Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Nesting Birds

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Nesting Birds

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solvetoday's puzzlebefore reading further!Nesting Birds Constructor:Beth Rubin Editor:Amanda Rafkin OLIVES (2D: Black or green ingredients in chivito) Chivito is a sandwich of grilled beef (known as churrasco), mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, and black or green OLIVES. Chivito is a national dish of Uruguay. MAR (18D: National Soup It Forward Day mo.) Since 2018,National Soup It Forward Dayhas been celebrated each year on MAR. 3. The focus of this day is to spread love and practice generosity, specifically by sharing soup with others. LAO (66D: Khao piak sen cuisine) Speaking of soup, khao pak sen is a rice noodle soup that is a traditional dish in LAO cuisine. Fresh rice noodles are cooked in pork or chicken broth, along with galangal (similar to ginger and turmeric), lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. ANGIE (9A: Bette and Tina's daughter on "The L Word")The L Wordwas a Showtime TV drama that aired from 2004-2009. Two of the main characters, Bette (Jennifer Beals) and Tina (Laurel Holloman), had an on again, off again relationship throughout the series. Their daughter Angelica Porter-Kennard aka ANGIE was born during the season two season finale. She appeared in the remaining seasons ofThe L Wordas a baby and then toddler. On the sequel series,The L Word: Generation Q(2019-2023), ANGIE is portrayed by Jordan Hull. ANKA (15A: "Puppy Love" singer Paul) "And they called it puppy love / Oh I guess they'll never know / How a young heart really feels / And why I love her so..." Paul ANKA recorded"Puppy Love"– a song that he wrote – in 1960. Donny Osmond recorded a version of"Puppy Love"in 1972. Both versions of the song were hits. THE MUPPET SHOW (40A: Variety sketch program starring Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, etc.) "It's time to play the music / It's time to light the lights / It's time to meet the MUPPETs on THE MUPPET SHOW tonight..." As a tremendous fan ofTHE MUPPET SHOW, I was delighted to uncover this central theme answer.THE MUPPET SHOW, which was hosted by Kermit the Frog, originally aired from 1976-1981. HENS (47A: Coop residents) This feels like a bonus in a "Nesting Birds" puzzle. NIA (60A: Actress Vardalos) NIA Vardalos starred as Fotoula "Toula" Portokalos inMy Big Fat Greek Wedding(2002),My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2(2016), andMy Big Fat Greek Wedding 3(2023). She also wrote the movies, and directed the most recent one. COFFEE MUG (67A: Container for a cup of joe) Have I mentioned that I collect COFFEE MUGs? (Though mine usually contain tea or ice cream.) My husband built a MUG rack for me several years ago. It brings me great joy to pick a MUG each day that matches my mood. MANTA (69A: Type of ray with the largest brain-to-body ratio of all fish) Here's a fun ANIMAL fact served up with your daily crossword.MANTA raysare intelligent and known for their curiosity and ability to learn and solve problems. Some studies suggest that MANTA rays may also be self-aware (some studies suggest they are able to recognize themselves in mirrors). MALALA (1D: Youngest Nobel Prize winner Yousafzai) MALALA Yousafzai is a human rights activist known especially for her work advocating for the education of women and children in Pakistan. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 at the age of 17. If you haven't read it, I recommend checking out her autobiography,I Am MALALA(2013). Parts of it are hard to read (or listen to if you choose the audiobook as my husband and I did). After all, at the age of 15, MALALA Yousafzai was the target of an assassination attempt by the Taliban. Ultimately, it's a story of perseverance and the importance of standing up for the things you believe in. NAE NAE (10D: 2010s dance craze) The NAE NAE is a dance move that involves holding one arm in the air and swaying side to side. In the 2010s, the NAE NAE became popular on social media along with the song that gave it its name,"Drop That NAENAE"by We are Toonz. MEOW (27D: Sound from a tabby) My cat, Willow, is a calico rather than a tabby, but nonetheless, in response to this cat content she says, "MEOW!" PHI (42D: Letter after upsilon) PHI is the 21st letter in the 24-letter Greek alphabet. PHI is preceded by upsilon and followed by chi, psi, and omega. CHO (44D: Stand-up comic Margaret)Margaret CHOis described on her website as "Comedian. Actor. Musician. Advocate. Entrepreneur. Artist." Her comedy often addresses social and political issues. She has dubbed herself the "Patron Saint of Outsiders." ANIMAL (52D: Panda or penguin) I enjoy seeing the examples constructors choose for clues such as this when there are a myriad of choices. I applaud the choice to go with alliteration here, and it's also fun that both of these ANIMALs are black and white. A few other clues and answers I especially enjoyed: SLED (74A: Calvin and Hobbes' wintertime conveyance) GUESS WHO (11D: Playful question asked while covering someone's eyes) THEN (40D: "That was ___, this is now") LIVE MUSIC (17A: What concertgoers get to enjoy) THE MUPPET SHOW (40A: Variety sketch program starring Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, etc.) COFFEE MUG (67A: Container for a cup of joe) NESTING BIRDS: Each theme answer contains the word EMU: LIVE MUSIC, THE MUPPET SHOW, and COFFEE MUG. As a three-lettered word with two vowels, the word EMU is helpful in crossword construction. This means the EMU is one of our crossword friends that frequently shows up in the puzzle. It's fun, therefore, to see the EMU as today's theme, NESTING in each of the theme answers. Thank you, Beth, for this enjoyable puzzle. USA TODAY's Daily Crossword Puzzles Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Crossword Blog & Answers for July 2, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Nesting Birds

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Nesting Birds There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solvetoday...

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Jury in Diddy's sex trafficking trial to resume deliberations after reaching partial verdict

Jury in Diddy's sex trafficking trial to resume deliberations after reaching partial verdict

NEW YORK (AP) — The jury inSean "Diddy" Combs'sex trafficking trial is set to resume deliberations Wednesday after reaching ayet-to-be-disclosed verdicton all but one of the five charges the hip-hop mogul faces. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ordered the jury to continue its closed-door discussions for a third day afterthe panel of eight men and four womensaid Tuesday that it was unable to reach consensus on the top count: racketeering conspiracy. The judge agreed with prosecutors and Combs' defense team that less than 13 hours of deliberations was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts. The jury's decision on the other charges — two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution — remains under wraps for now. In a note to the court late Tuesday, the jury said "unpersuadable opinions on both sides" among some jurors had prevented the group from reaching a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge. Racketeering conspiracy is the most complicated charge in the trial and carries a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. The sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The disclosure of the jury note about the partial verdict seemed to put defense attorneys and their client in a dour mood even before it was read in open court by the judge. Eight defense lawyers formed a half-circle behind Combs as the smiles and lighthearted mood that accompanied the arrival of other jury notes over two days seemed absent as the attorneys contemplated the possibility that jurors had reached agreement on counts that carry the heaviest sentencing penalties. Combs, 55, appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point,the hip-hop mogulsolemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him. After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day. Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, "Love you" and "I'll be all right." Marshals then led him from the room. Earlier in their deliberations the jury asked to review testimony fromCassie, the R&B singer who was Diddy's former longtime girlfriend, as well as from Daniel Phillip, a male stripper Diddy is accused of paying to have sex with Cassie. Prosecutors say Combs coerced two girlfriends into drug-fueledsex marathonswith male sex workers. Lawyers for the Bad Boy Records foundercontendprosecutors are trying to criminalize Combs' swinger lifestyle. They say his conduct, if anything, amounted to domestic violence, not federal felonies. Combs, whochose not to testify, has pleaded not guilty.

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Jury in Diddy's sex trafficking trial to resume deliberations after reaching partial verdict

Jury in Diddy's sex trafficking trial to resume deliberations after reaching partial verdict NEW YORK (AP) — The jury inSean "Diddy...

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Coco Gauff is out in the first round of Wimbledon with a 7-6 (3), 6-1 loss to Dayana Yastremska

Coco Gauff is out in the first round of Wimbledon with a 7-6 (3), 6-1 loss to Dayana Yastremska

LONDON (AP) —Coco Gauffbecame just the third woman in the Open era to lose in the first round atWimbledonright after winning the championship at the French Open, eliminated 7-6 (3), 6-1 by unseeded Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine on Tuesday night. TheNo. 2-ranked Gauffmade mistake after mistake at No. 1 Court, finishing with just six winners and a total of 29 unforced errors that included nine double-faults. "Dayana started off playing strong," Gauff said. "I couldn't find my footing out there today." She joined another highly seeded American, No. 3Jessica Pegula, in bowing out on Day 2 of the tournament. In all,23 seeds— 13 men and 10 women — already are gone before the first round is even done, tying the most at any Grand Slam tournament since they began seeding 32 players in each singles bracket in 2001. It was just a little more than three weeks ago that Gauff was celebrating her second Grand Slam title by getting pastNo. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the finalon the red clay of Roland-Garros. The quick turnaround might have been an issue, Gauff acknowledged. "I feel like mentally I was a little bit overwhelmed with everything that came afterwards," said the 21-year-old Gauff, "so I didn't feel like I had enough time to celebrate and also get back into it." She didn't think it mattered Tuesday that their match location was shifted from Centre Court to Court No. 1 or that she was told about a new start time only about an hour before the contest began. Even though Gauff's big breakthrough came at the All England Club at age 15 in 2019, when she beat Venus Williams in her opening match and made it all the way to the fourth round, the grass-court tournament has proved to be her least-successful major. It's the only Slam where Gauff hasn't made at least the semifinals. Indeed, she has yet to get past the fourth round and now has been sent home in the first round twice in the past three years. The transition from clay to grass has proven tough for most players, and the last woman to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season was Serena Williams a decade ago. Still, since the Open era began in 1968, only Justine Henin in 2005 and Francesca Schiavone in 2010 went from holding the trophy in Paris to exiting immediately in London. Gauff was never quite at her best Tuesday against Yastremska, who had lost all three of their previous matchups and currently is ranked 42nd. A particular problem for Gauff, as it often is, was her serving. She managed to put only 45% of her first serves in play, won 14 of her 32 second-serve points and had all of those double-faults, including a pair in the tiebreaker and another when she got broken to open the second set. "When I can serve well, and some games I did, it's definitely an added threat," Gauff said. "I didn't serve that well." Yastremska's best Grand Slam result was making it all the way to the semifinals on the Australian Open's hard courts last year, although she entered this event with a record of only 10-11 in first-round matches at majors. Gauff, by contrast, was 20-3 at that stage, including a loss to Sofia Kenin at Wimbledon in 2023. Yastremska's deepest run at Wimbledon was making the fourth round in 2019, although she did get to the final of the junior event in 2016. "I was really on fire," said Yastremska, who accumulated 16 winners. "Playing against Coco, it is something special." She recently reached her first tournament final on grass, at a smaller event in Nottingham, which she said gave her confidence heading to the All England Club. "I love playing on grass. I feel that this year we are kind of friends," Yastremska said with a laugh. "I hope the road will continue for me here." ___ More AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Coco Gauff is out in the first round of Wimbledon with a 7-6 (3), 6-1 loss to Dayana Yastremska

Coco Gauff is out in the first round of Wimbledon with a 7-6 (3), 6-1 loss to Dayana Yastremska LONDON (AP) —Coco Gauffbecame just the third...

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Marlins extend winning streak to 8, 1 shy of club record, with a 2-0 victory over the Twins

Marlins extend winning streak to 8, 1 shy of club record, with a 2-0 victory over the Twins

MIAMI (AP) — Kyle Stowers homered and the Miami Marlins stretched their winning streak to eight, one shy of the club record set in 2008, with a 2-0 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. Edward Cabrera (3-2) struck out six and only allowed two hits and one walk in seven innings, the longest start of the season by a Marlins pitcher. He struck out Byron Buxton to end the third for his 400th career strikeout, becoming the third-fastest to reach the mark in franchise history. Stowers gave Miami a 1-0 lead in the second inning with his 14th home run of the season. He initially took first base after appearing to get hit by a pitch. But Minnesota challenged and the call was overturned. Anthony Bender pitched a perfect eighth and Ronny Henriquez struck out back-to-back batters to begin the ninth to help secure his fourth save. Minnesota starter Joe Ryan (8-4) also went seven innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits. The Twins, who wereshut out by the Tigerson Sunday, were blanked for the seventh time this season. Key moment Miami added an insurance run in the eighth. Jesús Sánchez sent a shot to deep center field and Buxton made a leaping attempt at the wall to keep the ball in play. Sánchez hustled to third and a review showed it was not a home run. Otto Lopez was intentionally walked to put runners on first and third but Nick Fortes hit a single down the left-field line for a two-run lead. Key stat The win was Miami's fifth shutout of the season. Up next RHP Janson Junk (2-0, 3.73 ERA) is set to face the Twins for the first time in his career on Wednesday night against RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (3-4, 4.63). ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Marlins extend winning streak to 8, 1 shy of club record, with a 2-0 victory over the Twins

Marlins extend winning streak to 8, 1 shy of club record, with a 2-0 victory over the Twins MIAMI (AP) — Kyle Stowers homered and the Miami ...

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Barbra Streisand Reveals Her and Husband James Brolin's 'Different Schedule' and Why They Go to Bed 'Very Late' (Exclusive)

Barbra Streisand Reveals Her and Husband James Brolin's 'Different Schedule' and Why They Go to Bed 'Very Late' (Exclusive)

Kevin Mazur/VF19/WireImage Barbra Streisand says she and husband James Brolin "love the silence of the night" The couple therefore goes to sleep "very late" Streisand's new album,The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Twois out now WhenBarbra Streisandanswers the phone to chat with PEOPLE, it's just after 2 p.m. local time in Los Angeles — but for the legendary star, the day is just beginning. "We go to bed very late, so I'm still in bed," Streisand, 83, explains in this week's issue of her routine with husbandJames Brolin, 84. "We have a different schedule. We love the silence of the night." The EGOT-winning singer, actress and director has long built her life around sound, first through hit songs like"The Way We Were"and movies likeFunny Girl; these days more through the giggles of her grandkids. So it's understandable why she'd appreciate some peace and quiet. Streisand and Brolin married in 1998 after meeting two years earlier at a dinner party orchestrated by friends. In recent months, she's been focused on family (TheYentlstar is mom to sonJason Gould, 58, with ex-husbandElliott Gould, and grandma to a brood that includes stepsonJosh Brolin's two young daughters Chapel, 4, and Westlyn, 6, and stepdaughter Molly's son Soli, 3). Kevin Mazur/Getty She celebrated her27th wedding anniversarywith Brolin on Tuesday, July 1, writing on Instagram, "We met on a blind date 29 years ago tonight, and we married 27 years ago today. I love you honey. B xo. ❤️" Brolin joked on theTodayshow in April that he and his wife'sbest investment over the yearswas their mattress. "Don't misunderstand me. We're both lazy. We love to sleep late," he said. "We do a lot of our work on the phone, on paper, reading, right next to each other." Streisand — who released her bestselling memoirMy Name Is Barbrain November 2023 — is currently wading back into the spotlight with a new duets album,The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two, which she released on June 27. The record features an impressive roster of collaborators, includingPaul McCartney,Bob Dylan,Tim McGraw,Ariana GrandeandMariah Carey. Streisand says that McCartney, 83, was the first person on board when it came time to recruit singing partners. "He was so sweet to me when I first came to London. I was there in the '60s, I think, and he invited me to his house with his wife Linda," she recalls. "It was just so kind of him, and he's so wonderful. He's such a great writer and I admire him, so that's a no-brainer. [He] was the first one." Kathryn Boyd Brolin The Secret of Lifemarks Streisand's first new album in seven years, followingWallsin 2018. The star says all of the "wonderful people" who performed with her on the new album were catalysts for her return to the studio — and she's not done yet. Does the 10-time Grammy winner have another album in her? "God, yeah. As long as I have a voice, I love the privacy of recording," she says. "I love standing there in front of the mic and the music in my ears and singing. When I was 18 years old, I made my mother call up publishers to get free music. I still have that person inside, that kid. There are more songs I want to sing." The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Twois out now. For more on Barbra Streisand, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere now, or subscribehere. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Barbra Streisand Reveals Her and Husband James Brolin's 'Different Schedule' and Why They Go to Bed 'Very Late' (Exclusive)

Barbra Streisand Reveals Her and Husband James Brolin's 'Different Schedule' and Why They Go to Bed 'Very Late' (Exclusi...

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'Jurassic World Rebirth' comes out this week: How to watch all the 'Jurassic Park' movies ahead of the new one

'Jurassic World Rebirth' comes out this week: How to watch all the 'Jurassic Park' movies ahead of the new one

Did you think people were done visitingJurassic Park?Think again!Jurassic World Rebirthcomes out this week, openinga brand new, star-studded chapterfor the Jurassic franchise. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali,Rebirthwill revisit the old research facility island for the originalJurassic Park, with the trio on a mission to collect dino DNA. While it's a brand new moment in the franchise, there will likely be lots of references to both the originalJurassic Parktrilogy and theJurassic Worldtrilogy. Need arefresher on the franchise? Here's where to watch all of theJurassic Parkmovies (and shows! And… short films). Jurassic Park(1993) — watch onPeacock, rent onPrime VideoorApple TV The Lost World: Jurassic Park(1997) — watch onPeacock, rent onPrime VideoorApple TV Jurassic Park III(2001) — watch onPeacock, rent onPrime VideoorApple TV Jurassic World(2015) — watch onPeacock, rent onPrime VideoorApple TV Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom(2018) — watch onPeacock, rent onPrime VideoorApple TV Jurassic World: Dominion(2022) — watch onPeacock, rent onPrime VideoorApple TV Jurassic World Rebirth(2025) — watchin theatersstarting July 3 In addition to the seven movies, there are also two Netflix series based in theJurassic Parkworld, though the shows are chronologically confusing (and animated): Camp CretaceousTV series (2020-2022) — watch onNetflix Jurassic World: Chaos TheoryTV series (2025) — watch onNetflix There's also a 2019 short film and the deleted prologue forJurassic World: Dominion: Battle at Big Rock(2019, YouTube short film) — watch onYouTube The Prologue—Jurassic World: Dominion(2021) — watch onYouTube Jurassic World Rebirthcomes out in theaters on July 2. Get tickets Dominioncapped off the trilogy that focused on Owen Grady, meaningRebirthhas the potential to begin a new story basically anywhere. Director Gareth Edwards has said thatRebirth"felt like the beginning of a brand-new chapter in this franchise." So, where does that new chapter begin? Five years after the events ofDominion, where dinosaurs have become old news, a team sets out on a secret mission to the oldest Jurassic Park island — the one that houses the now-defunct research facility. Their mission? To gather DNA samples from land, sea and air-dwelling dinosaurs to potentially create a groundbreaking new medicine. Scarlett Johansson as Zora Bennett Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis Mahershala Ali as Duncan Kincaid Rupert Friend as Martin Krebs Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben Delgado Bechir Sylvain as Leclerc Looking for whatcritics think of the newJurassic Worldmovie? Yahoo Entertainment has you covered.

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

'Jurassic World Rebirth' comes out this week: How to watch all the 'Jurassic Park' movies ahead of the new one

'Jurassic World Rebirth' comes out this week: How to watch all the 'Jurassic Park' movies ahead of the new one Did you think...

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Two more men's top-10 seeds crash out at Wimbledon; Sinner sails

Two more men's top-10 seeds crash out at Wimbledon; Sinner sails

No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev and No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti became the latest top seeds to lose in the first round at Wimbledon on Tuesday in London. Zverev and Musetti joined Holger Rune and Daniil Medvedev, also seeded in the top 10, who were eliminated in the first round on another hot day on Monday. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy sailed through to the next round, and No. 6 Novak Djokovic of Serbia recovered from a dropped set to move on. Germany's Zverev, who is still seeking his first Grand Slam championship, was eliminated by France's Arthur Rinderknech, who crumpled to the grass court after the exhausting 7-6 (3), 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4 win that lasted four hours, 40 minutes. The match featured 56 aces -- 31 for Zverev -- along with 363 total points with just seven points (185 for Rinderknech, 178 for Zverev) separating the two players in the marathon. Zverev, a finalist at the Australian Open this year, has never advanced past the fourth round at Wimbledon. Musetti, a semifinalist at Wimbledon in 2024, lost to qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. For Basilashvili, it was his first win over a top-10 player in a major and came on a day with temperatures expected to exceed 91 degrees. Basilashvili hit 15 aces among his 48 winners in the two-hour, 25-minute triumph. Musetti, who led the ATP Tour in wins on grass courts in 2024, missed the grass tuneup season after suffering a left adductor injury in his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal of the French Open. "I was struggling to feel comfortable on the court from the beginning," Musetti said. "Going and going with the match, I was really losing focus and was not reactive on the ball when I was coming out from the serve. Even in the lateral movements, which normally I know how to move, today seems like I never played on this surface. A really bad performance I would say." The loss was Musetti's third in his career in the first round at Wimbledon. Sinner had no trouble with Luca Nardi, beating his fellow Italian 6-4, 6-3, 6-0 in one hour, 48 minutes. He did not face a break point and had 28 winners and 17 unforced errors compared to 19 and 33, respectively, for Nardi. "I'm very happy to come back here. It's such a special place for me," Sinner said in his on-court interview. "Playing against an Italian is for us very unfortunate, but one has to go through, so I'm happy that it is me. The atmosphere as always is amazing. I know it's very hot, very humid. I don't remember the last time it was this weather in London." Sinner, a three-time major winner, is looking for his first Wimbledon title. Djokovic, a seven-time champion at Wimbledon, squandered a 5-2 lead in a second-set tiebreaker against Frenchman Alexandre Muller but rebounded for a 6-1, 6-7 (7), 6-2, 6-2 victory. No. 4 seed Jack Draper of Great Britain moved on when Argentine opponent Sebastian Baez -- down 6-2, 6-2, 2-1 -- retired from the match. No. 5 seed Taylor Fritz completed Monday's suspended match, coming from two sets down to defeat France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (6), 6-7 (8), 6-4, 7-6 (6), 6-4. No. 10 Ben Shelton also avoided the upset bug, defeating Australia's Alex Bolt 6-4, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (4). No. 11 seed Alex de Minaur of Australia and No. 13 Tommy Paul of the United States also advanced with straight-set wins over Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and Johannus Monday of Great Britain, respectively. Paul and de Minaur both reached the quarterfinals in 2024. Czech Jakub Mensik, the No. 15 seed, joined fellow seeds Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria (No. 19), Czech Tomas Machac (No. 21) and Flavio Cobolli of Italy (No. 22) in advancing to the second round. In an all-French thriller, Gael Monfils rallied past No. 18 Ugo Humbert 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-2. Another five-setter between qualifiers saw Japan's Shintaro Mochizuki charge past Italy's Giulio Zeppieri 2-6, 3-6, 6-3 7-6 (6), 7-5. Hungarian lucky loser Marton Fucsovics hit 18 aces in an upset of Aleksandar Kovacevic, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. Argentina's Mariano Navone defeated Denis Shapovalov of Canada, the No. 27 seed, in four sets. Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia ousted American Alex Michelsen, the No. 30 seed, after winning a fifth-set tiebreaker. Other winners Thursday were Lorenzo Sonego of Italy, Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, Sebastian Ofner of Austria, Arthur Cazaux of France, Pedro Martinez of Spain and Australia's Aleksandar Vukic. Also victorious were Jaume Munar of Spain, Daniel Evans and Jack Pinnington Jones of Great Britain, Botic van de Zandschulp and Jesper De Jong of the Netherlands, August Holmgren of Denmark, Corentin Moutet of France, Croatia's Marin Cilic, Rinky Hijikata of Australia and Americans Reilly Opelka and Marcos Giron. --Field Level Media

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Two more men's top-10 seeds crash out at Wimbledon; Sinner sails

Two more men's top-10 seeds crash out at Wimbledon; Sinner sails No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev and No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti became the latest...

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2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest odds: Joey Chestnut (-2500) is a massive favorite in his return

2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest odds: Joey Chestnut (-2500) is a massive favorite in his return

The 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest will take place at 12 p.m. ET Friday on ESPN2 andfeatures the return of 16-time champion Joey Chestnut. Chestnut was banned from the event last year as a result of his partnership with Impossible Foods, a rival brand. Chestnut and Nathan's seem to have resolved their differences, as he returns to the contest and is a massive favorite at sportsbooks. Chestnut opened as a -2500 favorite (bet $25 to win $1) atBetMGMto win this year's contest, with last year's champion, Patrick Bertoletti, owning the second-best odds all the way back at 16-1 (bet $1 to win $16). Bertoletti consumed 58 hot dogs last year, but will almost assuredly have to best that number by a good deal to compete with Chestnut. Chestnut's record is 76 hot dogs eaten back in 2021 and the over/under at BetMGM for total hot dogs eaten by Chestnut at the 2025 event is 71.5, with the over juiced to -140. For comparison, Perlotti's over/under is only 50.5 hot dogs. Bettors can also wager on Chestnut (-2500) or the field (+900) to win the contest or an adjusted hot dog over/under of 76.5 for Chestnut (over +250, under -350). The winner of the contest receives $10,000 and the coveted mustard yellow belt.

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest odds: Joey Chestnut (-2500) is a massive favorite in his return

2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest odds: Joey Chestnut (-2500) is a massive favorite in his return The 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eatin...

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Michael Imperioli Joins Fox Drama Series ‘Memory of a Killer’ Opposite Patrick Dempsey

Michael Imperioli Joins Fox Drama Series 'Memory of a Killer' Opposite Patrick Dempsey

Michael Imperioli is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming Fox series "Memory of a Killer." Imperioli will star in the series alongsidepreviously announced leadPatrick Dempsey. The new series is said to be inspired by the Belgian film "De Zaak Alzheimer," aka "La Memoire Du Tueur." Per the official logline, the show is about "hitman Angelo Ledda (Dempsey) leading a dangerous double life while hiding an even deadlier personal secret — he has developed early onset Alzheimer's." More from Variety Stand Up Comedian Earthquake to Develop Fox Sitcom Based on His Life, Bill Burr to Produce Fox Biblical Event Series 'The Faithful' to Debut in March 2026, Finale Set for Easter Sunday Johnny Knoxville to Host 'Fear Factor' Reboot on Fox Imperioli will star as Dutch, described as "an accomplished Italian chef who owns a restaurant in the Bronx, a stalwart establishment that is also a front for Dutch's less sociable activities — such as running a criminal enterprise. As ruthless and mercurial as he is affable, Dutch is Angelo's oldest friend, as well as his employer — he gives Angelo the targets for his hits. In a business as dangerous as theirs, Angelo must trust Dutch. But being trustworthy isn't one of Dutch's more dependable qualities." Imperioli is best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in the seminal HBO drama "The Sopranos." He was nominated for five Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes during his time on the series, winning the Emmy for best supporting actor in a drama in 2004. He also wrote five episodes of the series. Recently, he starred in Season 2 of "The White Lotus" at HBO, for which he earned another Emmy nomination. His other recent TV credits include "This Fool" at Hulu and "Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector" at NBC. He is repped by Gersh and Anonymous Content. "Memory of a Killer" is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment. Ed Whitmore and Tracey Malone developed the series for television and executive produce alongside Cathy Schulman of Welle Entertainment. Arthur Sarkissian and Martin Campbell are also executive producers, along with Peter Bouckaert of Eyeworks. Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Michael Imperioli Joins Fox Drama Series ‘Memory of a Killer’ Opposite Patrick Dempsey

Michael Imperioli Joins Fox Drama Series 'Memory of a Killer' Opposite Patrick Dempsey Michael Imperioli is the latest addition to t...

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Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating

Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating

NEW YORK (AP) — The jury inSean "Diddy" Combs'sex trafficking trial said Tuesday that it has reached a verdict on four of five counts against the hip-hop mogul. But the partial decision remained under wraps after jurors were told to keep deliberating because they were stuck on the top charge, racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors, Combs' defense team and Judge Arun Subramanian reasoned that after just two days of deliberations, it was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts. So rather than taking a partial verdict, Subramanian told the jury to continue weighing the remaining charge. Deliberations will continue Wednesday. The developments came late Tuesday afternoon, when the jury sent a note saying it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge because there were jurors with "unpersuadable" views on both sides. But in less than 13 hours of deliberations, the jury did reach a verdict on two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The latter concerns allegations of arranging to fly the women and sex workers across state lines. If there is a conviction, the sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The outstanding charge, racketeering conspiracy, carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. After hearing about the jury note, Combs, 55, appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point,the hip-hop mogulsolemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him. After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day. Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, "Love you" and "I'll be all right." Marshals then led him from the room. Jurors are weighing charges that Combs used his fame, wealth and violence to force two girlfriends into drug-fueledsex marathonswith male sex workers known as "freak-offs" or "hotel nights." He has pleaded not guilty.His lawyers contendprosecutors are trying to criminalize Combs' swinger lifestyle and that, if anything, his conduct amounted to domestic violence, not federal felonies. Racketeering conspiracy is the most complicated charge because it requires the jury to decide not only whether Combs ran a "racketeering enterprise," but also whether he was involved in committing such offenses as some or all of various types of offenses, such as kidnapping and arson. Earlier Tuesday, the jury asked to review critical testimony from one of the prosecution's most important witnesses: the hip-hop mogul's former longtime girlfriendCassie, the R&B singer born Casandra Ventura. The panel of eight men and four womenasked for Cassie's account of Combs beating, kicking and dragging her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 — an assault captured on now-infamoussecurity camera footage. They also asked to see Cassie's testimony about when she said Combs accused her of taking drugs from him and kicked her off their yacht at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 2013. On their way back to the U.S., she said, he threatened to release explicit videos of her having sex. In addition, the jury asked for Cassie and stripper Daniel Phillip's testimony about her jumping into his lap at a New York City hotel. Phillip testified that "she was terrified," and he suspected Combs had been slapping and slamming her around an adjacent room. Phillip testified that he told her she was in real danger. Cassie, he said, "basically tried to convince me that it was OK: 'It's OK. I'm fine, I'll be OK.'" Tuesday's court session began with the lawyers and judge considering the jury's request late Monday for clarification about what qualifies as drug distribution, an aspect of the racketeering conspiracy charge. Subramanian ultimately reminded jurors of instructions he'd already given on that part of the case. On Monday, barely an hour into deliberations, the foreperson sent a note complaining that there was one juror "who we are concerned cannot follow your Honor's instructions." In response, the judge reminded jurors of their duties to deliberate and follow his instructions on the law. At the trial, Combschose not to testify. His lawyers built their arguments for acquittal mostly through lengthy cross-examinations of dozens of prosecution witnesses.

byLiam Oneel

in

July 01, 2025

Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating

Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating NEW YORK (AP) — The jury inSean "Diddy" Comb...

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