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Donald Trump did better with American young people last fall than any Republican candidate in decades. He won men under 30, won men of college age, and even won the youth vote in the swing state of Michigan. American young people were widely assumed to be uniformly liberal, and expected to remain so forever and ever. But the reality was anything but. I saw this trend playing out in real time as I toured the country speaking on college campuses to crowds of three, four, and even five thousand strong.  Young Americans were not happy with Joe Biden’s America or Kamala Harris’ vows to continue it, and they were ready to return to the president they associated with a more prosperous pre-COVID time.

It was a big win. But it was also impermanent. It could be a one-off. It could easily be explained by the aftermath of COVID or the incredible political charisma of Donald Trump himself. The youth vote of 2024 wasn’t so much a win as it was an opportunity: A clear demonstration that conservatives actually can compete to win the votes of American young people, rather than writing them off. 

The challenge for Republicans now is seizing this Gen Z opportunity. Because Gen Z won’t become lifelong conservatives thanks to a good campaign or slick online memes. They’ll only become lifelong supporters if we’re able to deliver for them on the big issues that matter.

Experts expend a lot of effort and ink explaining what Gen Z ‘wants.’ But between my campus visits and my work running Turning Point USA, I talk to as many Gen Z’ers as anyone in the country. They want basic economic success and security like the generations before them. They want a home, they want a family, they want to feel like they are building something and that they are a part of something. 

And right now, on that front, Gen Z has a lot of problems. Economically, things are dire. In 1984, the median American home cost about three and a half times the median income in America. Today, the median house costs almost six times the median income. Rent isn’t much better, and has risen more than 50% in real terms since the 1970s. 

In 1980, tuition at the average public college was about $2,800 in today’s dollars. Today it’s around $10,000, and, unsurprisingly, that means the average college student leaves school with a debt burden that previously could have bought them a car, provided the down payment on a house, or helped them start a family. 

Financially, young people aren’t just facing more expensive necessities, but also a more predatory economic reality. Millions of Gen Zers are buying everything from concert tickets to groceries to Chipotle burritos through buy now, pay later (BNPL) setups from companies like Klarna and Affirm. Some polls indicate Gen Z prefers BNPL to traditional credit cards. Taking on debt for purchases may make sense when buying a house or a car, but once a person is paying for their groceries with 4 monthly payments at 10% interest, something has gone awry. 

Of course, America hasn’t become a poor nation. In fact, we’re as spectacularly wealthy as ever. Yet this wealth doesn’t reach young Americans (unless it’s by way of inheritance). Instead, over and over, policy decisions have ensured that elderly Americans grow wealthier and wealthier. Never in American history has so much wealth been concentrated in those who are already retired from the labor force. This reality became even more pronounced during COVID and the rampant inflation that followed. Older Americans with equities and assets in their portfolio saw their net worth skyrocket, while younger Americans just saw those assets become even more unaffordable.

It wasn’t always like this. When the baby boomers of today were growing up, government policy routinely favored young people. Jobs were easier to get, with far fewer credentialing hurdles. Houses were built far faster. Wages were higher instead of being suppressed through sky-high legal and illegal immigration. Today, though, America is a country built for those who are already owners, and those too young to buy are finding themselves stuck becoming borrowers and renters. The median age of first-time home buyers is now pushing 40, about a decade higher than the 1980s when the average age was just 29!

This isn’t because Gen Z is lazy — a common retort I hear — it’s because they are contending with structural disadvantages older Americans didn’t experience. If this continues, something will break, and young people will lead the way in breaking it. 

Zohran Mamdani has become a celebrity for Gen Z with his slick promises of a New York City rent freeze, state-owned grocery stores, and free daycare as stepping stones to eventually seizing the means of production. Mamdani’s political surge is not a passing fad or pure TV news fodder. 

It should be a giant flashing red alarm. There are millions of Americans who feel cut off from any meaningful economic progress or stability. Eventually, if they can’t obtain prosperity the old-fashioned way, they will simply try to vote themselves prosperity, and there will be plenty of demagogues promising this can be done easily by simply expropriating those with more than them.

Most of Gen Z is ideologically fluid. They’re happy to give Republicans a shot, then turn around and elect a Marxist two years later.

America will have a reordering of its economy. The only question is what that reordering will look like. There are two paths before us. We will either have stabilizing reforms like those of Theodore Roosevelt a century ago and those espoused by nationalist, populist conservatives, or we will have revolutionary, destructive ‘reforms’ like those that have already ruined once-prosperous countries like Cuba or Venezuela. If we succeed in the next three years, or if we fail, will determine which.

 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Saniyah Hall, the top female high school basketball recruit in the class of 2026, according to ESPN’s rankings, has committed to play for USC after receiving offers from nearly 30 schools, including UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, North Carolina and LSU. The 16-year-old made the announcement on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’ on Friday, saying, USC ‘felt like home.’

‘It’s such a blessing to be in this position, but I think I truly found my home, and I’m ready to tell the world where I’m going,’ she said before revealing a Trojans shirt underneath her jacket. ‘I am headed to the University of Southern California. Go Trojans! Fight on.’

Hall’s announcement comes on the heels of her gold medal win with Team USA at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. She was named MVP after averaging 19.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, shooting 52.6% from the field and 39.3% on 3-pointers. She scored 25 points vs. Australia in the gold-medal game. Her 19.9 points per game may have set a USA U19 record, but Hall said she’s proudest of her defense: ‘I had a lot of steals that game and a lot of blocks.’

She’ll join a Trojans squad that is assembling elite talent under coach Lindsay Gottlieb. McDonald’s All-American Jazzy Davidson, the third overall recruit in the 2025 class, who competed alongside Hall on the USA U19 team, also committed to play for USC. The Trojans were 31-4 last season and lost to UConn in an Elite Eight game after superstar Juju Watkins went down with an ACL injury during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Hall said Gottlieb and her teammates led to her choice to commit to USC. On Friday, she said, ‘I love all my teammates. The girls there are so fun to be around definitely Lindsay (Gottlieb)… she’s definitely there to support me and I’ve built a relationship with her. She’s a great coach.’

The Ohio native will finish her senior season of high school basketball at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio. Last season, she played for Montverde (Florida) Academy and averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Hall signed an NIL deal with Jordan brand earlier this month. During her announcement, Hall said, ‘I don’t have anything to prove. I just go out, play basketball. I let my game do the talking. Actions speak for themselves.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fastDownload for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE.

The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show was the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died, but given Hogan’s status and impact on the industry, it was a night full of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with major names paying respect to the WWE Hall of Famer.

Even though the night was mostly dedicated to Hogan, it was still a WWE show with matches and more buildup to SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. USA TODAY Sports provided the highlights and more from SmackDown:

Watch: Hulk Hogan tribute video

A tribute video narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque encapsulates Hogan’s career, from the beginning to his top moments in the ring — from WrestleMania main event matches to the New World Order to ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan. It also touches on his career outside of the ring, from movies to becoming a worldwide celebrity.

Ten-bell salute for Hulk Hogan

WWE does an honorary ten-bell salute as people in the crowd hold up signs for Hogan. Jimmy Hart was seen wiping tears away.

WWE roster pays tribute to Hulk Hogan

The SmackDown roster joins WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque on stage for a tribute. Other WWE icons like Jimmy Hart and Sgt. Slaughter are in the crowd. Levesque also speaks.

‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Levesque said. ‘We would not be standing here right now − all of us together − if it was not for him.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. The Iron Sheik

WWE shows footage from Madison Square Garden in 1984, when Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWE title.

Hogan was a six-time WWE Champion, and one of those reigns lasted 1,474 days, the third longest run in company history.

Cody Rhodes thanks Hulk Hogan

Before he talks about his SummerSlam matchup, ‘The American Nightmare’ thanks Hogan for his contributions to wrestling.

‘I know emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated,’ Rhodes said. ‘But what is not complicated is his accomplishments and his contributions to WWE, to sports entertainment, to pro wrestling, to entertainment as a whole, they are staggering and they are indisputable.

‘As someone who gets to stand here and say that I’m a WWE superstar, he was the original, and I just want to take a moment to say thank you Hulk Hogan.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

Arguably Hogan’s most memorable match, Hogan faced Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3. In the battle of giants, Hogan famously picked up his opponent and executed his signature running leg drop to defeat him.

It was just one of the eight times Hogan was in the main event of WrestleMania.

Other SmackDown results

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre

Cleveland-native Paul entices the crowd to make fun of Jelly Roll, who then emerges and trades words with Paul. McIntyre comes out for backup and Orton appears before a fight breaks out.

After taking some shots, Jelly Roll impresses with some jabs and a slam to Paul.

Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez def. Bliss.

Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green

Cargill def. Green.

The Secret Hervice attacks Cargill after the match but Tiffany Stratton comes to Cargill’s aid.

The Miz returns

After more than two months away, Ohio-native The Miz returns to an ovation from the crowd. He challenges Jacob Fatu to a match.

The Miz vs. Jacob Fatu

Fatu def. The Miz.

MFT comes in and immediately beats down Fatu. Jimmy Uso comes to help but Talla Tonga is too much and the attack continues. Fatu catches his breath and tries to hit Solo Sikoa with a chair, but Tonga again thwarts the attempt.

WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix

Andrade and Rey Fenix def. The Wyatt Sicks by disqualification. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis retain titles.

Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns and the Street Profits come out and an all-out brawl breaks out. #DIY emerge with general manager Nick Aldis, and he announces all six teams will face off in a tables, ladders and chairs match. The fight continues.

When is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown

SmackDown airs on USA Network. It can be streamed via Fubo.

How long is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown is a two-hour event.

WWE to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan

WWE said it will remember the legacy of Hogan on SmackDown. It has not been announced what tributes will be made.

When did Hulk Hogan die?

Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan cause of death

Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest. The Clearwater (Florida) Police Department said fire and police personnel responded to a medical call on July 24 at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.

Authorities said ‘the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest’ and Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. ET.

WWE SmackDown match card, schedule

WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
Cody Rhodes addresses street fight against John Cena at SummerSlam
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

WWE stars, icons remember Hulk Hogan

Several major WWE stars past and present have given tributes to Hogan since his death, including company founder Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ric Flair.

Jimmy Hart, Jerry Lawler react to Hulk Hogan death

Two people who were close to Hogan — Jimmy Hart and Jerry Lawler — spoke to USA TODAY Sports after Hogan’s death, and were emotional trying to process the news.

‘It’s just a sad situation,’ Lawler said.

– Read more here.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Around 100 NFL players and 24 club employees face fines for selling Super Bowl 59 tickets above face value.
The NFL’s ongoing investigation found players and employees sold tickets to ‘bundlers,’ who resold them at higher prices.
Penalties include fines and restrictions on future Super Bowl ticket purchases.

The NFL is fining roughly 100 players and two dozen club employees for violating the NFL’s policy for selling Super Bowl 59 tickets above face value, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The Associated Press was first to report the news.

A memo sent to teams by NFL chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel and obtained by USA TODAY said the investigation is ongoing.

‘Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the policy. This longstanding league policy, which is specifically incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement, prohibits league or club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less,’ the memo read.

‘We are in the process of completing our investigation into this matter, but the investigation has revealed that club employees and players sold their tickets to a small number of ‘bundlers’ who were working with a ticket reseller to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value.’

The Associated Press reported that players who resold their tickets to bundlers will have to pay a fine of 1 1/2 times the face value they paid. They also won’t be permitted to buy tickets for the next two Super Bowls unless they are playing in the game. Team employees who violated the league’s policy will be fined two times face value.

Those who worked to bundle the tickets will also face increased penalties.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl 59.

‘In advance of Super Bowl 60, we will be enhancing the mandatory compliance training regarding the policy for all league personnel, which will emphasize the specific requirements of the policy and the broader principle that no one should profit personally from their NFL affiliation at the expense of our fans,’ the memo stated. ‘We will also increase the penalties for future violations of this policy.’

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Inter Miami will add another one of Lionel Messi’s close friends and a third World Cup champion to its roster.

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, 31, has agreed to join Messi and Inter Miami on a loan transfer from La Liga’s Atlético de Madrid, both sides announced on Friday, July 25. De Paul’s loan will last through the 2025 MLS season, and the deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent through the 2029 MLS season. 

De Paul will be introduced before Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the club’s history,” De Paul said in a statement. “It’s a club that is shaping up to be great, to have a long history, so that many people follow this incredible team.”

De Paul is considered one of Messi’s closest friends from the Argentine national team. Together, they won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. They could also play together again with Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Messi has yet to declare he will play in the next World Cup.

Inter Miami’s signing of De Paul also bodes well for the club’s aspirations to re-sign Messi, 38, who is signed through the rest of the 2025 MLS season. With the club in ongoing contract negotiations he could re-sign at least through 2026. 

“Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years. As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for … I’m excited to welcome another World Cup winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said in a statement. 

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas added: “We’re thrilled to sign a player of Rodrigo’s caliber. He is a winner who has conquered the world stage. His ambitions match ours at Inter Miami, and we are hungry to achieve these goals together.” 

De Paul had one year remaining on a five-year deal signed in 2021 with Atlético. Now, he’ll join Messi’s slew of former FC Barcelona teammates with the MLS club. 

Messi joined Inter Miami with left back Jordi Alba and midfielder Sergio Busquets, the Spain World Cup champion, in July 2023. Luis Suarez joined them in 2024. And Javier Mascherano is in his first season coaching the squad. 

It’s unclear when De Paul could debut. After Inter Miami hosts FC Cincinnati, they will begin the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament between MLS and Liga MX teams from Mexico. Inter Miami will host Atlas FC on July 30, Club Necaxa on Aug. 2 and Pumas UNAM on Aug. 6 in the first phase of the Leagues Cup tournament, which they won in 2023. 

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE.

The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show was the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died, but given Hogan’s status and impact on the industry, it was a night full of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with major names paying respect to the WWE Hall of Famer.

Even though the night was mostly dedicated to Hogan, it was still a WWE show with matches and more buildup to SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. USA TODAY Sports provided the highlights and more from SmackDown:

Watch: Hulk Hogan tribute video

A tribute video narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque encapsulates Hogan’s career, from the beginning to his top moments in the ring — from WrestleMania main event matches to the New World Order to ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan. It also touches on his career outside of the ring, from movies to becoming a worldwide celebrity.

Ten-bell salute for Hulk Hogan

WWE does an honorary ten-bell salute as people in the crowd hold up signs for Hogan. Jimmy Hart was seen wiping tears away.

WWE roster pays tribute to Hulk Hogan

The SmackDown roster joins WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque on stage for a tribute. Other WWE icons like Jimmy Hart and Sgt. Slaughter are in the crowd. Levesque also speaks.

‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Levesque said. ‘We would not be standing here right now − all of us together − if it was not for him.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. The Iron Sheik

WWE shows footage from Madison Square Garden in 1984, when Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWE title.

Hogan was a six-time WWE Champion, and one of those reigns lasted 1,474 days, the third longest run in company history.

Cody Rhodes thanks Hulk Hogan

Before he talks about his SummerSlam matchup, ‘The American Nightmare’ thanks Hogan for his contributions to wrestling.

‘I know emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated,’ Rhodes said. ‘But what is not complicated is his accomplishments and his contributions to WWE, to sports entertainment, to pro wrestling, to entertainment as a whole, they are staggering and they are indisputable.

‘As someone who gets to stand here and say that I’m a WWE superstar, he was the original, and I just want to take a moment to say thank you Hulk Hogan.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

Arguably Hogan’s most memorable match, Hogan faced Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3. In the battle of giants, Hogan famously picked up his opponent and executed his signature running leg drop to defeat him.

It was just one of the eight times Hogan was in the main event of WrestleMania.

Other SmackDown results

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre

Cleveland-native Paul entices the crowd to make fun of Jelly Roll, who then emerges and trades words with Paul. McIntyre comes out for backup and Orton appears before a fight breaks out.

After taking some shots, Jelly Roll impresses with some jabs and a slam to Paul.

Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez def. Bliss.

Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green

Cargill def. Green.

The Secret Hervice attacks Cargill after the match but Tiffany Stratton comes to Cargill’s aid.

The Miz returns

After more than two months away, Ohio-native The Miz returns to an ovation from the crowd. He challenges Jacob Fatu to a match.

The Miz vs. Jacob Fatu

Fatu def. The Miz.

MFT comes in and immediately beats down Fatu. Jimmy Uso comes to help but Talla Tonga is too much and the attack continues. Fatu catches his breath and tries to hit Solo Sikoa with a chair, but Tonga again thwarts the attempt.

WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix

Andrade and Rey Fenix def. The Wyatt Sicks by disqualification. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis retain titles.

Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns and the Street Profits come out and an all-out brawl breaks out. #DIY emerge with general manager Nick Aldis, and he announces all six teams will face off in a tables, ladders and chairs match. The fight continues.

When is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown

SmackDown airs on USA Network. It can be streamed via Fubo.

How long is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown is a two-hour event.

WWE to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan

WWE said it will remember the legacy of Hogan on SmackDown. It has not been announced what tributes will be made.

When did Hulk Hogan die?

Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan cause of death

Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest. The Clearwater (Florida) Police Department said fire and police personnel responded to a medical call on July 24 at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.

Authorities said ‘the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest’ and Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. ET.

WWE SmackDown match card, schedule

WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
Cody Rhodes addresses street fight against John Cena at SummerSlam
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

WWE stars, icons remember Hulk Hogan

Several major WWE stars past and present have given tributes to Hogan since his death, including company founder Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ric Flair.

Jimmy Hart, Jerry Lawler react to Hulk Hogan death

Two people who were close to Hogan — Jimmy Hart and Jerry Lawler — spoke to USA TODAY Sports after Hogan’s death, and were emotional trying to process the news.

‘It’s just a sad situation,’ Lawler said.

– Read more here.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the middle of several trade rumors as the deadline approaches.

Any trades involving players on the 40-man roster must be completed by 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. MLB teams can still place or claim players off waivers, but trades will no longer be allowed.

The Dodgers always have high expectations and this year have a championship to defend, adding to the likelihood the team makes a move before the deadline.

The bullpen should be addressed. It’s one of the team’s biggest needs at the moment, considering the number of pitchers on the injury report.

Who could the Dodgers bring in at the trade deadline?

With a glaring need to add depth in the bullpen again, the Dodgers will likely be buyers.

USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale provided some options to consider. Among them: Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins and Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians.

Duran has been a solid reliever this season with a 1.62 ERA. Clase has once again been one of the better relief pitchers this season and if the right offer comes along, Cleveland might be willing to part ways with him.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes Cade Smith of the Guardians could be a good fit for the Dodgers’ needs.

Passan writes: “The 26-year-old right-hander’s 3.21 ERA is misleading; he has struck out 63 in 42 innings and given up only two home runs. He is a throwback, hurling almost 70% fastballs and not just getting away with it but thriving because of it. And with the L.A. bullpen full of unknowns, he is the (type of player) manager Dave Roberts can deploy at any point in the game with great efficacy. Bonus: He comes with an additional four years of club control.”

Who could the Dodgers move at the trade deadline?

The Dodgers could move on from pitcher Dustin May, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. 

May could be moved in an attempt to address other areas of need, but he is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, which could impact how he is viewed on the market. He allowed seven runs in 4⅔ innings pitched during his last start on July 11, an 8-7 loss to the San Francisco Giants. He’s started 17 of the 18 games he’s played in and has a 6-6 record this season. He’s allowed 56 runs and 92 hits while striking out 92 in 99 innings pitched.

If he isn’t moved, May could be used as a reliever to finish out the season. His last outing came in relief of Shohei Ohtani, pitching 4⅔ scoreless innings. It was his first relief appearance since 2020.

The Boston Red Sox could have interest in catcher Dalton Rushing, according to Sean McAdam of MassLive.

Boston could include shortstop Franklin Arias and left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke in a potential deal. Arias, a 19-year-old Venezuelan, is currently listed as the Red Sox’s top prospect. Clarke is ranked as the fourth-best prospect in Boston’s system.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

 Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton’s renaissance season has been cut short.

The Valkyries announced that Thornton successfully underwent surgery on Friday, July 25 after suffering a right knee injury in practice, effectively ending Thornton’s career-best campaign and dealing a devastating blow to the Valkyries’ hopes of becoming the first expansion team to make the playoffs in its inaugural season in nearly three decades.

The news comes nearly a week after Thornton participated in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, where she recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and one steal off the bench for Team Caitlin Clark. It marked the 10-year veteran’s first All-Star nod of her career, and she’s the first player to be named an All-Star as a member of a first-year team since Candice Dupree for the Chicago Sky in 2006.

The UTEP alumna played for the Washington Mystics (2015) and Dallas Wings (2017-22) before winning a Commissioner’s Cup and WNBA championship with the New York Liberty in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Thornton was a role player on the Liberty in 2024, averaging 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 20.2 minutes of play per game on the championship roster. But that all changed when Thornton was drafted in the expansion draft by Golden State in December.

Thornton quickly became the No. 1 option on the Valkyries, playing a team-high 30.1 minutes per game. Although expectations are typically low for expansion teams early on the Atlanta Dream went 4-30 in their inaugural season in 2008, while the Chicago Sky went 5-29 in 2006 the Valkyries jumped to an unprecedented 10-9 start and are the third expansion team in WNBA history to pick up its 10th victory in 20 games or less.

Thornton led the Valkyries in scoring through 22 games (all starts) and averaged a career-high 14 points per game, besting her previous high of 10.4 points per game in 2019 by nearly four points. She also set career-highs in rebounds (7) and steals (1.3), leading the team in both categories.

‘It goes beyond basketball. She’s a tremendous person. She’s someone that you wanna be around all the time,’ teammate Kate Martin said after Thornton dropped a career-high 29 points in a win over the Chicago Sky on June 27. ‘She’s a great leader in the locker room and a great friend, so it’s really fun whenever she’s all of that, but also a phenomenal basketball player.

‘You can learn a lot from KT And how she plays and I’m just really glad she’s getting all the success she’s getting. She deserves it and I’m thankful that I’m her teammate.’

How Thornton’s injury affects Valkyries playoff chances

The Valkyries have fallen on hard times and dropped five of their last six games heading into the All-Star weekend. Thornton’s season-ending injury marks a significant loss, and it’s only going to get tougher.

Golden State opens the second half of the season with a matchup against the Dallas Wings at home on Friday, July 25, before going on a five-game road trip to face Connecticut (July 27), Atlanta (July 29), Washington (July 31), Chicago (Aug. 1) and Las Vegas (Aug. 3).

The Valkyries (10-12) are currently ninth in the standings and would miss the playoffs if the postseason started today. Golden State is looking to become the first expansion team to make the playoffs in its inaugural season since the Detroit Shock in 1998.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

European diplomats met with Iranians on Friday face-to-face for the first time since Israel and the U.S. bombed the country last month. 

The ‘serious, frank and detailed’ meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, lasted for around four hours and the officials all agreed to meet again for continued negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. 

Sanctions that were lifted on Iran in 2015 after it agreed to restrictions and monitoring of its nuclear program could be reimposed if Iran doesn’t comply with requirements. 

One of Europe’s E3 nations – Britain, France and Germany, who held the talks with Iran – could bring back sanctions under the ‘snapback’ mechanism, which allows one of the European countries to bring back U.N. sanctions if Iran violates the conditions. 

European leaders have also said that sanctions will start being reinstated by the end of August if there is no progress on reining in Iran’s nuclear program. 

‘A possible delay in triggering snapback has been floated to the Iranians on the condition that there is credible diplomatic engagement by Iran, that they resume full cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), and that they address concerns about their highly-enriched uranium stockpile,’ a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity before the talks on Friday. 

The diplomat added that the snapback mechanism ‘remains on the table.’ 

Iran said that the U.S. needs to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal – after President Trump pulled America out of it in 2018 – saying Iran has ‘absolutely no trust in the United States.’

The U.S. bombed Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, a little over a week after Israel had bombed the country over national security concerns about its nuclear program. 

Iran responded by attacking Israel and a U.S. Army base in Qatar. 

Isreal and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on June 24. 

The IAEA issued a concerning report in May that said that Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium had grown by nearly 50% in three months. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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SmackDown will be a night of remembrance in WWE.

The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show will be the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died, but given Hogan’s status and impact on the industry, it’s likely to be a big night of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with plenty of emotional moments.

What will also be something to watch is the reactions to the Hogan tributes, given his polarizing status and the controversy that followed him. USA TODAY Sports will provide the highlights and more from SmackDown:

Watch: Hulk Hogan tribute video

A tribute video narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque encapsulates Hogan’s career, from the beginning to his top moments in the ring — from WrestleMania main event matches to the New World Order to ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan. It also touches on his career outside of the ring, from movies to becoming a worldwide celebrity.

Ten-bell salute for Hulk Hogan

WWE does an honorary ten-bell salute as people in the crowd hold up signs for Hogan. Jimmy Hart was seen wiping tears away.

WWE roster pays tribute to Hulk Hogan

The SmackDown roster joins WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque on stage for a tribute. Other WWE icons like Jimmy Hart and Sgt. Slaughter are in the crowd. Levesque also speaks.

‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Levesque said. ‘We would not be standing here right now − all of us together − if it was not for him.’

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre

Cleveland-native Paul entices the crowd to make fun of Jelly Roll, who then emerges and trades words with Paul. McIntyre comes out for backup and Orton appears before a fight breaks out.

After taking some shots, Jelly Roll impresses with some jabs and a slam to Paul.

Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez def. Bliss.

Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green

Cargill def. Green.

The Secret Hervice attacks Cargill after the match but Tiffany Stratton comes to Cargill’s aid.

When is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown

SmackDown airs on USA Network. It can be streamed via Fubo.

How long is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown is a two-hour event.

WWE to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan

WWE said it will remember the legacy of Hogan on SmackDown. It has not been announced what tributes will be made.

When did Hulk Hogan die?

Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan cause of death

Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest. The Clearwater (Florida) Police Department said fire and police personnel responded to a medical call on July 24 at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.

Authorities said ‘the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest’ and Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. ET.

WWE SmackDown match card, schedule

WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
Cody Rhodes addresses street fight against John Cena at SummerSlam
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

WWE stars, icons remember Hulk Hogan

Several major WWE stars past and present have given tributes to Hogan since his death, including company founder Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ric Flair.

Jimmy Hart, Jerry Lawler react to Hulk Hogan death

Two people who were close to Hogan — Jimmy Hart and Jerry Lawler — spoke to USA TODAY Sports after Hogan’s death, and were emotional trying to process the news.

‘It’s just a sad situation,’ Lawler said.

– Read more here.

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