Russell Westbrook declines player option with Nuggets, will become free agent: Report

Russell Westbrook declines player option with Nuggets, will become free agent: Report

Russell Westbrook has declined his player option for next season with the Denver Nuggets, and will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30,according to Marc Stein. Westbrook's player option was worth $3.5 million. The nine-time All-Star spent just one season with the Nuggets, playing in 75 games and averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. The 36-year-old Westbrook is six seasons removed from his last All-Star nod and won league MVP in 2017. Since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder after the 2018-19 season, Westbrook has bounced around the league, from Houston to Washington to Los Angeles and, most recently, Denver. Westbrook's departure opens up cap space for the Nuggets as they continue to build around the core of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray in the quest for another title. After winning the championship in 2023, the Nuggets have lost in the conference semifinals the past two seasons to the Timberwolves and Thunder, respectively. In his lone postseason run with Denver, Westbrook came off the bench and averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. The Nuggets went seven games with the Clippers and Thunder. Before Denver, Westbrook was acquired by the Clippers in 2023 and had decent performances alongside Kawhi Leonard and Co. under Tyronn Lue's coaching. However, after James Harden arrived in LA, the old Thunder tandem proved ineffective, which led to Westbrook's exit. The Clippers traded Westbrook to Utah and acquired Kris Dunn before the Jazz waived Westbrook, who was acquired by the Nuggets shortly after. His free agency comes after Westbrookunderwent surgeryto repair two breaks on his right hand. While his next team remains unknown, the explosive guard is expected to be cleared by training camp.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Russell Westbrook declines player option with Nuggets, will become free agent: Report

Russell Westbrook declines player option with Nuggets, will become free agent: Report Russell Westbrook has declined his player option for n...

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Penske driver Scott McLaughlin's tough month ends with hope for a fresh start at Gateway

Penske driver Scott McLaughlin's tough month ends with hope for a fresh start at Gateway

Scott McLaughlin's miserable month of May — hecrashed twiceat theIndianapolis 500, caused acrash at Detroitand engaged in a post-racesocial media feudwith Tony Kanaan — has finally ended. Now it's on to Gateway outside of St. Louis and a fresh start for the Team Penske driver as IndyCar prepares for only its second race on an oval this season and first event televised in prime-time by Fox. "That whole month was pretty tough. It started really well. It ended in a couple bad ways," McLaughlin acknowledged. "It was one of, if not the lowest, points of my career. But it's something that I'll learn from. Champions are made learning from their mistakes." McLaughlin crashed in practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it prevented him from taking a car that many believed was a threat to win the pole out to qualify. Hours later, teammates Josef Newgarden and Will Power were found tohave illegal modifications on their carsand were disqualified from qualifying. The ensuing days were chaotic as team owner Roger Penske, who also owns IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500, handled the situation internallyby firing his top three IndyCar executives.The housecleaning included Tim Cindric, who had spent 25 years with Penske and was the architect of much of the organizations' success. Newgarden and Power were penalized and dropped to the back of the field for the start of the 500, whileMcLaughlin got to keep his 10th-place starting position.But come race day, armed with new crew members, McLaughlin was determined to earn his first Indy 500 victory. Instead, he crashed on the warm-up lap and immediately burst into tears. The New Zealander hoped to rebound one week later on the streets of Detroit, but contact with Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel caused Siegel to crash. McLaughlin finished 12th, lowest of the Penske trio at Detroit. He later engaged in a tense social media back-and-forth with McLaren team principal Kanaan, and it ramped up when Kanaan took aim at both McLaughlin's crash at Indy on the warm-up lap and the Penske firings in comments that seemed over-the-line. "Misjudged last week, misjudged this week, at least you get a weekend off to square that away,"Kanaan wrote."I came looking for your team principal to have a chat but I couldn't find him. Oh wait……" IndyCar was off last week and McLaughlin said he and Kanaan have spoken, but he declined to discuss the details. He later insisted all is well between the two rivals even though it wasn't the first time the two have argued on social media. It's been a recurring theme dating to last season when McLaughlin criticized McLaren's revolving door of drivers. "Me and T.K. are completely fine. We cleared the air. There was nothing to really clear," McLaughlin said. "It's like he clapped back, and I clapped back. It's just how it is. I thought it was funny that he posted during the race. I, like, responded. I didn't think he was going to respond the next time, but he did. "Me and T.K. have always sort of talked on the social media. It's not like a year-long feud. It's just one of those deals where someone's going to call me out, I'll clap back as well. It's just who I am. I'm not going to change." Did he take Kanaan's words personally, considering Team Penske had a major overhaul of team personnel at Indianapolis? "It is what it is. That was his decision," McLaughlin said. The upheaval at Penske is ongoing as IndyCar readies for Sunday night's race at Gateway. Penske has had to shift personnel across three teams to cover the vacancies and the three-car lineup will have new engineers and strategists again this weekend. It makes it difficult to win — all three Penske drivers have yet to make it to victory lane this season — against Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing. Palou has won five of seven races this season, including the Indianapolis 500. Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global has won the other two. McLaughlin hasn't given up and believes Palou's run will eventually come to an end. He has two wins on ovals — Iowa and Milwaukee — and a pair of podium finishes at Gateway. McLaughlin finished second there last year. "I definitely don't think anyone's unstoppable. I think when they're going through a purple patch, they're executing like they are, it's tough," he said of Palou. "You have to figure out where you can be better and stronger and adapt to that. I enjoy that challenge. He's on a great run. There's no stopping us from learning where we can improve and where we can be better. "We have some great tracks coming up for us. Just got to keep our heads down, keep focused and learn as much as we can." ___ AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Penske driver Scott McLaughlin's tough month ends with hope for a fresh start at Gateway

Penske driver Scott McLaughlin's tough month ends with hope for a fresh start at Gateway Scott McLaughlin's miserable month of May —...

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Box Office: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Flies to $8.6 Million in Thursday Previews, A24’s ‘Materialists’ Earns $1.5 Million

Box Office: 'How to Train Your Dragon' Flies to $8.6 Million in Thursday Previews, A24's 'Materialists' Earns $1.5 Million

Universal and DreamWorks Animation's live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" picked up $8.6 million from Thursday previews as it soars towards a projected $70 million to $80 million debut. The overall preview number climbed even higher to $11.1 million, because Universal hosted "early access screenings" on Wednesday. "How to Train Your Dragon," which is based on a 2010 animated adventure, is expected to earn an additional $110 million at the international box office, where the film is opening in nearly every major foreign market. That positions it to be the latest in a line of recent family friendly hits, joining the likes of "A Minecraft Movie" and "Lilo & Stitch." Like those films, it carries a PG rating. More from Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Box Office: 'How to Train Your Dragon' to Fly to $75 Million in Opening Weekend 'How to Train Your Dragon' Star Nico Parker Says 'I Just Don't Care' That People Are Upset Over Her Casting: 'I Can't Value Your Opinion on My Hair' "How to Train Your Dragon," which is about a scrawny teen named Hiccup who befriends an injured dragon called Toothless, cost $150 million to produce. Critics have mostly been kind, handing the film a solid 77% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.Variety'schief film critic Peter Debruge was one of the film's fans,writing that"it's hard to improve on the first movie, though the last act looks positively iconic in this new incarnation, unlocking the expressionistic power of 'Heavy Metal' toons and Boris Vallejo paintings." Dean DeBlois wrote and direct the remake, having previously steered the $1.6 billion grossing animated trilogy, which includes 2014's "How to Train Your Dragon 2" and 2019's "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World." The cast includes Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler and Nick Frost. The film played on 3,200 North American theaters on Thursday and will expand to 4,356 venues on Friday. In a sign of confidence, Universal has already announced that a live-action sequel, "How to Train Your Dragon 2," is set to fly into theaters in 2027. The weekend's other major wide release, A24's "Materialists," earned $1.5 million from 2,844 venues. The romantic drama is Celine Song's follow-up to the Oscar-nominated "Past Lives," and stars Dakota Johnson as a New York City matchmaker who is caught between a dashing and successful new suitor (Pedro Pascal) and her flawed ex (Chris Evans) — decisions, decisions. "Materialists" cost $20 million to produce and is on track to open to more than $8 million. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Box Office: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Flies to $8.6 Million in Thursday Previews, A24’s ‘Materialists’ Earns $1.5 Million

Box Office: 'How to Train Your Dragon' Flies to $8.6 Million in Thursday Previews, A24's 'Materialists' Earns $1.5 Milli...

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Ricki Lake Reveals She Got a Face and Neck Lift, Calls It ‘the Best I've Ever Seen' as She Shouts Out Her Surgeon

Ricki Lake Reveals She Got a Face and Neck Lift, Calls It 'the Best I've Ever Seen' as She Shouts Out Her Surgeon

Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Ricki Lake said she had a lower face and neck lift after weight loss left her with loose skin The former talk show host, 56, said on the June 12 episode ofWWHLthat her cosmetic surgery is "the best" that she's ever seen Since October 2023, Lake and her husband Ross Burningham have lost over 30 pounds each Ricki Lakeis being candid about her cosmetic surgery. While opening up about losing her home in theLos Angeles wildfireson the June 12 episode ofWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the former talk show host, 56, was complimented on how well she looks. Lake explained that she began overhauling her appearance six years ago amid a struggle withhair loss. Having shaved her head, she left her locks without dye as they grew back. "I've also had, and I'll reveal this to you [although] I've told other people," Lake said. "I've had a lower face and neck lift." The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! She placed her hands under her chin to draw attention to her jawline as hostAndy Cohengushed that she looks "so good." "Thank you, I kind of think it's the best facelift I've ever seen," Lake replied. "And my doctor, let me give a shout out because he's a genius. "Dr. Allen Foulad is the best, and I've sent many people to him," she added. Cohen, 57, joked that he was tempted to go to L.A. to visit Lake's doctor, as he has had many guests on his show but their plastic surgery wasn't as impressive. Lake pulled her hair away from her face to show there was no visible scarring as a result of her face and neck lift. She then revealed that she decided to go under the knife after weight loss left her with loose skin under her face. "I love that I can talk about it. I'm fully transparent, always have been," she said. "I don't want there to be any stigma. This is something that was bothering me." "I lost a lot of weight and I had this certain thing hanging and I had it fixed," Lake concluded. Raymond Hall/GC Images TheHairsprayactress and her husband,Ross Burningham, have each shed over 30 pounds since October 2023, when they committed to getting "healthier." "On October 26th, 2023, I made a commitment to myself to get healthier, " Lake wrote onInstagramfour months after they began. "My husband, Ross joined me in this effort. Together we have each lost 30+ lbs. "I really want to share, because we did this without relying on a pharmaceutical. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.)" she continued. Sharing snaps taken during her weight loss journey, she added, "...I am so so proud of us. I feel amazing. I feel strong. 💪 I will go in depth in another post of what I did exactly, but suffice to say this is the healthiest way I've lost weight in all of my years." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Lake's appearance onWWHLcame just days after she was spotted out and about in New York City wearing afigure-hugging outfit. She paired a black maxi dress with a leather jacket and platform heels. The outing was the first time she had been photographed in public in months, though she is often active on social media. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Ricki Lake Reveals She Got a Face and Neck Lift, Calls It ‘the Best I've Ever Seen' as She Shouts Out Her Surgeon

Ricki Lake Reveals She Got a Face and Neck Lift, Calls It 'the Best I've Ever Seen' as She Shouts Out Her Surgeon Charles Sykes/...

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Meet the amateur New Zealand team aiming to topple soccer’s biggest names at the FIFA Club World Cup

Meet the amateur New Zealand team aiming to topple soccer's biggest names at the FIFA Club World Cup

AsFIFA's revamped expandedClub World Cupkicks off in the United States on Saturday, most fans' eyes will be firmly fixed on the plethora of soccer superstarscompeting for up to $125 million, with the likes of Lionel Messi,Kylian Mbappéand Erling Haaland all taking part with their respective clubs. However, the remarkable story of amateur side Auckland City FC has flown under the radar, with the Oceania team's players set to embark on the trip of a lifetime to test themselves against some of the world's elite. Based in the North Shore suburb of New Zealand's largest city, the club boasts a squad comprised solely of players who work or study full-time in addition to theirsoccercareers. From forklift drivers to soda salesmen and real estate agents, the rise of the small New Zealand side to the apex of the global club game has been likened by some to the narrative of a Hollywood script. Having been crowned as the Oceania Champions League winner last year, Auckland City booked its place at the tournament and became the continent's sole representative in the process. Drawn in a group featuring 34-time German champion Bayern Munich, Portuguese giant Benfica, and iconic Argentine side Boca Juniors, the Auckland City squad will look to create soccer history as they compete against some of the sport's greatest players over the next fortnight. Speaking toCNN Sports, team captain Mario Ilich described how his side's "love of the game" was the driving force behind its historic qualification. "People say that professional players work hard, which they do, but we are trying to compete at the top level of the game while holding down two, and in some cases three, jobs." Ilich, who earns his living as a sales representative for Coca-Cola, detailed the hectic routine most of the squad follows on a daily basis. Without the multi-million-dollar training complexes available to many elite European teams, Auckland City players need to cram in the majority of their gym and recovery work outside of club facilities. "My normal day begins around 5 a.m. when the alarm goes off. I'm up and off to the gym for an hour before returning to grab breakfast and make it to the office for 8 a.m. "I try to finish up before 5 p.m. so I can make it across town to training, which gets underway at 6 p.m. We'll spend about two hours on the grass, and I'll get home at about 9 p.m. before heading to bed to prepare to do it all again the next day." TheNavy Bluestrain four evenings per week, with their New Zealand Regional League fixtures usually played on Saturdays. It's a schedule that doesn't lend itself to much of a life away from the office or soccer pitch and can take its toll, not just on the players, but on their families and friends too. "I only get to see my partner on a Friday night really, or the odd Sunday, but thankfully she is very understanding of the finite nature of a player's career and allows me to pursue my dreams," Ilich said. Auckland City FC goalkeeper Conor Tracey recalled the moment he and the rest of the playing squad learned the results of the Club World Cup group stage draw. "You'll never forget a moment like that," Tracey told CNN, describing how the players and management met up at 6 a.m. to watch the draw live from the Auckland City clubhouse before heading to their respective jobs. "As each team was pulled out, our jaws just kept dropping closer to the floor. Each side has such an incredible history and reputation in the sport – it really is the dream draw in terms of who you want to test yourself against." For Tracey, who spends his days on the warehouse floor of a veterinary pharmaceuticals company, the tournament will be "the pinnacle" of his career. However, with manual handling and frequent heavy lifting required in his day job, he has recently struggled with injury. "My job can be extremely physical and can take its toll on my body. I've been far more prone to injuries than a regular goalkeeper, given the lack of time we have for adequate recovery too. "I won't lie – it can be really hard mentally, especially when you're trying to deal with the dark mornings and nights in winter," Tracey added. "There have been a few occasions where I've thought about giving up on football, and lots of guys have done that over the years, with it just being too much with family and career. But the Club World Cup has been a goal worth putting in the hard yards for." The difficulty in dealing with the demands of elite football while attempting to balance an "ordinary" job is one that resonates with Auckland City vice-captain Adam Mitchell. Mitchell thought he had achieved his childhood dream when he secured a move to former European Cup winner Red Star Belgrade in the nascent stages of his career. However, a lack of gametime saw him move on to club soccer in Slovenia, followed by a short stint in the lower tiers of English football with Bolton Wanderers. A point was reached where Mitchell had to decide whether to continue to pursue his professional soccer dream or return to New Zealand, with the prospect of a more secure income from selling real estate proving to be the decisive factor in his decision. "At a young age, it's a lot of people's dream to make the big time and become a professional player, but I think a lot of the time people don't realize how hard and competitive it can be," Mitchell told CNN Sports. "There are thousands of players fighting for just a handful of contracts. So, when you don't end up in the glitz and glamor of elite soccer – where there are no big houses or flashy cars – you can find it very tough, especially if you are away in a foreign country." Thankfully for Mitchell, playing for Auckland City presents him with the opportunity to continue chasing his soccer dreams, albeit in a different way than many would imagine. As the kickoff to the team's opening group game against six-time Champions Leasgue winner Bayern draws ever closer, the magnitude of the occasion is not lost on the veteran defender, who hopes his squad's exploits can stoke a fresh wave of excitement among New Zealand's sporting public. "I remember watching the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as a young kid. I have such vivid memories of the excitement when New Zealand got three draws. So it is a huge opportunity to do the same thing at club level and represent our country and region with pride," Mitchell said. With each of Bayern, two-time European Cup winner Benfica and six-time Copa Libertadores winner Boca Juniors boasting World Cup winners among their ranks, theNavy Blueswill truly be pitting themselves against the world's best. For Ilich, the prospect of facing nine-time Bundesliga winner Joshua Kimmich in midfield is one he relishes. "As a midfielder myself, I've always looked at the way Kimmich plays the game, so to test myself against him will be pretty cool. Jamal Musiala is another who is just an incredible dribbler and creator. Their quality all over the field is insane, to be honest," he told CNN. Goalkeeper Tracey will line up against the "revolutionary" Manuel Neuer, a player he credits with modernizing the way the position is played. Despite the reverence he holds towards the Bayern captain, forklift driver Tracey is determined to show the World Cup winner that his Auckland City side have not just traveled to the US to take in the tourist sights. In the defensive line, vice-captain Mitchell can scarcely believe he will be tasked with containing England's record goalscorer Harry Kane, whom he adamantly labels as one of the best strikers of this generation. With names of such stature as opponents, the Auckland City squad is "under no illusions" as to how difficult its task is, according to skipper Ilich. However, the amateur side heads to the United States with an unwavering belief that anything can happen, no matter how great the odds. "They are on millions and millions of dollars, and we are just amateurs playing for the love of the game," Ilich said to CNN Sports. "But what we have is that we are all mates on and off the pitch and are going to compete so hard for one another. "If we execute our coach's plan and give it our best shot, who knows what can happen? At the end of the day, it's just 11 players versus 11 players. "So, we are just going to go there and do what we have always done: dream big." For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Meet the amateur New Zealand team aiming to topple soccer’s biggest names at the FIFA Club World Cup

Meet the amateur New Zealand team aiming to topple soccer's biggest names at the FIFA Club World Cup AsFIFA's revamped expandedClub ...

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College World Series schedule Day 1: Breaking down the matchups

College World Series schedule Day 1: Breaking down the matchups

Before the collegiate sports calendar reaches its increasingly short summer hiatus, we put the bow on the 2024-25 academic year with the final NCAA championship event, the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Those who look forward to this event on an annual basis are already familiar with the format. But for the uninitiated, the eight participants are split into four-team mini brackets who will compete in a double-elimination tournament similar to the earlier regionals. The two winners from each quartet will then meet in the best-of-three championship series starting next weekend. This year's field looks completely different than last year's. All eight teams are new and just three of the eight national seeds made it through the super regionals. It shapes up to be a wild week where a national champion is determined. Here's a look at the matchups and schedule for the first day of games: TIME/TV:Friday, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN Given the impressive numbers posted by its pitching staff, Coastal Carolina was perhaps underseeded at No. 13. The Chanticleers lead the CWS field in team ERA (3.21) and WHIP (1.19). Jacob Morrison and Cameron Flukey anchor the starting rotation, with closer Ryan Lynch leading an equally reliable relief crew. Coastal is also the hottest team in the field with a 23-game winning streak. The Wildcats followed a similar blueprint to the Big 12 championship, surrendering few free passes and committing just 51 errors in the field all season. They do give up their share of hits, however, but excellent contact hitters like Mason White and Aaron Walton keep them in most games. CWS FIELD:Ranking the eight teams fighting for title in Omaha DIVERSE FIELD:College World Series highlights best of college sports TIME/TV:Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN The Beavers are as fundamentally sound as they come, entering the CWS with a healthy .409 on-base percentage and just 40 errors committed. They can mash a bit as well, as demonstrated by the home-run cycle they unleashed against Florida State in the clinching super regional contest. Aiva Arquette and Gavin Turley are usually involved in innings when a crooked number is posted. The Cardinals finished in the middle of the crowded ACC pack but are now the league's sole representative in Omaha. They don't always get consistent results from the mound, but they steal more bases (155) than anyone else in the field. Lucas Moore and Zion Rose are the top thieves, with Eddie King Jr. often tasked with bringing them home. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College World Series schedule: Previewing Day 1 matchups

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

College World Series schedule Day 1: Breaking down the matchups

College World Series schedule Day 1: Breaking down the matchups Before the collegiate sports calendar reaches its increasingly short summer ...

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Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Celebrate Their Anniversary with a Royal Christening for Princess Ines

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Celebrate Their Anniversary with a Royal Christening for Princess Ines

Jonas Ekströmer/TT/Shutterstock Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden are celebrating the baptism of their daughter, Princess Ines The ceremony is being held on the couple's tenth wedding anniversary The Duke and Duchess of Värmland also share three sons: Prince Alexander, 9,Prince Gabriel, 7, and Prince Julian, 4 Prince Carl PhilipandPrincess Sofiaof Sweden are baptizing their baby daughter,Princess Ines, on their tenth wedding anniversary. On June 13, the Duke and Duchess of Värmland held a baptism for their 5-month-old daughter at Drottningholm Palace Chapel. The palace is on the island of Lovön near the Swedish capital of Stockholm and isKing Carl XVI GustafandQueen Silvia's private residence. Guests began arriving at 11 a.m., local time, for the christening ceremony, which took place at noon. Inside, baby Princess Ines was baptized by Chief Chaplain Bishop Johan Dalman and Ordinary Chaplain Michael Bjerkhagen, pastor of the Royal Court Assembly. The Royal House of Swedenpreviously announced that Princess Ines' godparents would be her cousin Princess Estelle, 13,Tiara Larsson, Fredrik von der Esch, Claes Kockum and Sandrine Kockum.Hello!magazineidentified Tiara as Princess Sofia's goddaughter and bridesmaid and the three others as Prince Carl Philip's longtime friends. Jonas Ekströmer/TT/Shutterstock It's a special connection for Princess Estelle to be a godmother to her baby cousin, as Prince Carl Philip, her motherCrown Princess Victoria's brother, is her godfather. A reception and private lunch followed the baby's baptism. Princess Ines was born on Feb. 7, and her christening coincided with a romantic anniversary. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia marked 10 years of marriage on Friday and looked back at their fairytale wedding day byposting previously unseen photos from their nuptialsthe day prior. Jonas Ekströmer/TT/Shutterstock The royal couple went on to welcome sonsPrince Alexander, 9,Prince Gabriel, 7, andPrince Julian, 4, and they became a family of five when Princess Ines was born in February. Days after her birth, King Carl XVI Gustaf announced at a Council of State that his new granddaughter was named Ines Marie Lilian Silvia and would be known as Princess Ines. The royal baby was also granted the Duchy of Västerbotten (making her a duchess!), but the child does not hold a Royal Highness title. Anders Wiklund/TT/Shutterstock In October 2019, King Carl XVI Gustaf announced thathe was stripping the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles of his son Prince Carl Philip and daughter Princess Madeleine's young childrento streamline the Swedish monarchy. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine said in separate statements that they understood the decision, with Carl Philip and Sofia writing that the move would allow their kids to "have freer choices in life." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Claudio Bresciani/TT/Shutterstock The decision didn't affect Crown Princess Victoria andPrince Daniel's children, Princess Estelle andPrince Oscar, 9, who remain in the royal house and follow their mother in the direct line of succession to the throne. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Celebrate Their Anniversary with a Royal Christening for Princess Ines

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Celebrate Their Anniversary with a Royal Christening for Princess Ines Jonas Ekströmer/TT/Shutterstock...

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Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces shake-up as more witnesses speak out

Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces shake-up as more witnesses speak out

This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. A possible shake-up in the jury pool inSean "Diddy" Combs'criminal triallooms as witnesses continue to come forward with allegations of abuse. Attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul and prosecutors returned to Manhattan court on June 13 to hash out the trial eligibility of one of the jurors, anonymously identified as Juror No. 6, with Judge Arun Subramanian. The issue was first brought to the judge's attention while court was in session on June 10. According to reports fromCNNandNBC News, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey told Subramanian the individual appeared to have "a lack of candor with the court." In response, Combs' attorneyAlexandra Shapiroreportedly accused the prosecution of trying to get a Black juror dismissed, mirroring a similar claimraised by the defense during jury selection. As the prosecution continues to build its case against Combs, jurors are expected to hear from one of Combs' assistants as well as a federal agent. This comes after the Grammy-winning rapper's ex-girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym"Jane,"gaveharrowing accounts on the standabout her allegedly abusive relationship with Combs. Combs, 55, wasarrested in Septemberand charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He haspleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. As her cross-examination continued on June 12, Jane was asked by Combs' attorney Teny Geragos about the allegedphysical fightshe and Combs had at her Los Angeles home in June 2024. Jane testified that she had a "weird feeling" about him allegedly bringing a younger woman on a family trip at the time. As the couple argued, Jane said, "There was just aball of emotionsthat night, just resentment for so many things." Janepreviously said on the standthat she now knows the woman in question was younger than her, but not a minor (Combs has not been formally accused of assaulting a child). At one point during the argument, when Combs bent down to tie his shoe, Jane admitted that she pushed his head into the counter and threw a glass and two candles at him. After pushing Combs, Jane said she tried to lock herself in different rooms, but he kicked in the door each time. She was telling him to leave and that she hated him, and he allegedly kicked her in the leg. She fell, but Combs allegedly lifted her into a chokehold until she couldn't breathe. Discover WITNESS:Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more While discussing the events of June 18-19, 2024, during which Combs was allegedly first violent toward his then-girlfriend, Jane testified on June 12 about a confrontation she had with the music mogul after reportedly attending the birthday party of another rapper in Las Vegas months earlier. The morning after the alleged attacks and sex acts, which purportedly included "forced oral sex" with an escort named Anton, Jane recalled Combs angrily asking her, "How could you go to another man's freak off?" in reference to the birthday party. In response, Jane said she told Combs nothing happened and that she was merely there with a friend. As more of Jane's and Combs' communications were read to the court during the June 12 hearing, one message from the rapper, sent to a sex worker, indicated he was looking for someone to convince Jane to do a "hotel night." After Jane had texted Combs to turn down a night of sex — "I know what you want, baby, but I'm not really in the mood for that part. I don't want to make you mad," she wrote — Combs seemingly texted the male escort, "Imma need you to persuade her. If she heard from you we're in." When Geragos asked Jane if seeing that message had made her upset, Jane replied, "Wouldn't that make you upset?" After CNN publishedsurveillance footage of Combs beating his then-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fineat a Los Angeles hotel, Jane shared on June 12 that her friends encouraged her to break up with himamid the public outcry over the video,but the woman maintained she wanted to support Combs at the time. She said Combshad never laid a hand on herat that point in their relationship. "You felt this was another example of how complicated he was?" Geragos said. "Like in his past?" Jane answered. "Yes." Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested inSeptember 2024and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed attargeting multi-person criminal organizations,prosecutors allegethat Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in"freak offs"— sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom.Sign up for our newsletterfor more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) andHotline.RAINN.organd en EspañolRAINN.org/es. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces potential shake-up

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces shake-up as more witnesses speak out

Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces shake-up as more witnesses speak out This story contains graphic descriptions that s...

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'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear

'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear

Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports calledProject: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. Bo Jackson, one of the most powerful running backs in the history of the NFL, a man who once ran over Brian Bosworth with such impunity, it became legend, was asked a simple question: Have you, Mr. Jackson, ever got, got? Meaning, did Jackson ever get blasted himself while playing in the NFL, instead of what normally happened, which was Jackson doing the blasting? The answer Jackson provided is one of the most entertaining NFL stories you will ever hear. It's one of those tales that takes you inside the sport, and illustrates how violent it can be. Jackson has always been a Paul Bunyan-type figure. This story only adds to his legend. And here it goes. Jackson actually told this story some months ago on the "Get Got" podcast with former NFL players Marshawn Lynch (who is a legend in his own right) and Mike Robinson. But for whatever reason this part of the podcast didn't get much attention. Boy, it should have. TheRaiderswere playing the Cardinals, and a trap play was called. "The trap play was designed because I was notorious for cutting back on you at full speed," Jackson said. "I didn't stutter step. I cut back on you and I'm already in fourth gear." It can't be stressed enough how accurate this is. One of the unique things about Jackson as a player was how quickly he got to full speed. Jackson was a shade over 6-feet and about 225 pounds but moved with the quickness of someone much smaller. "We were down on our 5-yard line. So I'm thinking about 95 yards. Imma bust it from 95. And I don't know this brotha's name. But it was a linebacker. This brotha had muscles in his breath." Yes, he saidmuscles in his breath.At this point, Lynch and Robinson start laughing uncontrollably. Have to admit, I was, too. "I didn't see him. It's always the ones that you don't see that get you. And it was an off-trap play to the weak side. … I was going to go off tackle. "Homeboy filled that hole. He hit me on the six and dropped me on the two." Hit me on the six and dropped me on the two. "I never saw him. It was like me running out in front of an 18-wheeler." The player who hit Jackson then helped him up, which Jackson found irritating. On the next series, the Raiders QB, unbelievably, according to Jackson, called the same play. "I looked at him and said, 'Have you lost your (expletive) mind?" Jackson said. "We ran that play. Bo didn't cut back on it." First, one of our super-talented editors did a little digging andfound a clip of the Raiders and Cardinals.Jackson played the Cardinals just once in his career, on Dec. 10, 1989, according to Pro Football Reference. I looked and didn't see that specific play. Did Jackson get the team wrong? Did he mean the Seahawks? Another team? It's possible. The game was a long time ago. I can't remember what I ate yesterday afternoon. Second, who was the player who shookBo Jacksonlike that? (If anyone knows who the player was or has video of the hit please let me know.) Jackson played in the NFL from 1987-1990. A hip injury ended his career. To me, he is the second greatest American athlete ever behind Deion Sanders. (I said what I said.) The league Jackson played in is different from the current version. Today's NFL is still tough and physical but in Jackson's day it was far more brutal. Imagine how hard you had to hit Jackson for him to tell a story like that. These are the types of stories fans need to hear more about. Players need to take people inside the game. One thing we know for sure is that none of us will ever have muscles in our breath. But we can dream. All the NFL news on and off the field.Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Bo Jackson tells a classic story about the violent 1980s NFL

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear

'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear Editor's note: This story is a part of a seri...

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2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents

With the2025 FIFA Club World Cupapproaching, it can be hard to keep track of the32 squads that will take the fieldthis weekend. However, though the tournament will bea little light on purpose, it certainly won't be lacking in star power. The sprawling club tournament will be a clash of global heavyweights. As a result, some of the best players in the world will be participating across the U.S., and may even have a chance to play each other if their teams make it to the next round. With so much talent taking the field this summer in the Club World Cup, here are 10 of the most exciting players to keep an eye on in the tournament. Inter Miami's selection last fallraised some eyebrows, as the team was seemingly named to the tournament out of the blue. Though FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that Inter Miami qualified afterwinning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, the more obvious reason was that this tournament wanted — or maybe needed — Lionel Messi. But the Argentine star and Inter Miami captain is a huge draw for a reason, and is likely to shine just as brightly this summer. After a few injury-ridden years, Messi is finally getting some real playing time with Miami, playing in 13 of the team's 16 matches so far this season. In that span, he's put up an efficient 10 goals and six assists, which puts him in the top five of both categories. The 37-year-old Messi is the highest-scoring player on the team, in part because he shoots more than any of his Inter Miami teammates. So far this season, Messi has 30 shots on target — three times as many as his nearest teammates. Despite beingone of the better non-European clubs, Miami is a little bit of a long shot this tournament (+660 at BetMGM to win it all). But if they do go far, odds are it'll be Messi driving them to that success. In the previous iteration of the Club World Cup, Real Madrid was the most successful club, winning five titles since the tournament was founded in 2000. Now, French star Kylian Mbappé will be among the players to attempt to recreate that success. With players like Vini Jr. and Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid might be one of the most stacked and exciting teams at the tournament. But Mbappé is one to watch throughout the tournament. A year after leaving Paris Saint-Germain andjoining Spanish heavyweight Real Madrid, the versatile French forward is Madrid's top scorer and one of the most dynamic attacking players in the world. Mbappé has had a strong year with Madrid, putting up 31 goals — the most in La Liga. But despite his offensive strength, Real Madrid didn't quite end where it wanted,falling just short of Barcelona for the La Liga title. This tournament offers him a chance to earn his first trophy with the club on a global stage — an opportunity that he'll hopefully take full advantage of. As the best playeron the best team in Europe, Ousmane Dembélé is likely to make a splash at the Club World Cup. Dembélé finished the year with a team-leading 21 goals — a career high — as he moved from a supporting role to a star position in Mbappé's absence. The 2025 PSG team is a unique one: After years of thriving on the star power of some of the biggest names in the sport, this year's squad was built with lesser-known but still talented players, who have made a name for themselves this season. Dembélé is one of those players, taking full advantage of his opportunity to establish himself as an attacking presence. With Dembélé leading the way, but with plenty of other talent alongside him, PSG will attempt to turn their collaborative effort into a victory at the Club World Cup. English striker Harry Kane is riding high heading into the tournament. The 31-year-old forward helped lead Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title last month,earning Kane his first career title. He led the league in goal contributions with 26 goals and nine assists, and earnedBundesliga's Player of the Seasonhonors. KanejoinedBayern Munich in 2023 after a nearly 15-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur. Though his career is long and decorated on an individual level, Kane was notably missing a major title in his trophy case. Now that he's got it, maybe he'll drive Bayern Munich to get another this summer. As one of the favorites to potentially win the tournament, Manchester City will rely on the offensive prowess of Erling Haaland. The 24-year-old Norwegian has slowed down slightly on the scoring front this season, scoring 22 goals across 31 games — down from his 36 goals in his first Premier League season in Manchester. But Haaland is still at the core of Man City's attacking line, and will be an exciting player to watch throughout the tournament. Haaland has a penchant to muscling his way to the goal, and is known for putting up multiple goals in a game; he has 13 hat tricks in three years with Man City, across all competitions. The primary competition in Man City's Group G will be Italy's Juventus. But the other two smaller clubs, Wydad and Al Ain, aretwo of the lowest-rankedin the entire tournament. Expect Haaland to rack up goals in those two group stage games. Heading into this tournament, Cole Palmer has a lot to prove. After a strong 2023-24 Premier League season, the 23-year-old midfielder started off the 2024-25 season well, scoring 12 goals in the first five months of play and putting him on pace for a career best. But the hot start — includinga stunning four-goal performancein September — gave way to a long cold spell. Since January, Palmer has scored only three goals for Chelsea across all competitions, plus three assists. Maybe the Club World Cup will be exactly what Palmer needs to get hot once again. Atlético Madrid might be known for its defensive performances, but the club will be depending on Julián Álvarez to keep things moving on the offensive end. Álvarez had 17 goals and four assists in La Liga this season, second-most on the team, but his versatility as a forward and attacking player is going to be important to help Atlético Madrid advance to the next round. Álvarez is also the club's primary penalty shooter, something that will be especially key in the later rounds. Despite only spending a year with the team, Álvarez's time with Atlético Madrid might be numbered: The 25-year-old Argentine has been linked to offseason moves withLiverpoolandBarcelona. But for now, he'll do his best to get Atlético Madrid through a competitive Group B. 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estêvão is well on his way to becoming the next great sensation, drawing comparisons to Barcelona teen phenom Lamine Yamal. His skills caught the eye of Chelsea, whosigned him awayfrom his hometown club, Palmeiras. But before Estêvão heads to England, the forward will play for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, trying to lead the Brazilian club through the tournament. Though he can score, Estêvão has an ability to read the game and create plays in a way that is beyond his years. Now, weeks after helping send Palmeiras to the knockout round of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, Estêvão will try to do the same in the Club World Cup. Notably, the young winger, who has also drawn comparisons to Messi, will play Inter Miami in the group stage. Coming off a brutal defeat to PSG in theChampions League final, Inter Milan will be looking to redeem itself. Striker and captain Lautaro Martínez, who is in his seventh year with the Serie A squad, will be at the forefront of that fight. Though it's been a slower year for the 27-year-old Argentine forward, Martinez's 12 goals and three assists was still the second-highest on the team. More importantly, it's the forward's ability to pass and move the ball that will be key, as well as his leadership. As the only European squad in their group, Inter Milan is in an easy spot for the first round. But Inter will have a taller task ahead in the knockout round. Like Estêvão, River Plate forward Franco Mastantuono will be departing his squad for another Club World Cup team after the tournament. The 17-year-old isset to officially signwith Real Madrid, completing medical tests this week, and will head to Spain after the tournament. But first, Mastantuono will stay with his hometown club for now, and will try to push River Plate out of a relatively wide-open Group E. Mastantuono has had limited playing time this season, but put up three goals and three assists in 10 matches. The young Argentine has and a strong foot, with the ability to score off free kicks and make plays. Though Mastantuono is young and has plenty of development left, there's a good chance that he'll do something exciting as he takes one last ride with River Plate.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents With the2025 FIFA Club World Cupapproachin...

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