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Just one quarter into the Western Conference finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves got an injury scare — and it concerned their best player.

With less than a minute to play in the period, All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards turned his right ankle while driving through the lane against the Oklahoma City Thunder when he landed on his foot, tweaking it.

After spending some minutes in the locker room, Edwards eventually returned to the floor and played the rest of the game, never appearing to be affected by the injury. Edwards, however, did struggle to find his shot and finished with just 18 points in the 114-88 Minnesota loss Tuesday night in Game 1 of the series.

Edwards was fouled on the play and immediately grabbed at his ankle. He appeared to be in some discomfort.

He stayed in the game and made one of his two free throw attempts after the injury. ESPN cameras showed that, after the quarter ended, Edwards went into the locker room, where he remained at the start of the second quarter.

Edwards, who averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this season, had scored seven points on 2-of-3 shooting and added three rebounds before suffering the injury.

He made his return in the second quarter, jogging back through a hallway that connects to the locker room at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Edwards then did some light footwork on the sideline during a timeout and, with 7:01 left in the second quarter, he checked back in.

Edwards did not appear to be hobbled and collected a defensive rebound a few minutes after making his return and then later missed a floating bank shot.

Edwards drew significant attention from the Thunder defenders and had a difficult time asserting himself offensively. He played a team-high 36:34 and finished the game 5-of-13 from the field, including a 3-for-8 night from beyond the arc. He added nine rebounds and three assists in the loss.

When asked postgame if his ankle affected his shooting, Edwards was quick to say it did not.

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.

(This story has been updated with new information).

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The veteran quarterback took a step toward his return Tuesday, as he was on the field for seven-on-seven drills during the Dallas Cowboys’ second day of OTAs.

Prescott, who turns 32 in July, acknowledged it felt good to get back on the field. He also explained he has just one, longer-term obstacle to clear as he looks to fully return to action.

‘Pretty much can do it all. Feel good,’ Prescott said, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. ‘Yeah, I think I’m just not cleared for contact, which we’ve got a while for that anyways. Yeah, I’m out there in the team activities, feel good. Just trying to stay that way.’

Prescott injured his hamstring during the Cowboys’ Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He tore part of the muscle off the bone, which resulted in him needing season-ending surgery.

The longtime Dallas starter spent the offseason aggressively rehabbing the injury. That’s why he believes he’s in a good spot with his recovery.

‘My offseason started way earlier so that’s really essentially why I’m ahead,’ Prescott said, ‘on top of working with (director of rehabilitation Britt Brown), working with this training staff and (Prescott’s personal trainer) Luke (Wilson).’

Prescott doesn’t think he’ll be limited much as he continues to recover from the injury. As Archer reported, members of Dallas’ organization were originally concerned he would be limited as he returned from surgery.

‘People say a lot of things about me, man,’ Prescott said. ‘I just show up and control what I can control healthy. Trying to stay healthy. Feels good. Just trying to push the energy and make sure I continue to get better.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The NFL unanimously voted to allow its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is among many who are excited about the league’s decision.

‘Just to think about the chances of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream,’ Jefferson told reporters following the Tuesday announcement at the NFL’s spring meeting in Minneapolis.

Jefferson was named one of the NFL’s global flag football ambassadors in 2023. He has since worked with the league to raise the fast-growing sport’s profile.

Even so, the 25-year-old never expected the work to so quickly lead to a potential opportunity to compete in the Olympics.

‘Just reverting back to being a kid and watching the track and field meets, watching basketball win the gold medal – that’s something that as a kid, I always wanted to be a part of,’ Jefferson said. ‘But football wasn’t [global.] So now that we’re expanding the game and we’re going more globally, it’s pretty cool.’

While Jefferson is interested in potentially participating in the 2028 Olympics, he noted he would take time to weigh his decision to play, as the Summer Games aren’t for another three years.

‘I definitely would look forward to it if it came down to it, but that’s something I have to ask myself,’ Jefferson said of participating in the Olympics, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Jefferson isn’t the only NFL player considering participating in the Olympics. Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill are among the most notable players to express an interest in playing flag football at the Los Angeles Games.

Like Jefferson, those athletes figure to take time to contemplate their decisions, but the NFL’s ruling has at least cleared a path for those stars to compete for spots on the Olympic team if they so desire.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder stomached a nauseating shooting performance from MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander through two-and-a-half quarters, absorbed a 3-point barrage from Minnesota’s Julius Randle, relied on their trademark depth and versatility and emerged with a 114-88 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander missed 11 of his first 13 shots but found his shooting touch in the second half, scoring 12 of his game-high 31 points in the third quarter and finishing with nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. All-Star Jalen Williams added 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals, and Chet Holmgren had 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Thunder took control of the game in the second half, closing the third quarter on a 20-6 run for a 76-56 lead and Oklahoma City extended its lead to 99-84 with 4:24 left in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 70-40 in the second half.

While bench points were close (32-26 OKC), Minnesota’s reserves shot just 9-for-37 from the field, including 5-for-28 on 3-pointers. The Thunder, which had the No. 1 defense during the regular season, held the Timberwolves to 34.9% shooting from the field and 29.4% on 3s.

Randle scored 20 points and made five 3s in the first half, but he had just eight points in the second half. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards had a pedestrian 18 points and nine rebounds. He left the game briefly in the first quarter to check on a bothersome right ankle. He returned in the second quarter and appeared fine.

While just one game, the Game 1 winner is important. Game 1 winners in a best-of-seven series have won the series 75.4% of the time, and teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-seven series at home go on to win the series 84.4% of the time.

Game 2 is Thursday in Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Catch up on all the highlights from Game 1 with a recap from USA TODAY Sports:

Thunder vs. Timberwolves highlights

Jaden McDaniels fouls out

Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels fouled out with 5:21 remaining in the game as the Timberwolves trailed 81-93.

End of Q3: Thunder 76, Timberwolves 66

The Thunder trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, but Oklahoma City found its rhythm in the third quarter and went on a 20-6 run to take an 10-point lead into the fourth quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 of his 23 points in the third quarter, while Jalen Williams added 15 points. The Thunder is shooting 45.9% from the field, while the Timberwolves are shooting 33.9%.

The Timberwolves were outscored 32-18 in the third quarter. To make matters worse, Edwards picked up his fourth foul with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter. Jaden McDaniels also has four fouls. Edwards is up to 18 points and seven rebounds, while Julius Randle has 20 points (all scored in the first half). The Timberwolves bench has been held to 12 points.

Halftime: Timberwolves 48, Thunder 44

The Timberwolves head to the locker room with a four-point lead over the Thunder, thanks to a monster first half from Julius Randle. Randle has 20 of Minnesota’s 48 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 5-of-6 from 3-pointers. His five 3s already marks a playoff career-high for Randle. 

The Timberwolves are 10-of-28 collectively from 3, while the Thunder have only hit 3-of-8 3-pointers. Oklahoma City, however, has done most of its damage inside and has outscored Minnesota 22-4 in the paint.

Despite having a team-high 11 points, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has struggled so far. He’s 2-of-13 from the field and 0-of-2 from 3, but he has made 7-of-9 free throws to save his stat line. 

The Timberwolves have surrendered 11 turnovers, which has translated to 18 points for the Thunder.

Anthony Edwards returns after ankle tweak

Just one quarter into the Western Conference finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves got an injury scare — and it concerns their best player.

With less than a minute to play in the period, All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards turned his right ankle while driving through the lane against the Oklahoma City Thunder when he landed on his foot, tweaking it. Edwards was fouled on the play and immediately grabbed at his ankle. He appeared to be in some discomfort.

Edwards stayed in the game and made one of his two free throw attempts after the injury. ESPN cameras showed that, after the quarter ended, Edwards went into the locker room, where he remained at the start of the second quarter, but he returned to the floor with 7:01 remaining in the half.

Read Lorenzo Reyes’ full injury report here.

End of Q1: Timberwolves 23, Thunder 20

The Timberwolves have a three-point advantage over the Thunder after one quarter. Anthony Edwards has a team-high 7 points (2-of-3 FG, 1-of-1 3PT) for Minnesota, but he headed back to the locker room limping with an apparent ankle injury. He appeared to tweak his right ankle after landing on Alex Caruso as he drove to the basket in the closing minutes of the first quarter. 

Despite coming off nearly a week of rest, the Timberwolves came out red-hot and jumped to a 8-0 lead over the Thunder, with their first five points coming from Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels. The Thunder settled in and took their first lead of the night, 17-16, with 4:58 remaining. 

The Thunder’s relentless pressure was on full display and more than half of their points came off turnovers. The Timberwolves were forced into seven turnovers that Oklahoma City converted into 13 points. Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a game-high 9 points (2-of-8 FG, 0-of-2 3PT).

What time is Timberwolves vs. Thunder?

Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference Final series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT.

How to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder: TV, stream

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT
Location: Paycom Center; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN+, Fubo

Timberwolves-Thunder starting lineups

The Timberwolves and Thunder are sticking with the same lineups they’ve been riding throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs:

Minnesota Timberwolves

Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Anthony Edwards
Mike Conley

Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
Lu Dort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

What is Thunder’s mascot?

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s mascot is none other than Rumble the Bison, who is named after the sound of thunder. Rumble the Bison made a special appearance on ESPN’s pregame show, leading many to wonder why a bison is the mascot? Well, bison are the official state animal of Oklahoma. 

Mike Conley stats

Conley averaged a career-low 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 71 games this year, which marks his 18th season in the NBA. He has averaged 6.8 points, 3.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 10 games in the 2025 playoffs.

Stars align with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards

Look at the NBA finalists and champions. You need stars to win, and both teams have them. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP finalist and very well could win the award for the first time in his career. He’s a scorer first, especially inside the 3-point line and at the foul line, but he can create for others.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will make one of the three All-NBA teams this season as he gets closer to MVP territory. Just 23 years old, Edwards’ ability to score, rebound, pass and defend makes him difficult to match-up with offensively and defensively. He’s fun to watch and has a delightful swagger to his game.

X-factors on strong rosters

Every game has a player who makes a bigger-than-expected contribution. It’s not always the same player, especially with the depth Minnesota and Oklahoma City possess. For Minnesota, it might be Jaden McDaniel’s defense or Rudy Gobert’s rim protection. Or a timely 3-pointer from Mike Conley or a big game from Donte DiVincenzo or Naz Reid.

For the Thunder, Alex Caruso was that player in Game 7 against Denver, with 11 points, three assists, three steals and intense defense. Chet Holmgren – at 7-1 – can make 3s, rebound and block shots, presenting unique problems for the opponent. Center Isaiah Hartenstein can deliver a double-double and Lu Dort’s shooting and defense can impact the outcome. The Thunder will go deep into their bench with Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault on T’Wolves’ officiating pleas

Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault isn’t worried about the Timberwolves trying to campaign for favorable calls.

‘I mean, teams, players, coaches are going to use the media to try to influence the whistle as a competitive advantage,’ Daigneault said Monday. ‘The margins are thin. In the playoffs, everyone’s looking for an advantage. Some teams will go to that to do that.’

Daigneault continued: ‘My mentality on that is, it’s the Western Conference finals. The (referees) working these games aren’t here for an accident. I don’t think they’re influenced by anything I say, anything our team says. I don’t think they’re compromised by anything anybody else says. You know, we just are going to focus on what we can control. If they are influenced by anything that anybody says in the media, they shouldn’t be working in the Western Conference finals, and everyone would know, because it’s been pretty consistent to this point. So that’s how I look at it.’

Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions: Expert Picks

USA TODAY Sports experts make predictions ahead of the series Games 1:

Timberwolves vs. Thunder series winner

Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in seven
Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
Heather Tucker: Thunder in six
James Williams: Thunder in six
Jordan Mendoza: Timberwolves in six
Scooby Axson: Thunder in six
Cydney Henderson: Thunder in seven

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 1 winner

Jeff Zillgitt: Oklahoma City Thunder
Lorenzo Reyes: Oklahoma City Thunder
Heather Tucker: Oklahoma City Thunder
James Williams: Oklahoma City Thunder
Scooby Axson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Cydney Henderson: Oklahoma City Thunder

Timberwolves vs. Thunder odds

Odds via BetMGM as of Monday, May 19

Game 1 odds

Line: Thunder – 7.5
Moneyline: Thunder -325, Timberwolves +260
Over/under: 215.5

Odds to win Western Conference Final

Oklahoma City Thunder -350
Minnesota Timberwolves +280

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

June 1, 2006.

That’s the last time the Carolina Hurricanes won a game in the conference finals, defeating the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Since then, they’ve dropped 13 consecutive games in the conference finals, the latest coming Tuesday against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of this year’s Eastern Conference finals.

The defending champion Panthers got goals from five different players, including two power play tallies, as they stole home ice advantage away from the Hurricanes.

Carolina will hope to regroup and break a semifinal slide that started in 2009, when it was swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hurricanes were then swept in the Eastern Conference finals in 2019 (by the Bruins) and 2023 (by the Panthers).

Here’s all the highlights from Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers:

Panthers vs. Hurricanes highlights

Final score: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 2

Eetu Luostarinen added to Florida’s lead with a goal at 14:55 of the third.

The Hurricanes finally scored again at 16:19, on the power play, but it was too little, too late.

Brad Marchand’s night ends early

The Panthers’ pest was assessed four minutes in roughing minors and a 10-minute misconduct after he went after Carolina defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who had appeared to intentionally shoot the puck right at Marchand.

Gostisbehere’s shot was seemingly in response to Marchand’s actions earlier in his shift, when he clipped Gostisbehere after the defenseman had moved the puck.

Gostisbehere was only assessed two minutes for roughing, so the Hurricanes got a power play. Since the incident occurred at 8:15 of the third period, and with 14 minutes of penalties on the board, Marchand was escorted to the locker room.

Panthers 4, Hurricanes 1: Florida scores another power play goal

The Panthers went over 15 minutes without a shot, per TNT’s broadcast, but they made their 16th shot of the game count.

Sam Bennett’s shot from deep found its way past Frederik Andersen at 6:08 of the third period. The Panthers were on the power play after Scott Morrow took a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the glass.

Feels like this one might just be about over.

Panthers 3, Hurricanes 1: End of second period

There was no more scoring in the second period after A.J. Greer’s goal. Each team got a power play chance in the period but neither converted.

Carolina’s Frederik Andersen has 12 saves on 15 shots (.800 save percentage). The top goalie in the playoffs so far, Andersen gave up just six goals total in five games against Washington.

Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky has stopped 19 of the 20 shots he’s faced.

Panthers 3, Hurricanes 1: A.J. Greer scores

Florida has its two-goal lead back early in the second period.

A.J. Greer cashed in with a nice shot off a strong Panthers rush at 3:33 of the second.

Panthers 2, Hurricanes 1: Carolina cuts deficit just before intermission break

Some redemption for Sebastian Aho, whose (perhaps unfair) penalty led to Florida’s first goal. The puck deflects off his skate and goes past Sergei Bobrovsky with just 16 seconds to play in the first period.

Panthers 2, Hurricanes 0: Aaron Ekblad extends Florida’s lead

Carolina has quite a hill to climb now if it’s to avoid a 13th consecutive loss in the conference finals.

The former No. 1 overall pick doubled Florida’s lead with a perfectly-placed shot at 12:29 of the first period.

Panthers 1, Hurricanes 0: Florida scores power-play goal

Carter Verhaeghe gets the defending champs on the board with a power-play goal at 8:30 of the first period, scoring on the backhand from in tight.

A tough roughing call on Sebastian Aho short-circuited a Carolina power play and led to the Florida extra-man chance after 4-on-4 play expired.

What time is Hurricanes vs. Panthers NHL playoff game?

Game 1 of the Carolina Hurricanes-Florida Panthers series is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How to watch Hurricanes vs. Panthers NHL playoff game: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, North Carolina)
TV: TNT
Stream: Sling TV, Max

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The NASCAR Hall of Fame will induct Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick in the Class of 2026, the hall announced Tuesday.

Busch and Gant were selected from the Modern Era Ballot, each garnering 61% of the vote. Jeff Burton, Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton were the next-highest finishers who didn’t make the cut.

Hendrick was voted in on the Pioneer Ballot with 31% of the votes. Bob Welborn finished second.

Busch, 46, made the Hall in his first year on the ballot. He was the Cup Series champion in 2004 and won 34 times in the Cup Series, including two crown jewel races: the 2010 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2017 Daytona 500.

Gant, 85, followed 21 victories in what’s now called the Xfinity Series with 18 wins in the Cup Series, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. Already a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Gant was in his seventh year on the NASCAR Hall’s ballot.

Gant also holds the record for the oldest driver to win a Cup Series race (52 years, eight months) when he prevailed at Michigan International Speedway in 1992.

Hendrick, who died in 1990, enjoyed a 36-year motorsports career and was known throughout the South as ‘Mr. Modified’ for his successes in modified stock car racing. He is credited with more than 700 victories in modified racing and the Late Model Sportsman Series.

Busch, Gant and Hendrick were all named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list for the league’s 75th anniversary in 2023.

NASCAR also recognized H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler, former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

The Class of 2026 will be inducted on Jan. 23 in Charlotte.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Minnesota Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship. They haven’t even played in the NBA Finals since joining the NBA as an expansion team in 1989.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been to the Finals once since relocating from Seattle in 2008, losing to the Miami Heat in 2012, and the franchise hasn’t won a title since the SuperSonics did in 1979 – when Jack Sikma’s fancy footwork and Gus Williams’ offense ruled the league.

One of those teams is going to the Finals as they meet in the Western Conference finals, starting with Game 1 Tuesday in Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Who will it be?

Here are the storylines to watch in the Timberwolves vs. Thunder Western Conference finals:

Stars align with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards

Look at the NBA finalists and champions. You need stars to win, and both teams have them. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP finalist and very well could win the award for the first time in his career. He’s a scorer first, especially inside the 3-point line and at the foul line, but he can create for others. Teammate Jalen Williams was an All-Star for the first time this season, and though he had an inconsistent conference semifinals offensively, he delivered in Game 7 against Denver with 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds. The Thunder will need that from him against Minnesota.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will make one of the three All-NBA teams this season as he gets closer to MVP territory. Just 23 years old, Edwards’ ability to score, rebound, pass and defend makes him difficult to match-up with offensively and defensively. He’s fun to watch and has a delightful swagger to his game. Forward Julius Randle was not an All-Star this season, but he has been one in the past and he’s playing like one now. Against Golden State in the conference semifinals, he scored 20 points in four of the five games, including 31 in Game 4 and produced a triple-double in Game 3.

X-factors on strong rosters

Every game has a player who makes a bigger-than-expected contribution. It’s not always the same player, especially with the depth Minnesota and Oklahoma City possess. For Minnesota, it might be Jaden McDaniel’s defense or Rudy Gobert’s rim protection. Or a timely 3-pointer from Mike Conley or a big game from Donte DiVincenzo or Naz Reid.

For the Thunder, Alex Caruso was that player in Game 7 against Denver, with 11 points, three assists, three steals and intense defense. Chet Holmgren – at 7-1 – can make 3s, rebound and block shots, presenting unique problems for the opponent. Center Isaiah Hartenstein can deliver a double-double and Lu Dort’s shooting and defense can impact the outcome. The Thunder will go deep into their bench with Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams.

Thunder-Timberwolves coaching matchup

It’s a players’ league, and they will determine the outcome with what they do or fail to do on the court. But coaches influence the outcome in multiple ways. Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault, the 2023-24 Coach of the Year, and Minnesota’s Chris Finch, who finished third for the award last season, are two of the best. Whether it’s finding an unusual rotation, designing a play to get a game-winning shot, going to a zone defense or using a coach’s challenge at the right time, their decisions will be scrutinized. Both have been fantastic over the past couple of seasons, and while they won’t have the same kind of say in who wins as the players, a great coach can steal a game with the right call at the right time.

(This story was updated to add a new video).

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

House Speaker Mike Johnson has reached a tentative deal with blue state Republican lawmakers to boost the cap on state and local tax deductions, or ‘SALT,’ to $40,000 in President Donald Trump’s so-called ‘big, beautiful bill,’ Republican sources confirmed to Fox News late Tuesday. 

The proposed cap – which is up from $30,000 – would be per household for taxpayers making less than $500,000 per year. 

 It remains unclear whether GOP hardliners who oppose raising the SALT cap deductions will sign off on the measure. 

The tentative agreement, first reported by Politico and confirmed by Fox News, comes as House GOP factions have been engaged in high-stakes debates on taxes, Medicaid, and green energy subsidies while crafting the president’s ‘big, beautiful bill.’

SALT deduction caps primarily benefit people living in high-cost-of-living areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and their surrounding areas. 

Republicans representing those areas have framed raising the SALT deduction cap as an existential issue, arguing that a failure to address it could cost the GOP the House majority in the 2026 midterms. 

Meanwhile, Republicans representing lower-tax states are largely wary of raising the deduction cap, believing that it incentivizes blue states’ high-tax policies. 

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

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

The U.S. Senate has passed a new bill that would offer a tax deduction on tips worth up to $25,000.

This bill, if enacted into law, would also extend to business tax credits for payroll taxes on tips in beauty and spa services.

Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, is pushing the proposal – which passed unanimously – an outcome considered rare for substantive legislation.

There are stipulations in the new bill: an employee with compensation exceeding $160,000 in the prior tax year would not be eligible to claim the new tax deduction for tips.

The bill is limited to cash tips received by occupations that are customarily tipped. 

‘Tipped occupations’ are jobs where tips are common in the U.S., such as waiters, waitresses and professionals providing beauty services like barbering, hair care, nail care, esthetics, body and spa treatments.

The Budget Lab at Yale say they estimate there will be approximately 4 million workers in tipped occupations in 2023. 

They must also be reported by the employee to the employer for withholding payroll taxes. Under the current law, only tips exceeding $20 per month are required to be reported.

According to the report by Budget Lab, a non-tipped worker in 2023 was a minimum of approximately 10 years older than the typical tipped worker.  They also say one-third of the number of tipped workers were below 25, with 13% being teenagers.

This new bill, if passed, would cost $110 billion in federal revenues over 10 years, according to estimates by the center-right Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, pointed out during her floor speech that this bill was one of President Donald Trump’s key campaign promises.

‘I am not afraid to embrace a good idea, wherever it comes from. So I agreed we need to get this done,’ she said.

The passing of this bill through the Senate occurs as congressional Republicans attempt to seek advancement of a massive tax cut and spending package that will create a tax break on tips for the next four years.

The next step is the House of Representatives before it becomes law.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Flag football is coming to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles – and NFL players can participate.

“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”  

The ratification required at least 24 out of 32 NFL owners to vote in favor of allowing players to participate in flag football.

Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee announced in October 2023 that flag football would be included on the 2028 Olympics sports program.

The Olympic flag football competition will consist of six men’s teams and six women’s teams composed of 10 players per team, with the game itself a five-on-five format. According to the NFL, NFL player participation with their countries’ national flag football teams will begin with a tryout or qualification process in advance of the Olympic competition.

Olympic flag football will be held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The 22,000-seat soccer stadium is adjacent to the LA Memorial Coliseum.

“There is no question that the 2028 Flag Football tournament at the LA28 Games will be one of the most exciting competitions in Olympic history, and the inclusion of NFL players will bring it to new heights,’ Los Angeles Olympics chairperson and president Casey Wasserman said in a statement. ‘This milestone would not have been possible without the support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players Association, its club owners and most importantly, the athletes, who we’ll look forward to watching on the field in 2028.”  

This story has been updated.

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

This post appeared first on USA TODAY