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Beyond misperception: A renewed Korean democracy and a renewed alliance

It has been a turbulent yet inspiring year for Koreans. A declaration of martial law last winter plunged the nation into uncertainty, but what followed was not chaos – it was the reaffirmation of a people’s unshakable faith in democracy. 

The ‘Revolution of Light,’ culminating in the peaceful election of a new government, reminded the world that the Republic of Korea’s constitutional order rests not on the will of any ruler, but on the collective conscience of its citizens. 

Some observers abroad have mistaken the intensity of Korea’s political transition for fragility or deviation from democratic norms. In truth, such intensity is the very pulse of democracy itself. Our debates are often fierce, our elections passionately contested, yet our institutions endure. That resilience – born of experience, sacrifice, and civic discipline – is Korea’s greatest democratic asset.

Since taking office, President Lee Jae Myung has acted swiftly to reinforce the foundations of democracy at home and to renew the Republic of Korea’s partnership with the United States. In word and deed, President Lee has recognized the vital importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance and strengthened pragmatic cooperation with President Donald Trump, and put our interlocking security and economic objectives, and shared values at the heart of his agenda. 

This approach reflects Korea’s confidence as a mature democracy and responsible global partner. President Lee views the alliance not merely as a legacy of the past, but as a living partnership, adapting to new challenges – from regional security and economic cooperation to advanced future technology.

This vision was clear at their August summit, where the two leaders spoke with candor and mutual respect, underscoring their shared determination to build what they called a ‘Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Alliance.’ President Trump’s remark, ‘We’ve gotten along very well,’ captured the new tone of trust shaping this alliance. 

President Lee and the whole of the Korean government have meticulously ensured that even as we focus on restoring our democratic system, we not flail for one second in our responsibilities as friend and ally.  This makes certain commentaries – portraying Korea’s new leadership as undemocratic, illegitimate or even hostile to religion – so bewildering and saddening. Such claims, often repeated in online forums and even on opinion pages, bear little resemblance to facts and hinder our joint efforts for real solutions. 

Let’s set the record straight: The government of the Republic of Korea was democratically elected. President Lee prevailed in a fair and transparent vote recognized around the world for meeting the highest election standards. Neither Korea’s independent judiciary nor its opposition parties objected to the result. 

Since then, the principles of the rule of law have been scrupulously observed. Ongoing legal proceedings concerning the previous administration’s declaration of martial law and other alleged abuses of power are being conducted by independent prosecutors appointed by the National Assembly – not by the Presidential Office. These legal proceedings demonstrate the rule of law, not the erosion of it.

Equally unfounded are recent claims that the new government is ‘anti-Christian.’ Such narratives appear to arise from ongoing investigations into bribery allegations involving church funds, but for people familiar with Korea, the notion of prejudice is demonstrably absurd.

Christianity, along with Buddhism and other faiths, has played an integral role in Korea’s social and cultural life. Christian missionaries helped establish many of the nation’s leading educational and medical institutions, countless Christians sacrificed their lives for Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule. 

Today, a large share of Korean population identifies as Christian, with millions of both Protestants and Catholics contributing to the fabric of Korean society. These individuals, like people of all faiths, continue to play a vital role in civic life, community service and the pursuit of national unity.

President Lee himself is a man of Christian faith. He and his administration have the deepest respect for freedom of religion and expression, which our Constitution enshrines. They, like all Koreans, are unambiguously proud of the legacy of Christianity and believe freedom of religion in the Republic of Korea rivals that of any place in the world.

To portray legitimate, lawful efforts to restore democratic order as a campaign against Christianity is not only misleading, but it undermines Christian legacy and respect for religious freedoms that are central to Korea’s democratic values.

As Koreans committed to democracy, vigorous debate and even disagreement are more than welcomed. It is what the new Korean government strove so vigorously to safeguard these past four months. But mischaracterizing all that has occurred does nothing to advance mutual understanding or produce real solutions for the Koreans and Americans alike.

The Republic of Korea and the United States have sustained our alliance through eight decades of bravery and sacrifice. Today’s challenges require nothing less. Under President Lee’s government, Americans can be assured that they have a friend and partner who shares core values and is committed to the success of both of our nations. 

Look no further than their summit on Aug. 25 where the two leaders ushered in the era of a ‘Future-oriented Comprehensive Strategic Alliance’ – one that looks confidently toward a more secure, democratic and prosperous future for both nations. Korea’s story is not one of uncertainty but of conviction: that a free people, tested by history, can renew both their democracy and their alliance with courage and grace. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Why Trump, rightly praised for the Gaza ceasefire, acts so differently at home

President Trump continues to be hailed as a global peacemaker for freeing the Hamas hostages and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist group.

By assembling a coalition of countries to stop the two-year-old war, the president melded threats and diplomacy to end – at least for now – the bloody conflict that began with the heinous Hamas massacre of Oct. 7. 

Despite warning signs that Hamas may be unwilling to surrender its weapons, the guns have gone silent and the moving videos of freed hostages embracing their loved ones keep coming. 

Trump has drawn praise from leading Democrats (the Clintons), virtually all the media (which he thanked), and the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, James Carville and Bill Maher.

Then he came home.

Government employees aren’t being paid under the two-week-old shutdown that Trump engineered, in the sense that he refused to seriously negotiate with Democrats worried about the prospect of soaring Obamacare premiums.

The president, as he threatened to do, has cut or frozen almost $28 billion for projects largely based in Democratic-led cities and states, according to a New York Times analysis. That includes giant transportation projects in New York and Chicago.

Trump imposed a new round of layoffs on the Department of Education, targeting the Office of Civil Rights and the Special Education unit – which, following earlier firings, will be down to about six staffers, a 95% reduction since he took office.

He refused to take questions from ‘ABC fake news,’ but called on one of its female reporters, turned to a chuckling JD Vance and said, ‘I just like to watch her talk.’ He then said, ‘Good job. Thank you, darling,’ ignoring what she had asked.

What a stark contrast.

Why is the man capable of such steely leadership abroad insisting on being such a divisive figure at home?

He fervently believes that keeping an iron grip on his MAGA base is how he got elected and crucial to his political health. When Democrats attack his actions, it thrills most of his Republican supporters.

There were also those two horrifying assassination attempts last year.

Trump often complains that he is a victim – of relentlessly unfair media coverage, left-wingers calling him a Nazi and a dictator and lawfare investigations that produced four indictments against him.

As he sees it, he is counterpunching – simple as that. And he definitely has a major point.

Of course, no president has ever ordered the Justice Department to prosecute his political opponents, as with the indictments of James Comey and Letitia James. That shatters any remaining notion of DOJ independence.

Trump even took issue with a glowing Time cover story on the ceasefire – ‘His Triumph’ – because he didn’t like the picture, in which the lighting washed out part of his hair. 

And then there’s the handling of scandals.

One case of blatant partisanship, on both sides, is the Politico disclosure of group chats by Young Republican groups that drip with racist, anti-Semitic and violent content.

In 2,900 pages of leaked documents, the participants – all fervent Trump supporters – described Black people as monkeys and ‘the watermelon people.’ They talked about sending their opponents to the gas chambers that would reflect ‘the Hitler aesthetic,’ where they would be killed. A woman who is New York’s national committee member said: ‘I’m ready to watch people burn now.’

These are mainly not college kids, but party operatives, government staffers and one state senator, who under the rules, must be under the age of 40. Three participants have been ousted from their political jobs.

The national federation, which has 15,000 members, said: ‘we are appalled by the vile and inexcusable language … Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican.’

I bring this up because of the reaction at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

A White House spokesperson told Politico that ‘Only an activist, left-wing reporter would desperately try to tie President Trump into a story about a random groupchat he has no affiliation with.’ To be sure, this cannot be blamed on the president in any way.

But, it does reflect how fringe views have infiltrated at least a small minority of younger party members.

What’s striking is the way in which the vice president dismissed the ugliness. 

Vance focused instead on Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for Virginia attorney general, who was revealed to have texted a colleague in the legislature about his fantasies of killing the then-speaker, Todd Gilbert. ‘Two bullets to the head,’ Jones wrote. Chilling.

‘This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat,’ Vance said, ‘and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia.’

Trump also weighed in, saying that Jones wanted to see a ‘Republican legislator in Virginia shot in the head and to see his children murdered… pretty amazing.’

Now let me say it is beyond disgustingly pathetic that top Virginia Democrats haven’t pulled their support for Jones, and that he hasn’t been driven out of the race. It’s indefensible.

But it’s also a classic case of whataboutism, with each party’s leaders – there are some exceptions – focusing on the other side’s misconduct. 

Vance went a bit further yesterday, saying, ‘the reality is that kids do stupid things. Especially young boys, they tell edgy, offensive jokes.’ Again, they’re not just boys.

In the Middle East, Trump was trying to bring combatants together. In America, he is the chief combatant, doing whatever it takes to wield and expand his power.

Many politicians strive for unity, if only to win more converts to their side. That has never been Trump’s style, dating back to his days as a real estate developer and then as a candidate. His default setting is to fight.

Right now, Bibi Netanyahu loves Donald Trump. So do those who voted for him in a sweeping election victory. But the president has shown little interest in winning over his detractors.

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Why Malcolm Brogdon retired and what it means for New York Knicks

New York Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Brogdon played for five teams over his nine years in the league and was expected to play his 10th season as a member of the New York Knicks before announcing his decision to retire.

He was the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year and the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year. While he had still shown an ability to compete at a high level in recent years, Brogdon was expected to be a backcourt depth piece and reserve playmaker.

Here’s what Brogdon’s announcement means for him and the New York Knicks:

Why did Malcolm Brogdon retire?

Brogdon released a statement on his decision to retire.

“I have proudly given my mind, body and spirit to the game over the last few decades,” Brogdon said. “… I am deeply grateful to have arrived at this point on my own terms. …”

What does this mean for Knicks’ roster?

With Brogdon’s decision to retire, New York is expected to have an open roster spot.

He had only been with the team for a month and would have had to compete for minutes on the floor with backup guards Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet on the roster.

What does this mean for Knicks’ salary cap?

NBA teams had until Saturday to waive a player on a non-guaranteed contract and not incur a salary cap charge, according to SNYtv’s Ian Begley. 

Brogdon was one of three veterans on the roster, along with Shamet and Garrison Mathews, to be on non-guaranteed deals with the Knicks.

Brogdon signed a 1-year deal worth $2.3 million with the Knicks on Sept. 15.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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USWNT star Trinity Rodman leaves Washington Spirit game with injury

Rodman and Monterrey’s Daniela Monroy competed over a ball along the touchline in the 37th minute, with the California native appearing to suffer the injury as she attempted to poke the ball loose.

Rodman stayed down before signaling that she needed help from the trainers, and looked to be in serious pain as she was attended to. Spirit staff carried her off the pitch at Audi Field, with Rodman placing no weight on her right leg. Washington would eventually substitute her, sending Brittany Ratcliffe on in the 41st minute.

During the halftime break, Rodman headed from the Spirit bench to the locker room on crutches.

‘We need to wait until tomorrow,’ Spirit coach Adrián González told reporters after the match. ‘She’s going to get scanned tomorrow, and we will have more information.’

The injury comes at a difficult time for Rodman and the USWNT. Earlier on Wednesday, she received her first call-up since April, having overcome a long-term battle with a persistent back injury over the summer.

Since returning to the pitch for the Spirit, Rodman has been in imperious form. The 23-year-old was named the NWSL Player of the Month in September after scoring three times and adding two assists across four games. Rodman scored again for Washington this past Saturday in a 1-1 road draw against the North Carolina Courage.

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Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa publicly apologizes to teammates

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa opened up his scheduled press conference on Wednesday with a public apology to his teammates.

“As a leader of this team, of the Miami Dolphins. The comments that had been said, I would say I’ve made a mistake, and I’m owning up to that right now,” Tagovailoa said to reporters. “I’ve talked to guys on the team about it, talked to the leaders about it. They know my heart. They know that the intent was right, but no matter the intent, the intent can be right, but when things get misconstrued or however the media wants to portray it that leaves a void of silence and a lot of questions for the guys on our team.

“For myself, I got to look at myself as, as the leader, protecting the team. I don’t feel like I did that to the best of my abilities. I felt like I let the emotions of the game get to me after the game. That’s something that I can learn from as a leader on this team. And what happens in house should be protected, and none of that should have gotten out. And so want to publicly apologize about that.”

Tagovailoa’s apology came in the aftermath of the 29-27 Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The quarterback called out his teammates during the postgame press conference for being late or skipping team meetings.

Many people around the league have criticized Tagovailoa for airing out the team’s dirty laundry.

“I think regardless of intent and what was on Tua’s mind after a loss as the franchise quarterback, that’s not the forum to displace that. I think he knows that now. I do honestly believe there was no ill intention,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said earlier this week. “What I do know is that he’s directly communicated with a lot of guys…That’s what teammates do and you live and you learn.”

Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are in the midst of a frustrating season. The quarterback’s seven interceptions are the third most in the NFL entering Week 7.

The 1-5 Dolphins are off to their worst start since the 2021 season. Three of their five losses have been within one score. McDaniel and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier are both rumored to be on the hot seat.

Miami’s on the road this week against the Cleveland Browns.

‘I want to move forward,’ Tagovailoa said. ‘Now I want to focus on the Cleveland Browns.’

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

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Pope Leo XIV responds to a Cubs fan during a parade in Vatican City

Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Catholic Church and a native of Chicago, is renowned as the most famous Chicago White Sox fan in the world. During a parade in Vatican City, he seized the opportunity to humorously tease a Chicago Cubs fan.

A person in the crowd was heard yelling, ‘Go Cubs!’ as Pope Leo XIV rode in the Popemobile, greeting the crowd. The first American-born Pope quickly responded, ‘Han perdido! They lost!’

The Cubs’ postseason journey came to an end after a 3-2 series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Divisional Series. This marked the Brewers’ first postseason series win since 2018.

It was confirmed by his brother, John Prevost, following his election to the highest position in the Catholic Church in May, that Pope Leo is indeed not a Cubs fan but an avid Chicago White Sox fan.

Pope addresses Chicago Cubs fan

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Two race teams sue NASCAR: Timeline of lawsuit, hearings, appeals

It’s been a little over one year since 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a federal lawsuit against NASCAR and its chairman, Jim France. The suit accuses the series of restraining fair competition and violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, preventing teams from competing ‘without accepting the anticompetitive terms’ it dictates.

The teams filed the lawsuit Oct. 2, 2024, in the Western District of North Carolina and claimed the ‘France family and NASCAR are monopolistic bullies.’

NASCAR has pushed back hard on the suit, filing numerous counterclaims in front of U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell. The two race teams have in turn submitted numerous motions, as hearings and appeals pile up before the scheduled December 2025 trial date.

Here’s a recap and timeline of all the developments since the lawsuit was first filed:

Who owns 23XI Racing, and who are the drivers?

Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin own 23XI Racing along with longtime Jordan advisor, Curtis Polk. The race team fields three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. Bubba Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota, Riley Herbst the No. 35 Toyota, and Tyler Reddick the No. 45 Toyota. Wallace and Reddick qualified for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs but were eliminated from championship contention following the Oct. 5 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway that concluded the second round.

Who owns Front Row Motorsports, and who are the drivers?

Tennessee-based businessman Bob Jenkins, who owns a number of restaurant franchises belonging to Yum! Brands, including many KFC and Taco Bell locations, is the owner of Front Row Motorsports. FRM fields three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series: the No. 4 Ford, driven by Noah Gragson; the No. 34 Ford, driven by Todd Gilliland; and the No. 38 Ford, driven by Zane Smith.

NASCAR lawsuit timeline

Oct. 2, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR’s sanctioning body and CEO Jim France. The lawsuit argues that NASCAR presented a take-it-or-leave-it deal to the teams on Sept. 6, 2024, giving them until 6 p.m. to sign or risk not having a charter for the 2025 Cup Series season.

Both teams say in a statement that NASCAR operates without transparency and unfairly benefits from the sport at the expense of fans, drivers, owners and sponsors.

Nov. 4, 2024

The two sides meet in a courtroom to decide whether or not the two teams can race in 2025 without signing the charter.

Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing wanted a clause in the new charter agreement that prevented signees from bringing antitrust action against NASCAR waived so they could race in 2025. NASCAR argued that the charter was no longer available to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports because they brought a lawsuit.

Nov. 8, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ injunction request is denied. Judge Frank Whitney ruled that it was too soon for both teams to meet the standards of harm that would justify the request.

Nov. 26, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file a new preliminary injunction request, providing examples of how both teams could lose their drivers and sponsors without being guaranteed a charter for the 2025 season. Both teams were in the process of gaining a third charter from the downsizing Stewart-Haas Racing team for the 2025 season. The new request included those acquisitions as potential harm done without the injunction.

Dec. 2, 2024

NASCAR motions to dismiss the lawsuit. The sanctioning body argued it is not a monopoly in stock car racing and that NASCAR does not want to work with the two teams because of the suit. NASCAR also indicated it would not allow the two teams to acquire a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing without accepting the new charter agreement.

Dec. 12, 2024

Both teams argue NASCAR backtracked on initial approval for acquiring a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. NASCAR reiterated its original request to dismiss the lawsuit and stated both teams were now seeking more than what was in previous filings. As such, it should be viewed as a new motion.

Dec. 16, 2024

The teams and NASCAR agree on a Jan. 10 deadline for initial disclosures. NASCAR asked for discovery to be completed by Oct. 17, the two teams asked for that to be completed by July 18.

Dec. 18, 2024

Judge Bell grants 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports their preliminary injunction request.

Bell, who took over on the case in early December from Judge Whitney, rules that both teams can race with their original two charters in 2025 as the lawsuit continues. He cites the possibility of losing drivers as a clear reason to grant the request. Bell also found that NASCAR holds monopoly power in stock car racing.

Dec. 23, 2024

Judge Bell rules that both Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing be approved for a third charter acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing but in different ways. NASCAR had to approve Front Row Motorsports’ acquisition, but 23XI Racing had to ask the court specifically for the charter purchase to be approved by NASCAR in a separate motion.

Jan. 10, 2025

Judge Bell denies NASCAR’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating, ‘this case is going to be tried this year, and deserves to be tried this year.’

Bell also denied NASCAR’s motion to have both teams post bond in excess of $10 million for each of their cars. NASCAR had argued for that in case it won the lawsuit and was entitled to damages, but Bell reasoned the sanctioning body could ask for damages at a later date.

Feb. 12, 2025

NASCAR files its appellate brief to the injunction that allows 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to operate as charter teams while suing NASCAR for antitrust violations.

NASCAR argued that the two teams are not likely to succeed on the merits of the case, reiterating that 13 of 15 teams signed the charter agreement, there are other racing options 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could join and the NASCAR Cup Series can’t be the defined ‘market’ when it comes to antitrust issues.

March 5, 2025

NASCAR files counterclaim, stating 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports violated antitrust laws during negotiations for a new charter agreement. These claims include that the teams colluded to get better terms, and 23XI Racing co-owner Curtis Polk tried to boycott a qualifying event.

Chris Yates, lead attorney for NASCAR in this case, stated that they believe the two teams misused antitrust laws to force a renegotiation.

March 14, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file response to NASCAR’s brief to appellate court on Feb. 12, which opposed the judge allowing the teams to operate charters while suing NASCAR for antitrust violations.

March 26, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports motion to dismiss NASCAR’s March 5 counterclaim, arguing there’s no evidence of an attempted boycott and that teams work together in negotiations, just like in other sports.

April 9, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports subpoena Formula 1 as well as NFL, NBA and NHL teams to provide evidence on how other sporting bodies and their teams operate.

May 9, 2025

A three-judge panel hears the appeal by NASCAR to an injunction ruling on Dec. 18, 2024 allowing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as chartered teams in 2025 while this legal battle plays out.

June 5, 2025

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rules in favor of NASCAR and revokes the Dec. 18 injunction. The judges note in their ruling that there is no precedent for this case and the teams’ antitrust argument ‘is not supported by any case of which we are aware.’

They also reason that there’s no indication that the teams will likely be successful in their lawsuit.

June 17, 2025

In a hearing for a motion to throw out NASCAR’s counterclaim of collusion, the teams’ attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, outlines the teams are looking for:

NASCAR divestment of racetracks it also owns, currently 20 on the Cup Series calendar
NASCAR to no longer prohibit Cup tracks to run similar stock car races
NASCAR to no longer prohibit Next Gen cars to be used in non-NASCAR events
Insure two teams can compete as chartered teams going forward
Financial damages to be tripled

June 18, 2025

In a new filing for NASCAR’s March 5 counterclaim, NASCAR asks for chartered teams in the Cup Series grid to turn over financial documents, calling some of these ‘critical to NASCAR’s defense.’

June 20, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports ask for a rehearing following the June 5 appeals court ruling overturning the injunction, which allowed them to compete as chartered teams during the 2025 season.

June 25, 2025

Judge Bell denies 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ motion to dismiss NASCAR’s counterclaim, stating that the sport had done enough to continue its counterclaim. But he also narrowed the amount of financial information other chartered teams had to provide NASCAR.

July 9, 2025

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit hears the two teams’ argument for reversing the June 5 decision, which would revoke their charters during the 2025 season, and denies their request.

July 14, 2025

Ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway, the two teams looked for a potential way to remain chartered and decided on filing for a restraining order and new preliminary injunction.

The teams argued NASCAR informed them they’d ‘immediately move to sell or issue Plaintiffs’ charters to other entities,’ which could keep the teams from getting their charters back.

July 17, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are denied a temporary restraining order to keep NASCAR from revoking their chartered status and are forced to compete as open teams for upcoming races at Dover and Indianapolis. The teams each have had three cars with chartered status this season, but that status expired after the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed an earlier injunction. 

July 22, 2025

Judge Bell sets an Aug. 28 hearing on a new motion from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport for an injunction to keep them chartered for 2025. Bell writes in his order that NASCAR has represented to the court that the teams will be guaranteed spots in races and that NASCAR will not sell nor transfer the charters in question until a ruling on the injunction.

Aug. 19, 2025

NASCAR files response to the teams’ motion that they return to chartered status for the rest of the 2025 season. NASCAR states in its filing that it must start the process of selling those charters immediately, and 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports should be forced to return the money awarded to them as chartered teams for the first half of the 2025 season.

Aug. 25, 2025

In filings in advance of an Aug. 28 hearing for a new injunction requested by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to retain their charters, NASCAR says it plans to issue a charter to an unnamed team for the 2026 season. The teams said in their own filing that if the charters they had earlier this year are sold, they would shut down ‘following the 2025 Cup Series season.’

The teams’ filing also alludes to ‘smoking-gun documents that admit NASCAR viewed competitive entry as a threat’ and ‘internal NASCAR documents with top executives describing how NASCAR used its monopoly power to impose a one-sided’ charter agreement.

Sept. 3, 2025

Judge Bell denies the preliminary injunction request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports seeking to remain chartered teams following an Aug. 28 hearing, ruling they would not suffer irreparable harm.

NASCAR tells the court it won’t change any rules that would keep 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports from missing the final nine races of 2025 and it would leave at least six charters available in case it loses at trial.

Oct. 3, 2025

NASCAR files a motion for summary judgment, making a final attempt to get the case dismissed before the scheduled December 2025 trial. In its motion, NASCAR submits statements from several NASCAR team owners and executives supporting the charter system and urging the litigation be resolved in a way that ‘does not put the sport at risk’ and ‘before any real damage is done to the sport.’

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports attorney Jeffrey Kessler issues a statement saying the teams are willing to have settlement talks and that the owners’ statements support their case.

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Trump instructs Pentagon to ensure troops are paid despite government shutdown

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a directive ordering the Department of War to keep paying U.S. troops despite the ongoing government shutdown, bypassing Congress after lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal for weeks.

The White House said the move is necessary to protect ‘military readiness’ as the budget standoff stretched into its third week. The order, issued as National Security Presidential Memorandum-8 (NSPM-8), directs the department to use available fiscal year 2026 funds to cover military pay and allowances.

‘The current appropriations lapse presents a serious and unacceptable threat to military readiness and the ability of our Armed Forces to protect and defend our Nation,’ the memo states.

Trump cited his Article II powers as commander-in-chief in issuing the order, which covers active-duty troops and reservists on service orders. The directive instructs officials to use only funds that are legally tied to military pay, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

More than one million service members were expected to miss paychecks starting this week if Congress didn’t act. Trump’s move marks a break from past administrations, which often waited for bipartisan deals instead of intervening directly.

Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., told Fox News Digital that ‘Trump’s mid-month action was welcome news to the military community. But now that same community is anxious about what happens at the end of the month, where mortgages and rents and car payments all become due.’

‘Democrats were wrong to try to use troop pay as leverage to accomplish their political goals. And it would be wrong, it would be just as wrong, for a Republican to hope that that lack of pay would be a catalyst to get Democrats to acquiesce,’ LaLota said. ‘[Trump is] protecting the troops when Congress won’t.’

The Pentagon has not said which specific accounts will be used. Reports from Roll Call and Reuters indicate the administration has identified roughly $8 billion in unobligated defense funds as potential options.

Critics warn the move could face legal challenges under the Antideficiency Act, which bars spending money not appropriated by Congress. But White House officials argue the law permits spending that has a ‘reasonable, logical relationship’ to the purpose of the original funds: in this case, keeping troops paid.

The directive follows Trump’s Oct. 11 order to keep troop payments flowing during the shutdown. The White House’s latest move Wednesday with Congress still in gridlock could shape government shutdowns for generations to come.

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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Kings reach agreement on big rookie extension with young star

The Sacramento Kings have locked up one of their young cornerstones.

The team and Keegan Murray reached agreement Wednesday, Oct. 15 on a five-year, $140 million rookie contract extension, per ESPN. The deal is set to keep Murray in the capital of California through the 2030-31 season.

Murray is entering his fourth season with the Kings after the team selected him fourth overall in the 2022 draft out of Iowa. He’d been durable for the team, appearing in 80 games his rookie year, 77 in his second and 76 last season. He’s started 231 of his 233 career games.

In those contests, the 6-foot-8 forward has averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

He is slated to start the 2025-26 season on the shelf, however, due to a thumb injury.

It’s the second notable transaction the Kings completed Wednesday, as they also inked Russell Westbrook to a deal.

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Inevitable closer than ever: Napier down to final days at Florida.

The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect the ongoing process, said embattled Florida coach Billy Napier could be fired as soon as this weekend. One thing is certain: Napier won’t survive another loss.

Stricklin declined comment for this story.

This, unlike other speculation about Napier’s job status, is an important and direct connection to last year’s near firing of Napier. It was then that the same Florida boosters were ready to pay Napier’s large buyout, but were held off by Stricklin and convinced to use that money in NIL space to help Napier’s buildout.

The boosters agreed, and the result was a significantly upgraded and talented team. Florida flipped five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson – the most talented player on the team – from Oregon late in the recruiting process with the infusion of NIL cash.

That money also was used to keep numerous impact players already on the roster from leaving for other schools. The results on the field, however, have been the same.

Napier’s buyout, according to a document obtained by USA TODAY Sports, is approximately $21 million, to be paid in installments: 50% of the money within 30 days of separation, and then equal payments of 12.5% annually over the next four years.    

The hope is that Napier, who has a close relationship with a talented roster he built, will finish the season while Florida looks for its fifth coach since Urban Meyer resigned after the 2010 season. 

If Napier doesn’t choose to finish the season, the only coach on staff with head coaching experience is defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who led two programs in the NCAA lower divisions (Delta State, Southeastern Louisiana).

The inevitable end for Napier began last month, when Florida lost at home as an 18-point favorite to Group of Five school South Florida. The Gators have since lost ugly road games to LSU, Miami and Texas A&M, sandwiched around an upset of Texas in Gainesville.

Napier was nearly fired last year when Florida began the season with blowout home losses to Miami and Texas A&M, on the heels two dysfunctional seasons to begin his tenure. It was then that USA TODAY Sports reported a group of Florida boosters were ready to pay Napier’s $28 million buyout.

But Stricklin held firm with Napier, a likable, organized coach who the university desperately wanted to succeed. The Gators then went on a second half run that included wins over LSU and Ole Miss — and Stricklin then convinced boosters to use the potential buyout money on NIL deals to help support player procurement.

The group of boosters, three people told USA Today Sports, agreed, but with one stipulation: that Napier relinquish control of the offense, and hire an experienced coordinator and play caller. He never did. 

Napier tried to hire Ole Miss offensive coordinator and play caller Charlie Weis Jr., before the 2024 season, two different people with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. But Weis decided to stay with Rebels coach Lane Kiffin, and Napier never made another serious run at an offensive coordinator. 

Now Napier is 21-23 into his fourth season, and has the worst coaching record at Florida since the 1940s. He has lost every way imaginable, and is winless against bitter rival Georgia — with the program falling further behind in the ever-strengthening SEC with each passing week.

Florida still has difficult games remaining against three teams ranked in the Top 11 of the US LBM coaches poll: Georgia (in Jacksonville, Fla.), at Ole Miss and Tennessee in Gainesville.  

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB. 

Steve Berkowitz, sports projects reporter for USA TODAY Sports Network, contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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