1 day ago
Reba McEntire said in a new interview that her wedding to fiancé Rex Linn may be "three or four days long" and include all of the couple's animals
"It's going to be a very unusual wedding on the farm," the country music star said
The Happy's Place costars got engaged on Christmas Eve in 2024
Reba McEntire says her wedding to Rex Linn may be a marathon event.
The country music star, 71, gave an update on the couple's plans for their nuptials in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, telling the outlet, "It's not going to be a wedding day — it's going to have to be three or four days."
#reba #linn
"It's going to be a very unusual wedding on the farm," the country music star said
The Happy's Place costars got engaged on Christmas Eve in 2024
Reba McEntire says her wedding to Rex Linn may be a marathon event.
The country music star, 71, gave an update on the couple's plans for their nuptials in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, telling the outlet, "It's not going to be a wedding day — it's going to have to be three or four days."
#reba #linn
10 days ago
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter gave an update on wide receiver Zay Flowers after Flowers left Saturday's practice early.
Minter said, via multiple reporters, that Flowers suffered a quad contusion when he collided with defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins during the workout. Minter called Flowers day-to-day and said that he does not expect the wideout to miss a significant amount of time.
The injury added to an eventful week for Flowers. He signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the team on Wednesday.
The Ravens will have another padded practice on Sunday and they will host the Eagles in their first preseason game next Saturday.
#practice #hawkins
Minter said, via multiple reporters, that Flowers suffered a quad contusion when he collided with defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins during the workout. Minter called Flowers day-to-day and said that he does not expect the wideout to miss a significant amount of time.
The injury added to an eventful week for Flowers. He signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the team on Wednesday.
The Ravens will have another padded practice on Sunday and they will host the Eagles in their first preseason game next Saturday.
#practice #hawkins
10 days ago
Bayern Munich's ongoing quest to offload João Palhinha- as well as Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza- reportedly got a boost via interest from Aston Villa. The Villans, who Bayern beat 2-1 in a recent friendly, have lost star midfielders Amadou Onana to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. Despite the recent addition of the impressive João Gomes, they need more personnel and Palhinha is a concrete target of theirs.
That last tidbit of news is something Damián Vidagany, Aston Villa's sporting director, confirmed to Bild reporter Nico Linner.
"We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana will be out for the entire season, and João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans," Vidagany stated (as captured by iMiaSanMia). "We are in talks, but there's currently no agreement. If anything does happen, it will always be on the basis of the big respect we have for FC Bayern. Our clubs are friends, and our relationship with Max Eberl, Christoph Freund and all the other people in charge is excellent. That is why I cannot and do not want to comment on any further details."
Of course, the problem is immediately apparent. Aston Villa wish to obtain a one year stopgap until Onana returns from his unfortunate injury, while Bayern wish to offload Palhinha permanently. How the two clubs reconcile that issue remains to be seen.
Perhaps the Bavarians will be willing to acquiesce and settle for a loan deal after all. The issue with Palhinha is that the club likely amortized the €51 million transfer fee and is still paying it to this day. If any potential loan deal can cover this year's amortization as well as the player's wages, perhaps the Bavarians would be willing to accept such a deal.
#deal
That last tidbit of news is something Damián Vidagany, Aston Villa's sporting director, confirmed to Bild reporter Nico Linner.
"We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana will be out for the entire season, and João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans," Vidagany stated (as captured by iMiaSanMia). "We are in talks, but there's currently no agreement. If anything does happen, it will always be on the basis of the big respect we have for FC Bayern. Our clubs are friends, and our relationship with Max Eberl, Christoph Freund and all the other people in charge is excellent. That is why I cannot and do not want to comment on any further details."
Of course, the problem is immediately apparent. Aston Villa wish to obtain a one year stopgap until Onana returns from his unfortunate injury, while Bayern wish to offload Palhinha permanently. How the two clubs reconcile that issue remains to be seen.
Perhaps the Bavarians will be willing to acquiesce and settle for a loan deal after all. The issue with Palhinha is that the club likely amortized the €51 million transfer fee and is still paying it to this day. If any potential loan deal can cover this year's amortization as well as the player's wages, perhaps the Bavarians would be willing to accept such a deal.
#deal
14 days ago
LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England — Europe captain Anna Nordqvist finalized her Solheim Cup team Monday by adding veteran Leona Maguire and three rookies as her picks for the Sept. 11-13 matches in The Netherlands.
Charley Hull of England easily earned one of the two automatic spots from the Ladies European Tour points list. The other went to Esther Henseleit of Germany, who surged to No. 2 in the final two events.
Henseleit finished fourth in the Women's Scottish Open and then lost in a playoff at the Women's British Open (points are double in a major) to narrowly beat Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland for the second spot.
Henseleit's 40-foot birdie putt to force a playoff with AIG Women's Open winner Shiho Kuwaki wound up costing Tamburlini a spot. Even without making it on points, Henseleit would have made her second straight team as one of the leading six players in the world ranking.
Those six spots instead fell to Solheim rookie Lottie Woad of England, Maja Stark and Linn Grant of Sweden, Carlota Ciganda of Spain, Celine Boutier of France and Nanna Koertz Madsen of Denmark.
#points
Charley Hull of England easily earned one of the two automatic spots from the Ladies European Tour points list. The other went to Esther Henseleit of Germany, who surged to No. 2 in the final two events.
Henseleit finished fourth in the Women's Scottish Open and then lost in a playoff at the Women's British Open (points are double in a major) to narrowly beat Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland for the second spot.
Henseleit's 40-foot birdie putt to force a playoff with AIG Women's Open winner Shiho Kuwaki wound up costing Tamburlini a spot. Even without making it on points, Henseleit would have made her second straight team as one of the leading six players in the world ranking.
Those six spots instead fell to Solheim rookie Lottie Woad of England, Maja Stark and Linn Grant of Sweden, Carlota Ciganda of Spain, Celine Boutier of France and Nanna Koertz Madsen of Denmark.
#points
15 days ago
Celtic have been drawn against Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round.
Meanwhile, Rangers will face either Larne or Iberia Tbilisi of Georgia in the Europa League play-offs should they defeat Jagiellonia Bialystok of Poland.
And Heart of Midlothian will take on either AGF Aarhus of Denmark or Sabah of Azerbaijan should they defeat Benfica.
Should they lose, the Edinburgh side will face Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia or Rapid Vienna of Austria.
If Rangers lose, they will face Jablonec of Czech Republic or RFS of Latvia.
#champions #either
Meanwhile, Rangers will face either Larne or Iberia Tbilisi of Georgia in the Europa League play-offs should they defeat Jagiellonia Bialystok of Poland.
And Heart of Midlothian will take on either AGF Aarhus of Denmark or Sabah of Azerbaijan should they defeat Benfica.
Should they lose, the Edinburgh side will face Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia or Rapid Vienna of Austria.
If Rangers lose, they will face Jablonec of Czech Republic or RFS of Latvia.
#champions #either
18 days ago
Babe Ruth PNW tourney 'worth the trip'
Though results on the field at the Babe Ruth Pacific Northwest baseball tournament weren't what the Lower Columbia 9U All-Stars had in mind, the team still showed a lot of talent.
After a thrilling victory over West Linn 9U on July 12 to win state, the Lower Columbia boys packed up their bags and headed to Meridian, Idaho for the regional championships, held July 23 to 25. The boys faced off against some of the fiercest competition from the West Coast. Taking on teams from Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana, the Lower Columbia All-Stars finished 1-3. They started things off with a 17-1 loss to the Kennewick Americans 9U, before turning things around.
They finished with a hard earned 12-10 victory over Nampa, Idaho. This qualified the boys for the quarterfinals where they took n the Bozeman Bucks 9U.
The quarterfinal match between these teams was a classic back and forth game that ended up going to extra innings. After Lower Columbia jumped out to a 9-2 start, the Bucks started to crawl back. A six-run third inning for the Bucks brought them within one, and things weren't decided until the eighth inning. Lower Columbia had a chance to walk things off in the bottom of seven as they loaded the bases, but Bozeman found a way to strand the runners. Lower Columbia went on to lose 14-13 in eight innings, concluding their season.
#things #boys
Though results on the field at the Babe Ruth Pacific Northwest baseball tournament weren't what the Lower Columbia 9U All-Stars had in mind, the team still showed a lot of talent.
After a thrilling victory over West Linn 9U on July 12 to win state, the Lower Columbia boys packed up their bags and headed to Meridian, Idaho for the regional championships, held July 23 to 25. The boys faced off against some of the fiercest competition from the West Coast. Taking on teams from Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana, the Lower Columbia All-Stars finished 1-3. They started things off with a 17-1 loss to the Kennewick Americans 9U, before turning things around.
They finished with a hard earned 12-10 victory over Nampa, Idaho. This qualified the boys for the quarterfinals where they took n the Bozeman Bucks 9U.
The quarterfinal match between these teams was a classic back and forth game that ended up going to extra innings. After Lower Columbia jumped out to a 9-2 start, the Bucks started to crawl back. A six-run third inning for the Bucks brought them within one, and things weren't decided until the eighth inning. Lower Columbia had a chance to walk things off in the bottom of seven as they loaded the bases, but Bozeman found a way to strand the runners. Lower Columbia went on to lose 14-13 in eight innings, concluding their season.
#things #boys
19 days ago
PEORIA — The 2026 Discraft Ledgestone Open extended its streak to a sixth consecutive season as the largest tournament in the sport.
More than 2,200 players in men's and women's divisions from pro class to amateur adult age groups and children as young as 10 scattered to tee off Thursday on the Peoria area's 15 courses as the first round of the tournament arrived.
In the two showcase draws, Calvin Heimburg led the Men's Professional Open with an 11-under fired at Lake Eureka, while Hämeenlinna, Finland native Heidi Laine led the Women's Professional Open after a 7-under turn on Morton's Northwood Black course.
Catrina Allen, world-ranked No. 19, was next among the pro women at 5-under, in a tie with world-ranked No. 8 Ella Hansen.
Heimburg, ranked No. 3 in the world by the Professional Disc Golf ******* ociation, was chased by defending two-time Ledgestone champion and current No. 1 world-ranked Gannon Buhr at two strokes behind.
#World
More than 2,200 players in men's and women's divisions from pro class to amateur adult age groups and children as young as 10 scattered to tee off Thursday on the Peoria area's 15 courses as the first round of the tournament arrived.
In the two showcase draws, Calvin Heimburg led the Men's Professional Open with an 11-under fired at Lake Eureka, while Hämeenlinna, Finland native Heidi Laine led the Women's Professional Open after a 7-under turn on Morton's Northwood Black course.
Catrina Allen, world-ranked No. 19, was next among the pro women at 5-under, in a tie with world-ranked No. 8 Ella Hansen.
Heimburg, ranked No. 3 in the world by the Professional Disc Golf ******* ociation, was chased by defending two-time Ledgestone champion and current No. 1 world-ranked Gannon Buhr at two strokes behind.
#World
19 days ago
The Washington Huskies' defensive line underwent a massive facelift ahead of the 2026 season after losing ten players from the unit to graduation, the NFL draft, and the transfer portal.
However, Jedd Fisch still expressed considerable confidence in his defensive front, even as defensive coordinator Ryan Walters attempts to replicate the nation's No. 12 run defense from the 2025 campaign, when the Huskies allowed 100.08 yards per game.
"Night and day in a lot of ways," Fisch told Huskies Wire of Washington's defensive tackles during Big Ten Media Days on Thursday. "When you look at Elinneus (Davis), Derek Colman-Brusa, (Darin) Conley, (Desean) Watts, TI (Umu-Cais), Kai (McClendon), that's six guys that are interior D-linemen that have shown an ability to play at a very high level."
At outside linebacker, after injuries have ravaged the unit over Fisch's first two years at the helm, the depth also looks considerably different. The Huskies are looking to improve on a group that recorded just 24 sacks in 2025, which ranked No. 12 in the Big Ten, and have an experienced unit leading the way.
"(Russell) Davis is back, Isaiah Ward is back. Then you look at Jacob Lane on the other side, then Logan George; they've shown the defensive line in its totality is a different type of group than we've had in the five years that I've been a head coach. I think the ability for us to go in and out with players and keep them fresh in a long season, as well as the difference makers that I think we have there, is exciting."
#unit #season #players
However, Jedd Fisch still expressed considerable confidence in his defensive front, even as defensive coordinator Ryan Walters attempts to replicate the nation's No. 12 run defense from the 2025 campaign, when the Huskies allowed 100.08 yards per game.
"Night and day in a lot of ways," Fisch told Huskies Wire of Washington's defensive tackles during Big Ten Media Days on Thursday. "When you look at Elinneus (Davis), Derek Colman-Brusa, (Darin) Conley, (Desean) Watts, TI (Umu-Cais), Kai (McClendon), that's six guys that are interior D-linemen that have shown an ability to play at a very high level."
At outside linebacker, after injuries have ravaged the unit over Fisch's first two years at the helm, the depth also looks considerably different. The Huskies are looking to improve on a group that recorded just 24 sacks in 2025, which ranked No. 12 in the Big Ten, and have an experienced unit leading the way.
"(Russell) Davis is back, Isaiah Ward is back. Then you look at Jacob Lane on the other side, then Logan George; they've shown the defensive line in its totality is a different type of group than we've had in the five years that I've been a head coach. I think the ability for us to go in and out with players and keep them fresh in a long season, as well as the difference makers that I think we have there, is exciting."
#unit #season #players
19 days ago
The New England Patriots' secondary was one of the best in the NFL in 2025, perhaps surprisingly given who they used as their starting safeties. Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins — a fourth-round rookie and a career backup — patrolled the team's defensive backend, and they did a fine job.
However, the Patriots still decided to make a change by letting Hawkins leave in free agency and signing first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard to take his place. Four practices into their first training camp together, the pairing has looked solid.
Like the rest of the secondary, it also has been feeding off each other to build its chemistry.
"Feel really good about the secondary. We just got to continue to build and keep getting better," said Byard.
For the 33-year-old, training camp is business as usual despite being his first in New England. For his young comrade, meanwhile, it is a chance to get an up-close look at one of the best safeties of his era and a player who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025.
#first #Patriots #training
However, the Patriots still decided to make a change by letting Hawkins leave in free agency and signing first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard to take his place. Four practices into their first training camp together, the pairing has looked solid.
Like the rest of the secondary, it also has been feeding off each other to build its chemistry.
"Feel really good about the secondary. We just got to continue to build and keep getting better," said Byard.
For the 33-year-old, training camp is business as usual despite being his first in New England. For his young comrade, meanwhile, it is a chance to get an up-close look at one of the best safeties of his era and a player who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025.
#first #Patriots #training
24 days ago
Who needs a wedding planner when you've got Dolly Parton?
According to a source, the sparkle-loving star, 80, is helping pal Reba McEntire map out her upcoming vow swap with fiancé Rex Linn as she recovers from a series of health challenges.
"Dolly is thrilled to have something to take her mind off her troubles," the source tells Examiner. "Being stuck at home while she's recuperating has been very hard because she's just not used to sitting still for this long."
MBS/MEGA
In May, the bride-to-be, 71, told Extra she and her Happy's Place costar, 69, have been envisioning tying the knot during a "low-key" ceremony, surrounded by "lots of friends and family."
#dolly #parton #reba #mega
According to a source, the sparkle-loving star, 80, is helping pal Reba McEntire map out her upcoming vow swap with fiancé Rex Linn as she recovers from a series of health challenges.
"Dolly is thrilled to have something to take her mind off her troubles," the source tells Examiner. "Being stuck at home while she's recuperating has been very hard because she's just not used to sitting still for this long."
MBS/MEGA
In May, the bride-to-be, 71, told Extra she and her Happy's Place costar, 69, have been envisioning tying the knot during a "low-key" ceremony, surrounded by "lots of friends and family."
#dolly #parton #reba #mega
1 month ago
Does a viral image of actor Elliot Page actually show him on the August 2026 Men's Health magazine cover? No, that's not true: The picture originated from a self-described satire account. The image's later variations removed the watermark linking the picture with that account.
The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on X by Glinner on July 16, 2026. The caption read:
This is like putting Karen Carpenter on the cover of 'Shape'.
This is what the image attached to the post looked like on X at the time of writing:
Elliot Page (archived here) is a Canadian actor and producer who came out as transgender (archived here) in 2020 (archived here), using ***** ouns he/they. While Page's transparency about the journey received a lot of international attention over the years, this specific image was not part of the authentic media coverage of the story.
The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on X by Glinner on July 16, 2026. The caption read:
This is like putting Karen Carpenter on the cover of 'Shape'.
This is what the image attached to the post looked like on X at the time of writing:
Elliot Page (archived here) is a Canadian actor and producer who came out as transgender (archived here) in 2020 (archived here), using ***** ouns he/they. While Page's transparency about the journey received a lot of international attention over the years, this specific image was not part of the authentic media coverage of the story.
1 month ago
Caitlin Clark arrived at Michelob Ultra Arena on Sunday with her Indiana Fever teammates. They are set to take on the Las Vegas in a WNBA regular-season game. She stole the show with her simple, yet stylish outfit.
The superstar guard wore a black, short-sleeved cropped T-shirt that exposes her midriff. She paired it with matching loose-fitting wide-leg athletic trousers and completed her look with a trucker hat worn over her long dark hair.
MORE: Is Caitlin Clark playing tonight? Latest injury update for Fever vs. Aces
TheWNBA posted Clark's arrival at the venue on Instagram. Fans dropped their reactions about her attire in the comments section.
"Caitlinnnn" a fan wrote.
The superstar guard wore a black, short-sleeved cropped T-shirt that exposes her midriff. She paired it with matching loose-fitting wide-leg athletic trousers and completed her look with a trucker hat worn over her long dark hair.
MORE: Is Caitlin Clark playing tonight? Latest injury update for Fever vs. Aces
TheWNBA posted Clark's arrival at the venue on Instagram. Fans dropped their reactions about her attire in the comments section.
"Caitlinnnn" a fan wrote.
1 month ago
From Red Raiders to Redbirds, the St. Louis Cardinals have drafted 1B Caden Ferraro with their final pick on day 1 of the 2026 Amateur draft. Ferraro slashed .374/.481/.604 this year for Texas Tech with 8 HR. Obviously, as a corner infielder, all of the pressure is on the bat to carry him to the big leagues. Ferraro will have the chance to compete with Jack Gurevitch and Josh Kross as the potential 1B of the future in the Gateway to the West!
Few college hitters combine the ability to execute good swing decisions, make consistent contact and generate premium exit velocities as well as Ferraro. A left-handed hitter, he has flipped his profile from power-over-hit at Blinn to hit-over-power with the Red Raiders. He owns plus raw pop but prioritizes drilling line drives from gap to gap rather than trying to crush ***** to his pull side.
Ferraro is a well-below-average runner who’s conservative on the bases. He has spent most of this spring at DH with sporadic starts in right field, where he has limited range. He was a substandard defender at first base in junior college, though he does have average arm strength and displayed an upper-80s fastball when he pitched as a freshman.
Grades:
Hit: 55
Few college hitters combine the ability to execute good swing decisions, make consistent contact and generate premium exit velocities as well as Ferraro. A left-handed hitter, he has flipped his profile from power-over-hit at Blinn to hit-over-power with the Red Raiders. He owns plus raw pop but prioritizes drilling line drives from gap to gap rather than trying to crush ***** to his pull side.
Ferraro is a well-below-average runner who’s conservative on the bases. He has spent most of this spring at DH with sporadic starts in right field, where he has limited range. He was a substandard defender at first base in junior college, though he does have average arm strength and displayed an upper-80s fastball when he pitched as a freshman.
Grades:
Hit: 55
1 month ago
Warrenton High School graduate Jacob Morrow is a classic case of hard work pays off.
The 24 year old was a versatile athlete at Warrenton excelling in football, basketball and baseball. Though Morrow was a three-sport athlete, like many of the high schoolers in Clatsop County, his best sport was baseball.
Morrow made the Warrenton varsity baseball team as a freshman and was a two-time all-state player his sophomore and junior years. Due to Morrow graduating in 2020, he missed out on much of his senior year due to the pandemic.
After graduating from Warrenton, he went on to attend Linn Benton Community College in Albany, then finished up his college career at Washington State University. Much like in his high school days, Morrow was a standout in baseball at both Linn Benton and WSU. He spent two years as a starter on a very competitive Linn Benton roster, before being named to the Buster Posey watch list his senior year as a Cougar. The Buster Posey Award, formerly known as the Johnny Bench Award, was created in 2000 to honor college baseball's top catcher in the National Collegiate Athletic ***** ociation's Division I. The award was renamed in 2019 after Johnny Bench announced the creation of his own national award for amateur catchers. The commission renamed it after Buster Posey and schools nominate their catchers during the season to create the official watch list.
Upon graduating from college in 2024, Morrow took his talents to Cleburne, Texas and the Independent League. The small town located about 40 minutes outside of Fort Worth served as the start of Morrow's professional baseball journey. Brian Bruney was the last player from Clatsop County to make it to the Major Leagues. Bruney had a 9-year big league career and won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009. Morrow hopes his time playing in the Independent League will help him get there.
The 24 year old was a versatile athlete at Warrenton excelling in football, basketball and baseball. Though Morrow was a three-sport athlete, like many of the high schoolers in Clatsop County, his best sport was baseball.
Morrow made the Warrenton varsity baseball team as a freshman and was a two-time all-state player his sophomore and junior years. Due to Morrow graduating in 2020, he missed out on much of his senior year due to the pandemic.
After graduating from Warrenton, he went on to attend Linn Benton Community College in Albany, then finished up his college career at Washington State University. Much like in his high school days, Morrow was a standout in baseball at both Linn Benton and WSU. He spent two years as a starter on a very competitive Linn Benton roster, before being named to the Buster Posey watch list his senior year as a Cougar. The Buster Posey Award, formerly known as the Johnny Bench Award, was created in 2000 to honor college baseball's top catcher in the National Collegiate Athletic ***** ociation's Division I. The award was renamed in 2019 after Johnny Bench announced the creation of his own national award for amateur catchers. The commission renamed it after Buster Posey and schools nominate their catchers during the season to create the official watch list.
Upon graduating from college in 2024, Morrow took his talents to Cleburne, Texas and the Independent League. The small town located about 40 minutes outside of Fort Worth served as the start of Morrow's professional baseball journey. Brian Bruney was the last player from Clatsop County to make it to the Major Leagues. Bruney had a 9-year big league career and won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009. Morrow hopes his time playing in the Independent League will help him get there.
1 month ago
By Aislinn Laing and David Latona
MADRID, July 9 (Reuters) - Madrid said on Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump had softened his rhetoric on Spain, hours after threatening to halt trade with the NATO ally, because he had been made aware of a surge in Madrid's contributions to the alliance in recent years.
At a NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, Trump called Spain a "terrible partner" and ordered an immediate halt to all trade with the country after disputes over defence spending and the Iran war.
On his way back to the United States after the summit, he told reporters aboard Air Force One: "I did have issues, and I still do. But Spain, they came back all the way today. Spain was very generous today."
Asked what Spain had done, he said: "They honoured a request for lots of payments, and if they didn't, we wouldn't have even talked to them."
MADRID, July 9 (Reuters) - Madrid said on Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump had softened his rhetoric on Spain, hours after threatening to halt trade with the NATO ally, because he had been made aware of a surge in Madrid's contributions to the alliance in recent years.
At a NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, Trump called Spain a "terrible partner" and ordered an immediate halt to all trade with the country after disputes over defence spending and the Iran war.
On his way back to the United States after the summit, he told reporters aboard Air Force One: "I did have issues, and I still do. But Spain, they came back all the way today. Spain was very generous today."
Asked what Spain had done, he said: "They honoured a request for lots of payments, and if they didn't, we wouldn't have even talked to them."
1 month ago
Matt Lorenz broke the tape at the Fifth Season 8K race to resume his dominance at this Fourth of July event in Cedar Rapids.
The Runablaze Iowa athlete won this event in 2022 and 2023 before having his streak of wins snapped in 2024 and 2025, when he was eighth and third, respectively. This time, the Cedar Rapids Prairie track and cross country **** istant coach left no doubt in the lightning-delayed race celebrating its 41st running. Lorenz, 27, ran 24 minutes, 26 seconds over the fast 4.97-mile course to win by 42 seconds over former Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Wartburg College runner Jacob Green, 24.
Lorenz leads off this Fourth of July-focused WEEKEND UPDATE of the best performances by Iowa-based collegiate and post collegiate distance runners and triathletes.
Lorenz has built an impressive 2026 road racing season. He won the inaugural Cedar Rapids Marathon on June 7 in 2:30:55 on a wet day. That win came after he took the victory at the Marion Arts Festival half marathon on May 16 in 1:08:49.
The Fifth Season 8K traditionally offers one of the fastest fields in Iowa on the Fourth and 2026 was no exception. Former Linn-Mar (Marion) and Iowa State runner Greyson Dolezal, 29, ran 25:38 for third. Wartburg sophomore-to-be Ethan Boston, a Linn-Mar grad, was timed in 26:13 for fourth. Ethan Cheney, 18, a recent Linn-Mar grad, also ran 26:13 for fifth. Ex-Liberty HIgh prep Noah Gregoire, now a sophomore-to-be at Mount Mercy, covered the distance in 26:21 for sixth. Aidan Decker, another Liberty product who will start his junior season at Wartburg next month, was next in 26:22. Adam Gray, another recent grad, this time at Kennedy, ran 26:23 for eighth. Carter Mulford, a Wartburg sophomore-to-be who ran for Prairie , was ninth in 26:28. Junior teammate Cooper Cook, a Marion grad, was 10th in 26:31. Former Runablaze athlete Leif Klarqvist, 23, now based in Minnesota, was 11th in 26:38.
The Runablaze Iowa athlete won this event in 2022 and 2023 before having his streak of wins snapped in 2024 and 2025, when he was eighth and third, respectively. This time, the Cedar Rapids Prairie track and cross country **** istant coach left no doubt in the lightning-delayed race celebrating its 41st running. Lorenz, 27, ran 24 minutes, 26 seconds over the fast 4.97-mile course to win by 42 seconds over former Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Wartburg College runner Jacob Green, 24.
Lorenz leads off this Fourth of July-focused WEEKEND UPDATE of the best performances by Iowa-based collegiate and post collegiate distance runners and triathletes.
Lorenz has built an impressive 2026 road racing season. He won the inaugural Cedar Rapids Marathon on June 7 in 2:30:55 on a wet day. That win came after he took the victory at the Marion Arts Festival half marathon on May 16 in 1:08:49.
The Fifth Season 8K traditionally offers one of the fastest fields in Iowa on the Fourth and 2026 was no exception. Former Linn-Mar (Marion) and Iowa State runner Greyson Dolezal, 29, ran 25:38 for third. Wartburg sophomore-to-be Ethan Boston, a Linn-Mar grad, was timed in 26:13 for fourth. Ethan Cheney, 18, a recent Linn-Mar grad, also ran 26:13 for fifth. Ex-Liberty HIgh prep Noah Gregoire, now a sophomore-to-be at Mount Mercy, covered the distance in 26:21 for sixth. Aidan Decker, another Liberty product who will start his junior season at Wartburg next month, was next in 26:22. Adam Gray, another recent grad, this time at Kennedy, ran 26:23 for eighth. Carter Mulford, a Wartburg sophomore-to-be who ran for Prairie , was ninth in 26:28. Junior teammate Cooper Cook, a Marion grad, was 10th in 26:31. Former Runablaze athlete Leif Klarqvist, 23, now based in Minnesota, was 11th in 26:38.
1 month ago
The New England Patriots approach the 2026 NFL season as a stronger team on paper, with talent equipped to contend for the Super Bowl.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, the Patriots’ starting lineups on offense and defense were collectively ranked No. 7 overall in the league, with the team’s secondary being its biggest strength.
”Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league's top young cornerbacks and is joined on the perimeter by veteran standout Carlton Davis III,” Clay said. “Marcus Jones has quickly developed into a standout in the slot. Craig Woodson was a terrific find in the fourth round of last year's draft and will be joined at safety by Jaylinn Hawkins' replacement, Kevin Byard, who continues to play at a high level at age 33.”
The Patriots also strengthened their receiving corps by trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker adds strength to the Patriots’ offensive line while rookie Caleb Lomu provides depth at the tackle positions.
New England made up for their losses on defense in free agency with quality veteran stars and young talent in the draft. The Patriots appear poised to make another strong push for a Super Bowl crown in 2026 with the unit they’ve put together this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, the Patriots’ starting lineups on offense and defense were collectively ranked No. 7 overall in the league, with the team’s secondary being its biggest strength.
”Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league's top young cornerbacks and is joined on the perimeter by veteran standout Carlton Davis III,” Clay said. “Marcus Jones has quickly developed into a standout in the slot. Craig Woodson was a terrific find in the fourth round of last year's draft and will be joined at safety by Jaylinn Hawkins' replacement, Kevin Byard, who continues to play at a high level at age 33.”
The Patriots also strengthened their receiving corps by trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker adds strength to the Patriots’ offensive line while rookie Caleb Lomu provides depth at the tackle positions.
New England made up for their losses on defense in free agency with quality veteran stars and young talent in the draft. The Patriots appear poised to make another strong push for a Super Bowl crown in 2026 with the unit they’ve put together this offseason.
1 month ago
Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens earn No. 5 spot in ESPN's 2026 NFL roster rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Baltimore still has one of the NFL's most talented rosters. ESPN believes one position group gives the Ravens an edge over nearly every other contender.
Many teams lean on a star quarterback or a dominant pass rusher. ESPN looked somewhere else when placing the Baltimore Ravens fifth in its 2026 roster rankings. The report says the team's biggest edge comes at safety, where few clubs can match its talent and depth.
Kyle Hamilton sits at the center of that group. At only 25 years old, he already ranks among the NFL's top defensive players. Last season, he led all safeties in pass rush attempts while also finishing inside the top 10 at his position in tackles, passes defended, and tackles for loss. That kind of production allows Baltimore to use him in several different ways.
The Ravens have more than one answer in the secondary. First-round pick Malaki Starks handled his rookie season well and is expected to take on a larger role. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins also joins the mix after playing every defensive snap for New England in 2025. Together, the trio gives Baltimore experience, range, and flexibility on the back end.
Baltimore still has one of the NFL's most talented rosters. ESPN believes one position group gives the Ravens an edge over nearly every other contender.
Many teams lean on a star quarterback or a dominant pass rusher. ESPN looked somewhere else when placing the Baltimore Ravens fifth in its 2026 roster rankings. The report says the team's biggest edge comes at safety, where few clubs can match its talent and depth.
Kyle Hamilton sits at the center of that group. At only 25 years old, he already ranks among the NFL's top defensive players. Last season, he led all safeties in pass rush attempts while also finishing inside the top 10 at his position in tackles, passes defended, and tackles for loss. That kind of production allows Baltimore to use him in several different ways.
The Ravens have more than one answer in the secondary. First-round pick Malaki Starks handled his rookie season well and is expected to take on a larger role. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins also joins the mix after playing every defensive snap for New England in 2025. Together, the trio gives Baltimore experience, range, and flexibility on the back end.
2 months ago
Joey Linn: Good for John Collins. He really found his way after a tough start with the Clippers and deserved to get paid. Will be missed in the locker room, for sure. One of the nicest guys I’ve had the chance to cover.
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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: One of the nicest guys I’ve had the chance to cover
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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: One of the nicest guys I’ve had the chance to cover
2 months ago
The New England Patriots are a deep team.
They added several marquee players to their roster this offseason. New England maintained the strength of their front four and their secondary by replacing the departing K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins with Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard. They also made many improvements to their offensive line, but their offensive weapons around quarterback Drake Maye are the best they've been since he entered the league.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his ranking of the NFL's wide receiver, tight end and running back groups of playmakers for next season, the Patriots' unit ranks No. 10 in the league.
"The top 10 starts with the Patriots, who added an elite receiver to the mix after trading for A.J. Brown this summer," Barnwell said. "Brown left Philadelphia after a frustrating 2025 season, but there's still plenty of evidence that Brown is one of the top wideouts in all of football. … While there's a drop-off from Brown to the rest of the lineup, the Patriots are much deeper than they've been in years."
Brown and Doubs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, with upside that might potentially be getting overlooked for next season. Henderson and Stevenson are two running backs who have the capability to rush for 1,000 yards, and the addition of rookie tight end Eli Raridon gives New England a good replacement for Austin Hooper behind Hunter Henry for next season.
They added several marquee players to their roster this offseason. New England maintained the strength of their front four and their secondary by replacing the departing K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins with Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard. They also made many improvements to their offensive line, but their offensive weapons around quarterback Drake Maye are the best they've been since he entered the league.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his ranking of the NFL's wide receiver, tight end and running back groups of playmakers for next season, the Patriots' unit ranks No. 10 in the league.
"The top 10 starts with the Patriots, who added an elite receiver to the mix after trading for A.J. Brown this summer," Barnwell said. "Brown left Philadelphia after a frustrating 2025 season, but there's still plenty of evidence that Brown is one of the top wideouts in all of football. … While there's a drop-off from Brown to the rest of the lineup, the Patriots are much deeper than they've been in years."
Brown and Doubs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, with upside that might potentially be getting overlooked for next season. Henderson and Stevenson are two running backs who have the capability to rush for 1,000 yards, and the addition of rookie tight end Eli Raridon gives New England a good replacement for Austin Hooper behind Hunter Henry for next season.
2 months ago
Paul Clancy, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Galway, has passed away at the age of 49.
Clancy won the All-Ireland in 1998 and 2001 with Galway, and he also won five Connacht **** les with the Tribesmen.
While Galway lost the 2000 All-Ireland to Kerry after a replay, Clancy's no-look pass to set up Dec Meehan is one of the most iconic goals in a final at Croke Park.
He played his club football with Maigh Cuilinn and won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship in 2008.
After retiring, he became a coach and chairperson of his club as they won the Connacht Senior Football Championship in 2020.
Clancy won the All-Ireland in 1998 and 2001 with Galway, and he also won five Connacht **** les with the Tribesmen.
While Galway lost the 2000 All-Ireland to Kerry after a replay, Clancy's no-look pass to set up Dec Meehan is one of the most iconic goals in a final at Croke Park.
He played his club football with Maigh Cuilinn and won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship in 2008.
After retiring, he became a coach and chairperson of his club as they won the Connacht Senior Football Championship in 2020.
2 months ago
Olvi has acquired Estonian mineral water producer Värska Originaal after a court lifted a legal injunction that had put the deal on hold.
The Finland-based drinks major had announced the acquisition in September, noting the deal would "unlock new growth opportunities in export markets".
Although local competition authorities cleared the transaction in April, the "implementation" was halted due to a legal challenge by an unnamed "third party".
On Friday (19 June), Olvi said it has completed the purchase of 100% of Värska Originaal.
The path for the deal was cleared after the Tallinn Administrative Court and District Court ruled "there were no grounds to continue the interim legal protection", the Finnish company said.
The Finland-based drinks major had announced the acquisition in September, noting the deal would "unlock new growth opportunities in export markets".
Although local competition authorities cleared the transaction in April, the "implementation" was halted due to a legal challenge by an unnamed "third party".
On Friday (19 June), Olvi said it has completed the purchase of 100% of Värska Originaal.
The path for the deal was cleared after the Tallinn Administrative Court and District Court ruled "there were no grounds to continue the interim legal protection", the Finnish company said.
2 months ago
Joey Linn: After four seasons, I’ve left Sports Illustrated. Starting now, and hopefully for a long time, I’ll be covering the LA Clippers independently. Thank you for the continued support. It’s made this possible. I hope you’ll join me at my new site.
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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: After four seasons, I’ve left Sports Illustrated
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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: After four seasons, I’ve left Sports Illustrated
2 months ago
Make it a clean sweep of the top four players in Oregon for Oregon.
The Ducks landed a commitment from the No. 2 recruit in the state, Lake Oswego (Ore.) edge Josh Christensen.
Christensen had visited Oregon last weekend, then took a visit to Cal, but it was really down to the home-state Ducks, Washington, which signed a teammate in last year’s class, Oklahoma and Illinois.
And like the No. 1 player in the state, Josiah Molden from West Linn (Ore.), Christensen chose to stay home and commit to the Ducks.
Christensen is the state’s No. 2 overall prospect according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.
The Ducks landed a commitment from the No. 2 recruit in the state, Lake Oswego (Ore.) edge Josh Christensen.
Christensen had visited Oregon last weekend, then took a visit to Cal, but it was really down to the home-state Ducks, Washington, which signed a teammate in last year’s class, Oklahoma and Illinois.
And like the No. 1 player in the state, Josiah Molden from West Linn (Ore.), Christensen chose to stay home and commit to the Ducks.
Christensen is the state’s No. 2 overall prospect according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.
2 months ago
By Andrius Sytas and Jekaterina Golubkova
TALLINN, June 9 (Reuters) - Ukraine has signed a drone deal with Latvia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday as he met with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs on the sidelines of a summit between Ukraine and Nordic and Baltic states in the Estonian capital Tallinn.
Zelenskiy was meeting with prime ministers from the Nordic-Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway, shortly after returning from a meeting in London with the leaders of Britain, France and Germany who said they were ready to support ceasefire talks.
Europe was likely far from ready to act as a mediator in the Ukraine peace process, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The U.S. was leading the talks to end the more than four-year-long war before the recent Iran conflict switched its focus.
"These are concrete things to strengthen our joint defense and co-production, and, importantly, this also means Ukraine's expertise and experience helping to strengthen our partners," Zelenskiy said in a post on X.
TALLINN, June 9 (Reuters) - Ukraine has signed a drone deal with Latvia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday as he met with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs on the sidelines of a summit between Ukraine and Nordic and Baltic states in the Estonian capital Tallinn.
Zelenskiy was meeting with prime ministers from the Nordic-Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway, shortly after returning from a meeting in London with the leaders of Britain, France and Germany who said they were ready to support ceasefire talks.
Europe was likely far from ready to act as a mediator in the Ukraine peace process, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The U.S. was leading the talks to end the more than four-year-long war before the recent Iran conflict switched its focus.
"These are concrete things to strengthen our joint defense and co-production, and, importantly, this also means Ukraine's expertise and experience helping to strengthen our partners," Zelenskiy said in a post on X.
