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Trump gathers CEOs for unprecedented faith, economy meeting to renew US ‘spiritually and financially’

President Donald Trump will recognize CEOs and business leaders who donate their time to faith-based charitable works and encourage them to continue investing with the White House Faith Office during a luncheon at the White House on Monday.

The president and the White House Faith Office are expected to host the luncheon, which will include more than 60 CEOs and business leaders, in the State Dining Room.

Founder of Hobby Lobby David Greene, Chairman and CEO of Jockey International, Inc. Debra Waller, Quest Events founder Lee Dunlap, Aethon Energy founder Albert Huddleston, Shoppa’s Material Handling founder Jimmy Shoppa and others are expected to attend.

The president will be joined by Cabinet secretaries for the event, where he is expected to deliver remarks to thank the business leaders and encourage a continued partnership with the White House Faith Office.

White House Faith Office senior advisor Pastor Paula White, Faith Director Jenny Korn, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler will attend the event and also deliver remarks.

The luncheon Monday is the first event of its kind, with White House Faith Office officials telling Fox News Digital that they have invited business leaders who work with faith-based charitable organizations ‘in a big way domestically and internationally.’

The president, in his remarks, is expected to explain why the White House Faith Office is so important to his agenda. He will also encourage business leaders to help the Trump administration, specifically on programs concerning foster care and adoption, fatherhood initiatives, poverty alleviation, substance abuse and prisoner reentry.

‘These are purpose-driven individuals who use their wealth for good in the Earth,’ the official said. ‘Faith and Economy come together to Make America Great Again—spiritually and financially.’

‘President Trump is not only making America affordable, prosperous and strong again — he is making our country faith-centered again,’ Paula White, senior advisor to the White House Faith Office, told Fox News Digital. ‘CEOs and business leaders who give back their time and treasure is what America is all about.’

Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House Faith Office in February. 

The office empowers faith-based entities, community organizations and houses of worship ‘to better serve families and communities,’ according to the White House. 

The office is housed under the Domestic Policy Council and consults with experts in the faith community on policy changes to ‘better align with American values.’ 

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Iranian crowdfunding campaign claims to raise $40M as reward for assassinating Trump

An Iranian movement called the ‘Blood Covenant’ is claiming to have crowdfunded more than $40 million as a reward for assassinating President Donald Trump, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). 

A website for the movement contained a poster of Trump in crosshairs with an appeal to donate ‘in order to ‘help establish stable peace,’’ the nonprofit reported. It added that the poster quotes a verse from the Quran that reads, ‘Strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah.’ 

‘This is a call to jihad, inviting believers to donate their money and sacrifice their lives,’ MEMRI said. ‘The poster lends religious legitimacy to assassinating Trump.’ 

The apparent threat comes weeks after the U.S. launched devastating airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. 

‘In Iran in recent days there has been an increase in explicit calls for assassinating Trump, from the Iranian regime’s religious establishment, due allegedly to a threat by Trump to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – even though Trump said he had actually prevented such a move,’ MEMRI said. ‘These calls are backed by fatwas issued in late June by Iranian grand ayatollahs. The fatwas stated that the punishment for Trump is the same as for a muhareb – that is, an enemy of Allah and Islam – and that is death, and the permitting of his blood.’ 

‘Iranian regime officials, among them Assembly of Expert members who are close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior clerics and lecturers at the Howza-e Ilmiyya seminaries, and the regime’s Friday preachers, are explicitly calling for Trump’s assassination,’ MEMRI added. 

‘The fact that these calls to assassinate Trump are coming from above and being echoed in the street and through all strata of society, including in the Iranian media, underlines the depth and uniformity of the regime’s institutional incitement,’ it also said. ‘It reflects a broad religious and regime consensus strengthened by reiterated emphasis of the reward anyone carrying out the punishment against Trump can expect to receive – in addition to the $40.3 million, also Paradise and the status of a defender of Islam.’ 

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies alleged that an Iranian national and former employee for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting – which it described as ‘the regime’s main propaganda network’ – is behind the creation of the ‘Blood Covenant’ website. 

The State Department did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

A senior State Department official said the Trump administration is aware of the threats against the president, according to the Washington Free Beacon. 

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Trump says US will send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, adds that Putin ‘talks nice and then he bombs everybody’

President Donald Trump said the United States will be sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine while describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a leader who ‘talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening.’ 

Trump made the remarks as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is planning to meet with the president during a visit to Washington, D.C. Monday and Tuesday. Last week, Trump revealed a new NATO deal that would allow U.S. arms to flow to Ukraine through allied nations. 

‘I’m going to have a meeting with the Secretary General coming in tomorrow. But we basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military. And they are going to pay us 100 percent for them. And that’s the way we want it,’ Trump told reporters on Sunday. 

‘I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some. Because they do need protection. But the European Union is paying for it. We’re not paying anything for it. But we will send it, and it’ll be good news for us, we will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,’ Trump added in reference to Ukraine. 

‘Because Putin had really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening. It’s a little bit of a problem there, I don’t like it,’ Trump also said. 

Trump said last Thursday that under the new NATO deal, ‘what we’re doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO is paying for those weapons.’ 

The developments came after the Pentagon previously froze some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missile interceptors and 155 mm artillery shells.  

The halt was driven by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby after a review of U.S. munitions stockpiles that showed dangerously low reserves, Politico first reported in early July. 

Then the Pentagon reversed course about a week later. 

‘At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops,’ Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said. ‘Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities.’ 

Fox News’ Caitlin McFall, Jasmine Baehr and Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report. 

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Draft pick follows in All-Star dad’s footsteps with Rockies

ATLANTA — As Matt Holliday’s eldest sons navigated their way through amateur baseball, rising from decent prospects to potential first-round picks, the difference between father and sons became apparent in their public appearances:

Jackson and Ethan were simply different physical specimens than their father, a seven-time All-Star who at 6-4 and 240 pounds still looks like he could bat cleanup – or be an edge rusher – for somebody.

But now, there is an undeniable link between the OG Holliday and Ethan: Son will follow in father’s footsteps as a Colorado Rockie.

MLB DRAFT TRACKER: Every pick from 2025’s first round

Ethan Holliday’s draft day didn’t begin as anticipated Sunday night, with the Washington Nationals opting for his Oklahoma prep shortstop cohort, Eli Willits, as the No. 1 overall pick, followed by collegiate arms Tyler Bremner and Kade Anderson by the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners.

But any semblance of a slide turned into serendipity.

The Rockies did not hesitate to snag Holliday with the fourth overall pick, opting for a shortstop who stands eye to eye with his father yet posseses an athleticism that allows him to patrol shortstop.

Ethan is also taller and projected to be stronger than older brother Jackson, and although he did not equal Jackson’s 2022 feat by becoming the first overall pick, he has the ceiling to light up Coors Field.

Holliday batted .661 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs for Stillwater High School this season, earning consensus as the No. 1 pick yet not separating himself to the extent an organization’s whims or the vagaries of bonus pool allocation might get a club like Washington to switch up.

Yet there’s a certain family tradition he’s now happy to inherit.

Matt Holliday mashed in Denver, hitting 130 home runs in six seasons, with a .936 OPS and a 131 adjusted OPS, meaning that with altitude factored in he was still approaching elite offensive production. He provided one of the more iconic moments in franchise history, sliding home just ahead of the throw (or not – the play would be a lightning rod for eventual replay review) – to score the winning run in a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres in 2007.

The Rockies would advance to their only World Series weeks later; Ethan Holiday was just seven months old.

‘Man, this is a really incredible opportunity,’ Ethan Holliday said in an MLB Network interview shortly after the Rockies selected him. ‘I’m so driven by faith, so grateful. I don’t even know what words to put to this. The Rockies organization, I’m just so thankful to them.

‘That just adds such a cool thing, knowing everyone in the organization since I was born.’

Eventually, the Rockies faded and traded Holliday to Oakland, and he went on to have seven All-Star campaigns with the Cardinals. He finished up with a final, partial season in Colorado, by which time young Jackson and Ethan were familiar sights in Matt’s clubhouses.

Now, it will seem like déjà vu in Denver, with a thinner, perhaps more athletic and potentially potent Holliday back in town.

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

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Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque gives update to Seth Rollins injury

The early prognosis for Seth Rollins’ injury: ‘Doesn’t look good.’

WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque addressed Rollins’ injury during his press conference following Evolution. He said it’s ‘a little bit inconclusive’ of what injury Rollins suffered on Saturday, July 13, but the outlook is not good. Levesque expects to get an answer on Monday, July 14 when Rollins sees a doctor.

‘Will get an MRI and hope for the best,’ Levesque said. ‘See where we can go with that.’

What happened to Seth Rollins?

It’s a gloomy update one day after Rollins appeared to suffer a devastating injury during a televised match. Rollins faced LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and during the match he attempted a moonsault in the ring and his knee buckled. He immediately went down and grabbed his knee as he backed into the corner of the ring, with the referee and Paul Heyman checking in on him.

A ringside doctor eventually came and talked with Rollins. After the brief discussion, Rollins got back to his feet and LA Knight hit the BFT to set up the pin for the win. It came off as a quick adjustment to the ending.

After the match, people inside the arena took video of Rollins getting help leaving the ring, and one video on social media showed Rollins’ clearly frustrated, with the wrestler barking expletives as he was assisted.

While the extent of Rollins’ injury is still unavailable, it likely is a major injury for ‘The Visionary’ and could potentially mean some big changes to storylines. Rollins is Mr. Money in the Bank, able to cash it in for a championship opportunity at any time, and there was speculation he would do it at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Plus, he is still riding the momentum of his WrestleMania 41 victory, and was leading a stable with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Heyman. The menacing group was also involved in storylines with Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Penta.

Seth Rollins injury history: Constant knee injuries

The injury is just the latest one to affect Rollins’ knee, as its something that’s plagued his WWE career.

In November 2015, Rollins tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus in his right knee during a live event in Ireland. He required surgery, and was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Champion as he missed seven months. Rollins then re-tore the MCL in the same knee in January 2017, but didn’t miss much time.

He tore the meniscus in his left knee in January 2024. Even though he was injured, Rollins still appeared in WWE as World Heavyweight Champion while taking part in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. He wrestled both nights of the event despite the injury, and was instrumental in the Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock and Roman Reigns storyline. He missed two months of action following the event.

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Here’s how we take America First to the United Nations

President Donald Trump and his team are tackling the messy and bloody world we inherited with historic achievements. Through deftly negotiated truces in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, our recent agreement with NATO and the successful strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, the U.S. is now well positioned to win lasting peace. 

But despite this historic run, tremendous global challenges remain. Russia’s war against Ukraine goes on, and Communist China rattles sabers in the Pacific. 

President Trump needs his full diplomatic team in place, and the time has come to fill the gap at the United Nations with his chosen successor, my friend, fellow veteran, and former House colleague Mike Waltz.

In September, the U.N. will hold its 80th annual gathering of world leaders at the General Assembly in New York, and so that the United States is fully represented, the U.S. Senate should act swiftly to confirm Mike Waltz before their annual August recess.

Mike is the right man for the time we’re living in – and for an America First approach to foreign policy. As I see it, there are six major issues facing the U.N. that Mike will address during his tenure there.

First, the U.N. Security Council must refocus its central mission of settling disputes and brokering deals. No more progressive political signaling.

Second, the U.N. needs to reform its terribly ineffective and toothless ‘peacekeeping’ missions. These security forces sitting on their bases for decades aren’t making dangerous places any safer.

Third, we must counter China in standards-setting bodies. For too long, we have failed to push back on Communist China’s influence. Mike understands the need to be tough with the CCP and I know he will deliver on this front.

Fourth, it is time to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and its $1.2 billion budget. Corruption pervades this sham agency. President Trump has not been shy about calling out other U.N. deficiencies. He pulled the U.S. out of the so-called Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization, and Mike will see to it that we do not engage with such insidious works on his watch.

Fifth, antisemitism itself must be stamped out at the U.N. For too long the corrosive hatred of the Jewish people has festered at the organization. Israel has a right to exist, a right to live free of fear and with peaceful neighbors. 

Finally, it is time to defund foreign aid programs not in line with President Trump’s America First agenda. Woke waste is rampant at the U.N. and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which I chair, has identified several ridiculous examples. Programs promoting ‘Gender sensitive approaches to addressing the Digital Information Disorder’ and ‘Being LGBTI in the Caribbean,’ for example, need to end and Mike will see that that they do.

Mike dedicated his life to national service. He’s a retired U.S. Army colonel and Green Beret who was awarded four Bronze Stars. He’s spent nearly three decades defending our country on the battlefield and serving the American people in the halls of power. 

The title of Mike’s 2014 book is ‘Warrior Diplomat,’ and at the U.N. it is his understanding of foreign policy that may be his greatest asset. Before joining the Trump administration, he was policy director for two secretaries of defense and was elected three times to Congress, where he served on the Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, as well as the House China Task Force.

Mike is a seasoned operator, a principled America First conservative, and a skilled communicator who is unafraid to take America’s case directly to the world. Mike will be the president’s voice at the U.N. and will faithfully implement President Trump’s agenda while maintaining our historic ‘peace through strength’ philosophy that won the Cold War.

Earlier this year, in an executive order initiating a full review of U.S. involvement in the U.N., President Trump criticized the organization for being more eager to take ideological stances and back our adversaries than to tackle difficult global issues. 

Still, as the president signed the order, he repeated a sentiment he’s expressed frequently since 2017: ‘I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now.’ Realizing that potential will be a big part of Mike’s job as the president’s emissary.

For all its imperfections, the United Nations remains a forum for advancing American interests and challenging our adversaries on the world stage. At this time of global tension and conflict, we need someone smart, tested and clear-eyed representing us there. It’s time to confirm Mike Waltz.

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Trump’s whirlwind week ahead to include meeting with NATO chief, ‘major’ announcement on Russia

In his 26th week back in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump is expected to make a ‘major announcement’ related to Russia, hold a meeting with the NATO chief, and join a summit in Pennsylvania as America’s race to lead the world on artificial intelligence continues. 

July 13 marks the one-year anniversary of the first assassination attempt on Trump during the 2024 presidential cycle. Trump spent the anniversary at his home in Bedminster, N.J., before traveling with first lady Melania Trump to the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in the Garden State. 

Trump returned to the White House on Sunday evening and is expected to have another whirlwind workweek. 

MEETING WITH NATO CHIEF

Trump will meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this week following the U.S. president saying last week that the U.S. is selling weapons to its NATO allies for them to be passed along to Ukraine as it continues battling Russia. 

The NATO chief will be in Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday, and will meet with Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to The Associated Press. Additional details on the meetings, however, have not yet been publicly released. 

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said on CBS’ ‘Face the Nation’ on Sunday that Ukraine can expect to see an influx of weapons. Russia first invaded Ukraine in February of 2022. 

‘In the coming days, you’ll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves,’ Graham said on CBS’ ‘Face the Nation. 

‘One of the biggest miscalculations Putin has made is to play Trump. And you just watch, in the coming days and weeks, there’s going to be a massive effort to get Putin to the table.’

Trump and Rutte most recently met in the Netherlands in June for a summit, where the NATO chief showed the makings of a blossoming friendship with Trump, including referring to Trump as ‘daddy’ for his handling of the Middle East. 

‘MAJOR’ RUSSIA ANNOUNCEMENT 

Trump teased last week that he would make a ‘major statement’ on Russia in the coming days as the NATO meetings prepare to kick off this week. 

‘I’m disappointed in Russia, but we’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks,’ Trump told NBC last week. 

‘I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,’ he added, without elaborating. 

Graham said in his interview on ‘Face the Nation’ on Sunday that ‘a turning point regarding [the Russian] invasion of Ukraine is coming,’ as Congress works to impose new economic sanctions on Russia to help end the war. 

‘For months, President Trump has tried to entice [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to the peace table. He’s put tariffs against countries that allow fentanyl to come in our country, other bad behavior — he’s left the door open regarding Russia. That door is about to close,’ Graham said on Sunday. 

TRUMP HEADS TO ENERGY AND AI SUMMIT

Trump will head to Pittsburgh on Tuesday for Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick’s inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit hosted at Carnegie Mellon University. 

The event is slated to focus on the U.S. power grid, America bid to win the AI race against China, as well as promoting the Keystone State as an ideal resource to help power the country’s future with AI and energy. 

‘The United States needs to win the artificial intelligence fight. We have to stop China, and we have to win this war for dominance in AI. And the way you win the war for dominance in AI is to win the war for energy dominance. That’s why our focus is on producing more here in the United States,’ said Mike Sommers, CEO and president of the American Petroleum Institute who will attend the summit, told Fox News Business of the event. 

‘Over the course of the last few years, energy demand has only gone up by about 2.5% a year. In the next seven years, we expect that energy demand is going to go up by 25%. The question that policymakers have to answer is: ‘Where is that energy going to come from?’ We think it should come from the United States,’ Sommers added. 

The event is expected to attract protesters, with Carnegie Mellon’s president calling on the school community to continue its history of ‘constructively engaging’ with presidencies across the ‘political spectrum.’

‘We have a history of constructively engaging with the federal government and administrations across the political spectrum. We view these opportunities as consequential to elevating and advancing both Carnegie Mellon’s mission and impact, and we bring to those moments the full measure of our expertise, our values and our voice in service to the nation,’ school president Farnam Jahanian said in a letter previewing the event on Sunday. 

Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report. 

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China is exploiting our government’s tech weakness. We need a rapid reboot

After more than two decades of serving in the U.S. Navy and building government systems, I have witnessed firsthand how millions of dedicated Americans work every day in service of their fellow citizens and the security of our democracy. I have also seen both the immense potential — and frustrating inertia — that plagues public service. An unrealized opportunity exists to connect the U.S. government’s critical missions with the transformative power of commercial technology. 

Consider this: of the world’s 10 largest companies by market capitalization, a staggering eight are American founded. This is no accident; it is a direct result of our nation’s unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit. The critical question, however, is whether our own government is prepared to harness this strategic asset.  

Instead of tapping this engine of innovation, the U.S. government is held captive by its outdated processes. Entrenched legacy vendors have dug their claws in, and this has led to a general resistance to change. As the saying goes, ‘it takes a while to turn a big ship around.’  

That rings true with actual warships and aircraft carriers, but it also applies to how government agencies resist adopting new tools that improve collaboration, efficiency and security. Instead, the U.S. government and its outdated procurement processes cling to existing technology platforms, such as Microsoft’s suite of products that have been compromised time and again by China, which also happens to be one of the company’s most significant business partners. 

Breaking the shackles of ‘vendor lock-in’ — where the government becomes overly reliant on specific vendors even if they underperform — is crucial for fostering a new era of innovation that benefits America. When a company or product fails to perform well in the commercial sector, it’s terminated immediately.  

In the public sector, the company is usually allowed to see out their multi-year contracts and when it’s finally time to negotiate a renewal, all is forgotten. A more competitive public sector landscape, welcoming innovators and startups, can provide fresh perspectives, specialized solutions, and the speed to address rapidly evolving challenges. 

This is not a unique approach. Other nations are adopting this model, attempting to gain an edge over America. For example, China launched a program in 2023, with 39 partners, including Alibaba Cloud and Baidu, to advance computing power and AI.  

Russia subsidizes companies implementing digital transformation; and Iran, despite sanctions, is investing significantly in AI research and building a sovereign AI ecosystem. Our adversaries recognize that commercial tools drive rapid progress and are actively breaking down barriers to catch up to American AI leadership. 

There are understandable reasons for hesitancy. For years, Silicon Valley has been closely associated with the ‘move fast and break things’ mantra, while the U.S. government has looked on with both envy (of the speed and efficiency) and concern (over potential impacts to its services). However, learning from the commercial mindset of agility and a relentless drive for improvement will help it to serve the American public better. The benefits? Reduced waste, greater efficiency and better taxpayer value.  

Nowhere is this approach more critical than in national security. The threats America faces are constantly evolving and leveraging emerging technology to do so. Maintaining our edge requires more than just incremental improvements; it demands continuous access to cutting-edge capabilities.  

Leveraging the R&D engines of American commercial innovation — in areas like AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and resilient infrastructure — is not just advantageous; it’s essential. If Washington fails to leverage this homegrown ingenuity, it does so at our national peril, especially as our adversaries work tirelessly to do just that. 

Other nations are adopting this model, attempting to gain an edge over America. For example, China launched a program in 2023, with 39 partners, including Alibaba Cloud and Baidu, to advance computing power and AI. 

Government agencies tasked with everything from defending the nation to delivering health services need to have immediate access to the latest advancements in AI and data analytics, and they can only do so by leveraging powerful commercial tools with a platform for continuous improvement — an asset for national security and public service. 

AI could be used to accelerate some of the government’s most notorious backlogs, such as the millions of immigration court cases, the accumulation in environmental reviews for energy projects, and pileups in programs like Social Security or Veterans Affairs healthcare. AI can analyze data at lightning speed, helping federal agencies and their partners deliver on mission-critical work at an accelerated pace.  

The urgent need for a more agile, efficient, innovative and secure government is too significant to ignore. This is a pivotal moment. By embracing the discipline, accountability, and innovative spirit of the commercial sector, the U.S. government can unlock new levels of performance and effectiveness. Change is hard. But as adversaries gain on America — or worse, overtake us — change is mandatory.  

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Report: Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg shut down for NBA Summer League

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg’s NBA Summer League run is expected to be over in Las Vegas.

The Mavericks will shut down the rookie for the rest of the exhibition tournament after just two games, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Flagg, who was the No. 1 overall pick coming out of Duke in June, scored 31 points for Dallas in the 76-69 loss to No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, July 12.

‘I think it’s a new environment, new setting,’ Flagg said after the game on Saturday. ‘They want to see me be aggressive and do that type of stuff.’

It was a stronger performance for Flagg compared to his Summer League output against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, July 10. The 6-foot-9 forward admitted after the game on Thursday that he wasn’t entirely pleased with his performance as he adjusted to the pace and play of the NBA game.

He scored 10 points in the first half but went scoreless in the second half, shooting 0-for-9 from the field during the final two quarters of play against the Lakers. Flagg finished the game shooting 5-for-21 from the field.

Who is Cooper Flagg?

Flagg joins the NBA after spending just one season at Duke. 

As a freshman, Flagg started all 37 games that he played in and averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30 minutes per game. 

He won the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award.

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WWE Evolution results: Winners, highlights, analysis of all-women event

The women of WWE took center stage – and delivered. For the first time in seven years, Evolution took place as WWE held the event dedicated to its stacked women’s division. 

With such a talent roster, seven matches took place rather than the typical five. There was a no-holds-barred match and a battle royal for a title opportunity, but plenty of gold was up for grabs. The top prizes in the division – the WWE Women’s Championship, Women’s World Heavyweight Championship and Women’s NXT Championship – were all on the line, as well as the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles.

The night was full of epic performances and there were shining stars, but nothing topped the crazy ending that completely changes the landscape of the women’s division.

Watch: WWE Evolution post show

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

A fast start got the main event going, and the opponents gave each other props for how quickly they were dealing hits. There was a pause where both said they respected each other before continuing the battle, and Sky had the first real opportunity to get rolling, diving outside of the ring with a moonsault. Sky was feeling the ride she was on before Ripley caught her and threw her onto the edge of the announcer’s table and then the barricade.

Ripley’s power emerged and she was getting frustrated with how Sky was getting back up to everything she was throwing at her, even trying the submission route.

Sky worked her way out of it and soon enough, she was emoting and riding the wave. Sky went to the top turnbuckle but Ripley met her and tried to launch her, but Sky landed on her feet to avoid a catastrophic ending. After a back-and-forth sequence, Sky executed a poisionrana to perfection, but the pin attempt wasn’t enough.

The Over the Moonsault was there for Sky to attempt, and Ripley pushed her to ruin her balance. Then came a Razor’s Edge into a powerbomb from Ripley to the champion. A win looked possible, but Sky kicked out at the last moment. After she couldn’t believe it, Ripley tried to end it for good with a Riptide that Sky got out of. Sky then tried for a kick, but Ripley moved out of the way and the referee got hit. Sky was shocked, and she got hit with a Riptide by Ripley. However, the referee was out and Ripley’s pin attempt wasn’t counted.

A frustrated Ripley hit Sky with a Razor’s Edge again and then took the fight into the crowd, throwing the champion against chairs and railings. Ripley climbed some equipment and attempted a big powerbomb, but Sky realized what was happening. The genius of the Sky went higher and flew high to take out Ripley in the spot of the night.

The action got back into the ring after Sky hit a powerbomb on Ripley. Sky hit her finisher as the referee got back in the ring, but Ripley stunningly kicked out. The champion couldn’t believe it, and dragged Ripley toward the turnbuckle. Ripley bounced her head on the steel. She climbed up and hit a Spanish fly to take both stars out.

Naomi cashes in Money in the Bank briefcase

Caution.

Naomi came out with her Money in the Bank briefcase. She cashed it in and made it a triple threat match. She hit Sky with the briefcase and then threw Ripley out of the ring. She hit her finisher on the champion and pinned Sky to win the championship and steal the spotlight.

Analysis: Proceed with caution in the women’s division.

After a spectacular main event match, the night ends in a stunner as Naomi cashes in and captures the gold. Sky and Ripley put on another thriller that was another five-star caliber match, proving they are without a doubt in an elite class of wrestling. There were too many great spots to highlight, and it was the perfect way to end the night.

But the night belongs to Naomi. She really got bullied in the no holds barred match, and given the result, it felt like the cash-in would happen at the earliest, SummerSlam. But she saw her window and made the most of her opportunity. It’s a reminder of how quickly Money in the Bank can catapult someone, and Naomi did it in the best fashion.

The entire women’s division has been flipped on its head, and with Naomi now the Women’s World Champion, there’s no telling what’s going to happen next. The women struck gold.

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

To no surprise, Nia Jax wasted no time eliminating people, and she almost had Kelani Jordan, but the former gymnast took a page out of Kofi Kingston’s book and did a handstand to get herself back in the ring.

Slowly the field started to clear, most notably the NXT stars getting out of the match. Women’s United States Champion Giulia was eliminated by Zelina Vega, getting payback for taking her title away. The Secret Hervice was doing all it could to protect Chelsea Green, and Nikki Bella solved some part of the problem by eliminating Alba Fyre, and then eliminating Piper Niven with Stephanie Vaquer.

Green was the recipient of Vaquer’s Devil’s Kiss, and it led to her elimination, making the final four Lash Legend, Jax, Bella and Vaquer. When Bella tried to eliminate Jax, Legend came through with a big kick to take out the WWE Hall of Famer in a stunning move. Legend then picked Jax up in an amazing spot, and got her outside of the rope. Her and Vaquer worked together to eliminate Jax and leave it to the final two.

Vaquer hit a 619 and tried the frog splash, and Legend caught her. She tried to throw her over the rope, but went on the side alongside her. They were tangled and Vaquer was in position for the Devil’s Kiss. She hit her patented move and tossed Legend out of the ring, securing her title opportunity at Clash in Paris.

Analysis: ‘La Primera’ is truly living to her nickname, as the rising star will get the chance for main roster gold in Paris. It was an easy choice to put Vaquer in the role, as her popularity is skyrocketing as much as her talent is. Any other person winning would have caused mass outrage. The only possible option was Bella, but her loss puts her an intriguing spot to see whether she’ll continue in WWE, and what avenue she can go through.

The battle royal MVP was easily Legend, who showed so much promise in the bout and could suddenly find herself in the main roster soon.

No-holds-barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)

No time was wasted between heated rivals, getting the fight going before Cargill could get in the ring. Cargill threw Naomi against the barricade, and soon afterward, Naomi recovered by delivering shots with a kendo stick. Anything that could be brought into the ring was used, from a chain, garbage can and even a camera. Cargill was leaning against the announcer’s table and Naomi dropkicked her and broke a monitor.

Naomi unleashed a brutal assault on Cargill, sending her through a table and taunting her by wiping blood with her opponents hair. Ms. Money in the Bank was cooking and set Cargill up on a table. But as she got to the top turnbuckle, Cargill got up and hit her with a chair. She then climbed up and executed a flying Jaded from the top rope in a crazy spot. It sent Naomi through the table, and Belair counted the pin as Cargill got another victory over her rival.

Analysis: What a match that was building toward becoming an instant classic, and instead, it comes to an abrupt end. This easily was one of the most brutal women’s no holds barred matches, with any possible weapon used. It was refreshing to see it actually be used since it hasn’t happened much recently.

While it was going great, and the finish was a major spot, it came rather quickly and so sudden, and it’s likely a fault of creative not giving much time. This had the potential to be a much more menacing battle but the finish felt extremely rushed. It’s a disappointment because Naomi and Cargill did so well. But give credit to the competitors for putting up a high-quality match in such little time.

Cargill is now 2-0 against her arch rival, and she continues building toward her title opportunity at SummerSlam. She’s riding all the momentum, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Naomi ruins it all, and gets the last laugh.

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

The veteran and youngster tried to feel each other out in the early stages, taking the safe approach to the match. Stratus showed she still has plenty in the tank with a spectacular hurricanrana out of the ring, and used that to get to her signature skillset. When Stratus attempted her chop, Stratton dodged it and gave her a taste of her own medicine.

Being a sensational athlete, Stratton executed a swanton beautifully, just slightly different than the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Later, Stratton tried it, but this time Stratus got her knees up to block it. Stratton then countered it with a Stratisfaction. But the pin attempt didn’t work to stun the champion.

Stratus tried a Lita-esque moonsault, but Stratton returned the favor and got her knees up. She got up, picked Stratus up and catapulted her on the mat. Then Stratton attempted her finisher, and this time it landed. She pinned Stratus to retain the title.

After the match, Stratus got a standing ovation from the crowd as she stood in the ring by herself, hinting that possibly could be the final ride for the WWE Hall of Famer.

Analysis: Stratus indeed, still has it. The decorated star hung around with Stratton and delivered plenty of nostalgia, and she could be a full-time wrestler if she wanted to. While it’s enough to be a champion, there wasn’t a chance she’d take down Stratton. The current champion has taken on any and all challengers, and has put up a stellar performance each time. In a moment that could have been seen as a passing of the torch, Stratton gracefully takes it.

If this is it for Stratus, she went out with a bang.

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

The Kabuki Warriors were feeding off the crowd to start and it got them an early advantage, but Rodriguez came into the fold and completely overpowered anyone that got in her way, showcasing how challenging it would be to dethrone the champions. Then Zaria got the chance to show her stuff to a bigger audience, and the NXT stars teed off on Alexa Bliss.

It was only a matter of time before Flair got in the ring, and Bliss tagged her in and the crowd went crazy. The decorated star cleared the field, and that’s when the chaos unfolded.

There were finishers being done everywhere, from Flair’s spear to Sol Ruca’s Sol Snatcher. Thanks to an accidental spear from Zaria to Sol Ruca, it paved the way for the champions. Rodriguez and Perez cleared the field, and all that was left was Sol Ruca in the ring. Rodriguez picked her up and threw her down on the mat and got the pin to retain the gold.

Analysis: Multiple-tag team matches always turn into a massive frenzy, and that’s what we got in a wild one. There were several fun spots, and the moves that needed to happen were executed to a tee. Every team had a good reason to win, but the champions needed to retain to strengthen what’s going with The Judgment Day.

Now the relationship between Rodriguez and Perez strengthens, and it will make for a quality story with the gold in the mix.

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

The challenger flexed her muscles out of the gate, and it looked like it could be quick work for Grace to take the title. But Jayne didn’t back down and held her own in delivering a solid attack. It didn’t last long before Grace’s power was overwhelming. The only way Jayne was able to avoid falling into a deep hole was just moving out of any big shots Grace tried.

Jayne was yelling at Grace any time she tried any move, and it seemed to only fuel Grace to countering what would happen next. Grace went to the top turnbuckle, but Jayne met her to take her down and followed it with a running knee. The pin attempt didn’t work.

Fallon Henley brought the NXT title in the ring to help Jayne, and Blake Monroe stopped it from being used as a weapon. The championship made it in, but Jayne couldn’t use it. The referee got distracted and Monroe had the title in her hands, but when Grace bounced off the turnbuckle, the stunner happened. Monroe hit Grace in the back, and Jayne capitalized with a massive hit to the face. She got the pin, and Monroe delivered the championship to Jayne before walking away.

Analysis: What transitional champion? It felt like Jayne would be giving up the title now that Grace was in the title scene, but instead we have the makings of a potential massive feud. Jayne keeps the title, and her reign still gets a chance to develop her character.

But the bigger story is the development between Grace and Monroe. It felt like we’d get a softer version of Monroe in WWE with her charm being all we’ve seen. Instead, Monroe is going heel, something she’s incredibly great at delivering. It will make for even better television, and Grace will have to face a massive obstacle if she wants WWE gold.

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

After getting the crowd hyped, Bayley knocked Valkyria and went toe-to-toe with Lynch. Valkyria came back and there was quick action from everyone in the ring. Anytime it looked like someone would establish control, someone would come in and halt any momentum.

The action went outside of the ring, and Lynch finally got in control by throwing Bayley against the barricade. With Valkyria down, Lynch went to work on Bayley and tried to get a quick victory. Bayley withstood the attack, and when Valkyria came back into the match, it allowed the ‘Role Model’ to get to work. She landed shots to both opponents that got the crowd rocking.

Lynch and Bayley met at the top turnbuckle, and Lynch tried the Disarm-Her. Bayley got out of it, and when she did, there was Valkyria launched off the ring to take both stars out. She came close to getting the pin. Lynch then came close with a double DDT and then a Manhandle Slam nearly got her a win, but Bayley broke up the pin attempt. Bayley landed her finisher on the champion, and Valkyria broke up the pin. Valkyria then hit Nightwing on Lynch and that pin didn’t work.

Valkyria and Bayley went back and forth and felt close, but the champion saw the window. Bayley hit the Rose Plant on Valkyria and got the pin attempt, only for Lynch to sneak in and roll Bayley up. The surprise worked to retain the title.

Analysis: What an excellent match to start what should be an incredible night. A blend of seasoned veterans meeting with a rising star made an excellent recipe for a title fight. In triple threat matches, the challenge is for every star the chance to shine. Not only did everyone get chance to strut their stuff, but they went off doing so.

The rivalry has been great and a case could have been made for this match to be the main event. The heat has felt authentic, and Lynch getting the roll up victory should help each challenger build a case for a rematch. It’s hard to pick either Bayley or Valkyria to get the nod, which is why another triple threat match could, and should, happen.

Stephanie McMahon kicks off show

McMahon appears and speaks with Joe Tessitore. She said the women’s division has grown tremendously since the first Evolution.

‘Get ready to be inspired. Because we get to do it all over again,’ McMahon said.

When is Evolution 2025?

WWE Evolution is on Sunday, July 13.

Evolution 2025 start time

Evolution will start at 7 p.m. ET. The preshow begins at 5 p.m. ET.

Where is Evolution 2025?

The event takes place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch Evolution 2025

Evolution 2025 will be streamed on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.

How to watch Evolution 2025 preshow

The Evolution preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

Stream WWE Evolution on Peacock

Evolution 2025 match card

Matches not in order

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris
No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)
Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)
Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria
NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus
Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Intercontinental Championship match to kick off show

Who is in Evolution battle royal?

There are at least 14 confirmed participants for the battle royal. It has not been announced how many total contestants there will be.

Nikki Bella
Stephanie Vaquer
Ivy Nile
Nia Jax
Natalya
Maxxine Dupri
Zelina Vega
Giulia
Kelani Jordan
Jaida Parker
Lola Vice
Lash Legend
Izzi Dame
Tatum Paxley

WWE Evolution predictions

USA TODAY Sports give their predictions for Evolution. See the full predictions for how it will unfold here:

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

Jordan Mendoza: Stephanie Vaquer
Richard Morin: Stephanie Vaquer

No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)

Jordan Mendoza: Jade Cargill
Richard Morin: Jade Cargill

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

Jordan Mendoza: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Richard Morin: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

Jordan Mendoza: Becky Lynch
Richard Morin: Becky Lynch

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

Jordan Mendoza: Jordynne Grace
Richard Morin: Jordynne Grace

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

Jordan Mendoza: Tiffany Stratton
Richard Morin: Tiffany Stratton

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Jordan Mendoza: Iyo Sky
Richard Morin: Rhea Ripley

Charlotte Flair is having fun in new role

For the first time in her career, Charlotte Flair is having fun.

That’s not to say there weren’t fun moments. After all, she is a 14-time WWE Women’s Champion – 16-time if you count the two NXT Women’s Championships – a former Women’s Tag Team Champion, and the only woman to win the Royal Rumble twice. Plus, she’s one of five women to ever main event WrestleMania. 

But all those accolades came with immense pressure. How can it not with the Flair last name?

Now, Flair’s shoulders seem lighter. The pressure that has followed every step of her career has come off. For the first time, we’re seeing a different side of Flair in WWE. One that’s more authentic, vulnerable and far from the jet-flying, limousine-riding, high-profile character that’s been in the main event scene for the past decade.

And she’s loving every part of it. 

– Read more about Charlotte Flair here.

WWE brings back Evolution

It’s been desired for years, and WWE finally will hold the second iteration of Evolution. The first one happened in 2018 and was the company’s first all-women event. The historic night hadnine matches take place, and it was headlined by Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella.

Evolution also caps off what is a busy weekend in Atlanta for WWE. On Saturday, July 12, it held NXT The Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event later in the night. The weekend is capped off with Evolution.

NXT Great American Bash results

It’s been a big weekend for WWE in Atlanta as Evolution will be the third show in three days from the city. The weekend kicked off with NXT The Great American Bash on Saturday, July 12 afternoon. Here are the results from NXT’s show:

Je’Von Evens def. Jasper Troy
NXT Women’s North American Championship match: Sol Ruca (c) def. Izzi Dame
NXT North American Championship match: Ethan Page (c) def. Ricky Saints
Trick Williams, Joe Hendry and Mike Santana sign contract for TNA Wrestling World Championship match
NXT Championship match: Oba Femi (c) def. Yoshiki Inamura
Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe def. Jacy Jane and Fallon Henley

Saturday Night’s Main Event results

Another edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event took place less than 24 hours before Evolution. The night was highlighted by Goldberg’s final match. Here are the results:

Randy Orton def. Drew McIntyre
United States Championship match: Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jimmy Uso
LA Knight def. Seth Rollins
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) def. Goldberg

Seth Rollins injury update

It won’t affect anything at Evolution, but the talk of the WWE world is the potential devastating injury Seth Rollins suffered at Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

The injury occurred against LA Knight. Rollins attempted a moonsault in the ring when his knee buckled. He immediately went down and grabbed at his right knee as he backed into the corner of the ring and talked to the referee and Paul Heyman. LA Knight tried to attack Rollins but the referee stopped anything from happening.

Once Rollins got back on his feet, LA Knight hit him with the BFT and got the pin for a quick win. After the match, people inside State Farm Arena took photos of medical personnel checking on Rollins. A video of Rollins circulating on social media showed his clear frustration, the wrestler barking expletives and requiring help to leave the ring. 

– Read more about Rollins’ injury here.

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