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Japan Claims AFC Women’s Asian Cup Title Victory Over Hosts Australia

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Japan 1-0 Matildas

SYDNEY — Japan edged hosts Australia 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final on Saturday, March 21, 2026, securing their third continental crown and denying the Matildas a home triumph in front of a record crowd at Stadium Australia.

Japan 1-0 Matildas
Japan 1-0 Matildas

Maika Hamano’s 17th-minute goal proved decisive in the tightly contested match, as Nadeshiko Japan defended resiliently to hold off late pressure from the Matildas. The result marked Japan’s second consecutive Asian Cup title — their first back-to-back wins since the 2014 and 2018 editions — and extended their dominance in the tournament, where they have now won three of the last five finals against Australia.

A crowd of 74,397 — the largest ever for a women’s football match in Australia — packed Stadium Australia, creating an electric atmosphere despite the heartbreak for the home side. South Korean referee Kim Yu-jeong officiated the high-stakes clash, which qualified both finalists for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Brazil, with additional World Cup berths awarded to semifinalists.

Japan, ranked No. 1 in the world by FIFA entering the tournament, entered as favorites after dismantling South Korea 4-1 in the semifinals. Riko Ueki led the Golden Boot race with six goals, though Hamano’s clinical finish in the final stole the headlines. The midfielder latched onto a precise through ball, evading defenders before slotting past goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.

Australia, coached by Joe Montemurro, fought valiantly but struggled to convert chances. Captain Sam Kerr, who scored crucial goals en route to the final including the winner against China in the semifinals, tested Japan’s backline repeatedly but found no breakthrough. The Matildas’ campaign ended in familiar disappointment against Japan, echoing defeats in the 2014 and 2018 finals — both also 1-0 losses.

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Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda praised his team’s composure under pressure. “We knew Australia would come hard, especially at home,” he said post-match. “Our focus on possession and quick transitions paid off. This victory is for every Japanese player who has built this legacy.”

Montemurro acknowledged the gap but highlighted progress. “Japan are the benchmark right now,” he told reporters. “We created opportunities but couldn’t finish. The crowd was incredible, and we’ll use this as fuel for the World Cup.”

The tournament, hosted across Sydney, Perth and other venues from March 1-21, set attendance records and showcased Asia’s rising talent. Japan topped Group C unbeaten, scoring 17 goals without conceding, while Australia navigated a tough Group A as runners-up before surging through knockouts with wins over DPR Korea and China.

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Key moments included Japan’s clinical semifinal display against South Korea, where Ueki, Hamano and Saki Kumagai scored, and Australia’s gritty 2-1 semifinal victory over China, powered by Kerr’s late strike. The final lived up to hype as a clash of styles: Japan’s technical precision against Australia’s physicality and set-piece threat.

Japan’s triumph extends their regional supremacy, with three titles in the last decade. The win also boosts confidence ahead of the 2027 World Cup, where they aim to improve on their 2011 world championship.

For Australia, the loss stings but highlights growth. The Matildas, world No. 4, drew massive local support and advanced deeper than expected despite pre-tournament injury concerns. Kerr’s form and emerging talents like Courtney Nevin signal promise for future campaigns.

The match capped a successful tournament for the AFC, with strong crowds, competitive play and increased global visibility for women’s football in Asia. Japan lift the trophy as deserving champions, while Australia reflect on a valiant effort that fell just short.

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As celebrations echoed in Sydney, Nadeshiko Japan began preparations for their next challenge, carrying continental pride into the global spotlight.

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Elon Musk offers to pay TSA salaries amid budget battle, airport lineups

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Elon Musk offers to pay TSA salaries amid budget battle, airport lineups


Elon Musk offers to pay TSA salaries amid budget battle, airport lineups

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Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports

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Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports

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Trump threatens to put ICE agents in airports over funding impasse

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Trump threatens to put ICE agents in airports over funding impasse


Trump threatens to put ICE agents in airports over funding impasse

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Exclusive-Bahrain cites Patriot interception in March 9 Iranian drone incident

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Exclusive-Bahrain cites Patriot interception in March 9 Iranian drone incident


Exclusive-Bahrain cites Patriot interception in March 9 Iranian drone incident

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Tom Brady Drafts Rob Gronkowski and Ashton Jeanty

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Tom Brady -NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Seattle Seahawks

LOS ANGELES — Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion now retired, assembled a formidable squad for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic, drafting longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski, rising star Ashton Jeanty and veteran playmaker Stefon Diggs among others in a star-studded draft held March 19, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Tom Brady -NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Seattle Seahawks

The event, set for Saturday, March 21, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, features three 12-player teams competing in a round-robin tournament followed by a championship game. Brady co-captains Team Founders FFC alongside Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton leading the squad and Robert Saleh serving as defensive specialist.

The draft results, announced Wednesday and widely shared across sports media, highlight Brady’s strategic picks blending NFL talent, former teammates and crossover athletes. His full Team Founders roster includes:

– Tom Brady (QB, retired)
– Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
– Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders)
– Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints)
– Rob Gronkowski (TE, retired)
– Antoine Winfield Jr. (DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
– DeVonta Smith (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
– Stefon Diggs (WR, free agent)
– Von Miller (LB, free agent)
– Damar Hamlin (DB, free agent)
– Patrick Peterson (DB, retired)
– Terence Crawford (ATH, boxer)

Brady’s selections emphasize proven winners and versatility. Gronkowski, his frequent target during Super Bowl runs with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reunites for flag football after years of speculation. Jeanty, the dynamic Raiders rookie known for explosive speed, adds youth and athleticism to the backfield alongside Kamara’s elusive style. Diggs and Smith provide elite receiving threats, while defensive standouts like Winfield Jr., Miller, Hamlin and Peterson bolster the back end. Crawford, a boxing champion, brings crossover appeal and physicality as an athlete.

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The opposing Wildcats FFC, captained by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (coached by San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan), features a mix of current stars and veterans: Saquon Barkley (RB), Kyle Juszczyk (RB), Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Davante Adams (WR), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Derwin James Jr. (DB), Luke Kuechly (LB), Jalen Ramsey (DB), Logan Paul (ATH) and IShowSpeed (ATH).

A third team, the U.S. men’s national flag football squad, rounds out the competition with established flag specialists like QB Darrell “Housh” Doucette III and DB/WR Aamir Brown.

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, backed by the sports merchandise giant, aims to blend NFL talent with celebrity draw ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut in 2028. The event includes a four-game round-robin starting at 1 p.m. PT Saturday, with the top two teams advancing to the title game. Broadcast details and streaming options are expected via Fanatics platforms and partners.

Brady’s involvement has generated significant buzz, especially after recent verbal exchanges with Logan Paul (on the Wildcats roster), adding a promotional edge. The draft emphasized entertainment and competition, with captains selecting from a pool of NFL players, retired stars and non-football athletes.

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Analysts praised Brady’s team for balance: elite quarterbacks, dynamic skill players and veteran defense. Gronkowski’s return alongside his former QB fuels nostalgia, while Jeanty’s inclusion highlights emerging talent. The event tests flag football’s appeal as a faster, less-contact alternative, potentially boosting its visibility.

With rosters locked and the tournament hours away, anticipation builds for on-field matchups featuring future Hall of Famers, current Pro Bowlers and crossover stars. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic could serve as a blueprint for future celebrity-flag events.

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India Gold Market Update: Volatility Softens Demand

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India Gold Market Update: Volatility Softens Demand

The World Gold Council is the market development organization for the gold industry. Our purpose is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold, provide industry leadership, and be the global authority on the gold market. We are a unique organization that delivers tangible benefits to the gold industry. We are an active force within the market, working with a large and diverse set of partners to create access, drive innovation and stimulate demand, while providing a collective voice for our members. We provide insights into the international gold markets, helping people to understand the investment qualities of gold and its role in meeting the social and environmental needs of society. For more information visit www.gold.org.

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(VIDEO) Police Bodycam Video Released from Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Arrest

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Police Bodycam Video Released from Justin Timberlake's 2024 DWI Arrest

Police body camera footage from Justin Timberlake’s June 2024 drunken driving arrest in the Hamptons was released to the media Friday, March 20, 2026, after an agreement between Sag Harbor officials and the singer’s attorneys allowed redacted portions to be made public.

The video, obtained and published by outlets including TMZ, ABC7 New York and CBS New York, shows Timberlake performing field sobriety tests after being pulled over for allegedly running a stop sign and veering out of his lane. Officers suspected impairment, and the footage captures the 44-year-old singer struggling with tasks requiring him to walk a straight line and stand on one leg.

Police Bodycam Video Released from Justin Timberlake's 2024 DWI Arrest
Police Bodycam Video Released from Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Arrest

At one point, Timberlake tells officers, “These are like really hard tests,” and mentions his heart is “racing.” The video also includes moments from his booking at the Sag Harbor Police Department, where he interacts with officers and appears unsteady during balance evaluations. A friend reportedly referenced Timberlake’s *NSYNC background during the encounter, though details remain limited in the released clips.

Timberlake was arrested on June 18, 2024, after police observed erratic driving in Sag Harbor, a village on Long Island’s South Fork. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. In a subsequent plea deal, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired by alcohol, avoiding a trial. The outcome included a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service and a temporary driver’s license suspension.

The release of the footage comes nearly two years after the incident and follows legal negotiations. Timberlake’s attorneys and village officials reached an agreement for redactions to protect privacy and comply with disclosure rules, though the exact nature of the edits has not been detailed publicly. Sag Harbor Police confirmed the video’s authenticity and noted it was released voluntarily under the accord.

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The footage has circulated widely online, with clips shared on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X drawing millions of views and comments. Many observers noted Timberlake’s apparent difficulty with the tests, while others criticized the handling of the arrest or questioned the delay in public release. Public reaction has been mixed, with some fans defending the singer and others expressing disappointment over the incident.

Timberlake has not issued a new statement since the plea deal in 2024, when he apologized and said he accepted responsibility. The singer, known for hits with *NSYNC and solo work including “Cry Me a River” and “Mirrors,” has maintained a lower public profile in recent years amid family life and selective performances.

The Sag Harbor case drew national attention due to Timberlake’s celebrity status and the high-profile nature of DWI enforcement in the affluent Hamptons area. No further charges or related incidents have been reported since the plea.

As the bodycam video spreads, it renews focus on celebrity accountability in traffic offenses and the role of police transparency in high-profile cases. The footage serves as a visual record of the arrest that previously relied on police reports and court documents.

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Timberlake continues professional commitments, including music and acting projects, though no immediate impact from the released video has been confirmed. The incident remains a notable chapter in his public life as he navigates career and personal matters.

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Sunstone Hotel: Locking In Attractive Yields With Its Preferred Stock (NYSE:SHO)

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Sunstone Hotel: Locking In Attractive Yields With Its Preferred Stock (NYSE:SHO)

This article was written by

The Investment Doctor is a financial writer, highlighting European small-caps with a 5-7 year investment horizon. He strongly believes a portfolio should consist of a mixture of dividend and growth stocks.
He is the leader of the investment group European Small Cap Ideas which offers exclusive access to actionable research on appealing Europe-focused investment opportunities not found elsewhere. The a focus is on high-quality ideas in the small-cap space, with emphasis on capital gains and dividend income for continuous cash flow. Features include: two model portfolios – the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, weekly updates, educational content to learn more about the European investing opportunities, and an active chat room to discuss the latest developments of the portfolio holdings. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SHO.PR.I either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

I also have a long position in SHO.PR.H. No position in SHO’s common stock

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Under-Display Face ID, Variable Aperture Camera and Record Battery Life Expected

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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are shaping up as major upgrades when they launch in September 2026, with leaks pointing to under-display Face ID, a variable aperture main camera, a record-breaking battery and the A20 Pro chip built on advanced 2nm process technology.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max

The premium models will debut alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone in the fall, while the standard iPhone 18 and lower-end variants shift to spring 2027. Production testing for the iPhone 18 Pro series reportedly began in late 2025, with trial manufacturing underway by February 2026, signaling a timeline on track for the traditional September event.

A key highlight is the rumored shift to under-display Face ID, eliminating the Dynamic Island pill on Pro models. Multiple sources, including supply chain reports from South Korea and Chinese leakers like Digital Chat Station, indicate Samsung-supplied LTPO+ OLED panels will embed infrared Face ID sensors beneath the screen. This leaves only a punch-hole front camera (potentially shifted slightly left) visible, creating a cleaner, more seamless display. The redesign could shrink the visible cutout significantly compared to the iPhone 17 series, while maintaining full Face ID functionality and security.

Display sizes are expected to remain similar: around 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, with LTPO+ technology enabling higher refresh rates at lower power draw for improved efficiency and battery life.

Camera upgrades dominate speculation. Leaks suggest the 48-megapixel Fusion main sensor gains variable aperture, allowing users to adjust depth of field and light intake dynamically — a first for iPhone — offering greater creative control in photos, especially portraits and low-light shots. The telephoto lens could see a wider aperture than the current f/2.8, enhancing zoom performance and subject isolation. Additional rumors mention refined Camera Control hardware (version 2.0) and potential new color options like deep red, brown, purple or burgundy to refresh the aesthetic.

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Battery capacity is another major rumored leap. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a 5,000mAh+ cell — possibly 5,100-5,200mAh depending on SIM configuration — delivering up to 40 hours of usage on a single charge, shattering previous iPhone records. This stems from internal space optimizations, including eSIM-only models in some regions freeing room for larger cells, combined with the power-efficient A20 Pro chip.

The A20 Pro processor, fabricated on a 2nm process (likely by TSMC), promises substantial gains in speed, efficiency and thermal management over the A19 series. Paired with an in-house C2 or N2 modem for improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular performance, the chip should enable smoother multitasking, enhanced Apple Intelligence features and longer endurance.

Design remains evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The rear camera plateau and overall form factor are expected to carry over from the iPhone 17 Pro, with minor refinements like a more unified two-tone look or slightly thicker, heavier build for some models. No major redesign is anticipated until a potential 20th-anniversary overhaul in 2027.

Pricing is projected to hold steady at $1,099 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max, though global economic factors and component costs could influence final figures. The foldable companion, rumored at around $1,999-$2,399, may reshape perceptions of premium pricing.

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As trial production advances and supply chain chatter intensifies, the iPhone 18 Pro series appears poised to deliver meaningful upgrades in photography, battery life and display tech without dramatic overhauls. With the foldable iPhone entering the mix, Apple’s fall 2026 lineup could mark one of its most ambitious in years, balancing familiarity with forward-looking innovation.

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Oil Shocks Could Continue to Rattle the Market As Iran War Rages On

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Oil Shocks Could Continue to Rattle the Market As Iran War Rages On

Oil Shocks Could Continue to Rattle the Market As Iran War Rages On

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