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As Israel and Hamas lay down their arms after more than two years of war, the U.S. is stepping in to oversee the next phase of the deal as a peacekeeping force is formed. 

Sources tell Fox News that all 200 U.S. troops had arrived in Israel by Tuesday night and will operate out of a base in Israel. Additionally, a U.S. Military C-17 transport plane packed with command-and-control equipment and supplies arrived Tuesday.

Last week, negotiators working toward a Gaza deal participating in talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, asked U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to brief both sides, sources tell Fox News. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, along with Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, briefed the Qataris, the Egyptians and the Turks on the Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC).

Once the U.S. committed to providing heavy coordination, but no boots on the ground in Gaza, negotiators left to tell the Israelis and Hamas. From there, things moved quickly, and, as one well-placed source said, ‘They saw an opportunity and moved at lightning speed and took it.’ However, with speed comes risk as certain questions were left unanswered, such as who would be in the stabilization force in Gaza? Or, what is the mechanism for ensuring Hamas disarms?

Fox News has learned that the CMCC will be located a few miles northeast of Gaza, not at the Israel Defense Force’s Hatzor Airbase, as some previously reported. The CMCC will be under U.S. leadership, but it will also have representatives from multiple countries and stakeholders, such as the United Nations and private aid groups. U.S. personnel will monitor everything going in and out of Gaza, and will oversee all logistics of delivering aid to the enclave.

While the center is expected to be operational in the coming days, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar have yet to decide whether their representatives will be based there.

Neither Jordan nor Egypt said they would be willing to send troops to stabilize Gaza, and it looks as though countries outside the region could be left to handle the situation, but nothing has been finalized. Additionally, outside countries willing to send troops would likely need a mandate passed by the U.N. Security Council, as well as approval from their own governments, giving Hamas more time to rebuild and fill the power vacuum.

Despite heavy losses in the war and international threats, Hamas fighters have shown signs that they are not ready to stand down. Since the start of the ceasefire, videos of extrajudicial killings by Hamas in public squares began circulating online.

‘We strongly urge Hamas to immediately suspend violence and shooting at innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza — in both Hamas-held parts of Gaza and those secured by the IDF behind the Yellow Line,’ Cooper said in a statement Wednesday. ‘This is an historic opportunity for peace. Hamas should seize it by fully standing down, strictly adhering to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, and disarming without delay.’

Fox News has learned of a massive effort taking place behind the scenes to plan and execute the rebuilding of Gaza. Part of the issue is the giant tunnel network under Gaza City. To rebuild the city, the tunnels will need to be filled to make the ground stable enough for construction.

The first phase of the deal remains ongoing as Hamas has failed to deliver all 28 bodies of deceased hostages, making it less clear when the second stage will begin. Israel has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to getting all the deceased hostages’ bodies so they can have proper burials.

On Monday, Israel received the bodies of four deceased hostages later identified as Yossi Sharabi, Binpin Joshi, Guy Iluz and Daniel Peretz. Israel received four more bodies on Tuesday, three of whom were identified as deceased hostages Staff Sgt. Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch and Eitan Levi. Israel said the fourth body did not match any of the hostages and was in fact a Palestinian. 

‘Hamas is required to make all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages,’ the IDF wrote on X.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

President Donald Trump says he has the authority to ‘take away’ 2026 World Cup soccer matches scheduled in Boston if he feels the city is unsafe.

Suggesting that parts of Boston had been ‘taken over’ by recent unrest, Trump criticized mayor Michelle Wu and said on Tuesday, Oct. 14, that Boston – which is set to stage seven matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough during next summer’s tournament – could have its games relocated with a phone call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

‘If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA who’s phenomenal – and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location,’ and they would do that,’ Trump said. ‘He wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.’

Trump’s remarks came during a White House appearance with Argentine President Javier Milei, days after Boston police reported multiple arrests tied to a late-night street gathering that turned violent. 

Boston was one of 11 U.S. cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada, selected three years ago to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Making changes to plans already in place just eight months before the tournament kicks off June 11 would create severe logistical hurdles.

‘We could take them away,’ Trump said. ‘I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.’

Wu’s office issued a statement that read: ‘Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.’

Trump also suggested that he would consider moving the 2028 Summer Olympics out of Los Angeles for similar reasons.

‘If I thought L.A. was not going to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location if I had to.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari, who’s heading into his second season with the program, offered insight at SEC media day on Monday, Oct. 14 on how much longer he plans to coach.

The 66-year-old coach has been a head coach for nearly 40 years, dating back to his first head coaching gig at UMass from 1988-96. He made a surprising move before the 2024 season by leaving Kentucky — where he won a national championship and reached six Final Fours — after 15 seasons with the program.

‘I want to help 25 to 30 more families,’ Calipari said. ‘The only way you do that is to be transformational as a coach. If you’re not, you’re transactional. If I become transactional — ‘I’m going to pay you this to do this and that’ — then I won’t do this anymore. I don’t need to.’

Calipari mentioned a recent conversation with Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, who along with Calipari are two of the most respected coaches in college basketball. The two agreed that college basketball needs fixing, and that they need to stay in the sport before their children take over as head coaches.

Calipari’s son, Brad Calipari, is a second-year assistant at Arkansas under his dad. Kellen Sampson, who played for his dad at Oklahoma, has been an assistant at Houston since 2014.

‘Part of the reason I’m still doing this, my son’s in coaching,’ Calipari said. ‘Kelvin Sampson and I just talked. I said, ‘We got to fix some of this stuff before we’re out for our own children.”

Like many coaches across the landscape of college sports, Calipari said many of the sport’s problems stem from the transfer portal, specifically players having unlimited portal entries without losing eligibility. He also believes players should receive five years to complete four seasons of eligibility, which means keeping redshirts in order.

Two Vanderbilt football players and eight other former and current college athletes recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA asking for five seasons of eligibility rather than four seasons plus a redshirt.

‘If we get those two things in order, we’re on the path to being better,’ Calipari said.

Arkansas lost a pair of starters from last season to the transfer portal, as former five-star recruit Boogie Fland transferred to Florida, while center Zvonimir Ivisic transferred to Illinois to play alongside his brother, Tomislav Ivisic. Zvonimir Ivisic started his career at Kentucky and followed Calipari to Arkansas.

Calipari tied his argument back to his statement on being a transactional coach, worrying that players who jump around from program to program may fail to build genuine relationships with their teammates and coaches.

He said he has no issues with transfers, just the ones that move schools multiple times in a career.

‘I don’t mind kids transferring,’ Calipari said. ‘You just can’t transfer four times, because it’s not good for you. Four schools in four years, you’ll never have a college degree. But that last place you’ll be at, they’ll really be loyal to you? No, you’re a mercenary.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Small ball has been the name of the game in the NBA in recent years. Ball dominant guards have taken over the league, and a crafty backcourt has the ability to take control of any game.

Having guards that can not only score but take care of the ball is more important than ever. Almost every team to have won a championship recently has had that exact type of backcourt.

NOTE: Players expected to miss most of, or the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season were not included.

Top 10 guards for the 2025-26 NBA season

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Our experts said: It’s a rarity that the league’s leading scorer and reigning MVP is not at the top of this list, but Gilgeous-Alexander more than earned his worth after leading the Thunder to their first NBA championship; and he was rewarded with a four-year, $285 million supermax extension. He seemingly glides across the floor, is never hurried and is one of the most consistent scorers in the NBA.

2. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Our experts said: In a move that shocked the NBA, Dončić was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers in February. Dončić and the Lakers reached the first round of the playoffs but will be in search of accomplishing more this year. He has spent time during the offseason getting in shape and playing EuroLeague as part of his preparation for the upcoming season. Though he tends to be a ball-dominant player, Dončić is methodical in getting to his spots and scoring from all over the floor. But he’s also an artist in the passing game, so his teammates need to be ready at all times for shot opportunities.

3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Our experts said: If the word “dawg” were to ever be truly accepted into the English vernacular, its definition would come alongside a picture of Edwards. The former No. 1 overall pick has finished seventh in MVP voting for the past two years, and he had a case for a higher placement after he increased his 3-point efficiency to a stellar 39.5% clip last season. He has been named an All-Star in three consecutive seasons and a member of the All-NBA second team two years in a row.

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Our experts said: The greatest shooter of all-time, Curry is a relentless hard-worker who is just as effective off the ball – sprinting all over the floor to work off screens and create separation – as he is with the rock in his hands. There’s no shot he cannot make, but there are signs that Curry, 37, is slowing down. Removing the COVID-altered 2019-20 season, when he played only five games because of a broken left hand, Curry notched his fewest minutes per game (32.2) since 2011-12.

5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Our experts said: Mitchell is exactly what the Cavaliers had hoped for when they acquired him ahead of the 2022-23 season. He has been an All-Star in six consecutive seasons and just led the Cavs to the best record in the Eastern Conference. He is an elite scorer with underrated MVP upside. When paired with the young defensive studs the Cavaliers have, it makes Mitchell’s job that much easier.

6. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Our experts said: Equipped with a range of crafty moves to work his way into the paint and blessed with a reliable left-handed shot, Brunson has been the engine in New York’s revival as a contender in the East. Brunson, winner of the 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year award, has thrived with the ball in his hands. But with new coach Mike Brown on the sideline, the Knicks may opt to diversify the offense a bit more, using Brunson in off-ball actions.

7. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Our experts said: Cunningham, who posted career-bests in points and assists, has blossomed into one of the league’s top playmakers, scoring at will and passing to teammates who can finally make baskets. This is evident from the team’s 30-win improvement from 2023-24 (which included a record 28-game losing streak) and a playoff appearance that ended a five-year drought.

8. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Our experts said: One of the best pure scorers in the NBA, Booker has the potential to absolutely take over any game. You might blink, and then, all of a sudden, he’ll have 50. In fact, he’s the only player younger than 30 with eight or more 50-point games. Though Booker was not an All-Star last season, his scoring prowess makes him an easy fit on almost any team in the NBA. He has tallied at least 25 points per game in seven consecutive seasons. This season in Phoenix, with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal gone, the show is his to run.

9. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

Our experts said: It was a resurgent 2024-25 season for Harden, who earned all-NBA honors for the first time since 2020 when he was still with the Houston Rockets. Though Harden’s shooting numbers dipped while playing mostly point guard for the Clippers, his scoring average was the highest it had been in five years. His free throw, rebound and assist rate also improved, and he appeared in more games (78) than he had in almost a decade.

10. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Our experts said: Injuries have taken their toll on Ja Morant over the last two years, but fans haven’t forgotten just how impactful he can be when he’s on the court. Never much of a three-point shooter, Morant is someone who can slash and dominate inside, which is tough to do for someone his size (6-foot-2). He’s a strong, athletic player who can take over games. In his last fully-healthy season (2022-23), Morant finished 12th in MVP voting and averaged more than 26.2 points per game.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The UFC Fall title fights continue as heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall returns to the octagon after a 15-month hiatus for an undisputed title defense matchup against Ciryl Gane in the main event at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.

Aspinall (15-3-0) is currently on a three-fight win streak and last fought in July 2024. He quickly defeated Curtis Blaydes in a rematch that lasted only one round, winning by knockout. This victory comes as a rebound from a TKO loss to Blaydes in July 2022.

Ciryl Gane (13-2-0) is a former interim champion who won the title against Derrick Lewis in 2021. He was unable to retain the title after losing to Francis Ngannou by unanimous decision in 2022. Currently, Gane is on a two-fight win streak, having defeated Alexander Volkov by split decision in December 2024.

Here is how to watch UFC 321 and the early predictions leading up to the title fight in Abu Dhabi:

Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane predictions

MMA Junkie: Alexander Volkov makes prediction that can go either way

Farah Hannoun writes on behalf of Alexander Volkov predictions: ‘It depends how the fight starts, how both of them will be prepared for this fight. I saw that Gane will be motivated a lot for this fight to get the belt. It’s 50-50, but on paper, when I fought both of them, Tom Aspinall looks better. But in the fight, it could go any way.’

ESPN: Tom Aspinall

Brett Okamoto and Ian Parker write: ‘Aspinall will defend his heavyweight belt after a 15-month layoff and will do so against the No. 1 contender in Gane. On the feet, this is a 50-50 fight with Gane being the more technical kickboxer while Aspinall is the more explosive athlete with knockout power. The difference will be Aspinall’s grappling and jiu-jitsu. Gane was submitted by Jon Jones in Round 1 in March 2023, so it wouldn’t shock me if Aspinall takes that same path. Go with Aspinall to win inside the distance, and if you are feeling greedy, take him to win by submission.’

How to watch UFC 321: Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane

UFC 321 will feature Tom Aspinall taking on Ciryl Gane in the main event on Pay-Per-View. The prelims will be available to stream on ESPN+, Disney+ and FX.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Time: Prelims start at 10 a.m. ET and main card at 2 p.m. ET
Stream: Prelims on ESPN+/Disney+/FX and main card starts on PPV
Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

UFC 321: Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane card

Card information and odds according to ESPN:

Champ Tom Aspinall (-400) vs. Ciryl Gane (+300): Heavyweight title
Virna Jandiroba (EVEN) vs. Mackenzie Dern (-120)Women’s strawweight title
Umar Nurmagomedov (-500) vs. Mario Bautista (+350): Bantamweight
Alexander Volkov (+140) vs. Jailton Almeida (-170): Heavyweight
Aleksandar Rakic (-105) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (-115): Light Heavyweight
Ikram Aliskerov (-275) vs. JunYong Park (+225): Middleweight
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady (-110) vs. Matheus Camilo (-110): Lightweight
Hamdy Abdelwahab (-380) vs. Chris Barnett (+290): Heavyweight
Azat Maksum (-350) vs. Mitch Raposo (+270): Flyweight
Jaqueline Amorim (-500) vs. Mizuki Inoue (+350): Women’s Strawweight
Nathaniel Wood (+125) vs. Jose Miguel Delgado (-150): Featherweight
Ludovit Klein (-135) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (+115): Lightweight

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Israel is preparing to deploy one of the world’s first combat-ready laser air-defense system, marking a historic shift in how nations defend against rockets, drones and missiles — and a sign that Jerusalem is intent on staying one step ahead of its adversaries even as active fighting subsides.

In an interview with Fox News Digital at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, D.C., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems CEO Yoav Turgeman confirmed that the company has completed acceptance testing of its Iron Beam laser interceptor and is now delivering the system to the Israeli Air Force for operational use.

‘We have demonstrated the first production-line system. It was very successful,’ Turgeman said. ‘We are delivering the system to the Air Force, which will use it operationally.’

The Iron Beam represents a breakthrough in directed-energy technology — capable of destroying incoming rockets, drones and mortars with a beam of light that can strike targets moving as fast as the speed of sound and at a fraction of the cost of conventional interceptors.

‘The interception cost is just a few dollars,’ Turgeman explained. ‘There’s no interceptor debris, so the collateral damage is much smaller. It enables us to reduce the cost of interception and enhance the performance of our system.’

The Iron Beam’s rollout makes Israel the first nation to field a high-power laser interceptor integrated into a national air-defense network — a milestone that could redefine missile defense for decades to come.

Rafael designed it as part of Israel’s layered air-defense architecture, which also includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.

The laser will handle short-range threats such as rockets, small drones, and mortar rounds, freeing up Iron Dome’s more expensive missile interceptors for higher-value targets.

‘Each layer complements the other,’ Turgeman said. ‘The system decides what is the optimized solution.’

Turgeman said Rafael will partner with Lockheed Martin to produce Iron Beam components and indicated the technology could be integrated into the U.S.’s Golden Dome plans.

‘We are looking forward to start the production stage,’ he told Fox News. ‘Lockheed Martin will take part in a significant part of the production. We were able to meet our schedule on time, even though we had a war.’

Modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, the U.S. is currently developing plans for its own homeland missile defense shield.

‘We would love to see [Iron Dome] as part of that solution,’ he said. ‘We have Iron Dome, the Stunner interceptor, and the laser — all could help protect the U.S.’

The new technology comes amid relative calm in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have maintained a cease-fire in Gaza, and Iran has not launched attacks since June’s 12-day war.

Still, Israel isn’t taking any chances: Turgeman said Rafael has doubled its research and development investment to ensure Israel maintains its technological edge.

‘If there will be another war, it will be the surprise,’ he said. ‘The idea is to deter the enemy from attacking Israel — that is the safest way to prevent war.’

At AUSA, Rafael also unveiled a new L-Spike loitering weapon, a drone-like missile capable of reaching a target rapidly and then circling overhead until a strike is authorized.

Turgeman said it’s designed for ‘time-critical targets’ and built to resist electronic warfare interference.

‘Even though the system has its own brain and can identify the target, the operator must approve the attack,’ he said. ‘One operator can run four systems — but the final decision is human.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

LendingTree CEO and founder Doug Lebda died in an all-terrain vehicle accident over the weekend, the online loaning platform said Monday.

In a company announcement, LendingTree confirmed that Lebda unexpectedly died on Sunday and that its leadership “deeply mourns his passing” while extending condolences to the executive’s loved ones.

“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers,” LendingTree’s board of directors said in a statement. “His passion will continue to inspire us as we move forward together.”

Scott Peyree, LendingTree’s chief operating officer and president, has now been appointed CEO effective immediately. And lead independent director Steve Ozonian will also step into Lebda’s role as chairman of the board, the company said.

Shares of Charlotte, North Carolina-based LendingTree fell more than 2% by early afternoon trading on Monday.

Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 — to “simplify the loan shopping process” after experiencing his own frustrations when getting his first mortgage, LendingTree’s website notes. The platform launched nationally in 1998 and became a public company in 2000. It was later acquired by internet conglomerate IAC/InterActiveCorp, before spinning off on its own again in 2008.

Today, LendingTree’s central online loaning marketplace helps users find and compare loans for mortgages, credit cards, insurance needs and more. LendingTree, Inc. also owns brands across the financial sector — including CompareCards and Value Penguin.

In addition to his multiple-decade career at LendingTree, Lebda also co-founded a financial services platform for children and families called Tykoon in 2010. He previously worked as an auditor and consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

“All of my ideas come from my own experiences and problems,” Lebda told The Wall Street Journal in a 2012 interview.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

MILWAUKEE — Forget Hollywood.

There’s no need for a movie script.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are doing their own real life version of ‘Back to the Future.’

Remember the golden age of baseball when starters pitched deep into games or even went nine innings?

Well, the Dodgers are bringing old-school back into vogue, with a starting rotation that hasn’t dominated the postseason like this since the 2005 Chicago White Sox.

The Dodgers, after silencing the Milwaukee Brewers, 5-1, in front of a subdued crowd at American Family Field, are putting on one of the most dominant pitching clinics in baseball history.

The Dodgers’ starting rotation, after Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s three-hit complete game, has given up just four hits and one run over 17 innings in their two victories against the Brewers in this National League Championship Series.

It’s not only impressive, but historic.

It’s the first time a starting rotation has permitted four or fewer hits over at least 17 innings in the first two games of a postseason in baseball history, eclipsing the Chicago Cubs’ previous record of five hits allowed in Games 1 and 2 of the 1906 World Series against the White Sox, according to STATS Perform.

“It’s just unbelievable,’’ Dodgers veteran infielder Miguel Rojas said. “Really, it’s crazy.’

The Dodgers’ rotation is yielding a 1.54 ERA this postseason, the second-lowest ERA after eight postseason games in MLB history, trailing only the 1983 Baltimore Orioles. The opposition is hitting just .133, with 63 strikeouts in 52 ⅔ innings.

Their dominance is so ridiculous that Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, who hit his fourth postseason homer, has not had a single ball hit to him in two nights.

Really.

“I’m OK if it stays like that,’ Hernandez said. “I don’t need any fly balls.’

Hey, with the way the Dodgers are dominating, why not pull a Satchel Paige and tell his outfielders to come into the dugout and relax?

“I feel like it’s been an honor to be part of something like this,’ Rojas said. “I’ve never seen anything like this where a rotation has just dominated the last 2 ½ months like this. I’m pretty sure that’s what the organization envisioned when they got those guys. …

“People who have been watching us know how spoiled we are because we don’t need to do much on offense. All we have to do is catch the ball, make plays for them and put a couple of runs on the board. I think we’re capable of doing that.’

There’s no stopping them, not pitching like this.

Dodgers run it back in Game 2

Just 24 hours after Blake Snell became the first pitcher since Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956 to face the minimum number of batters through eight innings in a postseason game, Yamamoto gave up a home run on his first pitch of the game, and just two hits in his next 110 pitches, striking out seven with one walk. He was so dominant that he permitted just two fly ball outs the entire game, with 15 grounders.

“It’s been incredible,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. “That’s probably the two best back-to-back games pitched ever that I’ve seen.”

Brewers manager Pat Murphy wasn’t about to argue: “We chased way more than we’ve chased all year. We’ve been the best in baseball at not chasing. These pitchers brought out the worst in us.’’

While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled Snell after eight innings in Game 1, this time he wasn’t even tempted to pull Yamamoto, who threw the first complete game in the postseason since Justin Verlander for the Houston Astros in the 2017 ALCS.

It was the first complete game by a Dodger pitcher in the postseason since Jose Lima in 2004, and Snell and Yamamoto are the first pair of Dodger teammates to pitch at least eight innings in consecutive games since Orel Hershiser and Tim Belcher in the first two games of the 1988 World Series.

“He’s phenomenal,’ Brewers DH Christian Yelich said, with the Brewers going 0-for-11 with three strikeouts against his splitter.

“I think this was the best I’ve ever seen him,’ Rojas said. “I know he came within one out of that no-hitter against Baltimore. He was even better tonight.’

Yamamoto, who retired the last 11 batters he faced, became only the fourth pitcher to throw his first career complete game in the postseason, and the first Japanese-born pitcher to accomplish the feat.

“As a player, I’m really glad [Roberts] and the people trust me out there,’ Yamamoto said. “I thought that was great.’

Really, it was a reward, Roberts said, knowing how much a complete game would mean to Yamamoto, who wound up throwing 111 pitches, 81 for strikes. He won’t be needed again until Game 6 and considering the Dodgers have won 12 of their last 14 postseason games since last year, probably not until the World Series.

“I see a real confidence,’’ Roberts said. “I think last year there was a transition and even in the postseason I didn’t give him a whole lot of leash. And we also had a really talented bullpen.

“But I think this year, he’s got true confidence from me that the third time through [the lineup], at pitch 90, he feels that he’s the best option.’

Well, it gives the entire Dodger organization and their world-wide following the same confidence too that they are moving closer to becoming the first National League team in 50 years to win back-to-back World Series championships.

‘We haven’t accomplished anything yet’

This is a rotation, including Tyler Glasnow who will pitch Game 3 and Shohei Ohtani in Game 4, that has produced seven starts of at least six innings and permitted five or fewer hits. They haven’t accomplished that feat in a single postseason since 1981 behind Fernando Valenzuela, Tommy John, Jerry Reuss and Burt Hooton.

They have yielded a 2.73 ERA since Aug. 1, easily the best in baseball, with an MLB-leading 340 strikeouts and .195 opposing batting average. In September, the starters a .173 batting average against, the lowest in a single month in MLB history.

“It’s not a shock to us, they’ve all been doing that since they’ve been back,’ Dodgers three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw said. “They’re unbelievable.  Good pitching beats good hitting any day of the week, and you’re seeing that right now.’

They are terrorizing everyone in their path, first the Cincinnati Reds in the wild card round, then the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, and now the Brewers.

“It’s just incredible,’ said Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, who hit his 14th career postseason homer in the sixth inning, the most in franchise history. “We said before this postseason started, our starting pitching was going to be what carried us. And so far it’s been exactly that. If you’re trying to build the recipe to win games, that would be where you would start.’

The Dodgers know that their business isn’t finished, but with the way they’re going, it’s hard to envision a scenario they won’t be the last team standing.

“We’re good, we’re really good,’ Dodgers infielder/outfielder Enrique Hernandez said. “Our goal is to win a World Series, not to win two games on the road in Milwaukee. We haven’t accomplished anything yet.’

Just wait.

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Six weeks into the season, one NFL coach is already gone. History suggests more will follow – likely soon.
Could one coach with a Lombardi Trophy on his résumé be at risk?
Two others are trying to placate owners who were already getting antsy after rough 2024 seasons.

The Tennessee Titans’ termination of head coach Brian Callahan on Monday marked the first firing of the 2025 NFL season.

But the league’s HC grim reaper will be back.

There are seven new head men on the sidelines in 2025, which pretty much typifies the NFL’s annual turnover. But in recent years, the vacancies have been developing far earlier than the, well, traditional Black Monday bloodlettings of yore. Three jobs opened in the middle of last season, a signal that more of Callahan’s peers could be following him sooner than later in an ever-evolving profession.

And in a league of supposed parity, this year is already taking a unique shape that could lend itself to more job openings – and soon.

Nearly half of the teams (14) are presently two games over .500. Three others have winning records, and another trio beyond that is currently 3-3 – the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers, all seemingly headed in a decidedly positive direction.

The obverse of that? The bottom feeders are drowning. And fast.

Six clubs are already 1-5 or worse. One of them, the New Orleans Saints, is led by rookie coach Kellen Moore. Despite a resetting roster and no apparent long-term solution at quarterback, his scrappy team has been in nearly every game.

Another, the Cleveland Browns, is in a similar situation under two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who extended the contracts of Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry last year − not that new deals make anyone bulletproof in this league − appeared to be taking a long view of his franchise well before the season, even falling on the Deshaun Watson sword himself. That seemingly explains why the team’s brain trust was comfortable not only trading the No. 2 pick of the 2025 draft but also quarterback Joe Flacco (he started Cleveland’s first four games) last week. Sure seems like Berry and Stefanski will get to use those two first-round picks next spring.

Big picture, the circumstances – ever changing as they are – sifting out which coaches appear to be in growing jeopardy. Listed alphabetically, here are five on what seem to be incrementally warmer seats who, currently, seem at most risk of following Callahan into the unemployment line sooner or (likely not much) later, barring a reversal of fortune:

Brian Daboll, New York Giants

From the league’s toughest schedule to uncertainty behind center to an increasingly impatient owner (though John Mara values stability) – all of this heaped onto a 9-25 record the previous two seasons in the nation’s biggest and most unforgiving media market – the deck certainly seemed stacked against Daboll and GM Joe Schoen entering 2025. The next nine opponents for the 2-4 G-Men are currently .500 or better, so this remains a hazardous situation. And yet the temperature does seem to be cooling − is that good on slippery slopes? − around Daboll now that rookie QB Jaxson Dart has electrified the team while winning two of his three starts since replacing fading veteran Russell Wilson. With WR Malik Nabers (knee) due back next season as a major component of a promising young roster, the Giants seem positioned to return to relevance … whether or not Daboll and Schoen remain.

Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals

They won eight times last season, double what they’d managed during Gannon’s debut in 2023. But a team that appeared headed in the right direction and won its first two games is suddenly spiraling. The Cards have lost four straight, albeit by a total of nine points, but are quickly losing touch with the pack in the hyper-competitive NFC West. Gannon is fielding questions about the long-term future of QB Kyler Murray, who missed Sunday’s loss in Indianapolis – though the offense seemed to function better with backup Jacoby Brissett. A week earlier, the Cards suffered an epic meltdown at home to become the only team Callahan’s Titans defeated this season. Worst of all, Gannon precipitated an embarrassing and troubling situation on the sideline when he angrily confronted RB Emari Demercado – his careless fumble at the goal line on what should have been a breakaway 72-yard touchdown probably cost Arizona the game – appearing to make physical contact with a player who was already distraught over his gaffe. The Cardinals fined Gannon $100,000, though it’s worth wondering if the incident will partially initiate another job action soon enough.

Aaron Glenn, New York Jets

In fairness, he’s a rookie head coach six games into his tenure. In reality, the NFL isn’t a fair fight, job security hardly guaranteed to the game’s greatest coaches much less one at the controls of what’s now the only winless squad in 2025. And while half of Glenn’s setbacks have been by two points (another was by six), the heavily penalized Jets often look disjointed and undisciplined. He could be heard ripping into his players following a Week 4 loss at Miami, where the Jets became the only team to lose to the Dolphins this season. It’s quite obviously early. But Glenn, formerly an acolyte of other tough-talking coaches like Bill Parcells and Dan Campbell, needs to at least start making headway for an organization that traffics in chaos and is currently mired in the league’s longest playoff drought, one that dates to the 2010 season. And Sunday’s product in London, when the Jets managed 82 yards of offense and didn’t sniff the end zone, isn’t the kind that owner Woody Johnson is historically inclined to suffer for long.

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

Hired in 2008, he’s the league’s longest-tenured coach aside from Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin. But the Ravens have hardly been the team so many (raises hand) forecast as a Super Bowl 60 participant. A rash of injuries to the team’s best players, namely perennial MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, is quite obviously stunting a 1-5 outfit, and Harbaugh seems confident his quarterback could return following a Week 7 bye. But the problems here don’t seem limited to the injury report. The Ravens’ toughest opponent consistently remains the Ravens, who historically tend to undermine themselves in the playoffs, often struggle to maintain significant fourth-quarter leads and fumbled away games they should have (Buffalo) or could have (Detroit) won before Jackson was injured. And long as the list of walking wounded is, it’s hard to justify how simply non-competitive Baltimore has been since Jackson went down in Kansas City on Sept. 28 – unable to even approach the opportunity to self-destruct. Harbaugh has come through adverse circumstances before. He’s also 4-7 in postseason since winning Super Bowl 47 nearly 13 years ago. A reckoning amid mounting unmet expectations seems inevitable at some point, whether it’s this year or not.

Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

He endured another round of slings and arrows Sunday, when the Fins couldn’t hold a lead against the decimated LA Chargers in the game’s final minute, the latest loss dropping Miami to 1-5. Worse, QB Tua Tagovailoa put the locker room on blast – and, by extension, McDaniel – following the defeat. During three-plus seasons near South Beach, McDaniel’s wizardry as an offensive architect and play caller has routinely been on display. So has a team that too often lacks accountability while struggling to beat good teams, especially away from Florida’s warm embrace. And with explosive WR Tyreek Hill out for the season, the Dolphins appear further than ever from winning their first playoff game in nearly 25 years, currently the longest dry spell between postseason victories in the league. McDaniel and GM Chris Grier don’t seem to be leaving owner Stephen Ross much choice after he essentially put them on notice following a disappointing 8-9 finish to the 2024 campaign, when Hill infamously quit on the team during the regular-season finale. A loss to the Browns on Sunday would seemingly make it even harder for McDaniel to even survive into a bye that’s still six weeks away.

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President Donald Trump decried left-wing violence on Tuesday while speaking at the ceremony to posthumously honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

‘We’ve watched legions of far-left radicals resort to desperate acts of violence and terror because they know that their ideas and arguments are persuading no one. They know that they’re failing. They have the Devil’s ideology,’ he asserted.

Trump also sounded off regarding the political firestorm surrounding Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones. At the center of the controversy are Jones’ texts, which envisioned the murder of a rival, have overshadowed the state’s top-of-the-ticket race as Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger descended on Jones’ backyard in Hampton Roads, Virginia, for their gubernatorial bout Thursday. 

Earle-Sears — who also represented nearby Virginia Beach, Virginia, in the state legislature two decades ago — and Spanberger met at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, Thursday for their one-and-only debate appearance. 

Kirk, 31, was assassinated last month while holding an event at Utah Valley University.

The ceremony was held on the day that would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

The president described Kirk as a ‘true American hero.’

Fox News Digital’s Charlie Creitz contributed to this report.

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