, in the semifinals of the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a game best known for Kasey Keller’s heroics in goal.Although he rarely changed expression while on the field, at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, he proved he would not back down from a confrontation. The USMNT’s second group game, against eventual champion Italy, became one of the most brutally competitive games they’ve played in that tournament. He earned two yellow cards in the first 47 minutes and was ejected, one of three red cards shown that night. The Americans played 9 against 10 and still held Italy to a 1-all draw.Pope was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011.Central defender - Marcelo BalboaCaps: 127Goals: 13World Cup: 1990, 1994, 1998, six startsTeam success: World Cup round of 16, 1994; CONCACAF Gold Cup champion, 1991Overview: Balboa was so important to the USMNT, head coach Bora Milutinovic kept him around the team – then operating as a sort of club side in preparation for the first World Cup on U.S. soil – while he rehabilitated a torn ACL. Balboa was able to return in six months, half the time of many such injury recoveries at the time, and he started on the back line of the ’94 team’s legendary run that included a huge upset of pre-tournament favorite Colombia and a 1-0 defeat against eventual champion Brazil in the Round of 16.His best work against Colombia was in helping to hold that dynamic team to a single goal, but he’s well known for nearly scoring on a bicycle kick off a corner in the 80th minute, his full-body flip launching a rocket that soared just outside the left post and electrified an already excited crowd at the Rose Bowl.“I will go to my grave and it will say, ‘Yes, I missed the bicycle,” Balboa told the Denver Post in 2020.Balboa twice was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year, in 1992 and 1994. He is the only player at his position to have won that honor multiple times, joining goalkeepers Kasey Keller and Howard and forwards Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Christian Pulisic.He was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Right back - Steve CherundoloCaps: 87Goals: 2World Cup: 2002, 2006, 2010 seven startsTeam success: World Cup quarterfinals, 2002, World Cup Round of 16, 2010; CONCACAF Gold Cup, 2005Overview: Although Sergino Dest ultimately may own this position, his career to date has not yet reached the breadth of Cherundolo’s time with the USMNT.For much of this century’s first decade, Cherundolo was an easy name for coaches to write on the lineup card and then relax in the knowledge the right side of the defense was well covered. He had five or more caps every year from 2001-12, save for the World Cup year of 2002, when he was kept out of action by injury.Cherundolo played every minute of the USMNT’s run to the 2010 World Cup Round of 16, which included a group victory over favored England.He played most of his professional career for Hannover 96 in Germany, with 12 of those seasons in the Bundesliga. He is credited with helping to make the path to European soccer more available to American men. Cherundolo was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021.Midfield - Tab RamosCaps: 81Goals: 8World Cup: 1990, 1994, 1998 eight startsTeam success: World Cup Round of 16, 1994Overview: Born in Uruguay, Ramos came to the United States at age 11 and was fortunate to wind up in Kearney, N.J., the same “Soccer Town” that produced World Cup teammates Tony Meola and John Harkes.He joined the Spanish club Figueres in 1990, one of the first USMNT players to compete as a pro in a European league. His sublime playmaking skill eventually led him to three seasons at Real Betis, but he returned to the U.S. as the first player signed for the introduction of Major League Soccer in 1996.With the USMNT, Ramos played the ball to Paul Caliguiri that was transformed into the shot that beat Trinidad in the final qualifier for the 1990 World Cup, the USA’s first appearance at the planet’s biggest sporting event in 40 years. It was Ramos’ perfect pass to Earnie Stewart that generated the goal that beat Colombia at the Rose Bowl in the 1994 World Cup.The national team has had few playmakers like Ramos, even after nearly four decades of ascent to ranking among the top 20 national teams. He also had a knack for timely goals. His score to beat Costa Rica in qualifying for 1990 was as important as -- though less monumental than – Caliguiri’s goal in getting the USMNT back to the World Cup.He was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.Midfielder - Cobi JonesCaps: 164Goals: 15World Cup: 1994, 1998, 2002 four startsTeam success: World Cup Round of 16, 1994, World Cup Quarterfinals, 2002; CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, 2002Overview: Although the U.S. was not required to qualify for Jones’ first World Cup, played in at home in 1994, he still wound up playing in 30 CONCACAF qualifiers. Few have a better understanding of the challenges presented by playing on the road in Costa Rica or Guatemala. He still holds the record for USMNT caps, unlikely to be broken; even though current star Christian Pulisic’s national team career began at age 17, he’s only at 84.Jones never imagined life as a professional soccer player, and it wasn’t just because there was no major American pro league when he finished high school. He wasn’t even recruited by college programs and had to walk on at UCLA. He wound up a key player for the Bruins’ 1990 NCAA champions, and he fought his way onto the 1994 U.S. World Cup squad after finishing his college career.Jones’ speed made him a crucial contributor to the USMNT during the establishment of the modern era of American soccer. He briefly played professional soccer in England and Brazil before joining the LA Galaxy as an initial MLS player and stayed with the same team until his retirement in 2007.He was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011.Midfielder - Claudio ReynaCaps: 112Goals: 8World Cup: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 10 startsTeam success: World Cup Round of 16, 1994, World Cup Quarterfinals, 2002Overview: Before Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie traveled to Germany (and beyond) to become club professionals, Reyna had the greatest European club career of any USMNT player. He performed regularly with Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg in Germany’s Bundesliga, Rangers in Scotland and Sunderland and Manchester City of the Premier League.Reyna was part of the squad but missed the 1994 World Cup because of injury, then started all three games as the U.S. imploded at France 1998.He finally got his clear chance to shine in 2002. His dominance of the Round of 16 game against Mexico is regarded by experts as one of the finest USMNT performances. For his comprehensive play at the World Cup, Reyna was named to the tournament’s All-Star team by the FIFA technical study group, joining such world superstars as Rivaldo and Ronaldinho of Brazil and Michael Ballack of Germany.Reyna’s control was such games became played at the pace he saw fit. USMNT teammate Earnie Stewart told the New York Times that Reyna “brings peace to the game” with his command of the attack.Reyna was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.MORE: Gio Reyna has a chance to re-write his history at 2026 World CupGetty ImagesForward - Landon DonovanCaps: 157Goals: 57World Cup: 2002, 2006, 2010, 12 starts, 5 goalsTeam success: World Cup Quarterfinals, 2002; World Cup Round of 16, 2010; World Cup group winners, 2010; Confederations Cup runners-up, 2009; CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013.Overview: It took the National Soccer Hall of Fame almost a decade past the end of his national team career to induct Donovan, mainly because he kept coming back to play wherever he could. If Donovan isn’t the greatest USMNT player, the argument involving him and any other candidate is one heck of a debate.Only 87 players in men’s international soccer have scored 50 or more goals. Donovan was the first American to cross that barrier, and he remains tied at the top of the national team’s career goals list. He scored the greatest World Cup goal in the program’s history, pounding on a missed attempt in added time by teammate Clint Dempsey and slamming home the rebound to defeat Algeria, 1-0, and clinch first place in Group C at the 2010 World Cup.He scored a clinching goal in his first World Cup, in 2002, to defeat rival Mexico by the famed dos a cero score in the Round of 16 and advance the U.S. to the quarterfinals. Donovan made 40 appearances in World Cup qualifying, scoring 11 times, including the second goal of another 2-0 win over Mexico, this one clinching the USMNT’s position at Brazil 2014. It would be his last international goal His exclusion from that World Cup by coach Jurgen Klinsmann remains the most controversial roster decision in national team history.Donovan was respected for his speed, stamina and sense of invention on the field. He could play a variety of positions, from attacking midfield to winger to striker, depending on the available players around him and how the coach at the time wanted to arrange his team.Donovan remains the only U.S. men’s player with both 50 international goals and 50 assists. He was named Best Young Player at the 2002 World Cup and was named U.S. Soccer Player of the Year a record four times.Forward - Clint DempseyCaps: 141Goals: 57World Cup: 2006, 2010, 2014, 10 starts, 4 goalsTeam success: World Cup Round of 16, 2010; World Cup group winners, 2010; Confederations Cup runners-up, 2009; CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, 2005, 2007, 2017.Overview: Named to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2022, Dempsey started his USMNT career almost quietly, with his unexpected early excellence with the New England Revs in MLS leading to a call-up for the 2005 Gold Cup. He gradually built himself into one of the greatest American soccer players, a foundational piece of three World Cup teams and the co-leader in career goals. He is the only player from this country to score at three World Cups.Dempsey was versatile enough to play up front as a winger, as a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2 and as a central striker, most notably when Jozy Altidore was injured early in the 2014 World Cup and Dempsey wound up taking over the position.Dempsey’s World Cup goals were among the most consequential in the team’s history. The shot he slipped through England’s Robert Green led to a 1-1 tie with England and a group stage win in 2010. He was named captain of the 2014 squad, then scored in the first 30 seconds of the tournament to help defeat Ghana – and then played much of what remained of the game with a broken nose following a collision with a defender.“I was having a little trouble breathing, and I was coughing up blood a little bit,” he said afterward. He stayed in the game, though.That was Dempsey throughout his national team career, standing up to the biggest challenges and grandest moments. He scored three times in the U.S. run to the Copa America Centenario semifinals, including the winning goals against both Costa Rica and Paraguay. Along with England, he scored a World Cup goal against European power Portugal and in the 2009 Confederations Cup against Spain and Brazil. He was presented the Bronze Ball as the No. 3 player in that tournament.Even in his final year with the national team, in the greatest of all disappointments, he was on the field fighting to get the U.S. the necessary draw. He entered the game as a substitute at halftime with the U.S. down 2-0. After Christian Pulisic’s early goal cut that lead in half, Dempsey hit the post with what might have been the tying goal to send the U.S. to Russia 2018. He wasn’t able to deliver that goal, but no one who watched should have forgotten the effort.BONN:Breaking down the official USMNT World Cup roster for the 2026 FIFA tournamentForward - Christian PulisicCaps: 82Goals: 32World Cup: 2002, 4 starts, 1 goalTeam success: World Cup Round of 16, 2022; CONCACAF Nations League, 2021, 2023, 2024.Overview: Pulisic demonstrated he was willing to sacrifice pretty much everything for the USMNT to succeed when he scored the game-winning goal against Iran at the 2022 World Cup that allowed the Americans to advance from group play. He charged hard at the net as Sergino Dest headed in a perfect cross, lifted his right leg to knock the ball forward and took the full force of the goalkeeper’s knee in his, well, do we need to mention this again?From the tears he showed on the field after the U.S. failed to qualify for Russia 2018 to the painful joy of that moment in Qatar, Pulisic demonstrated how much he cares about the national team. He has played for a Champions League winner – and scored a crucial goal in a victory over Real Madrid – and succeeded for clubs in Germany, England and Italy. He scored double-digit goals in two of his first three seasons for AC Milan and was on track to easily pass that mark midway through this past Serie A season, but then completed the season with a month-long scoring drought. He has made 63 Champions League appearances and scored 12 goals.With the national team, he tied Landon Donovan’s record by earning four U.S. Soccer Player of the Year awards, and he won the Best Player trophy at the CONCACAF Champions League in 2023, when he scored twice in a 3-0 win over Mexico in the final. He has four goals against the USMNT’s archrival, although of those in competitive games.Pulisic is the one player on the list who can continue to add to his legacy, including in the 2026 World Cup, where he figures to be the most important U.S. player. He’s probably the most accomplished this nation has produced. There still is much to be won, though.MORE: The Sporting News' 140 Greatest Sports Moments of All TimeSN COVERS: Check out all the classics from Ty Cobb to Kobe BryantSN ARCHIVE: Relive sports history through the pages of The Sporting News

The Tony Awards are this weekend. We explore what the ceremony is all about.

USC football didn't lean into the transfer portal this offseason. However, it did pick up receiver Terrell Anderson from North Carolina State. ESPN ranked Anderson as a top-50 newcomer for the 2026 season:"Need: The losses of Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane left USC with a thin, inexperienced but talented receiver group entering 2026. Adding Anderson via NC State provides both talent and experience, giving the Trojans a reliable, highly skilled veteran presence to help stabilize the room and support quarterback Jayden Maiava in Lincoln Riley's offense. His versatility this fall will be just as coveted as his NFL level physical tools."Value: Anderson adds size to the receiver room at 6-2 and 200 pounds. At NC State, he earned early playing time as a freshman and steadily increased his production, eventually becoming the Wolfpack's leading receiver last season. His game is smooth and refined, and he is a polished route runner with an understanding of how to attack a defensive back's leverage. He does an excellent job selling routes and manipulating defenders with angles in coverage. Anderson is also effective in contested situations, using body control and timing to win 50-50 balls."USC has been great at producing one star receiver on an annual basis, but depth has not been a feature of USC receivers in recent years. Terrell Anderson needs to be part of a receiver room in which several quality players emerge, giving Jayden Maiava options and presenting more challenges to opposing defenses.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football WR Terrell Anderson rated top-50 newcomer for 2026

Golden Knights' Brayden McNabb injury update gives news after scary 87 MPH puck to the face originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Brayden McNabb gave everyone a scare on Thursday night.The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman got himself in the way of an 87 MPH Carolina Hurricanes shot, except the part of McNabb that blocked the shot was his face.Luckily, it hit his visor and wasn't a direct shot to the skull, but it still looked quite dangerous.Good thing Brayden McNabb was wearing a visor, puck straight to the face pic.twitter.com/gb2L6m0wdS— Tedd Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) June 5, 2026MORE: Max Domi's surgery had something go 'terribly wrong'McNabb went down to the ice and eventually made his way down the tunnel.He didn't return to the game, and Vegas went on to blow a late two-goal lead and lose in overtime to Carolina to even the series at a game apiece.Not much came out about McNabb's injury overnight, but this is what we know.MORE: Canucks make Gavin McKenna decision that Maple Leafs, Sharks don't makeBrayden McNabb injury updateMcNabb was transported to a local hospital for observation, according to Reuters.In the moment, McNabb skated himself off the ice after going down, which suggests the immediate damage wasn't massive.Still, the decision to take McNabb to a local hospital means there was some concern.The Golden Knights will await more news. McNabb had played 20:53 of average ice time in the playoffs before his early exit on Thursday night.More NHL news:A special, emotional moment for K'Andre MillerHenrik Sedin's son is excelling in a different sportElias Petersson trade plans may be missing a key pointWould the Maple Leafs trade Easton Cowan?Alex Ovechkin's mom is playing a role in his retirement decision

The 2026 U.S. Men's National Team has been preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by playing friendly matches against rival teams. Last Sunday, they defeated Senegal 3-2, and this Saturday they're scheduled to play Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, their last match before the World Cup begins.Saturday's USMNT vs. Germany match will air live on TBS and in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo. You can also stream the game on HBO Max or in Spanish on Peacock. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the U.S. play Senegal.How to watch USMNT vs. GermanyDate: Saturday, June 6Time: 2:30 p.m. ETChannels: TBS, Telemundo, UniversoStreaming: HBO Max, Peacock (in Spanish), DirecTV, YouTube TV, and moreWhen is the USMNT vs. Germany match?The friendly match between the U.S. and Germany is set for Saturday, June 6.What time is the USMNT vs. Germany match?U.S. vs. Germany kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. ET. Streaming coverage will begin on HBO Max at 1:30 p.m. ET and on Peacock at 2 p.m. ET.What channels will USMNT vs. Germany be on?USMNT vs. Germany will be broadcast in Spanish on Universo and Telemundo and in English on TBS.How to watch the USMNT vs. Germany match without cable:

The 2026 NBA Finals have already delivered plenty of drama after just one game. The New York Knicks stole Game 1 in San Antonio with a fourth-quarter comeback that no one saw coming. Now, before Game 2, an off-court development is drawing nearly as much attention.New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) walks off the court during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesPresident Donald Trump confirmed he will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday, June 8. Knicks owner James Dolan extended the invitation personally. “He’s invited me. I’m going,” Trump said. If he attends, it will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has ever watched an NBA Finals game in person. Former President Barack Obama was the last sitting president to attend an NBA game.Game 1 set the stage for the historic visit. The Knicks entered Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on June 3 as underdogs in front of a hostile crowd. Jalen Brunson went down in the first quarter after Harrison Barnes fell and struck his knee. He left for the locker room,returned to play through the pain, then suffered a second scare when Luke Kornet stepped on his left ankle in the second quarter. None of it stopped him.When the Knicks trailed by as many as 14 points in the second half and needed a response, he delivered one. He scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter alone,including a high-arching pull-up jumper with 37 seconds left that gave New York a six-point lead and ended the game. Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks closed the game on an 11-0 run to win 105-95.Jalen Brunson dubbed “the antithesis” of what critics say about himThe Knicks have not hosted an NBA Finals game since 1999 and have not won a championship since 1973. Brunson has been the engine behind this run. He averaged26.9 points and 6.6 assists across 14 playoff games heading into Game 1, shooting 48.6 percent from the field.Jay Williams praised him during the Finals run, saying Brunson was “the antithesis” of everythingpeople say is wrong with modern NBA stars. “This dude hurts his knee, he hurts his ankle, he comes back in and he closes a game down the stretch. You tell me this guy at 6’1, 6’2 isn’t the most likable player in the NBA right now, how do you root against a guy like that,” Williams added.Meanwhile, Trump’s attendance at MSG is already creating major logistical and security challenges. According toCBS News, the NYPD is coordinating with the Secret Service on a security plan for the arena. Fans may be required to arrive two hours before tip-off. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also confirmed he will attend Game 3, though he made clear he will be seated in a separate section from the president.Trump has already attended major sporting events during his second term, including the Super Bowl and Daytona 500. Game 3 at MSG on June 8 would add an NBA Finals to that list. For the Knicks, Madison Square Garden will be at its loudest. For the Spurs, holding home-court advantage for a series that now travels to New York will be the only goal.

'Second innings is when Joe Root gets a hundred': Harry Brook's big prediction after 16-wicket ENG vs NZ carnage at Lord's originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Harry Brook backed Joe Root to score a Lord's second-innings hundred.England collapsed to 55-5 in the first innings before Brook steadied the innings, eventually being bowled out for 140.Data shows Root averages more in the first innings than the second at Lord's.Harry Brook backs Joe Root for a second-innings ton: But do the numbers actually agree?Harry Brook has put his weight behind Joe Root and backed him to get a 100 in the second innings against New Zealand after a 16-wicket carnage on day one at Lord's. A two-hour rain delay set the tone, and when play finally began, the hosts found themselves 24 for one after ten overs. What followed was a rapid collapse as three wickets fell for just three runs as the innings unravelled.Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell were both trapped in front, while Root edged a rising delivery from Will O'Rourke to slip for just one. The damage continued as Jamie Smith got his stumps broken by a Kyle Jamieson delivery, and captain Ben Stokes was dismissed with a stunning one-handed catch by Kane Williamson at slip. MORE: England vs New Zealand - 1st Test, Live: Ball-by-ball updates and scorecard from Lord'sBrook was dropped twice, once on eight by Conway at backward point, and again on 45 by Ravindra in the deep, but he made the opposition pay on both occasions and ultimately put on 56 off 71 deliveries. After the day's play, Brook offered both his assessment of the conditions and a vote of confidence in his senior batting partner, Root. "Every time I've played at Lord's, it's always been tricky at the first innings and then the second innings generally flattens out and, and that's when Rooty always gets a hundred," he said."So, hopefully, he can go out there and get some, uh, as a batting unit. Hopefully, we can go out there, put a decent score on. But, like I said at the start of this, it's, it's about trying to read the conditions as well as possible and, um, counter whatever they're trying to do."MORE: 'I thought I was never playing for England again': Robinson's emotional comeback with 4/10 spellFact Check: Does Root actually fare better in the second innings at Lord's?At Lord's, Root has played 24 first-innings knocks, accumulating 1,262 runs at an average of 57.36 with five centuries and a highest score of 200 not out.In the second innings at the same ground, across 23 matches, he has scored 905 runs at an average of 50.27 with three centuries and a top score of 180 not out. Root is undeniably effective in both innings, but his first-innings record at Lord's is actually the stronger of the two.Hence, Brook needs to check his facts once again. MORE: WATCH: Kane Williamson takes a stunning catch to dismiss Ben StokesWhat is Joe Root's record at Lord's in Test matches?DateOpposition1st Innings 2nd Innings 16 May 2013v New Zealand407118 Jul 2013v Australia618012 Jun 2014v Sri Lanka200*1517 Jul 2014v India136621 May 2015v New Zealand988416 Jul 2015v Australia1179 Jun 2016v Sri Lanka3414 Jul 2016v Pakistan4896 Jul 2017v South Africa19057 Sep 2017v West Indies1DNB24 May 2018v Pakistan4689 Aug 2018v India19-24 Jul 2019v Ireland23114 Aug 2019v Australia1402 Jun 2021v New Zealand424012 Aug 2021v India180*332 Jun 2022v New Zealand11115*17 Aug 2022v South Africa861 Jun 2023v Ireland56DNB28 Jun 2023v Australia101810 Jul 2024v West Indies68-29 Aug 2024v Sri Lanka14310310 Jul 2025v India104404 Jun 2026v New Zealand1-To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Gavin Williams #32 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 03, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Guardians lost 2-1 yesterday but should feel good about a series win against the Yankees headed into Texas to face the Rangers.I enjoyed the annual round on Twitter of “Every team wants relief pitching but no one wants to pay the price for it” posts from baseball insiders. And every year, tons of relief pitchers get traded, anyway.FanGraphs’ Corbin Young offered some nice analysis of Gavin Williams here.AROUND MLB:Royals beat the Twins

The Dallas Cowboys added to their wide receiver lineup this week with the addition of a physical player. Standing at 6-foot-6, Jaden Smith is a former Nevada Wolf Pack receiver and native of Kennedale, Texas. He began his college journey at Montana State, then moved to Tarleton State, and concluded his career with the Wolf Pack, where he recorded 62 receptions for 849 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. Smith was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2025, but spent his rookie year on injured reserve. After being released in April, Smith is now seeking a fresh start back home in Dallas.Jaden Smith 2025 Pro Day MeasurementsHeight: 6-foot-5 Weight: 209 pounds Arm Length: 34" Hand Size: 10"40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds Bench: 15 reps Vertical Jump: 36.5" 20-yard split: 2.63 seconds 10-yard split: 1.65 seconds Shuttle: 4.33 seconds 3-Cone: 7.05 seconds Broad Jump: 10'04"Games Watched: Fresno St (2024)Strengths Standing tall, Smith boasts an extraordinary and unteachable height that is uncommon among modern wide receivers. He effectively leverages his size, serving as a high-point specialist who can challenge smaller defensive backs, particularly evident in his matchups against the Fresno State Bulldogs. He tracks deep passes with remarkable precision over his shoulder and showcases exceptional late-hand focus. Fearless in the midst of contact, he confidently catches the ball in traffic, making him a reliable asset on intermediate contested routes. With his stature, he naturally possesses the leverage and physique to develop into a top-tier perimeter blocker in the run game, which is crucial for run-heavy offenses like the Cowboys.WeaknessesSimilar to many taller receivers, the long-striding player does not possess the top-tier speed or quickness needed to achieve significant separation. Instead, he relies on his size for body positioning and his length to extend and catch the ball, rather than relying on speed and agility. Additionally, despite his larger stature, he often finds it challenging to contend with physical corners during press coverage; he needs to improve his hand techniques to prevent being hindered at the line.Where does he fit on the Dallas Cowboys Smith is the ideal, prototypical "X" receiver, possessing the physical attributes necessary to be a formidable red-zone threat and a capable run-blocker. However, with 12 receivers currently on the roster, the team is likely to retain only five to six on the 53-man roster. Beyond his size, Smith must assert himself as a run blocker, a contested catch specialist, and a potential red-zone target. Due to his lack of elite speed or agility, he doesn't contribute significantly to special teams, except possibly in the field goal blocking unit because of his length. His greatest chance to earn a place on the team might come via the practice squad, allowing him to further hone his abilities, and soon an opportunity could present itself for him.This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Scouting report on Cowboys newest WR Jaden Smith

The Green Bay Packers are looking to bounce back in 2026 after their playoff run came to an early end last season. While the team’s current focus remains on OTAs and preparations for training camp, Micah Parsons is already looking ahead to a marquee Week 14 showdown against the Buffalo Bills.Although the matchup could carry major playoff implications next season, Parsons has a more personal reason for eagerly awaiting the game. In a brief video shared by Sports Illustrated, the 27-year-old pass rusher said he is looking forward to facing the Bills because he has yet to record a sack against Josh Allen and wants an opportunity to change that.Micah Parsons says he wants to sack Josh Allen this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/I6ozE7MUsj— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 4, 2026“Josh Allen,” said the Packers star edge rusher.“We play them late in the season. I should be in a groove by then.”Is this the year Micah Parsons gets a sack on Josh Allen?Bills quarterback Allen makes an off-balance throw as he is pressured by Packers linebacker Quay Walker. © JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE / USA TODAY NETWORKParsons is still searching for his first sack of Allen, mainly because the two have crossed paths just once in their NFL careers. That meeting took place on December 17, 2023, when the Bills beat the Dallas Cowboys 31-10. In that contest, Parsons was limited to two assisted tackles and struggled to make a significant impact on the game.Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) rushes the line during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesIn his first season with the Packers, the three-time First-Team All-Pro suffered a torn ACL during a 34-26 Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos.He is expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 season as he continues his recovery process. Over the past two years, injuries have become a recurring setback for Micah Parsons.