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TOP3 Colts players returning from season-ending injuries in 2024
Three Indianapolis Colts players who missed the entire 2024 season due to significant injuries are returning for training camp and will be competing for playing time or roster spots. Defensive end Samson Ebukam, who missed 2024 with an Achilles injury suffered in training camp, was a key pass rusher in 2023 (48 pressures, team-high 9.5 sacks). He will compete with Tyquan Lewis and JT Tuimoloau for rotational snaps behind projected starters Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye. While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding recovery from an Achilles injury, GM Chris Ballard expressed confidence in Ebukam's work ethic and stated the defense missed his physicality last season. Safety Daniel Scott, a 2023 Day 3 pick, has yet to play an NFL preseason snap due to an ACL injury as a rookie and an Achilles injury in 2024. He returns to a safety group where Nick Cross and Cam Bynum are starters, but depth is inexperienced. Scott will compete with Rodney Thomas and Hunter Wohler for backup roles, potentially aided by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's scheme that often uses three safeties. Both coach Shane Steichen and GM Ballard have praised Scott's intelligence and potential, despite his lack of experience. Tight end Jelani Woods missed the 2023 season with hamstring injuries and the 2024 season after toe surgery last summer. The third-round pick possesses size and speed that could impact the passing game, particularly over the middle. He will compete with Will Mallory (who had a strong offseason) for a pass-catching role behind Tyler Warren (do-it-all) and blockers Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox, as injuries have severely limited his playing time.
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TOPTwo hospitalized with serious injuries after crash east of Lincoln
A serious crash occurred east of Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in two people being seriously injured. The collision was reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at the intersection of 148th and Adams streets. According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, a semitrailer and a passenger vehicle were involved in the crash. Two occupants of the car—an older woman and a child—sustained serious injuries and were transported to a hospital. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities closed 148th Street between Holdrege Street and Havelock Avenue following the incident. This is a developing story, with updates to be provided by Channel 8 (KLKN-TV).
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Fantasy Football: 3 rookies (and one veteran) headline breakout candidates at the RB position for 2025
With the NFL season nearing and fantasy football drafts actively underway, identifying potential breakout players is presented as a crucial strategy for success. The article emphasizes that recognizing young talent poised for a significant leap, though easier in hindsight, is key to winning fantasy championships. The author announces a series of articles over the coming week, highlighting their favorite breakout candidates for every key fantasy position. This specific article focuses exclusively on running backs as the position being analyzed. The article concludes by listing the statistical categories for which 2025 fantasy projections will be provided for the running back candidates: Carries, Rushing Yards, Rushing Touchdowns, Receptions, and Receiving Yards.
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USDA asks employees to transfer to 'critical' vacancies, suggests more cuts coming
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is asking employees to fill critical positions that were recently vacated after incentivizing staff to leave, as part of broader workforce reductions. Agency leadership informed employees that further cuts are planned, but these specific vacancies are essential for mission delivery, such as roles for soil conservationists. Since January, NRCS has reduced its workforce by nearly 2,400 employees, representing over 20% of its staff, with a hiring freeze in effect until at least October 15. The agency plans to continue reducing staffing levels to below those of December 2019 before resuming hiring, after which staffing will be capped at that December 2019 level indefinitely. This follows a USDA-wide deferred resignation program that led to about 16,000 departures, allowing employees paid leave before exiting in September. NRCS is now the second USDA component, after the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in May, to seek lateral transfers to backfill critical roles. The Supreme Court recently lifted an injunction that had blocked USDA from implementing widespread layoffs, enabling the department to proceed with workforce reductions. In discussions about internal transfer opportunities, NRCS leadership cited USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' earlier comments on "optimizing and reducing the size of its workforce to become more efficient." This includes relocating many employees out of the Washington region, consolidating redundant functions, eliminating unnecessary management layers, and offloading office space. Employees expressed skepticism and low morale, noting that the agency implied their jobs could be at risk if they do not apply for transfers, while emphasizing that transfers offer no future job protection. Few are expected to take the offers seriously unless there are personal benefits like improved work-life balance, as morale is already depleted. NRCS is focusing on filling specialist positions, but employees raised concerns that recent mass firings of newer hires and incentivized exits of experienced staff have created a gap, leaving no younger talent to replace departing workers. One employee described the transfer solicitation as a sign that initial workforce reductions were "ill-advised at best." Employees can apply for up to three critical vacancies, with decisions made by state-level NRCS officials or their deputies. However, USDA will not offer pay retention, grade increases, or relocation expenses, though it will try to match current salaries. Applicants for Washington-based roles were warned they might face mandatory relocation later. Staffing cuts have already caused operational issues, such as increased workloads—one employee now covers 10 counties instead of four—and the loss of key expertise, including Geographic Information System specialists critical for mapping-dependent tasks. This has reduced capacity for programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which helps farmers improve environmental outcomes, leading to fewer application approvals.
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Transfer Rumors: Chelsea Receive €250 Million Palmer Bid; Man Utd Plot Ekitike Swap
Manchester United have approached Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké to beat Newcastle United to his signature and are considering a player-plus-cash offer. Newcastle United, instead of pursuing Ekitiké, are preparing a €70 million bid for Real Madrid striker Endrick and are also interested in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, though his £90 million price tag is problematic. Newcastle are open to selling Alexander Isak for £120 million, a fee that could interest Liverpool. Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly ready to make a world-record €250 million bid for Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, but Chelsea have no interest in selling. Crystal Palace are open to a swap deal with Arsenal involving Eberechi Eze, preferring Leandro Trossard as part of the exchange. Nottingham Forest reported Tottenham Hotspur to the Premier League over their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White, which derailed a proposed swap deal between Forest and Manchester City involving James McAtee. Manchester United, accepting no one will meet their €25 million asking price for Jadon Sancho, are prepared to lower demands in negotiations with Juventus. Man Utd are also ahead of Everton in pursuing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz and are prepared to discuss a loan with an option to buy. Leeds United are interested in a loan deal for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García, with Brentford, Sunderland, and West Ham United also showing interest. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has turned down an approach from Bayern Munich, stating he would only leave for Real Madrid. Agent Jorge Mendes has repeatedly offered Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) to Real Madrid, but the Spanish club remains uninterested, even on a free transfer. Atlético Madrid have joined Manchester United in pursuing Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso, who Lyon might sell for around €25 million due to financial issues. Barcelona are ready to terminate Oriol Romeu's contract, with Girona looking to sign him on a free. Romeu is one of five players manager Hansi Flick is urging the club to offload, alongside Iñaki Peña, Pau Víctor, Marc-André ter Stegen, and likely Andreas Christensen.
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Drive Hockey Analytics at Player Development Combine
The United States Hockey League (USHL) has renewed its partnership with Drive Hockey Analytics for the USHL Player Development Combine taking place this week in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This collaboration brings advanced player tracking and performance analytics to the event, a key platform for identifying and developing talent. Drive Hockey Analytics will utilize its wearable sensor technology and smart arena systems to provide NHL-level performance data during the combine. The system collects objective, real-time metrics on player movement, speed, workload, and positioning, capturing details often missed by traditional scouting. USHL President Glenn Hefferan emphasized that Drive's technology adds significant depth to their Player Development Series, offering young athletes evaluation comparable to the highest levels of hockey. Following the event, each participant will receive a personalized performance report outlining their strengths, areas for development, and peer comparisons, designed to be actionable for both players and coaches. Drive COO Adam Nathwani stated their mission is to help players be seen for their on-ice performance, making elite-level feedback accessible to impact development and scouting. Drive's system has been proven reliable through deployment at numerous elite junior events, including previous USHL combines and league games.
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Michigan high school football player shot in Birmingham while trying to buy gun
A Hudsonville High School football player, Ethan Carter, was shot multiple times in Birmingham, Alabama, while attempting to purchase a gun. The incident occurred near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle just before 6 p.m. on Saturday. Police stated Carter was in the Roebuck area to meet individuals he connected with online for the gun purchase. According to investigators, Carter met with two people to buy the firearm. Instead, they robbed him, shot him multiple times in the head, neck, chest, and arm, and stole his vehicle. Carter sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. Birmingham Police confirmed that no arrests have been made at this time. They strongly urged the public to avoid purchasing firearms off the street or through social media, warning that such transactions are extremely dangerous and often result in violence, advising people to only use legal and licensed dealers. Hudsonville High School provided updates on Carter's condition. On Sunday, they reported he was conscious, had full function, and was in an Alabama trauma unit. A subsequent update from Carter's mother confirmed he would not need surgery. According to NBC affiliate WOOD-TV, Carter has since been released from the hospital and is en route back to Michigan. Carter's coach, Leonard Stephens, described him as a focused, hardworking young man who earned a scholarship to Davenport University through grit. Stephens expressed his heartbreak over the news, offering prayers and support, and expressed belief in Carter's recovery as a fighter. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the BPD Robbery Unit at 205-254-1753 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 205-254-7777.
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Penn State Football: Updated Nittany Lions Betting Odds for 2025
Penn State is positioned among the top contenders for the 2026 College Football Playoff title according to major sportsbooks, holding +750 odds at FanDuel. Only Texas (+500), Georgia (+600), and Ohio State (+600) have better national championship odds. Within the Big Ten, FanDuel lists Ohio State (+195) and Penn State (+230) as clear favorites, followed by Oregon (+330) and then Michigan (+1,000). FanDuel also provides several other key odds for Penn State: making the College Football Playoff (-185), going undefeated in the regular season (+450), winning 10 regular-season games (-320), and winning 11 regular-season games (+105). DraftKings lists Penn State as +125 to go over 10.5 regular-season wins and -150 to go under. For individual games, Penn State is a heavy 45.5-point favorite over Nevada in the season opener. They are also a 4.5-point favorite against Oregon for the "White Out" game on Sept. 27. For the Oct. 18 trip to Iowa, Penn State is a 10.5-point favorite. However, they are a 3.5-point underdog (FanDuel) or 4.5-point underdog (DraftKings) to Ohio State for their Nov. 1 matchup in Columbus. Penn State is also a 16.5-point favorite over Indiana on Nov. 8. DraftKings also places Penn State fourth nationally at +750 for the national championship (with Ohio State as the +500 favorite) and lists them as a -300 bet to make the playoffs. This optimism stems from Penn State's strong roster entering the 2025 season under head coach James Franklin. The offense returns experienced players including quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and five offensive linemen with starting experience. The defense features All-Big Ten and All-America candidates at every level, highlighted by tackle Zane Durant, end Dani Dennis-Sutton, cornerback AJ Harris, and safety Zakee Wheatley. Analyst Urban Meyer highlighted Penn State's high roster retention from last year's 13-3 team, stating fans should "watch out for Penn State" and placing them among the nation's top three rosters alongside Texas and Ohio State.
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DraftKings WNBA Pick6 Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top Plays for Sunday, 7/13/25
Charlie Cummings provides his top DraftKings WNBA Pick6 plays for the four-game slate on Sunday, July 13th. He highlights Pick6 as a unique peer-to-peer fantasy variant where users build a lineup ("Pick Set") of 2+ players, selecting whether each will have more or less than their listed stat projection, to compete for cash prizes. Cummings' first top play is Paige Bueckers (Wings) scoring more than her points projection. He cites her impressive rookie season (averaging 18.1 PPG, All-Star, ROY favorite) and a favorable matchup against a slumping Fever defense that has allowed 80+ points in three straight games. He expects her to take advantage, especially with Indiana readjusting to Caitlin Clark. His second play is Caitlin Clark (Fever) scoring less than her points projection. Despite her All-Star status, Clark has struggled since returning from leg injuries, shooting 9-for-29 and scoring only 22 total points in her last two home games. Cummings doesn't trust her to find her form immediately, even against a weak Dallas defense, viewing her projection as inflated. Cummings' third top play is Aliyah Boston (Fever) exceeding her combined Points/Rebounds/Assists (P/R/A) projection. Boston is having her best season, heading for a third All-Star appearance, and averaging career highs. She's been particularly strong recently (18.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.2 APG over last 10) and has surpassed 27.5 P/R/A in four of her last five games. He expects her to dominate against the Wings' offense. The summary explains the Pick6 process: users choose players from the same sport and Pick Group (at least two different teams), select "More" or "Less" for each player's stat, finalize their Pick Set, choose an entry fee, and enter contests. Users can track picks in real-time via the "My Picks" tab. Prizes are awarded based on correct picks and credited after contests finalize.
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Miami 2-1 Nashville (13 Jul, 2025) Game Analysis
Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 home victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, extending his MLS-record scoring streak. His performance was decisive in ending Nashville's club-record 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, marking their first loss since April 19. Messi achieved his fifth consecutive MLS match with two or more goals, setting a new league record. This win improved Inter Miami's record to 11-3-5 (38 points) and extended their unbeaten run against Nashville to 4-0-1 in their last five meetings. It also marked Miami's fifth straight MLS win overall and their third consecutive victory since being eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup on June 29. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a spectacular free-kick that bypassed Nashville's defensive wall and beat goalkeeper Joe Willis. Nashville equalized in the 49th minute when Hany Mukhtar scored his 10th goal of the season with a header off Andy Najar's cross, assisted by Patrick Yazbek. Messi then secured the win in the 62nd minute by capitalizing on a Willis error, intercepting a poor clearance with his left foot, rounding the goalkeeper, and scoring. With these goals, Messi now has 16 MLS goals this season, tying him for the league lead with Nashville's Sam Surridge. Messi has contributed to 23 goals in MLS matches and scored 22 goals across all competitions this season. Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Inter Miami visiting Cincinnati and Nashville hosting Columbus.
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San Diego 2-1 Chicago (Jul 12, 2025) Game Analysis
San Diego FC defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1 in an away match on Saturday, extending their road winning streak to four consecutive games. Anders Dreyer scored both goals for the Western Conference leaders in the first half, netting in the 8th minute and again during stoppage time just before halftime. Dreyer's opening goal came after Luca Bombino delivered a precise pass through traffic to the unmarked forward, who calmly finished from close range. His second goal resulted from a well-timed one-touch finish off a cross from Chucky Lozano, marking his 11th league goal of the season. Chicago dominated statistically with an 18-7 shot advantage but struggled to convert opportunities. Key chances included Brian Gutierrez's point-blank attempt saved in the 4th minute, another blocked shot in the 24th, and Hugo Cuypers' missed header in the 37th. The Fire finally scored in the 87th minute when Cuypers converted a corner kick, but couldn't find an equalizer despite late pressure. San Diego goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, making his first MLS start since 2023, made three crucial saves including a reactionary two-handed stop against Cuypers' point-blank header in the 84th minute. San Diego's defense also blocked seven Chicago shots throughout the match. With the victory, expansion side San Diego improves to 13-6-3 (42 points), while Chicago falls to 8-9-4 (28 points) and a 2-4-4 home record. San Diego has outscored opponents 14-8 during their four-match road winning streak.
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Fantasy Football Sleepers: Isaac Guerendo, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, MarShawn Lloyd
The article highlights the importance of late-round picks in fantasy football drafts for the 2025 season, emphasizing that while early-round stars form the foundation, undervalued sleepers selected later can provide league-winning upside. It presents expert recommendations for running backs outside the top 45 in half-PPR ADP as potential steals. Ben Wasley of The Fantasy First Down targets Isaac Guerendo, arguing that if Christian McCaffrey gets injured, Guerendo would become the San Francisco 49ers' lead back, handling 20+ touches per game with top-10 weekly scoring potential, offering unmatched upside for his draft position. Pat Fitzmaurice of FantasyPros also endorses Isaac Guerendo, noting McCaffrey's injury history and the high production of running backs in Kyle Shanahan's system. He cites Jordan Mason's performance last season (120 scrimmage yards per game before injury) as evidence but stresses that Guerendo must secure the No. 2 role over rookie Jordan James in training camp. Adam Dove of The Fantasy Couriers recommends Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick by the Washington Commanders, highlighting his size (5'11", 206 lbs), the team's unsettled backfield (no 1,000-yard rusher since 2021), and his fresh legs from limited college play. He suggests Croskey-Merritt could gain a larger role by the fantasy playoffs, making him a valuable late-round stash. Jared Smola of Draft Sharks identifies MarShawn Lloyd as a steal, noting that despite an injury-plagued rookie year, he has a clear path to the No. 2 role behind Josh Jacobs in Green Bay. Smola points out Lloyd's potential as a high-upside handcuff and possible standalone value in Matt LaFleur's committee-friendly system.
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Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira full fight video highlights
The UFC Nashville main event featured a heavyweight bout between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira on July 12th at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The fight aired live on ESPN and ESPN+. Derrick Lewis secured a dramatic first-round knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira. Early in the round, Teixeira landed a punch that hurt Lewis, causing significant trouble. However, Lewis responded with a powerful counter shot that knocked Teixeira down. Lewis immediately followed up with ground strikes, overwhelming Teixeira and forcing the referee stoppage. Following his knockout win, Lewis performed his legendary celebration. He also made a quick call to the president after his TKO victory.
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It's almost that time of year! | Camcorder highlights, behind the scenes & more from 2024
The Los Angeles Rams released camcorder footage on July 12, 2025, allowing fans to relive the team's best moments from the 2024 season, including game highlights and behind-the-scenes content from popular podcasts. On June 22, 2025, the Rams celebrated the birthday of former quarterback and Super Bowl XXXIV champion Kurt Warner by sharing highlights from his career with the team. On June 6, 2025, several Rams players, including tight end Terrance Ferguson, wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, inside linebacker Pooh Paul, running back Jarquez Hunter, outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart, and defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, were featured attempting to build a ram structure from blocks. On May 29, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams surprised members of their 2025 rookie class with video messages from friends and family; reactions from players like tight end Terrance Ferguson and outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart were shared. The Rams celebrated the birthday of team legend Vince Ferragamo on April 24, 2025, by releasing highlights showcasing his career with the franchise. On April 10, 2025, Los Angeles Rams players, including outside linebacker Jared Verse and offensive lineman Steve Avila, received a sneak peek at the return of Call of Duty: Warzone and Verdansk. Prior to the Los Angeles Rams' Week 18 game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 6, 2025, Ricky Hollywood conducted interviews with young Rams fans.
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'We’re making the playoffs': Ingram ready for statement season with Raptors
Brandon Ingram, now with the Toronto Raptors, is determined to reestablish himself as a top NBA player after injuries and disappointing seasons sidelined him. As a former No. 2 overall draft pick, Los Angeles Laker, and All-Star, he fell off the radar following a high-ankle sprain that limited him to just 18 games last season, none since his trade to the Raptors in February. Ingram, healthy again, aims to showcase his full skill set as the offensive focal point, emphasizing playmaking, movement without the ball, three-point shooting, and competitiveness. His quiet confidence resonates with Raptors fans, who hope he can deliver on his talent, which includes career averages of at least 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over the past six seasons, with a 37.2% three-point shooting rate. However, durability remains a significant risk, as he has averaged only 51 games per season during that span. The Raptors accepted this gamble by trading for him and signing him to a $120 million, three-year contract extension. After months of recovery—which Ingram described as unexpectedly challenging due to severe swelling—he was cleared for full 5-on-5 play in July. He credits the Raptors' training staff for their support and is now optimistic about the team's playoff chances, despite low external expectations, such as an over-under win total of 32.5 for the upcoming season. Ingram confidently predicts a playoff berth, highlighting the team's hard-playing defensive identity and his intention to help build "championship habits" by establishing a cohesive offensive identity without disrupting their existing effort.
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The changes NHL should be looking at to fix its broken playoffs
The Wimbledon men's singles final features a highly anticipated matchup between top-seeded Jannik Sinner and second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, fulfilling a dream scenario predicted since the tournament's start. Comparatively, the last Stanley Cup Final between teams with the NHL's two best regular-season records occurred 36 years ago in 1989, when first-seeded Calgary defeated second-seeded Montreal in six games. Since that season, the NHL's top regular-season team has reached the final only 10 times across 36 tournaments, while the second-best team advanced just five times. Furthermore, both top-ranked teams simultaneously reached the conference finals (semifinals) in only six of those 36 tournaments. This rarity is attributed partly to frequent playoff upsets—illustrated by Coco Gauff's early Wimbledon exit—and partly to the NHL's playoff bracket format implemented in 2014.
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FC Dallas transfer Leó Chú to Portugal's FC Alverca
FC Dallas announced on Saturday that they have transferred forward Leó Chú to Portuguese top-flight club FC Alverca. The 25-year-old Brazilian forward spent half a season with Dallas after being acquired in January, as part of a trade that sent Jesús Ferreira to Seattle Sounders FC. Chú made four appearances for Dallas, scoring one goal, and previously joined Seattle in August 2021 from Brazilian club Grêmio, completing four total seasons in MLS. FC Alverca, the receiving club, recently earned promotion to Liga Portugal and is co-owned by Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinicius Junior.
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Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Interested in Rodrygo; Real Madrid Consider Vinicius Jr Sale
Manchester United are reportedly major admirers of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and are seeking another attacking signing after their pursuit of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. They are also among several clubs, including Atlético Madrid and Juventus, ready to meet Sporting CP's demands for striker Viktor Gyökeres if he becomes available. Arsenal and Chelsea have both inquired about Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó, with Manchester United also showing interest. Chelsea are additionally linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose contract expires soon with no extension progress. Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké but face a potential €100 million asking price. Flamengo right-back Wesley is in advanced talks with Roma, though Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly trying to intervene. Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha and have reportedly made contact; Fulham, West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Brighton & Hove Albion are also interested in the player. Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe have opened talks with Aston Villa regarding winger Leon Bailey. Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to sell Vinicius Junior this summer for €150 million, fueled by frustrations over his form and concerns about his incompatibility with Kylian Mbappé; the club would choose Mbappé over Vinicius. Barcelona have identified AC Milan's Rafael Leão as their alternative target if they cannot sign Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, with RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa as a further option; Barcelona sporting director Deco is reportedly unconvinced by the value of a Rashford move. Real Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konaté and are ready to pay Liverpool's €50 million asking price immediately.
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After strong '24 Draft, Blue Jays seeking top talent with No. 8 pick
The Toronto Blue Jays hold the No. 8 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, aiming to bolster their farm system amid recent momentum. Due to signing Anthony Santander in the offseason, they sacrificed their second-round pick and must maximize their $10,314,600 bonus pool (20th in MLB). The draft will occur on July 13 (Rounds 1-3) and July 14 (Rounds 4-20), led by amateur scouting director Marc Tramuta. Tramuta emphasizes targeting athletic, versatile players, particularly shortstops capable of playing multiple positions like second base, third base, or center field to enhance their path to the majors. Regarding pitching, he reflects on past tendencies with the Mets to prioritize right-handers but now values "big, physical" athletes who throw strikes with multiple pitches, referencing 2023 draftees Trey Yesavage, Khal Stephen, and Johnny King. The Blue Jays are increasing collaboration between their draft and player development teams, soliciting advance input on prospect development plans to inform strategy. Tramuta stresses this synergy builds organizational continuity, contrasting with practices from 10–20 years ago. Last year’s top pick, right-hander Trey Yesavage (No. 20), has excelled with a 3.19 ERA and 111 strikeouts over 67.2 innings, potentially reaching Triple-A by late 2025. Third-round left-hander Johnny King, 18, has emerged as a breakout prospect with a 1.86 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 29 innings. Tramuta aims to finalize draft decisions early to avoid signability pressures but acknowledges money and patience factor in. He cites Mark Vientos—a 2017 Mets draft pick who succeeded in 2024—as evidence that development timelines vary. The No. 8 selection will join a rising system rather than needing to "save" it outright.
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Minnesota Lynx waive Alissa Pili, their 2024 first-round draft pick
The Minnesota Lynx waived forward Alissa Pili on Saturday, just before the WNBA's July 13 cutdown deadline. This deadline is significant because after Sunday, teams can no longer waive players on unprotected contracts without absorbing their full salaries for the season. This rule includes rookie contracts, which don't become fully guaranteed until a player's fourth WNBA season. Pili, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Utah, had signed a three-year deal with the Lynx. In 15 games this season, she averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game. Waiving Pili provides the Lynx with roster flexibility. This move is particularly important as elite Belgian forward Emma Meesseman is expected to return to the WNBA. Meesseman, widely regarded as the best player not currently on a WNBA roster, recently led Belgium to the EuroBasket championship and was named tournament MVP. She has existing ties to the Lynx organization, having played overseas with Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, and being coached by current Lynx associate head coach Eric Thibault. Collier publicly expressed strong support for signing Meesseman, calling her a perfect fit and stating her addition would significantly boost the Lynx's championship chances. Meesseman, a two-time All-Star and 2019 Finals MVP, last played in the WNBA in 2022. Her arrival would strengthen the Lynx, who currently lead the WNBA standings.
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Teach First job applicants will get in-person interviews after more apply using AI
One of the UK's largest recruiters, Teach First, is accelerating a shift towards more frequent face-to-face assessments in its graduate recruitment process. This move is a direct response to the increasing reliance of university graduates on artificial intelligence (AI) for job applications. Teach First, a charity placing graduates in teaching roles, plans to move away from predominantly written assignments, where AI can provide hidden assistance, to assessments involving practical tasks like delivering "micro lessons" to assessors. This acceleration comes as data from graduate employment specialist Bright Network reveals a significant rise in AI usage for job applications, increasing from 38% last year to 50% (half) of candidates this year. Patrick Dempsey, Teach First's Executive Director for Programme Talent, confirmed a near-30% increase in applications this year compared to the same period last year, attributing part of this surge to AI enabling graduates to apply for multiple jobs simultaneously more easily. Dempsey noted that while much AI use goes undetected, tell-tale signs like applicants accidentally leaving ChatGPT signatures in their answers lead to rejections. Bright Network, a leading organisation connecting graduates to employers, corroborated the finding that half of graduates and undergraduates now use AI for applications. Their head of digital platform, Kirsten Barnes, stated employers are reporting a "surge" in application volumes, facilitated by AI tools allowing candidates of all ages to apply for numerous roles more easily. In response to this trend, more than a quarter of companies surveyed plan to set guidelines for AI usage in job applications in time for the next recruitment season. This rise in AI-assisted applications coincides with increased competition and downward pressure in the graduate and junior jobs market.
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Watch as Rick Springfield calls out TV host for yawning during live interview: ‘Am I boring you?’
During an appearance on the TODAY show on Thursday, July 10, 2025, 80s rock star Rick Springfield noticed host Craig Melvin seemingly yawning while he was discussing his hit song "Jessie's Girl". Springfield stopped speaking mid-sentence and directly asked Melvin, "Am I boring you?" Melvin quickly laughed, repeatedly denied the suggestion, apologized, and claimed he was actually coughing rather than yawning. Springfield then lightened the moment by joking, "It’s early, don’t worry about it, I’ll yawn too." His response diffused the potential awkwardness, and the entire show panel laughed.
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AI job recruiters used by top companies despite glitches
A Canadian marketing professional and influencer, Wafa Shafiq, experienced an unexpected encounter during her job search. After applying online around midnight for a Marketing Specialist II role at a retirement plan company, she received an immediate email response from "Alex." Shafiq completed screening questions and scheduled an interview with Alex for the next day. Shafiq later discovered through online research that Alex was not a human recruiter but an AI talent recruiting agent developed by the company Apriora. This revealed she was interacting with technology capable of interviewing candidates via text, phone, and video calls. The article notes that such AI talent acquisition agents are already being utilized or tested by major brands, including the Boston Red Sox, Zillow, Chipotle, Ace Hardware, Sears Home Services, Club Pilates, and McDonald's. The use of this technology has rapidly scaled to some of the world's largest companies. However, this rapid adoption is occurring despite documented problems. Viral videos have shown glitches with the technology, and a security vulnerability was identified that potentially exposed applicants' personal data to hackers.
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“I didn’t realise how good” – Colwill names “amazing” Chelsea player who’s shocked him at Club World Cup
Levi Colwill has expressed surprise at the quality of new Chelsea signing Joao Pedro, admitting he "didn’t realise how good the Brazilian actually was." Colwill is currently preparing with the squad for the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain and is available for selection after serving a suspension for the semi-final. Chelsea's performance has improved as the tournament progressed, significantly boosted by their new signings. Liam Delap impressed and scored his first goal for the club, while Joao Pedro, registered for the knockout phase, has made an immediate impact. Pedro, signed from Brighton for up to £60m, impressed as a substitute on his debut against Palmeiras. With Delap suspended for the semi-final against Fluminense, Pedro then "stole the show," scoring two brilliant goals to secure Chelsea's place in the final. Colwill confirmed his admiration for Pedro's instant impact, stating directly: "I think he’s an amazing player."
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3 Best MLB Player Prop Bets for Friday 7/11/25
The article highlights appealing MLB player props based on projections, focusing on Jackson Chourio's potential against pitcher Mitchell Parker. Chourio has recorded two or more total bases in 23 of his last 44 games, positioning him as a strong candidate for success in this matchup. Mitchell Parker's pitching metrics present significant vulnerabilities. He carries a 4.72 ERA and concerning underlying indicators: a 5.39 expected ERA (xERA), a 4.97 expected Fielding Independent Pitching (xFIP), a 5.00 Skill-Interactive ERA (SIERA), and a career-low 15.6% strikeout rate. His 4.97 xFIP ranks as the third-worst among eligible major league starters. Furthermore, Parker has allowed 36 hits over his last five starts, spanning 26.1 innings. The matchup favors Chourio specifically because of his strong performance against left-handed pitchers this season, combined with Parker's demonstrated struggles. This combination makes Chourio's player prop appealing for the game.
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Guardians hope to capitalize with 5 Draft picks on Day 1
The Cleveland Guardians are preparing for the 2025 MLB Draft, scheduled for Sunday, July 13 (Rounds 1-3) and Monday, July 14 (Rounds 4-20) in Atlanta. The team holds five selections on the first day alone, tied for the second-most and including the No. 27 overall pick in the first round and the No. 70 pick in Competitive Balance Round B (acquired from Arizona). Guardians vice president of scouting Paul Gillispie emphasized this presents a "really good opportunity to add talent" with five picks in the top 101. He noted the draft's overall depth this year stands out relative to past seasons, providing many good options for both position players and pitchers at high school and college levels, which is beneficial given their high number of early picks. Regarding draft strategy, Gillispie stated the general approach with the first pick is to select the best player available, as teams typically focus on acquiring the best talent group regardless of position due to varying developmental timelines. Positional need is considered later in the draft to ensure players get playing opportunities. MLB Pipeline's mock draft suggests the Guardians could select Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad, noting college hitters like Conrad and Tennessee's Andrew Fischer are frequently linked to them. The article provides context: last year, the Guardians selected Travis Bazzana first overall. Historically, their first selections in recent drafts have alternated between high school players (2019, 2020, 2023) and college players (2021, 2022). Last year, after Bazzana, they used 16 of their final 20 picks on pitchers. Gillispie acknowledged the condensed two-day schedule (down from three days in recent years) requires extra preparation for the team.
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George Kittle makes interesting comparison in assessment of 49ers’ 2025 draft class
George Kittle sees parallels between the San Francisco 49ers' current rookie class and his own 2017 draft class, expecting the new players to contribute significantly right away, similar to how his class was relied upon early. He expressed this during the '49ers Talk' podcast, stating the coaching staff expects the whole draft class to play and perform at a high level in their rookie year. Kittle's selection in the fifth round of the 2017 draft was pivotal for the Shanahan-Lynch regime, transforming what might otherwise be viewed as a failed class into a crucial one due to his sustained success as a franchise cornerstone. The 49ers now hope their 2025 draft class will be similarly transformational following encouraging signs from their 2024 picks. Rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West are anticipated to have substantial roles on the defensive line, while third-round selections Nick Martin and Upton Stout could potentially start at WILL linebacker and nickel cornerback, respectively, indicating they will likely see significant playing time immediately. However, the 49ers hope the parallels end there, needing the 2025 class to achieve greater collective success than the 2017 group. Beyond Kittle and sixth-round defensive tackle D.J. Jones (who excelled before leaving in 2021), the 2017 draft was marred by busts like first-rounders Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster, a reach in third-round quarterback C.J. Beathard, and limited long-term contribution from fifth-round receiver Trent Taylor. For the 2025 draft to set the team up for sustained contention, the 49ers require several members of the class to thrive, not just one standout like Kittle. They specifically need at least one of Alfred Collins or CJ West to excel as a defensive tackle, similar to D.J. Jones. Kittle emphasized the role of the veteran foundation (spanning D-line, linebackers, tight ends, running back, quarterbacks, and offensive line) in upholding standards and rapidly preparing the rookies. He praised coach Kyle Shanahan's methods, like move-the-ball periods, for creating game-like practice situations to accelerate the rookies' acclimation, hoping the pressure to adapt quickly will produce valuable players ("gems") from this class.
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