32 mins. ago
Kara Lawson has gradually made Duke a force in women’s basketball, and as part of that rise, her Blue Devils are getting some tough draws schedule-wise. And along those lines, Duke will play Dawn Staley’s powerhouse South Carolina team again this fall as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.
The Gamecocks will come to Cameron on December 3rd.
South Carolina is a formidable opponent, but the only way to get to the level of a South Carolina, UConn, or UCLA, is to play those teams.
In short, it’s a great opportunity for the Blue Devils to improve.
Duke to Host South Carolina in 2026 SEC/ACC Challenge
The Gamecocks will come to Cameron on December 3rd.
South Carolina is a formidable opponent, but the only way to get to the level of a South Carolina, UConn, or UCLA, is to play those teams.
In short, it’s a great opportunity for the Blue Devils to improve.
Duke to Host South Carolina in 2026 SEC/ACC Challenge
2 hours ago
SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.
We have a combined pension and Social Security income of $8,400 per month that will only drop to $6,730 if one of us passes away. Our RMDs will start soon and we have $1.6 million in a 401(k) which we feel we can use a low-cost (expense ratio 0.12%) total return target fund to avoid the use of a robo-advisor that charges 0.3 – 0.8%. Plus, we have another $350,000 in Roths and a taxable brokerage account of $300,000 which RMDs would flow into. We own our home outright. In place of an annuity purchase can I simply use a target date fund in my IRA from which RMDs would be drawn automatically?
-JR
I hear a few different questions here, JR. First, should you purchase an annuity or rely on your investment portfolio? Next, is the cost of a robo-advisor worth it compared to a target date fund? And lastly, is a target date fund or robo-advisor sufficient for managing a portfolio like yours? Let’s dig into each of them to help you get some answers. (And if you need more help answering questions like these, consider speaking with a financial advisor.)
An annuity is a form of insurance. You purchase it with the expectation that over the long term, the cost will be greater than the benefit. But, as with other types of insurance, it protects against a key risk. In this case, that risk is the possibility of running out of money, especially if you live longer than expected.
We have a combined pension and Social Security income of $8,400 per month that will only drop to $6,730 if one of us passes away. Our RMDs will start soon and we have $1.6 million in a 401(k) which we feel we can use a low-cost (expense ratio 0.12%) total return target fund to avoid the use of a robo-advisor that charges 0.3 – 0.8%. Plus, we have another $350,000 in Roths and a taxable brokerage account of $300,000 which RMDs would flow into. We own our home outright. In place of an annuity purchase can I simply use a target date fund in my IRA from which RMDs would be drawn automatically?
-JR
I hear a few different questions here, JR. First, should you purchase an annuity or rely on your investment portfolio? Next, is the cost of a robo-advisor worth it compared to a target date fund? And lastly, is a target date fund or robo-advisor sufficient for managing a portfolio like yours? Let’s dig into each of them to help you get some answers. (And if you need more help answering questions like these, consider speaking with a financial advisor.)
An annuity is a form of insurance. You purchase it with the expectation that over the long term, the cost will be greater than the benefit. But, as with other types of insurance, it protects against a key risk. In this case, that risk is the possibility of running out of money, especially if you live longer than expected.
3 hours ago
It would be a stretch to call the Seattle Mariners rivals of the Detroit Tigers, no matter how much Tigers fans booed Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor on Friday.
But the Tigers have played the Mariners a lot since the beginning of 2025, more than any other non-divisional opponent (12 games) except the Boston Red Sox. And that familiarity may be helping them extend their hot streak.
The Tigers beat the Mariners, 7-3, on Friday, June 5, at Comerica Park in Detroit. The win brought their win streak to four games after a 6-22 record in May left them 16 games under .500.
And two of the best performances of the night came from two players very familiar with what Seattle has to offer – starting pitcher Framber Valdez and right fielder Kerry Carpenter.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch didn't seem convinced that the Tigers are all that familiar with the Mariners, with the exception of one key player.
But the Tigers have played the Mariners a lot since the beginning of 2025, more than any other non-divisional opponent (12 games) except the Boston Red Sox. And that familiarity may be helping them extend their hot streak.
The Tigers beat the Mariners, 7-3, on Friday, June 5, at Comerica Park in Detroit. The win brought their win streak to four games after a 6-22 record in May left them 16 games under .500.
And two of the best performances of the night came from two players very familiar with what Seattle has to offer – starting pitcher Framber Valdez and right fielder Kerry Carpenter.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch didn't seem convinced that the Tigers are all that familiar with the Mariners, with the exception of one key player.
3 hours ago
The Texas Tech baseball team picked up its first known commitment from the NCAA transfer portal on Friday, June 5, when Nicholls State first baseman Caston Thompson announced his pledge to the Red Raiders on social media.
Thompson, who bats and throws lefthanded, hit .306 this season with 14 home runs and 43 runs batted in. His homers total was highest on the team, and his batting average and RBI totals were second. He also led his team's regulars with a .590 slugging percentage and a 1.017 OPS.
More: Infielder Linkin Garcia is leaving Texas Tech baseball for Texas
More: Logan Hughes, Connor Shouse lead Texas Tech baseball's All-Big 12 reps
Nicholls State listed Thompson as a 6-foot-3, 235-pound junior. He started his career at Pearl River (Miss.) Community College after graduating from Brookhaven (Miss.) Academy. At Pearl River, he hit .362 with 8 homers and 38 RBIs in 2024, earning second-team all-conference recognition, and hit .370 with 4 homers and 68 RBIs in 2025, making first-team all-conference.
Thompson, who bats and throws lefthanded, hit .306 this season with 14 home runs and 43 runs batted in. His homers total was highest on the team, and his batting average and RBI totals were second. He also led his team's regulars with a .590 slugging percentage and a 1.017 OPS.
More: Infielder Linkin Garcia is leaving Texas Tech baseball for Texas
More: Logan Hughes, Connor Shouse lead Texas Tech baseball's All-Big 12 reps
Nicholls State listed Thompson as a 6-foot-3, 235-pound junior. He started his career at Pearl River (Miss.) Community College after graduating from Brookhaven (Miss.) Academy. At Pearl River, he hit .362 with 8 homers and 38 RBIs in 2024, earning second-team all-conference recognition, and hit .370 with 4 homers and 68 RBIs in 2025, making first-team all-conference.
3 hours ago
Arkansas basketball will have three representatives at the 2026 NBA Draft.
Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile will hear their names called at some point from June 23-24, officially beginning their NBA careers. Acuff and Brazile were always draft-bound, but Thomas was a candidate to return to the Razorbacks for the 2026-27 season.
In the end, Thomas kept his name in the draft, while Billy Richmond III decided to come back to school for his junior year. Richmond will try to become a first-round pick for the 2027 draft.
John Calipari had a 17-year streak with a first-round draft pick end in 2025, but Acuff and Thomas will likely start another streak for the Hall of Fame coach in a few weeks.
Here are the latest mock draft predictions for the three Arkansas players.
Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile will hear their names called at some point from June 23-24, officially beginning their NBA careers. Acuff and Brazile were always draft-bound, but Thomas was a candidate to return to the Razorbacks for the 2026-27 season.
In the end, Thomas kept his name in the draft, while Billy Richmond III decided to come back to school for his junior year. Richmond will try to become a first-round pick for the 2027 draft.
John Calipari had a 17-year streak with a first-round draft pick end in 2025, but Acuff and Thomas will likely start another streak for the Hall of Fame coach in a few weeks.
Here are the latest mock draft predictions for the three Arkansas players.
3 hours ago
It would be a stretch to call the Seattle Mariners rivals of the Detroit Tigers, no matter how much Tigers fans booed Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor on Friday.
But the Tigers have played the Mariners a lot since the beginning of 2025, more than any other non-divisional opponent (12 games) except the Boston Red Sox. And that familiarity may be helping them extend their hot streak.
The Tigers beat the Mariners, 7-3, on Friday, June 5, at Comerica Park in Detroit. The win brought their win streak to four games after a 6-22 record in May left them 16 games under .500.
And two of the best performances of the night came from two players very familiar with what Seattle has to offer – starting pitcher Framber Valdez and right fielder Kerry Carpenter.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch didn't seem convinced that the Tigers are all that familiar with the Mariners, with the exception of one key player.
But the Tigers have played the Mariners a lot since the beginning of 2025, more than any other non-divisional opponent (12 games) except the Boston Red Sox. And that familiarity may be helping them extend their hot streak.
The Tigers beat the Mariners, 7-3, on Friday, June 5, at Comerica Park in Detroit. The win brought their win streak to four games after a 6-22 record in May left them 16 games under .500.
And two of the best performances of the night came from two players very familiar with what Seattle has to offer – starting pitcher Framber Valdez and right fielder Kerry Carpenter.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch didn't seem convinced that the Tigers are all that familiar with the Mariners, with the exception of one key player.
3 hours ago
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn’t regret? (Paywall)
“Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if.
“What if it went the other way?” Jones said. “What if I was on a one-year deal and played like **** ? And then I’m on the street. Any years you can get in the league — just being on a team is a blessing for me, And, obviously, I have a higher ceiling than just that. But that’s the basis: You want to make sure you’re good to go.”
….A reporter noted Jones was “underpaid” by quality backup QB standards (“Thank you,” Jones said) and asked whether the $300,000 roster bonus it was recently reported he received was a thank-you gift for his performance last year. Jones’ answer suggested it was tied to a 2025 incentive ownership decided to pay.
“I’m not really going to go into it because it was supposed to be a quieter thing,” Jones said. “It has something to do with last year. But I’m really grateful for it, and I love the Yorks … It was good to have that gesture sent my way.”
…..Last year, Jones improved when it came to moving on from mistakes. He’s said part of his struggles in New England were tied to his lack of resilience when faced with on-field adversity. In 2025, 49ers quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi would mention the 1997 movie “Men in Black” during games as a reminder to forget. In “MIB,” a secret device, a neuralyzer, is used to erase the memory of those who see its flash.
“Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if.
“What if it went the other way?” Jones said. “What if I was on a one-year deal and played like **** ? And then I’m on the street. Any years you can get in the league — just being on a team is a blessing for me, And, obviously, I have a higher ceiling than just that. But that’s the basis: You want to make sure you’re good to go.”
….A reporter noted Jones was “underpaid” by quality backup QB standards (“Thank you,” Jones said) and asked whether the $300,000 roster bonus it was recently reported he received was a thank-you gift for his performance last year. Jones’ answer suggested it was tied to a 2025 incentive ownership decided to pay.
“I’m not really going to go into it because it was supposed to be a quieter thing,” Jones said. “It has something to do with last year. But I’m really grateful for it, and I love the Yorks … It was good to have that gesture sent my way.”
…..Last year, Jones improved when it came to moving on from mistakes. He’s said part of his struggles in New England were tied to his lack of resilience when faced with on-field adversity. In 2025, 49ers quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi would mention the 1997 movie “Men in Black” during games as a reminder to forget. In “MIB,” a secret device, a neuralyzer, is used to erase the memory of those who see its flash.
3 hours ago
How to Watch Belmont Stakes 2026: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Triple Crown Race originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Get ready for the final leg of the Triple Crown.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be held on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course instead of Belmont Park, which is currently undergoing significant renovations. While there won't be a Triple Crown winner this year, the event should still provide plenty of entertainment for horse racing enthusiasts.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness Stakes, Golden Tempo will participate in the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux is hoping to see another victory, but Golden Tempo will have to beat top contenders like Renegade and Chief Wallabee.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Belmont Stakes.
Get ready for the final leg of the Triple Crown.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be held on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course instead of Belmont Park, which is currently undergoing significant renovations. While there won't be a Triple Crown winner this year, the event should still provide plenty of entertainment for horse racing enthusiasts.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness Stakes, Golden Tempo will participate in the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux is hoping to see another victory, but Golden Tempo will have to beat top contenders like Renegade and Chief Wallabee.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Belmont Stakes.
3 hours ago
Ordabasy Shymkent and FC Tobol are expected to make offers for Hearts winger Islam Chesnokov, 26. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required)
Forward Lawrence Shankland, 30, wanted a quick move from Hearts to Rangers so he would not be distracted while at the World Cup with Scotland. (Herald - subscription required)
Rangers have intensified their interest in Hammarby's Swedish right-back Hampus Skoglund, 22. (TeamTalk)
Basel have had two offers turned down for Zalaegerszegi TE's Akpe Victory, the 19-year-old defender who has also been linked with Rangers among others. (Ben Jacobs on X)
Former Rangers left-back Jefte believes the manager who brought him to Ibrox, Philippe Clement, deserved a bigger chance in Glasgow. (Glasgow Times)
Forward Lawrence Shankland, 30, wanted a quick move from Hearts to Rangers so he would not be distracted while at the World Cup with Scotland. (Herald - subscription required)
Rangers have intensified their interest in Hammarby's Swedish right-back Hampus Skoglund, 22. (TeamTalk)
Basel have had two offers turned down for Zalaegerszegi TE's Akpe Victory, the 19-year-old defender who has also been linked with Rangers among others. (Ben Jacobs on X)
Former Rangers left-back Jefte believes the manager who brought him to Ibrox, Philippe Clement, deserved a bigger chance in Glasgow. (Glasgow Times)
3 hours ago
The world will certainly be watching Group A.
The first day of the World Cup sees the tournament open with Mexico hosting South Africa at the historic, renovated Estadio Azteca in a rematch of the teams' thrilling opening game in 2010. Later that day in Jalisco, South Korea and Czechia will take the stage.
From there, the wildly popular Mexico team will look to break through and once again put together a successful World Cup as a home team.
Korea, which Mexico beat in 2018 and then did Mexico a favor in the final group match, will look to play spoiler, while Czechia wants to show it belongs on this stage after narrowly advancing from European qualification.
Here is a breakdown of Group A.
The first day of the World Cup sees the tournament open with Mexico hosting South Africa at the historic, renovated Estadio Azteca in a rematch of the teams' thrilling opening game in 2010. Later that day in Jalisco, South Korea and Czechia will take the stage.
From there, the wildly popular Mexico team will look to break through and once again put together a successful World Cup as a home team.
Korea, which Mexico beat in 2018 and then did Mexico a favor in the final group match, will look to play spoiler, while Czechia wants to show it belongs on this stage after narrowly advancing from European qualification.
Here is a breakdown of Group A.
3 hours ago
The Washington Commanders entered the offseason with plenty of holes to fill. Fortunately, they had plenty of money to spend and were among the top five teams in salary cap ****** e.
Injuries ruined Washington's 2025 season. One year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders tumbled to 5-12. Injuries decimated the roster last season, with quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin among the most notable players who missed significant time.
However, Washington's offense wasn't its main problem last season. It was the defense. The defense wasn't very good in 2024, but the Commanders had a healthy Daniels and McLaurin leading an offense that scored almost 30 points per game. Sure, injuries impacted the defense, but age, a lack of overall talent and speed were bigger issues.
This offseason, GM Adam Peters planned on making the Commanders "younger and faster." That's exactly what he did, adding multiple defensive starters in free agency, with most being 27 or younger. Peters specifically focused on improving Washington's pass rush, giving Odafe Oweh a four-year, $100 million contract, in addition to signing K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. Peters also revamped the linebacker position, signing Leo Chenal to a three-year deal and using a first-round pick on Sonny Styles.
How significant were Washington's investments in its defense this offseason? According to Warren Sharp, the Commanders have the sixth-most expensive defense in 2026 at $165.8 million.
Injuries ruined Washington's 2025 season. One year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders tumbled to 5-12. Injuries decimated the roster last season, with quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin among the most notable players who missed significant time.
However, Washington's offense wasn't its main problem last season. It was the defense. The defense wasn't very good in 2024, but the Commanders had a healthy Daniels and McLaurin leading an offense that scored almost 30 points per game. Sure, injuries impacted the defense, but age, a lack of overall talent and speed were bigger issues.
This offseason, GM Adam Peters planned on making the Commanders "younger and faster." That's exactly what he did, adding multiple defensive starters in free agency, with most being 27 or younger. Peters specifically focused on improving Washington's pass rush, giving Odafe Oweh a four-year, $100 million contract, in addition to signing K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. Peters also revamped the linebacker position, signing Leo Chenal to a three-year deal and using a first-round pick on Sonny Styles.
How significant were Washington's investments in its defense this offseason? According to Warren Sharp, the Commanders have the sixth-most expensive defense in 2026 at $165.8 million.
3 hours ago
The 2026 IPL season was batting excess at its absolute peak.
A record 27450 runs were scored across the season - the most in IPL history. Teams scored at a staggering run-rate of 9.88, another all-time high. There were 1426 sixes struck, eclipsing the previous record of 1294 set only a year earlier in 2025.
This was also the season of the 200-plus score. As many as 65 innings crossed the 200-run mark. Chasing became almost routine. Teams successfully hunted down 220-plus targets nine times this season alone; before 2026, that had happened just five times across the previous 18 editions combined.
In total, 18 scores of 200 or more were chased down this season - exactly double the number from 2025.
Going by those numbers, the final should have been a run-fest.
Instead, it was anything but.
Gujarat ****** ans huffed and puffed their way to 155/8. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased it down comfortably to retain the IPL ****** le. There was drama because of the occasion, but not because of the scoring.
And it wasn't the first time.
Cast your mind back to 2024. That season was defined by Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting revolution. Records were broken almost every week as scores once considered impossible became commonplace. Yet when the final arrived, SRH were bowled out for 113 - the lowest total in IPL final history, and Kolkata Knight Riders raced to the target in just 10.3 overs.
Or take the 2022 final in Ahmedabad. Rajasthan Royals managed only 130/9 before Gujarat ****** ans cruised home with seven wickets in hand.
Which raises an interesting question.
Are IPL finals generally low-scoring? Do they fail to reflect the batting trends that define the league stage?
At first glance, the answer feels obvious.
For years, the accepted wisdom has been that the pressure of a ****** le decider suppresses scoring. Bigger nerves. Greater stakes. More cautious batting. Tired pitches at the end of a long tournament.
But is that actually true?
A TOI Data Desk ****** ysis of all 19 IPL finals between 2008 and 2026 suggests the answer is more complicated than conventional wisdom would have us believe.
In fact, the numbers are the exact opposite of what most fans would expect.
Across all 19 IPL finals, the average final has actually produced more runs than the average match in the corresponding season.
Here's the kicker: 10 finals have scored above their season average, while nine have finished below it.
On average, IPL finals have scored 5.7 runs more than the season average and 5.1 runs more than the historical scoring average at the venue where they were played.
In other words, the popular perception doesn't really hold up when viewed across the tournament's entire history. However, our memories are selective.
The low-scoring finals tend to stick. The 2024 final. The 2022 final. The 2026 final. These matches lead us to believe that finals are cagey affairs. But at the other end of the spectrum sit IP
A record 27450 runs were scored across the season - the most in IPL history. Teams scored at a staggering run-rate of 9.88, another all-time high. There were 1426 sixes struck, eclipsing the previous record of 1294 set only a year earlier in 2025.
This was also the season of the 200-plus score. As many as 65 innings crossed the 200-run mark. Chasing became almost routine. Teams successfully hunted down 220-plus targets nine times this season alone; before 2026, that had happened just five times across the previous 18 editions combined.
In total, 18 scores of 200 or more were chased down this season - exactly double the number from 2025.
Going by those numbers, the final should have been a run-fest.
Instead, it was anything but.
Gujarat ****** ans huffed and puffed their way to 155/8. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased it down comfortably to retain the IPL ****** le. There was drama because of the occasion, but not because of the scoring.
And it wasn't the first time.
Cast your mind back to 2024. That season was defined by Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting revolution. Records were broken almost every week as scores once considered impossible became commonplace. Yet when the final arrived, SRH were bowled out for 113 - the lowest total in IPL final history, and Kolkata Knight Riders raced to the target in just 10.3 overs.
Or take the 2022 final in Ahmedabad. Rajasthan Royals managed only 130/9 before Gujarat ****** ans cruised home with seven wickets in hand.
Which raises an interesting question.
Are IPL finals generally low-scoring? Do they fail to reflect the batting trends that define the league stage?
At first glance, the answer feels obvious.
For years, the accepted wisdom has been that the pressure of a ****** le decider suppresses scoring. Bigger nerves. Greater stakes. More cautious batting. Tired pitches at the end of a long tournament.
But is that actually true?
A TOI Data Desk ****** ysis of all 19 IPL finals between 2008 and 2026 suggests the answer is more complicated than conventional wisdom would have us believe.
In fact, the numbers are the exact opposite of what most fans would expect.
Across all 19 IPL finals, the average final has actually produced more runs than the average match in the corresponding season.
Here's the kicker: 10 finals have scored above their season average, while nine have finished below it.
On average, IPL finals have scored 5.7 runs more than the season average and 5.1 runs more than the historical scoring average at the venue where they were played.
In other words, the popular perception doesn't really hold up when viewed across the tournament's entire history. However, our memories are selective.
The low-scoring finals tend to stick. The 2024 final. The 2022 final. The 2026 final. These matches lead us to believe that finals are cagey affairs. But at the other end of the spectrum sit IP
3 hours ago
Real Madrid’s 2025-26 season was a roller-coaster with not too many positives to take away. What it did, however, was set the stage for a massive rebuild.
Los Blancos did not garner a single trophy in the campaign and eventually lost even La Liga by a sizeable deficit. Throughout the season, there were serious lacunae highlighted in all departments, and the result is a massive revamp this summer.
Despite the basically poor season, however, there were some winners and some clear losers from the campaign, and internal politics ended the season in the worst manner possible.
Former Real Madrid coach Jorge Valdano spoke to the media in a recent interaction via Mundo Deportivo where he gave his in-depth **** ysis on several Real Madrid-related topics.
He first began by addressing the club’s decision to bring Jose Mourinho back and raised concerns over the appointment.
Los Blancos did not garner a single trophy in the campaign and eventually lost even La Liga by a sizeable deficit. Throughout the season, there were serious lacunae highlighted in all departments, and the result is a massive revamp this summer.
Despite the basically poor season, however, there were some winners and some clear losers from the campaign, and internal politics ended the season in the worst manner possible.
Former Real Madrid coach Jorge Valdano spoke to the media in a recent interaction via Mundo Deportivo where he gave his in-depth **** ysis on several Real Madrid-related topics.
He first began by addressing the club’s decision to bring Jose Mourinho back and raised concerns over the appointment.
3 hours ago
Arsenal have played a significant number of matches this season, and one player who has remained a constant presence in their squad throughout the campaign is Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede has been in excellent form and has established himself as ****** nal’s first-choice striker since moving to the Emirates in the summer of 2025.
His transfer from Sporting Club took a considerable amount of time to complete, meaning the striker missed a large part of pre-season preparations. Despite that setback, he still featured in several matches during the campaign and played in the Champions League final.
The demanding schedule has naturally raised questions regarding his fitness ahead of the World Cup. There had been suggestions that he would sit out Sweden’s friendly fixtures and only return to action once the tournament begins.
However, that has not been the case. Gyokeres started Sweden’s latest match against Greece and has now dismissed concerns that he was not prepared for the warm-up fixtures after such an intense season.
The Swede has been in excellent form and has established himself as ****** nal’s first-choice striker since moving to the Emirates in the summer of 2025.
His transfer from Sporting Club took a considerable amount of time to complete, meaning the striker missed a large part of pre-season preparations. Despite that setback, he still featured in several matches during the campaign and played in the Champions League final.
The demanding schedule has naturally raised questions regarding his fitness ahead of the World Cup. There had been suggestions that he would sit out Sweden’s friendly fixtures and only return to action once the tournament begins.
However, that has not been the case. Gyokeres started Sweden’s latest match against Greece and has now dismissed concerns that he was not prepared for the warm-up fixtures after such an intense season.
3 hours ago
India have announced their ODI and Test squads for the upcoming three-match One-Day series and one-off Test match against Afghanistan at home next month.
The series will mark the start of a busy white-ball schedule for the Men in Blue in the second half of 2026 as India prepares for the next ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to happen in Africa in 2027.
On Saturday, the BCCI announced that Virat Kohli had pulled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury he picked up during RCB's ****** le-run. Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced him in the ODI squad.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
The series will mark the start of a busy white-ball schedule for the Men in Blue in the second half of 2026 as India prepares for the next ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to happen in Africa in 2027.
On Saturday, the BCCI announced that Virat Kohli had pulled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury he picked up during RCB's ****** le-run. Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced him in the ODI squad.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
3 hours ago
Haiti return to the World Cup finals after 52 years and face the mammoth task of escaping a tough Group C.
The Caribbean nation, ranked 81st in the world, have been drawn alongside a resurgent Scotland as well as the competition’s all-time leading winners Brazil and AFCON finalists Morocco after they topped their CONCACAF qualifying group.
Les Grenadiers finished second in their second round qualifying group before topping the third round group, ahead of 2014 quarter finalists Costa Rica, despite playing their matches outside the country due to political instability.
The ongoing conflict between the Haiti administration and anti-government forces and in the capital, Port-au-Princes, which first began in 2020, has meant that the US have suspended visas for the country’s nationals.
But their diaspora residing in the host nation will be able to attend to witness their country’s historic return and focus on the football that gets underway from the 11th of June.
The Caribbean nation, ranked 81st in the world, have been drawn alongside a resurgent Scotland as well as the competition’s all-time leading winners Brazil and AFCON finalists Morocco after they topped their CONCACAF qualifying group.
Les Grenadiers finished second in their second round qualifying group before topping the third round group, ahead of 2014 quarter finalists Costa Rica, despite playing their matches outside the country due to political instability.
The ongoing conflict between the Haiti administration and anti-government forces and in the capital, Port-au-Princes, which first began in 2020, has meant that the US have suspended visas for the country’s nationals.
But their diaspora residing in the host nation will be able to attend to witness their country’s historic return and focus on the football that gets underway from the 11th of June.
3 hours ago
Kicker.de has reported that Julian Nagelsmann gathered the entire 26-man Germany squad and staff at the hotel to show support for Lennart Karl who's World Cup dream was ended by an injury yesterday.
"Julian said a few words, the whole team was there. Lennart also managed to say a few words, even though it was difficult for him. He was extremely sad. I think he shed a few tears," said DFB president Bernd Neuendorf.
Further support came from back home as Bayern Munich's director of sport Max Eberl also chimed in, ensuring the 18-year-old will receive all the support needed to recover.
“Missing out of a World Cup so shortly before the start is, of course, extremely painful, and the news was a shock for everyone at FC Bayern – but it doesn't change how much talent, passion, and future Lenny has.
"He more than deserved this World Cup with his outstanding first professional season. Lenny will receive all the support he needs at FC Bayern to get back on the pitch soon.
"Julian said a few words, the whole team was there. Lennart also managed to say a few words, even though it was difficult for him. He was extremely sad. I think he shed a few tears," said DFB president Bernd Neuendorf.
Further support came from back home as Bayern Munich's director of sport Max Eberl also chimed in, ensuring the 18-year-old will receive all the support needed to recover.
“Missing out of a World Cup so shortly before the start is, of course, extremely painful, and the news was a shock for everyone at FC Bayern – but it doesn't change how much talent, passion, and future Lenny has.
"He more than deserved this World Cup with his outstanding first professional season. Lenny will receive all the support he needs at FC Bayern to get back on the pitch soon.
3 hours ago
LEXINGTON, Ky. – There is still a game to go, but Dikembe Shaw already sounded nostalgic about Indiana All-Star week on Friday night.
“Being around so many individuals who are so skilled and doing the thing I love, and I’m sure they love, and how they approach the game and their lives, I’ve just learned so much,” said Shaw, the Crown Point star. “For me personally, I just love it.”
Shaw is playing like he is loving it, too. The IndyStar Mr. Basketball runner-up poured in a game-high 24 points in the Indiana All-Stars 106-83 victory over the Kentucky All-Stars in the first game of the annual series, which will conclude on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Shaw accomplished that despite playing just a shade under 20 minutes due to foul trouble. He shot 6-for-7 from the field, connecting on all four of his 3-point attempts and going 8-for-11 from the free-throw line.
But even when Shaw had to sit with foul trouble, there was no letdown. Baron Walker and Brennan Miller made certain of it. **** lesville’s Walker, a Butler commit, was at his best early in the second half to help the Indiana All-Stars turn a three-point halftime lead into a double-digit margin with back-to-back three-point plays.
“Being around so many individuals who are so skilled and doing the thing I love, and I’m sure they love, and how they approach the game and their lives, I’ve just learned so much,” said Shaw, the Crown Point star. “For me personally, I just love it.”
Shaw is playing like he is loving it, too. The IndyStar Mr. Basketball runner-up poured in a game-high 24 points in the Indiana All-Stars 106-83 victory over the Kentucky All-Stars in the first game of the annual series, which will conclude on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Shaw accomplished that despite playing just a shade under 20 minutes due to foul trouble. He shot 6-for-7 from the field, connecting on all four of his 3-point attempts and going 8-for-11 from the free-throw line.
But even when Shaw had to sit with foul trouble, there was no letdown. Baron Walker and Brennan Miller made certain of it. **** lesville’s Walker, a Butler commit, was at his best early in the second half to help the Indiana All-Stars turn a three-point halftime lead into a double-digit margin with back-to-back three-point plays.
3 hours ago
Chelsea have had a £21 million bid accepted by Swedish side AIK for the highly-rated, 18-year-old winger Zadok Yohanna.
However, The Mail report that, as well as the Blues, Newcastle have also had a bid accepted for the Nigerian. The Magpies are searching for reinforcements after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
Despite playing just seven league matches, Yohanna has caught the eye of many top European clubs. The AIK forward will now have the ability to choose his next destination.
Meanwhile, the Julian Alvarez transfer saga continues to develop. Barcelona have been leading the race for the Argentina international, but Atletico Madrid are unwilling to sell to their La Liga rivals. This should come as a major boost to ******* nal, who are next in line to land the star.
The Gunners are continuing to pursue a striker this summer. However, according to Spanish media Cadena Ser, Alvarez has no desire or intention to move to London. This could act as a roadblock to Mikel Arteta’s plans to lure the 26-year-old to the Emirates.
However, The Mail report that, as well as the Blues, Newcastle have also had a bid accepted for the Nigerian. The Magpies are searching for reinforcements after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
Despite playing just seven league matches, Yohanna has caught the eye of many top European clubs. The AIK forward will now have the ability to choose his next destination.
Meanwhile, the Julian Alvarez transfer saga continues to develop. Barcelona have been leading the race for the Argentina international, but Atletico Madrid are unwilling to sell to their La Liga rivals. This should come as a major boost to ******* nal, who are next in line to land the star.
The Gunners are continuing to pursue a striker this summer. However, according to Spanish media Cadena Ser, Alvarez has no desire or intention to move to London. This could act as a roadblock to Mikel Arteta’s plans to lure the 26-year-old to the Emirates.
3 hours ago
To mark the 13th anniversary since his signature for the Club, we trace the incredible nine-year Manchester City career of the brilliant Fernandinho.
Men's Team
A tireless midfielder acquired in 2013 to provide energy in Manuel Pellegrini’s ***** le-chasing side, he went on to play 383 times, spend two years as club captain and win 13 major trophies before leaving in 2022.
In fact, only 18 men have ever worn the shirt more times than he did.
He saw plenty of change at the Etihad and was the reliable, metronomic presence at the heart of things throughout.
Men's Team
A tireless midfielder acquired in 2013 to provide energy in Manuel Pellegrini’s ***** le-chasing side, he went on to play 383 times, spend two years as club captain and win 13 major trophies before leaving in 2022.
In fact, only 18 men have ever worn the shirt more times than he did.
He saw plenty of change at the Etihad and was the reliable, metronomic presence at the heart of things throughout.
3 hours ago
IndyCar’s first race with its new full-course caution procedure caused immediate controversy.
After an incident that left Alexander Rossi’s car stranded powerless on the IMS front straightaway in the Sonsio Grand Prix, IndyCar Officiating announced an “operating and process update,” stating that pit windows and the running order of cars won’t affect whether race control — led by race director Kyle Novak — deploys a local caution or full-course caution in given situations.
The change affected the Detroit Grand Prix, the first street or road course IndyCar went to since the procedure change was announced May 12. Race control was quick to deploy full-course cautions, which hurt 2025 Detroit Grand Prix winner Kyle Kirkwood, who typically extends his stints before pitting.
In the second half of the race, Kirkwood had taken the lead from Alex Palou, who led 71 of the race’s 100 laps. Kirkwood and Palou both pitted on Lap 34, but when Palou made his second and final pit stop on Lap 64, Kirkwood remained on track to take the lead. But two laps later, contact between Santino Ferrucci and Rinus VeeKay led to a full-course caution, which closed the pits and left Kirkwood on track.
Palou recaptured the lead after Kirkwood pitted under caution on Lap 69, and Palou won the race with Kirkwood finishing second.
After an incident that left Alexander Rossi’s car stranded powerless on the IMS front straightaway in the Sonsio Grand Prix, IndyCar Officiating announced an “operating and process update,” stating that pit windows and the running order of cars won’t affect whether race control — led by race director Kyle Novak — deploys a local caution or full-course caution in given situations.
The change affected the Detroit Grand Prix, the first street or road course IndyCar went to since the procedure change was announced May 12. Race control was quick to deploy full-course cautions, which hurt 2025 Detroit Grand Prix winner Kyle Kirkwood, who typically extends his stints before pitting.
In the second half of the race, Kirkwood had taken the lead from Alex Palou, who led 71 of the race’s 100 laps. Kirkwood and Palou both pitted on Lap 34, but when Palou made his second and final pit stop on Lap 64, Kirkwood remained on track to take the lead. But two laps later, contact between Santino Ferrucci and Rinus VeeKay led to a full-course caution, which closed the pits and left Kirkwood on track.
Palou recaptured the lead after Kirkwood pitted under caution on Lap 69, and Palou won the race with Kirkwood finishing second.
3 hours ago
IndyCar’s first race with its new full-course caution procedure caused immediate controversy.
After an incident that left Alexander Rossi’s car stranded powerless on the IMS front straightaway in the Sonsio Grand Prix, IndyCar Officiating announced an “operating and process update,” stating that pit windows and the running order of cars won’t affect whether race control — led by race director Kyle Novak — deploys a local caution or full-course caution in given situations.
The change affected the Detroit Grand Prix, the first street or road course IndyCar went to since the procedure change was announced May 12. Race control was quick to deploy full-course cautions, which hurt 2025 Detroit Grand Prix winner Kyle Kirkwood, who typically extends his stints before pitting.
In the second half of the race, Kirkwood had taken the lead from Alex Palou, who led 71 of the race’s 100 laps. Kirkwood and Palou both pitted on Lap 34, but when Palou made his second and final pit stop on Lap 64, Kirkwood remained on track to take the lead. But two laps later, contact between Santino Ferrucci and Rinus VeeKay led to a full-course caution, which closed the pits and left Kirkwood on track.
Palou recaptured the lead after Kirkwood pitted under caution on Lap 69, and Palou won the race with Kirkwood finishing second.
After an incident that left Alexander Rossi’s car stranded powerless on the IMS front straightaway in the Sonsio Grand Prix, IndyCar Officiating announced an “operating and process update,” stating that pit windows and the running order of cars won’t affect whether race control — led by race director Kyle Novak — deploys a local caution or full-course caution in given situations.
The change affected the Detroit Grand Prix, the first street or road course IndyCar went to since the procedure change was announced May 12. Race control was quick to deploy full-course cautions, which hurt 2025 Detroit Grand Prix winner Kyle Kirkwood, who typically extends his stints before pitting.
In the second half of the race, Kirkwood had taken the lead from Alex Palou, who led 71 of the race’s 100 laps. Kirkwood and Palou both pitted on Lap 34, but when Palou made his second and final pit stop on Lap 64, Kirkwood remained on track to take the lead. But two laps later, contact between Santino Ferrucci and Rinus VeeKay led to a full-course caution, which closed the pits and left Kirkwood on track.
Palou recaptured the lead after Kirkwood pitted under caution on Lap 69, and Palou won the race with Kirkwood finishing second.
3 hours ago
INDIANAPOLIS – If it is June in Indiana, a Smith sister from Warren Central is winning a state championship.
In 2024, Laila Smith ran to a state ****** le in the 300-meter hurdles. In 2025, Samaya Smith won state singles in tennis. And on Friday night, Kira Smith won state in the high jump.
“I’m really proud of my sisters and everything that they’ve done,” Kira said. “To be able to add to the list of state champions feels really nice.”
Or it’s nice if you don’t have to suffer as Kira’s coach does. If you’re a parent, you get it ... because her coach is her father, Steve, a hall-of-fame high jumper.
Steve Smith said he felt calm when he competed, but it’s “nerve-wracking” to coach his daughter.
In 2024, Laila Smith ran to a state ****** le in the 300-meter hurdles. In 2025, Samaya Smith won state singles in tennis. And on Friday night, Kira Smith won state in the high jump.
“I’m really proud of my sisters and everything that they’ve done,” Kira said. “To be able to add to the list of state champions feels really nice.”
Or it’s nice if you don’t have to suffer as Kira’s coach does. If you’re a parent, you get it ... because her coach is her father, Steve, a hall-of-fame high jumper.
Steve Smith said he felt calm when he competed, but it’s “nerve-wracking” to coach his daughter.
5 hours ago
Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber made their red carpet debut on Friday, June 5
The couple attended the Race To Erase MS Gala weeks after confirming their relationship on Instagram
The couple's red carpet debut follows Parrish's recent divorce from Chris Long
Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber are red carpet official!
The actress, 37, and the Dancing with the Stars pro, 42, appeared in coordinating looks at the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala in Los Angeles on Friday, June 5.
The couple attended the Race To Erase MS Gala weeks after confirming their relationship on Instagram
The couple's red carpet debut follows Parrish's recent divorce from Chris Long
Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber are red carpet official!
The actress, 37, and the Dancing with the Stars pro, 42, appeared in coordinating looks at the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala in Los Angeles on Friday, June 5.
5 hours ago
When Desmond Armstrong faced the media at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the opening question he was asked wasn't about the remarkable feat of the USA team reaching the tournament for the first time in four decades.
"Why aren't you playing basketball?" was directed at Armstrong, then a 25-year-old defender, who was about to become the first US-born black player to represent the United States at a World Cup.
"There were no congratulations, or 'how excited are you to be here?'" Armstrong tells BBC Sport.
"The stereotype was 'you're an American and you're black, so you should be playing basketball'. Beyond the fact that Americans shouldn't be here in the first place, why are you here?"
Days later, he would keep the prolific Italy striker Gianluca Vialli off the scoresheet in a brilliant man-marking display against the hosts at the Stadio Olimpico - a performance that marked a huge turning point for football in the United States and for Armstrong himself.
"Why aren't you playing basketball?" was directed at Armstrong, then a 25-year-old defender, who was about to become the first US-born black player to represent the United States at a World Cup.
"There were no congratulations, or 'how excited are you to be here?'" Armstrong tells BBC Sport.
"The stereotype was 'you're an American and you're black, so you should be playing basketball'. Beyond the fact that Americans shouldn't be here in the first place, why are you here?"
Days later, he would keep the prolific Italy striker Gianluca Vialli off the scoresheet in a brilliant man-marking display against the hosts at the Stadio Olimpico - a performance that marked a huge turning point for football in the United States and for Armstrong himself.
5 hours ago
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Some of soccer’s biggest stars made an appearance on the Santa Monica Pier last Thursday -well, their inflatable versions did.
Three 40-foot-tall inflatable clones of reigning World Cup champion Lionel Messi, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and the United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) Christian Pulisic added a temporary attraction for piergoers.
Courtesy of FOX Sports
Fans pose with FOX Sports Giants of the Game inflatable clones of Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Christian Pulisc at Santa Monica Pier on May 28, 2026
For some fans, the inflatable trio represents more than just stars of the game. They reflect the growing generations drawn to the sport.
Three 40-foot-tall inflatable clones of reigning World Cup champion Lionel Messi, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and the United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) Christian Pulisic added a temporary attraction for piergoers.
Courtesy of FOX Sports
Fans pose with FOX Sports Giants of the Game inflatable clones of Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Christian Pulisc at Santa Monica Pier on May 28, 2026
For some fans, the inflatable trio represents more than just stars of the game. They reflect the growing generations drawn to the sport.
5 hours ago
On May 27, 2026 through May 29, 2026, Ichiro Aoki, co-founder and president of indie Semiconductor (NASDAQ:INDI), reported the open-market sale of 729,900 shares of Class A Common Stock following the exercise of ADK Class A units, as disclosed in the SEC Form 4 filing.
Metric
Value
Context
Shares sold (direct)
Metric
Value
Context
Shares sold (direct)
5 hours ago
By Sudarshan Varadhan and Colleen Howe
SHANGHAI, June 5 (Reuters) - China's major solar panel manufacturers are ramping up higher-margin battery exports to boost revenue as growth in photovoltaic (PV) sales slows, betting on rising global demand for renewable energy storage to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
The sector has been hit by weaker domestic installations, slowing exports and record-low prices, with executives expecting global demand to decline in 2026.
That has pushed players including JinkoSolar, JA Solar, LONGi Green Energy and Trina Solar to accelerate expansion into battery storage, company executives told Reuters.
JinkoSolar plans to nearly triple its battery manufacturing capacity from 5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to 13-14 GWh by the end of this year, as developers seek to address the intermittency of renewables, a company official said at SNEC - a solar industry gathering attended by over half a million people.
SHANGHAI, June 5 (Reuters) - China's major solar panel manufacturers are ramping up higher-margin battery exports to boost revenue as growth in photovoltaic (PV) sales slows, betting on rising global demand for renewable energy storage to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
The sector has been hit by weaker domestic installations, slowing exports and record-low prices, with executives expecting global demand to decline in 2026.
That has pushed players including JinkoSolar, JA Solar, LONGi Green Energy and Trina Solar to accelerate expansion into battery storage, company executives told Reuters.
JinkoSolar plans to nearly triple its battery manufacturing capacity from 5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to 13-14 GWh by the end of this year, as developers seek to address the intermittency of renewables, a company official said at SNEC - a solar industry gathering attended by over half a million people.
6 hours ago
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) stock went on a massive run in May, surging over 46%.
Shares got a boost from a marketwide rally that saw the Nasdaq Composite gain more than 8%, but better-than-expected Q1 earnings and a major announcement from the federal government both sent the stock higher.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
On May 21, the U.S. Department of Commerce signed letters of intent to award $2 billion in federal grants to nine quantum computing companies under the CHIPS and Science Act. Aimed at accelerating the development of "utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing," the program was seen as a major endorsement from the federal government.
Rigetti will receive up to $100 million over three years, per a letter of intent. That's a pretty big sum for a company that generated just $4.4 million in revenue last quarter, and it helps provide a financial runway.
Shares got a boost from a marketwide rally that saw the Nasdaq Composite gain more than 8%, but better-than-expected Q1 earnings and a major announcement from the federal government both sent the stock higher.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
On May 21, the U.S. Department of Commerce signed letters of intent to award $2 billion in federal grants to nine quantum computing companies under the CHIPS and Science Act. Aimed at accelerating the development of "utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing," the program was seen as a major endorsement from the federal government.
Rigetti will receive up to $100 million over three years, per a letter of intent. That's a pretty big sum for a company that generated just $4.4 million in revenue last quarter, and it helps provide a financial runway.
6 hours ago
Interested in ServiceTitan Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
ServiceTitan reported strong Q1 fiscal 2027 results, with revenue up 25% year over year to $268.8 million and gross transaction volume rising 23% to $21.7 billion. Net dollar retention remained above 110%, and operating margins improved sharply.
The company’s AI-driven Max offering is gaining traction, with management saying adoption is expanding while delivering meaningful customer ROI through higher booking rates, bigger tickets and more revenue per technician. Executives said more than 10% of jobs are now fully automated on average across fully ramped Max customers.
ServiceTitan raised full-year guidance for fiscal 2027, now expecting revenue of $1.13 billion to $1.14 billion and operating income of $142 million to $147 million. Management also said it plans to keep investing in Max and AI inference while maintaining a controlled rollout.
3 Hot New IPOs Defying the 2025 Market Slump
ServiceTitan reported strong Q1 fiscal 2027 results, with revenue up 25% year over year to $268.8 million and gross transaction volume rising 23% to $21.7 billion. Net dollar retention remained above 110%, and operating margins improved sharply.
The company’s AI-driven Max offering is gaining traction, with management saying adoption is expanding while delivering meaningful customer ROI through higher booking rates, bigger tickets and more revenue per technician. Executives said more than 10% of jobs are now fully automated on average across fully ramped Max customers.
ServiceTitan raised full-year guidance for fiscal 2027, now expecting revenue of $1.13 billion to $1.14 billion and operating income of $142 million to $147 million. Management also said it plans to keep investing in Max and AI inference while maintaining a controlled rollout.
3 Hot New IPOs Defying the 2025 Market Slump
