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Fantasy Basketball News - Advice, Stats, Sleepers, Rankings and more - The Athletic

More StoriesDarius Garland to make Clippers debut Monday at WarriorsGarland was held out Sunday with the Clippers hosting the Pelicans, the first of an 18-game March schedule for Los Angeles.Law Murray13Warriors' Steph Curry making 'progress' in return, will be re-evaluated in 10 daysThe Golden State star has been dealing with runner's knee for over a month and has not participated in a game since Jan. 30.Nick Friedell98Fantasy basketball hot topics: Memphis' minutes crunch, Jonathan Kuminga's Atlanta debutStan Son addresses fantasy-relevant NBA news, including Memphis' minutes share, injuries and who to target on waivers. Stan Son9How the Celtics built the NBA's best offense — without Jayson TatumNo Tatum, no problem. Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics have figured out a way to outsmart the rest of the NBA. Esfandiar Baraheni11SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisementWarriors' Draymond Green, Kristaps Porziņģis out vs. NuggetsPorziņģis was declared out with an undisclosed illness earlier Sunday. Green was scratched before the opening tip with a lower back issue.Nick Friedell47Bulls' Zach Collins to undergo season-ending toe surgery; Jaden Ivey out 2 weeksCollins appeared in only 10 games this season after undergoing a procedure for a fractured wrist in October.Joel Lorenzi12Fantasy basketball hot topics of the week: Managing matchups and injuries for the

Fantasy Football News - Advice, Stats, Sleepers, Rankings and more - The Athletic

More StoriesBrowns coach Todd Monken on QB competition: 'It's my job to let it play out'Deshaun Watson and second-year QB Shedeur Sanders are expected to compete to be Cleveland's Week 1 starter for the 2026 season. Zac Jackson39Fantasy football rookie takeaways: Is Sadiq the next Brock Bowers? Is Love overvalued?Michael Salfino assesses the NFL landing spots and early ADP for the top rookies in fantasy football 2026.Michael Salfino35Worst draft ever? 2026 fantasy football dynasty mock draft features few blue chipsDalton Del Don mocks three rounds of a 2026 dynasty rookie-only Superflex fantasy football draft.Dalton Del Don112026 fantasy football rankings: Post NFL Draft updateNow that we know where the rookies will be playing next season, Jake Ciely updates his fantasy football rankings for the 2026 campaign.Jake Ciely15SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAdvertisement2026 dynasty fantasy football rankings and rookie-only ranksWith the 2026 NFL Draft over, Jake Ciely offers his dynasty and rookie-only fantasy football rankings.Jake Ciely65Fantasy football winners, losers, best fits from the 2026 NFL DraftThe 2026 NFL Draft dust has settled! Jake Ciely shares his top rookie and veteran fantasy winners and losers. Jake Ciely44Mendoza's TDs, Love's rushing yards and other NFL rookie predictions after NFL DraftSportsbooks have thoughts on how the NFL's rookies will

U.S. Politics

Donald TrumpJD VanceCongressU.S. Supreme Court2026 Midterm ElectionsHighlightsU.S. to Withdraw 5,000 Troops From Germany, Pentagon SaysOfficials announced the decision after President Trump expressed annoyance with the German chancellor’s remarks about the Iran war. By Julian E. Barnes and CreditSean Gallup/Getty ImagesTrump’s Plans to Boost Weapons Production Might Not Deliver for YearsWhile the defense industry has announced plans to make more munitions, much of that expanded production will not quickly kick in. By Helene Cooper and Eric SchmittCreditAndrew Caballero-Reynolds/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesA Midterm Clash of A.I. Giants Escalates as a Tech Billionaire Jumps InChris Larsen, who hails from California, plans to spend $3.5 million to help Alex Bores, a New York congressional candidate at the center of a proxy war over A.I. regulation. By Shane Goldmacher and Nicholas FandosCreditCayce Clifford for The New York TimesNews AnalysisComey Indictment Shows Justice Dept. Got the Message From Bondi’s FiringIn naming only an interim successor as acting attorney general, President Trump has established even greater incentives to execute his most extreme demands, current and former officials say. By Glenn ThrushCreditNathan Howard/ReutersAdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTLatestSearch

Pregnancy

HighlightsScientists Pinpoint Cause of Severe Morning SicknessThe discovery could lead to better treatments for severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. By CreditAlamyHow to Be a Supportive Partner During Pregnancy (and Beyond)The research is resoundingly clear: A strong mate is good for everyone involved, including the baby. By David HowardCreditRoberts RuransCan’t Sleep While Pregnant?Certain hormonal changes, along with other pregnancy-related discomforts can sink a good night’s sleep. Here’s how to snooze more soundly. By Hallie LevineCreditAna GalvañPregnancy Pains Got You Down? Read ThisMost cases of pain during pregnancy aren’t an emergency and can be managed, though there are some warning signs to watch out for. By Rachel Rabkin PeachmanCreditRachel LevitAdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTLatestSearchDesperately Seeking SurrogatesVaccine debates, pandemic parenting and general burnout have converged to create yet another shortage in the United States: of women willing to carry other people’s babies to term.By Danielle BraffWhat’s in Your Prenatal Vitamin?Doctors recommend them before, during and even after a pregnancy. But regulation is spotty and finding the right pill can be hard.By Julia Rosen

Trump Says He Is Reviewing Iran’s Latest Offer but Doubts It Is Acceptable

AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe comments came one day after Mr. Trump flatly rejected the proposal. He later clarified he was only briefed on the “concept of the deal.”Listen · 4:00 min President Trump said Saturday he was reviewing Iran’s latest proposal but said he “can’t imagine that it would be acceptable.”Credit...Tom Brenner for The New York TimesMay 2, 2026, 8:33 p.m. ETThe cease-fire between the United States and Iran remained in limbo after President Trump said Saturday evening on social media that he was reviewing Iran’s latest proposal but “can’t imagine that it would be acceptable.”The comments came one day after Mr. Trump had flatly said he was “not satisfied” with the latest offer from Iran, which Iranian state media said was sent to Pakistani mediators on Thursday evening. But on Saturday evening, the president clarified to reporters that he had only been briefed on the “concept of the deal” and had not seen the details.“They’re going to give me the exact wording now,” he said, just before boarding an airplane in Palm Beach, Florida.In the post on Truth Social, Mr. Trump cast doubt that the latest proposal would satisfy him, asserting that Iran has “not yet paid a big enough price

Nico Hoerner exits with neck tightness as Cubs continue their winning ways

CHICAGO — As the Chicago Cubs wait for the bullpen to get healthy, their position players have been carrying the load. But while nothing severe seems to be popping up, that group has been taking some dings of late as well. The most recent came in Friday’s 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks when Nico Hoerner was pinch hit for in the bottom of the second.It was later announced that Hoerner exited with “left-sided neck tightness.” Hoerner, who doubled to lead off the first inning, was shown on the local broadcast wincing in discomfort as he strolled into second.“Kind of left side of his neck, trap, tightened up right before the game as he was warming up,” manager Craig Counsell said. “It got worse on the swing and the run around the bases. He tried to go out there in the second, and he couldn’t throw, just couldn’t move his neck at all. It’s a muscle thing. We’ll see how he’s doing tomorrow. … It may be a day or two, but I think it’ll be fine after that.”Hoerner said he didn’t feel anything Thursday or Friday morning when he came to the park. When he was doing his normal

Big Ten schools receive record $1.37 billion from 2024-25 fiscal year

The Big Ten surpassed its previous high mark for revenue by $540 million. Luke Hales / Getty ImagesMay 1, 2026Updated 7:22 pm EDTThe Big Ten generated nearly $1.47 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year and distributed $1.37 billion to its 18 members, the league announced Friday.Revenue surged $540 million above the conference’s previous high, and the league disbursed $490 million more to its schools in fiscal 2025 than in the previous year. The total distribution was $340 million higher than what the Southeastern Conference ($1.03 billion) announced in February. For perspective, the Big 12 reported $460 million in overall revenue in its most recent available tax return.The league’s 55 percent revenue increase stemmed from several factors. It marked the league’s first 18-member season, its first full year under the Big Ten’s media rights agreement — which brought in more than $1 billion — and coincided with the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Four Big Ten teams qualified, two advanced to the semifinals, and Ohio State won the tournament.Sixteen of the league’s schools are fully vested members and received full shares, but their total amounts varied by CFP participation. Ohio State secured $91.55 million, Penn State earned $88.9 million, and Indiana

Eric Swalwell Was Proficient in Social Media. So Were His Accusers.

Swalwell Used Social Media to Build His Career. His Accusers Used It to Warn Others.Eric Swalwell used social media to boost his image and meet women, accusers said. Some of those same women used apps and influencers to join forces years later.Eric Swalwell in 2019, during a brief run for president. Last month, he left office after sexual misconduct allegations.Credit...Doug Mills/The New York TimesSwalwell Used Social Media to Build His Career. His Accusers Used It to Warn Others.Eric Swalwell used social media to boost his image and meet women, accusers said. Some of those same women used apps and influencers to join forces years later.Eric Swalwell in 2019, during a brief run for president. Last month, he left office after sexual misconduct allegations.Credit...Doug Mills/The New York TimesListen · 12:14 min By Madison Malone KircherMadison Malone Kircher has reported on internet culture and social media for over a decade.May 1, 2026Eric Swalwell was once hailed as “the Snapchat king of Congress” for his prolific use of the app with disappearing messages.Mr. Swalwell had developed a reputation as a digital native, a person who seemed to have a deep understanding of how to harness the power of social media.In the end, social

Drag racer Shawn Langdon hits 345 mph to set NHRA speed record

A new drag racing king took the crown for the fastest speed in NHRA history on Friday.Former Top Fuel world champion Shawn Langdon hit 345.00 mph in a qualifying run at South Georgia Motorsports Park, finishing the 1,000-foot track in 3.724 seconds. Driver Brittany Force set the previous record of 343.51 mph in Indianapolis last year. 345 mph!! WATCH @ShawnLangdon333 throws down the FASTEST pass in NHRA history! #SouthernNats • @TeamKalitta pic.twitter.com/yQI0WJgBjC — NHRA (@NHRA) May 1, 2026NHRA was making its debut at the track when Langdon broke the record in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster.“To see that (345 mph) pop up on the scoreboard, I think it was special for the guys. I was happy for them, especially Brian (Husen, Langdon’s crew chief),” Langdon told RACER following the run. “We were able to do that (in) testing, and some people had different ideas on what they thought, if it was legit or not. We kind of talked about it, and Brian was like, ‘Well, we’ll just do it in the season to prove it was legit.’ “… I knew it was on a good run, but I was actually a little surprised because you don’t really notice the mile

DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges over Lions fan altercation, prosecutors say

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges related to his mid-game altercation with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field in December.Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office, which handles Detroit-related criminal cases, said in a statement Friday that it is declining a request for an arrest warrant after an “extensive review.” It noted that investigators interviewed everyone involved, including Ford Field security personnel and other fans who witnessed the confrontation.Video of the incident showed Metcalf snatching Lions fan Ryan Kennedy by his jersey while Kennedy was in the stands. Metcalf said at the time that Kennedy shouted something at him, but did not say what. Worthy’s office confirmed Metcalf’s account, describing Kennedy’s behavior as “heckling.”“As Mr. Metcalf approached the stands, there was a brief interaction where Mr. Metcalf grabbed his shirt and pushed him back,” the statement said. “The fan did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game.”While no criminal charges will be filed, Metcalf still faces a $100 million civil lawsuit filed by Kennedy.“We applaud the decision (of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office) and are thankful for the hard work and thorough investigation that led to this just

Jed Ortmeyer out as New York Rangers director of player development: Source

Jed Ortmeyer spent the previous nine seasons in the role following an eight-year playing career, which included three years with the Rangers. David Kirouac / Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesMay 1, 2026Updated 5:55 pm EDTJed Ortmeyer is out as New York Rangers director of player development, according to a league source.The 47-year-old spent the previous nine seasons in the role following an eight-year playing career, which included three years with the Rangers.The change comes following a second straight season without the playoffs for New York, which finished last in the Eastern Conference in 2025-26 and holds the third-best odds for the No. 1 overall pick in Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.The Rangers had a spotty development history well before their recent downturn, with many of their draft picks failing to live up to expectations. They totaled nine first-round selections from 2017 — the first year of Ortmeyer’s tenure — to 2021, with only two remaining in the franchise: Alexis Lafrenière (No. 1 in 2020) and Braden Schneider (No. 19 in 2020). The majority were eventually traded for diminished value after struggling to reach their potential in New York. This past season featured a few development wins from the middle rounds, most

Diego Pavia, Lardarius Webb Jr. head Ravens’ class of undrafted free agents

At the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie minicamp last year, the coaching staff got its first glimpse of four unheralded players who they’d learn plenty about in the coming months.The Ravens’ roster was touted as one of the deepest in the league, so there wasn’t expected to be much, if any, room for undrafted players. Yet, four months later, three members of the undrafted free-agent class, inside linebacker Jay Higgins, cornerback Keyon Martin and safety Reuben Lowery, made the regular-season roster. Martin did it after he initially wasn’t part of the team’s initial college free-agent class and needed a successful tryout at the rookie minicamp to stick.A fourth undrafted free agent, safety Keondre Jackson, ultimately was added to the 53-man roster around midseason and became one of the team’s most impactful special teams players.The Ravens take the undrafted free-agent process very seriously, and for good reason. They’ve repeatedly found gems who go on to become key players. At least one undrafted free agent has made the season-opening roster in 21 of the past 22 years.Who will it be this year? A look at the Ravens’ 19-player college free-agent class:The headlinersNick Dawkins, C, Penn State: Dawkins reunites with former Penn State teammate Vega

Leeds 3 Burnley 1 – Are they safe? Is Stach their player of the year? Why was Radrizzani back?

Leeds United are almost certain to be playing Premier League football next season after beating visitors Burnley 3-1 to move to 43 points.Friday’s win lifts them above Newcastle United into 14th place and opens up a gap of nine points to third-bottom Spurs, who have four games left and play away to Aston Villa on Sunday.Leeds dominated the first half and took the lead after just eight minutes when Anton Stach surprised goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with a shot from 25 yards. It was Stach’s fourth goal of the season from outside the box, joint-most in the Premier League.Two goals in four minutes early in the second half from Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put Leeds in full control, despite Loum Tchaouna’s late consolation, and within touching distance of safety with a trip to Spurs next a week on Monday.The Athletic’s Phil Hay breaks down the key talking points at Elland Road.Are Leeds now safe?Mathematically, no, but here are a couple of telling stats for you: no Premier League club have ever been relegated with 43 points, their current tally, in a 38-game season. West Ham United went down with 42 in 2002-03, but that’s the only time this century that

Colts decline Anthony Richardson Sr.’s fifth-year option amid QB’s trade request: Source

The Indianapolis Colts declined the fifth-year option on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.’s rookie contract, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Friday. The Colts had until Friday to exercise Richardson’s fifth-year option that would have paid the 2023 No. 4 pick a fully guaranteed $22.5 million in 2027, per Over the Cap. Now, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next year.FOX59 was first to report that the Colts declined Richardson’s fifth-year option.Three QBs were selected in the first round in 2023: No. 1 pick Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans and Richardson. Richardson is the only one who did not have his fifth-year option picked up.The Colts’ decision to decline the fifth-year option on Richardson’s contract was expected, which further signals that his tumultuous tenure with the franchise is likely coming to an end. It’s just a matter of when. The 23-year-old requested a trade in February after three underwhelming seasons in Indianapolis, but the Colts have been unable to strike a deal.Richardson was limited to 15 starts (8-7) through his first two years with the Colts due to injuries, inaccuracy and immaturity. He lost the starting job

USL, players reach agreement on new CBA: Key details of new deal

The USL and USL Players Association reached a tentative agreement on the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday night.The two sides issued a joint statement calling the agreement, “a significant step forward for the league and its players, reflecting a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game and the advancement of professional standards.”The two sides had gone back and forth publicly as they approached the deadline of the previous CBA. USL players protested at the start of games in the first week of the season — at one point threatening to strike — as they fought for higher minimum salaries, better housing options and guaranteed health insurance, among other issues. They have played on without any work stoppage.Sources briefed of the deal that spoke to The Athletic but were not authorized to speak publicly until it was ratified, said the sides reached common ground in all of those areas. The agreement will span five years, through the end of 2030, with an option for a sixth year, pending agreements surrounding group insurance. The minimum salary will go up to $42,000 for players in the second-division USL Championship in 2026, with entry-level contracts at $34,000 for

2026 World Snooker Championship breaks record with ‘bizarre’ 100-minute frame

The record for the longest frame ever played at the World Snooker Championship was broken in a surreal semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize on Friday.The 14th frame was eventually won by Wu after 1 hour and 40 minutes, eclipsing the previous record of 85 minutes set by Yan Bingtao and Mark Selby in 2022. The frame included a 55-minute stretch where no ball was potted.The World Snooker Championship is held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, with semi-finals being best of 33 frames and held over three days. Wu, 22, raced into a 6-2 lead on Thursday, though Allen, 40, won five straight frames on Friday to take the lead.What followed was a strange set of proceedings where the black ball blocked the bottom-right corner pocket and both players played red balls as close as possible to the black without potting it in order to avoid a foul and seven points being awarded to their opponent. Eight reds ended up surrounding the black, leading to a stalemate (a red ball must be potted before attempting to pot a coloured ball), prompting sarcastic cheers and applause from a normally hushed crowd.Eight reds surrounded the black at the right

Miami GP circus guide. Plus: Kimi Antonelli’s cool demeanor

Prime Tire Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s F1 newsletter. Sign up here to receive Prime Tire directly in your inbox twice a week during the season and weekly in the offseason.Welcome back to Prime Tire, where today I am going to eat a $100 hot dog at the Miami Grand Prix. More on if I survive — and if the finance department doesn’t censor me — to come in Tuesday’s edition.I’m Patrick, and Madeline Coleman will be along shortly. Let’s go. But first, if you haven’t already, please fill out our F1 fan survey!Also, enjoy this no-context photo of F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli, snapped by Madeline.New Regs: And first stress test at Miami GPThe FIA announced a set of rule tweaks before Miami, covering four areas: ERS deployment Qualifying energy limits Race start systems The closing-speed problem that produced Ollie Bearman’s 50G-force crash at Suzuka The goal is less lift-and-coast, less yo-yo racing, fewer moments where a driver accidentally overtakes someone because the battery had things to do. It’s something.And also, depending on your driver of choice: “a tickle” (said by Max Verstappen), “not really much different on the sim” (Lewis Hamilton) and “a step in the right

Who has the edge in Wild vs. Avalanche? Breaking down a titanic, conference-final worthy showdown

You thought the Minnesota Wild-Dallas Stars series was a heavyweight bout between Western Conference titans?Buckle up. The upcoming second-round matchup between the Wild and the Colorado Avalanche might even top it.The NHL playoff format, fair or not, has given us back-to-back conference final-worthy showdowns. And the Wild know what they’re getting into here against the Presidents’ Trophy winners.“They were the best team in the league,” Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes said of the Avalanche. “It’s going to be a really hard series.”“You go through second place, now you’ve got to go through first place,” Wild winger Marcus Foligno said. “Another big battle, and we’re mentally ready for it.”There’s plenty of starpower here, from Hughes, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov for the Wild to Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Martin Nečas for the Avs. Colorado has a core that’s been there, done that, having won the Stanley Cup in 2022, while this is Minnesota’s first foray into the second round in a decade.How does it all break down? What should we expect? Here’s a primer.What’s one matchup you’re looking forward to?Baugh: I’ll steal an obvious one. Watching Makar and Hughes go head-to-head should be exhilarating. Each had seasons worthy of Norris consideration, and

Evgeni Malkin wants one more NHL season, even if it’s not with the Penguins

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Three years ago, Evgeni Malkin told The Athletic he couldn’t retire until he returned to the Stanley Cup playoffs with Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and the Pittsburgh Penguins.It just happened, thanks in part to Malkin’s bounce-back season. So, is he satisfied?“Now I want more,” Malkin said at the Penguins’ locker room cleanup day on Friday.And so begins Malkin’s summer. A franchise icon and surefire Hockey Hall of Famer who turns 40 in July, the center-turned-winger also becomes an unrestricted free agent that month.What happens next?“I want to play in the NHL,” Malkin said. “It’s not easy for Kyle (Dubas, Penguins president/general manager). Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it’s a business. He wants maybe (a) new team, new faces here.”Malkin said he’d like nothing more than to return for another year alongside his close friends, Crosby and Letang.“These two are special guys,” he said. “I hope we play together one more year. If not, we’ve had a great 20 years together. I’ll never forget it.”Playing in the postseason again, Malkin said, was a thrill.“It’s a different emotion when you play in the playoffs,” he said. “The fans were crazy. First game against Philly, in

Who is to blame for the Giants’ hilariously incompetent start to the season?

There was no way to pick just one example of the San Francisco Giants giving themselves a wedgie on Thursday and hanging themselves on a flagpole. They did it seemingly every inning, 19 of them in total. Andrew Baggarly has the full, excruciating recap here, and it reads like “Mr. Bean: The Novel.” You’ve watched bad Giants teams before, but you’ve never watched one this bumbling.When a team is this much of an outlier or an extreme, it’s only natural to point fingers. It’s also necessary at this point. This is the kind of bumbling that needs to be identified and quarantined as quickly as possible. Nobody is immune to speculation. Everyone gets a flashlight in the face and a direct question: What did you have to do with all this darned bumbling?The manager will receive a lot of the criticism, and Tony Vitello has done plenty to earn it. Strategically, he manages like someone who hasn’t absorbed a lot of Major League Baseball over the last couple of decades. Apparently, the difference between college and the majors is more analogous to the differences between Italian and Spanish than the ones between American English and British English. It’s not a

NHL’s young talent driving a power shift in Stanley Cup playoffs’ first round

Red Light newsletter 🏒 | This is The Athletic’s hockey newsletter. Sign up here to receive Red Light directly in your inbox.Good morning, hockey folks. We had two massive Game 6 eliminations last night — with potentially three more tonight.In all, five teams have now moved on to Round 2, sending five others home. Tons to get into as the first round could end … tonight!Let’s go.Changing of the guardTwo of the best playoff teams of the past few seasons are done early, with the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers getting bounced last night. It really does feel like a big year for shifting the balance of power in the NHL, with young teams having success all season.And, hey, Buffalo and Montreal can add to that tonight. More on that in a moment. First, a few words for the dearly departed …Matt Boldy and the Wild finally broke through. (David Berding / Getty Images)Game 6: Wild 5, Stars 2Minnesota wins series 4-2The Stars had the third-best record in the NHL with 112 points this season and had been to the conference finals three years in a row, so this is a bitter pill for one of the league’s best-run clubs.

Always a Runner wins Kentucky Oaks 2026: Live updates and reaction from Churchill Downs

liveUpdated 2h agoAlways a Runner surged late to win the 152nd running of the “Run for the Lilies” ahead of tomorrow’s Kentucky DerbyThe Athletic Live Team and moreMay 1, 2026 at 9:53 PM EDTAlways a Runner won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks Getty ImagesAlways a Runner wins 2026 Kentucky OaksAlways a Runner has won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, as the race was run in prime time for the first time. Meaning finished second, followed by Counting Stars.Explora took the early lead and gave way to Dazzling Dame on the backstretch before Explora regained the lead on the turn and led coming down the frontstretch.But Meaning challenged Explora before Always a Runner came down the outside for the win. Jockey Jose L. Ortiz earned his fifth win of the day, while trainer Chad C. Brown earned his first Kentucky Oaks win.Share your views and predictions for tomorrow's Kentucky Derby with us at live@theathletic.com.How history informs the Kentucky Derby Through the years, the Kentucky Derby has become a race of analytics and statistics as each horse is hyper-analyzed with bettors attempting to gain any possible advantage in finding value. The question becomes: What factors

How Lando Norris took F1 Miami GP sprint pole ahead of Kimi Antonelli

liveUpdated 6h agoThe Formula 1 season got back underway in Miami with McLaren closing the gap to Mercedes.The Athletic Live TeamMay 1, 2026 at 6:55 PM EDTLando Norris denied Mercedes pole for the first time this season. Getty ImagesMiami 2026 sprint race grid is setAfter a five-week hiatus, Formula 1 is back as the season resumes in Miami.McLaren’s Lando Norris took pole position in sprint qualifying today, finishing ahead of Mercedes’ championship leader Kimi Antonelli with the second McLaren of Oscar Piastri third. In the earlier 90-minute free practice session, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led the way (1:29.310), followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Piastri. Tomorrow sees the sprint race around Miami International Autodrome followed by qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix. Share your views: live@theathletic.comMiami sprint race: Provisional grid This is going to be a belter tomorrow. Here is the starting grid as it stands for tomorrow’s sprint race around Miami.1: LANDO NORRIS (McLaren) > 2: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 3: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) > 4: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 5: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) > 6: George Russell (Mercedes) 7: Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) > 8: Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 9: Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) > 10: Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 11: Bortoleto (Audi)

What we heard around college football this spring: Optimism in Alabama, Miami reloads and more

While Alabama fans ponder whether it was prudent to give head coach Kalen DeBoer a contract extension with a raise after the Crimson Tide went 20-8 in his first two seasons as Nick Saban’s replacement, there is plenty of optimism inside the program.Coaches are especially excited about the direction of the defense. The Tide have gotten bigger on that side of the ball, and we’re told it now looks more like what Alabama had been accustomed to under Saban, especially on the interior of the line. Last year, the starting lineup just wasn’t bulky, ranking in the SEC’s bottom four in height and weight. This season, coaches expect to rank in the upper half of the conference.USC transfer Devan Thompkins (6-5, 300 pounds) turned heads in the spring, looking even better than some in Tuscaloosa were expecting. He brings physicality on a level the Tide have lacked at times over the past two seasons.“He really had a good spring,” DeBoer, whose new deal is worth a total of $87.5 million over seven years, told The Athletic this week. “He’s very versatile. He can play inside and outside. He can get that push in the pocket with his strength but also

Alexander Blockx, Madrid Open semifinalist, is ready for a bigger tennis court in every sense

MADRID — Jannik Sinner issued a warning Wednesday evening for everyone swept up by Rafael Jódar, the 19-year-old Spanish rocket ship who had just put him through two hours of stress at the Madrid Open.“Especially this tournament here, very young players are coming through,” he said. “We cannot forget also about Blockx, for example. He’s a bit under the radar, but he is an incredible player. Everyone is improving, so you need always to be in the present moment.”Less than 24 hours later, Blockx, first name Alexander, overpowered Casper Ruud, the defending champion and French Open finalist, 6-4, 6-4, and it wasn’t really that close.Blockx, a 6-foot-4 inch Belgian from Antwerp, is just 21. It’s hard to imagine many people had the world No. 69 making the semifinals on their draw ahead of the tournament. Blockx sure didn’t.“I never had too much confidence on clay in the last couple of years, but I think I cannot say that anymore with the results I’m doing,” Blockx said during an interview Thursday following his win.He had some good results on the ATP Challenger Tour earlier this year, winning two events and making the semis of another. All were on hard courts.He made

Who Is Ahead in Maryland's 6th Congressional District?

2026 Poll Tracker Louisiana SenateMaine SenateCalif. Gov.Ga. Senate Maryland Sixth Congressional District 2026: Latest Polls Updated May 2, 2026 Democratic primary polls Primaries will be held on June 23. Caroline SolerPolling researcher Republicans are entering the 2026 midterms with a 218-214 majority in the House, with three seats currently vacant. All 435 seats are up for election, but the Cook Political Report rates only 18 of them as tossups and another 18 as leaning toward one party, meaning the vast majority of seats are not expected to change hands. To retake the majority, Democrats would most likely need to hold all of their solid and likely seats, sweep those leaning their way, and flip at least seven of the 18 tossups — a narrow but possible path given that the party out of power typically gains ground in the midterms. Redistricting and retirements add further uncertainty. At least 50 incumbents — a majority of whom are Republicans — are not seeking re-election, but most are in seats that are not expected to be competitive. Attempts to redraw district maps by both parties are at various stages of completion, and face significant challenges, so the number of competitive seats could shift

Who Is Ahead in Maryland's 5th Congressional District?

2026 Poll Tracker Louisiana SenateMaine SenateCalif. Gov.Ga. Senate Maryland Fifth Congressional District 2026: Latest Polls Updated May 2, 2026 Democratic primary polls Primaries will be held on June 23. Caroline SolerPolling researcher Republicans are entering the 2026 midterms with a 218-214 majority in the House, with three seats currently vacant. All 435 seats are up for election, but the Cook Political Report rates only 18 of them as tossups and another 18 as leaning toward one party, meaning the vast majority of seats are not expected to change hands. To retake the majority, Democrats would most likely need to hold all of their solid and likely seats, sweep those leaning their way, and flip at least seven of the 18 tossups — a narrow but possible path given that the party out of power typically gains ground in the midterms. Redistricting and retirements add further uncertainty. At least 50 incumbents — a majority of whom are Republicans — are not seeking re-election, but most are in seats that are not expected to be competitive. Attempts to redraw district maps by both parties are at various stages of completion, and face significant challenges, so the number of competitive seats could shift

4 Medications That May Increase Dementia Risk

AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTExperts have flagged several over-the-counter and prescription medications.Credit...Lorena SpurioApril 22, 2026If you look inside your medicine cabinet, there’s likely some good news and bad news when it comes to brain health. A few common medications, like statins or drugs to treat high blood pressure, appear to help lower the risk for dementia. But others, including some you can buy over the counter, may increase the risk.Most of the research conducted has been observational, so it’s possible that factors other than the medications could explain the association with dementia. (Remember, correlation doesn’t always equal causation.) But there are a few drugs that experts think could be negatively affecting brain health more directly.AntihistaminesThe class of medications with perhaps the most evidence of raising dementia risk are called anticholinergics. They work by blocking the activity of the neurochemical acetylcholine, which is important for attention and memory.Antihistamines, which are used as allergy medications and over-the-counter sleep aids, are one of the most common types. Other varieties are prescribed to treat depression and bladder issues, among other things.In the short term, anticholinergics can cause drowsiness and memory impairment. In the long term, several studies suggest they can increase dementia risk by roughly 50 percent.The

‘It is going to be something very strange – a Copa del Rey final between La Real and Athletic should have been a great party for Basque football’

“It is difficult to put myself inside the head of one of the players,” Andoni Zubizarreta tells The Athletic. “A Copa del Rey final means so much. The game itself, but also the build-up, the fans, the flags, the noise, the stadium, the families, the travelling. All that is the final — not just the 90 minutes — and all that is not going to be there this year. The players will just go to their hotel, stay within their ‘bubbles’ and then play a game in an empty stadium. So predicting what will happen without all that is very difficult.”Zubizarreta knows the full experience very well, having kept goal in five Copa del Rey finals — winning three, including the 1983-84 edition, when Athletic Bilbao last lifted the trophy. That victory was followed by two million fans lining the banks of the Nervion river as Zubizarreta and his team-mates floated through Bilbao city centre on the mythic Gabarra barge.Athletic and Basque neighbours Real Sociedad reaching the 2019-20 Copa final sparked ideas of similar celebrations among both sets of fans and an immediate scramble for tickets for the first ever cup final between the two clubs after more than 100