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Every word Michael Carrick said ahead of Brighton vs Manchester United fixture

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Bruno Fernandes returned to Manchester United with a bee in his bonnet last summer. The captain was back for pre-season and threw himself into training, but some around the club felt you could see that what had happened a few weeks earlier was still in the back of his mind.

It was an inauspicious start to what has turned out to be Fernandes’ greatest ever season. His masterpiece began with the nagging feeling that United actually wanted him to go to Saudi Arabia at the end of the 2024/25 season, and eventually, he went public with that view in a bombshell interview in Portugal in December. It is a view that has some sympathy around the club, whatever the public claims.

At that stage of the season, Fernandes was still being recast as a deep-lying midfielder under Ruben Amorim, and when the interview was carried out, he had five assists in the Premier League. It didn’t look then like 2025/26 would end with the 31-year-old etching his name into Premier League folklore.

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Caldwell leads balanced Lynx to rout of expansion Tempo

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MINNEAPOLIS — Reserve Maya Caldwell led a balanced attack with 16 points and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Toronto Tempo 100-72 on Thursday night.

It was the worst loss for the expansion Tempo, who fell to 3-3 after winning their previous two. Toronto’s other two losses were by three and four points. Minnesota’s first four games were decided by a total of 16 points.

Courtney Williams scored 15 points, rookie Olivia Miles had 14 and Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride each had 13 for the Lynx (3-2).

Kia Nurse led Toronto with 23 points off the bench and rookie Kiki Rice added 11. Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey, who combine for more than 45 points a game — both reached 30 in a win over Phoenix on Sunday — were held to nine. Each picked up a pair of fouls in the first quarter.

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The Lynx shot 55 per cent, had a 46-25 rebounding advantage and outscored the Tempo 42-24 in the paint. Minnesota went 10 of 24 behind the arc.

The Tempo shot 34 per cent. They made 12 3-pointers but only shot 29 per cent from distance.

The Lynx went on a 9-0 run and raced to a 27-14 lead after one quarter. Not much changed in the second quarter and the Lynx led 53-32 at halftime.

The Lynx stretched the lead to 76-50 after three quarters.

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Tempo: Host fellow expansion team Portland on Saturday.

Lynx: At Chicago on Saturday.

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Logan Paul gets big backing from Vision stablemate

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Austin Theory and Logan Paul have one of their biggest tests as world tag team champions this weekend as they defend their titles against The Street Profits at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Theory and Paul are members of The Vision – the top faction on “Monday Night Raw” featuring the future of the WWE. Bron Breakker may be the in-ring leader of the group as he made a thunderous return to the roster at WrestleMania 42 and then defeated Seth Rollins at Backlash. Theory and Paul are the ones with the gold while Paul Heyman is the mouthpiece for the next generation of superstars.

With the tag team title around his waist, Paul has now held gold twice in WWE since making his debut with the company in 2021. Paul has the tools that any pro wrestler dreams of – the athletic prowess in the ring coupled with immense heat from the crowd along with his skills on the mic.

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Theory told Fox News Digital that Paul’s rise in the WWE has made it tougher for any outsider to come in and have success, suggesting the YouTube sensation has set the bar enormously high.

Austin Theory and Logan Paul speaking during WWE Backlash event in Tampa, Florida

Austin Theory and Logan Paul speak during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

LOGAN PAUL’S JAW-DROPPING SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT WOW FANS AT WWE MONEY IN THE BANK

“I say with Logan Paul, with his athletic ability and his skills in wrestling and how he’s been able to just develop it so quick,” he said. “It’s impressive to me – somebody who’s wanted to be in WWE since I was eight, started training at 18, signed with the WWE at 22 and took that longer path. But I have to give Logan his respect. This is a dude, as a young kid, started with YouTube and streaming and pretty much – dude created YouTube. He put it on the map, his whole streaming thing.

“Kind of both of us building our dreams in different ways and kind of meeting in the middle. I just think he kinda just messed it up for everybody on the outside that wants to come into WWE and thinks like, ‘Oh wow, this is easy. Like, I can pick up a mic and talk trash and I can do these cool moves off the ropes like Logan Paul,’ but you can’t. There’s an art to it. Logan Paul is exceptional on the mic. In the ring, he does things even highflyers we have in WWE couldn’t even do. He’s just a phenomenal athlete. When it comes to me and Logan Paul, we’re freaks of nature. That’s why I say we’re gonna motivate everybody this Saturday at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Fort Wayne.”

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The Vision, which also includes an injured Bronson Reed, is under the tutelage of Heyman, who has been a “wiseman” and an “advocate” for many young talents in WWE.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Theory had the utmost confidence that Heyman was sending him and his stablemates in the right direction.

World Tag Team Champion Austin Theory entering arena at Greensboro Coliseum Complex

World Tag Team Champion Austin Theory enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, N.C., on May 18, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

“With Paul Heyman, you know, this history with him having Brock Lesnar, having Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins – you know, before he realized he was a loser,” he said. “Paul Heyman, man, he’s the ‘wiseman.’ I think anything that comes out of his mouth is gold and especially kind of molding The Vision and sending us in the right direction. I couldn’t ask for more. It’s just sitting under the knowledge tree of history. He’s from back in the 80s to present day. The dude’s done it all. I’m very grateful for the wiseman, Paul Heyman.”

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Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins will challenge for the tag titles. The two returned to “Monday Night Raw” after WrestleMania 42 after a prolonged absence.

Theory gave them credit where credit is due. They are three-time WWE tag champions and won the tag titles at NXT and Evolve. However, Theory made clear that Ford and Dawkins are running into “the greatest tag team champions of the world.”

“Well, the Street Profits. They’ve been in the WWE a very long time,” he said. “Feels like too long, like 60 years. I do realize every time I have a title, they’re around, which makes sense because they’re irrelevant and I’m relevant. But not to push them too low down, they’re very athletic, they have a great resume. But it’s just that comparison to Austin Theory and Logan Paul – The Vision. The greatest tag team champions of the world, of the universe. You can’t really compare.

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Austin Theory and Logan Paul standing with Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman at Greensboro Coliseum Complex

World Tag Team Champions Austin Theory and Logan Paul stand alongside Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman during Monday Night RAW at Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, N.C., on May 18, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

“Unfortunately, yes, I said unfortunately, the show is in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I look at this match as more of a big motivational moment for those people because they’re gonna see two guys that don’t look like anybody from Fort Wayne. We look like freaking superheroes. We’re really there to inspire everybody and then after the match, get the hell out of there.”

Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place Saturday in Fort Wayne, Indiana, much to Theory’s chagrin. And, it’s a loaded card.

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Aside from the tag team title match, read below for how the rest of the card looks.

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  • Paige and Brie Bella (c) vs. Nia Jax and Lash Legend for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.
  • Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca.
  • Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.
  • Penta (c) vs. Ethan Page for the Intercontinental Championship.

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IPL 2026 Playoff Qualification Scenarios: With 4 matches to go, what RR, PBKS, KKR and DC need to grab final spot – paths for each team explained | Cricket News

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IPL 2026 Playoff Qualification Scenarios: With 4 matches to go, what RR, PBKS, KKR and DC need to grab final spot - paths for each team explained
RR frontrunner for the final playoff spot (Pic credit: IPL)

The race for the final IPL 2026 playoff spot is down to four teams after Gujarat Titans crushed Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs in Ahmedabad to officially eliminate CSK from contention and almost seal a top-two finish for themselves.Three teams who are already confirmed for the playoffs are Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, while the fight for the last remaining berth is now between Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.

GT almost lock in top-two finish, RCB and SRH battle for remaining spot

GT’s emphatic win took them to 18 points with an NRR of +0.695, but it was still not enough to overtake table-toppers’ RCB’s NRR. RCB take on SRH today for their last league game and they only need to avoid a massive defeat against SRH in Hyderabad to maintain their top spot. A win will take them to 20 points and punch their ticket for Qualifier 1. However, SRH have everything to play for despite their qualification. To leapfrog GT and secure a place in Qualifier 1 (top-two finish), they would need an extraordinary margin of victory against RCB. If they bat first, they will likely need to win by around 87-89 runs, depending on RCB’s first innings total being between 180-240. If chasing, they may need to hunt down targets in under 12 overs.

RR frontrunner for the final playoff spot

RR remain favourites to grab the final playoff berth. Currently on 14 points with one game remaining against eliminated MI on Sunday, RR know a victory at Wankhede will seal qualification on 16 points, because none of the remaining teams in contention can reach 16 points. Their position is strengthened by the schedule. By the time RR take the field against MI on Sunday afternoon, they will already know the outcomes of LSG vs PBKS, with PBKS being their closest competitor for the final playoff spot. The ideal scenario for RR is straightforward:

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  • Beat MI
  • PBKS lose to LSG
  • DC beat KKR

The danger for RR is their modest NRR of +0.083. A heavy defeat to MI combined with wins for PBKS or KKR could still complicate matters. In that scenario, RR will be stuck at 14 points, with PBKS and KKR moving 15 and superior NRR among the two teams deciding the final playoff spot. RR’s loss will be beneficial for both KKR and DC as they would know exactly what they have to do to claim the final spot in the last league fixture of IPL 2026.

PBKS need to beat LSG and hope RR stumble

PBKS are still alive despite five straight defeats. A win over already-eliminated LSG would take PBKS to 15 points, a total that could yet be enough for fourth place. That will make Sunday’s two fixtures virtual knockouts for both RR and KKR. However, PBKS’ biggest hope is MI upsetting RR. If RR win and move to 16, PBKS can no longer finish above them.If PBKS win, and RR lose, then Punjab Kings will closely watch KKR vs DC. Since those two teams face each other directly, a KKR win will complicate matters for PBKS, but a win for DC would mean PBKS will be through. PBKS do at least possess a healthy NRR advantage over RR and KKR, meaning ties on points could still favour them.Their equation:

  • Beat LSG
  • Hope RR lose to MI
  • Hope DC beat KKR

KKR face virtual knockout against DC

KKR kept themselves alive by beating MI earlier in the week and now sit on 13 points with one game remaining. Their final league clash against DC has effectively become a knockout game.A win takes KKR to 15 points and keeps them alive. A defeat eliminates them.But even if KKR beat DC, they still need RR to lose against MI. If RR win and reach 16, KKR cannot catch them.KKR would also prefer PBKS to lose against LSG because PBKS reaching 15 would likely bring NRR into the picture.The positive for KKR is that their NRR has finally turned positive at +0.011 after the MI victory, giving them at least a fighting chance in a tie on points.Their equation:

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  • Hope PBKS lose to LSG
  • Hope RR lose to MI
  • Beat DC

DC hanging by a thread

DC remain mathematically alive but probably have the toughest task. Their NRR of -0.871 is comfortably the worst among the contenders, meaning ties on points are unlikely to help them.To stay alive, DC must beat KKR in the final league game. That takes them to 14 points.But even then, they would still need: RR to lose to MI and PBKS to lose to LSGEven under that scenario, DC could still require a major NRR swing depending on margins.In reality, DC likely need:

  • A big win over KKR
  • RR to lose heavily
  • PBKS to lose

Anything short of that probably ends their campaign.

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Sun, Storm meet in rubber game of season series

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WNBA: Connecticut Sun at Seattle StormMay 20, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Nell Angloma (33) and forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) celebrate with guard Kennedy Burke (25) after Burke scored a basket to take the lead with 2.8 second left in the game against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

One might have thought the Connecticut Sun won more than their first game of the season on Wednesday.

The Sun (1-5) doused coach Rachid Meziane with water in the locker room following an 80-78 victory in Seattle that snapped a five-game losing streak.

The teams are scheduled to meet again Friday night in Seattle.

Kennedy Burke converted a three-point play with 2.8 seconds remaining as the Sun won without 10-time All-Star center Brittney Griner, who was sidelined with a right rib injury.

“We won this game because we played with a lot of pride,” Meziane said. “… We didn’t panic, even when Seattle came back in the game, and when they were up. We stayed locked in and very focused on the moment.”

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The Storm (1-4) trailed for a vast majority of the night before taking the lead with 59 seconds remaining on Jade Melbourne’s driving layup. Mackenzie Holmes added two free throws with 40.8 seconds to go to extend the lead to three.

Aaliyah Edwards made a driving layup with 32 seconds left to pull the Sun within 78-77 before Burke’s winning play.

“We just had to transition back better,” Storm coach Sonia Raman said. “We will be better on that one next time, but they got us on that one.”

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Rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker, who started her collegiate career at Washington State before capping it with an NCAA championship at UCLA, had 16 points and three assists to lead the Sun.

Natisha Hiedeman led Seattle with 20 points and five assists, but her 3-point attempt at the final buzzer misfired.

“It happens. I really wanted that win,” Hiedeman said. “There was a lot of other areas we just need to clean up, though. I’m ready to play again on Friday already.”

Seattle won 89-82 on Mother’s Day at Connecticut, so Friday will be the rubber game of the season series.

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Griner (15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg) is listed as questionable for Friday, but starting Storm center Dominique Malonga (16.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg) will miss her third straight game as she continues to be in concussion protocol.

–Field Level Media

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Golden Knights ‘not fazed’ by favored Avs, bidding for 2-0 series lead

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NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado AvalancheMay 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Dylan Coghlan (52) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Vegas Golden Knights did what Los Angeles and Minnesota couldn’t in the first two rounds of the playoffs — beat the Colorado Avalanche on their ice.

Vegas stole Game 1 of the Western Conference finals with a 4-2 win Wednesday night. The Golden Knights will try to sweep the road trip when the teams meet for Game 2 on Friday night in Denver.

The Golden Knights improved to 5-2 on the road in these playoffs and 16-4-1 overall since head coach John Tortorella took over with eight games remaining in the regular season. They went from fighting for a playoff spot to three wins away from a third trip to the Stanley Cup Final and a potential second championship in their nine-year existence.

Vegas beat the Presidents’ Trophy winners with a strong forecheck and one unexpected goal source: Defenseman Dylan Coghlan scored the first playoff goal of his career in just his eighth NHL game this season.

“Our players aren’t fazed,” Tortorella said. “We’ve gone over how we want to play. It’s not changed from series to series, quite honestly. We’re trying to play our game, not worrying too much about countering off another team. We’re going to try to play our game, and I think they feel very comfortable in it.”

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The Golden Knights were still without captain Mark Stone, who hasn’t played since Game 3 against Anaheim in the conference semifinals. Stone is dealing with a lower-body injury and doesn’t seem likely to play in Game 2.

Superstar Colorado defenseman Cale Makar also sat out Game 1 with an upper-body injury, just the second time in his career he missed a playoff game due to injury. Makar, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy when the Avalanche captured the Stanley Cup four years ago, skated at the team’s optional practice on Thursday but his status won’t be determined until Friday.

“We’ll see what tomorrow brings,” head coach Jared Bednar said after Thursday’s practice.

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With or without Makar, Friday night is a near must-win for Colorado, which has been forthcoming all season that its only satisfactory finish is winning another Stanley Cup. The Avalanche struggled Wednesday night against the Vegas forecheck, but they found some room in the third period when they cut their deficit to 3-2 on goals by Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog.

Nichushkin’s line, which includes center Nazem Kadri and winger Ross Colton, generated chances. Kadri nearly scored in the final seconds of the first period, only to be denied with a great save by Carter Hart. Bednar said while the team struggled to create scoring opportunities, Nichushkin found success in the dirty area.

“Look where he scores his goal, and if you look at a couple of other chances he had, they’re right in the blue paint,” Bednar said. “Historically, that’s where Val tends to get his best chances.”

The Avalanche will need more from the top two lines, which were held down for most of the game. Nathan MacKinnon, who had just three shots on goal and was blanketed on most shifts, said his team needs to be better overall.

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“We just weren’t sharp,” MacKinnon said afterward. “Execution was poor from everybody. Yeah, just got to be sharper than that.”

–Field Level Media

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Sarah Gillane Inspired As Limerick Begin Camogie

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By Daragh Ó Conchúir

Sarah Gillane may be relatively new to the Limerick camogie squad, but the Patrickswell goalkeeper is already comfortable taking on a leadership role.

Now completing her first year in full-time teaching at Árd Scoil Rís, the all-boys secondary school where her older brothers Aaron and Jason, along with many Limerick hurlers past and present, developed their skills, Gillane is a natural mentor.

German may be her official subject, but helping and developing young players is also a passion. She is currently helping with the U6s at Patrickswell, coaching the first-year hurling team at school, and is also involved with the hockey squad.

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From Patrickswell To The Limerick Senior Squad

Gillane was part of the Limerick junior panel that reached the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland final in her Leaving Cert year in 2019. However, the 25-year-old did not receive her senior call-up until last season.

She had captained Patrickswell in 2024 and played a key role as the club claimed both the Limerick Intermediate Championship title and, last November, the Munster junior cup.

Gillane has carried that form into this season. Her performance in the Munster semi-final defeat to eventual champions Tipperary drew huge praise, particularly for the quality of her shot-stopping.

“We knew going into the Tipperary game that they bring huge intensity and huge experience,” Gillane said.

“They always do, but it was great to be able to match their energy and their workrate for periods of the game, especially when we’re looking at them being a Division 1A team.

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“That is the goal. That’s what you’re looking to achieve, and it’s great to get the chance to play teams like that to see where you are at.”

Inspired By Jason Gillane And Nickie Quaid

Goalkeeping has changed hugely in recent years, and Gillane has obvious role models close to home in her brother Jason and Limerick legend Nickie Quaid.

Jason’s drive has pushed Quaid to keep improving, while both men’s commitment to excellence continues to inspire Sarah.

“Looking at Jason in goals and Nickie Quaid with the hurlers, it’s great. It’s motivation behind it all.”

“You can see what these goalies put in, in order to get the results, because inevitably it’s an important role as well.”

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Limerick Camogie Building Belief

Gillane has also seen the impact of Limerick hurling’s golden era at close quarters, with Aaron Gillane central to a team that has won five of the last eight All-Ireland senior hurling titles.

Rather than seeing that success as a burden, she views it as motivation for Limerick camogie.

“At home, seeing what Aaron and Jason put into it, and what they offer to their teams, and what they sacrifice, it’s really a motivation.”

She believes there has been a major mindset shift within Limerick camogie in recent years.

“I think it’s all really positive now, and there’s a serious drive in the group. We know what we can do and it’s a matter of putting that across in all these games.”

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Kilkenny Challenge Opens Championship Campaign

Limerick begin their All-Ireland Championship campaign tomorrow with a trip to UPMC Nowlan Park to face Kilkenny at 3.30pm.

Kilkenny narrowly missed out on a place in the Division 1A League final on score difference to eventual winners Galway, so Limerick face a serious test from the opening round.

Gillane, however, welcomes the new championship structure, which gives teams a run of games and a clear route towards the quarter-finals.

“Championship is what you train all year for, so we’re really excited to get going.”

For Gillane and Limerick, the challenge is clear. They want to set their standards, embrace the occasion and continue building towards the level they believe they can reach.

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Dwyane Wade’s Wife Gabrielle Union Celebrates The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary With Heartfelt Instagram Tribute | NBA

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Gabrielle Union, the wife of NBA player Dwayne Wade, is very popular among many followers on Instagram due to her gorgeous pictures and interesting personal information. Many people get interested in the posts that she writes on Instagram, especially when her posts are related to any celebrities’ parties and celebrations. 

The latest Instagram post of Gabrielle Union became very popular as she uploaded pictures from a glamorous party in West Hollywood. Fans online reacted to the glamorous event atmosphere and her sincere caption about the occasion. As more pictures from the celebration began circulating online, the post soon gained traction across social media.

Gabrielle Union marks The Abbey’s milestone celebration in West Hollywood

Gabrielle Union, wife of former NBA legend Dwyane Wade, once again captured fans’ attention on Instagram after sharing moments from a major celebration in West Hollywood. Union’s latest Story, known for posting glamorous event appearances and candid lifestyle updates, quickly began circulating across social media.

The actress shared photos from the 35th anniversary party at The Abbey, one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQ+ nightlife venues. Referred to as ‘The Best Gay Bar in the World’, the venue has been a nightlife hotspot and an important community gathering space in Los Angeles for decades.

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In one photo, Gabrielle Union posed solo in front of a colourful event backdrop celebrating their anniversary. Another picture showed her with David Cooley, founder of The Abbey, at the celebration. The event was filled with guests, music, and tributes to the cultural impact the venue has had over the decades.

Union also shared a sweet caption in her Story while commemorating the occasion. She praised the venue for bringing people together over the years and said it is known for hosting parties and events that are unforgettable. Many fans online took her message well, seeing the post as a nod to nightlife culture and an acknowledgement of The Abbey’s longstanding position in the LGBTQ+ community.

In the years since, the Abbey has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in West Hollywood, drawing tourists, locals, and celebrities. The venue’s anniversary celebration received a lot of attention online, with Gabrielle Union’s presence being one of the best celebrity moments shared from the event.

Gabrielle Union opens up about the emotional pain behind choosing surrogacy

Gabrielle Union has always been candid about her struggles with fertility and motherhood. Unlike many celebrities who keep such experiences private, Union has repeatedly chosen to be open about miscarriage, emotional pain, and women’s health.

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Union opened up about her heartbreak before opting for surrogacy with Wade during a previous appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s “SuperSoul Conversations.” She and her husband experienced several miscarriages until their daughter was born in 2018 via surrogacy, but Union said initially it was difficult to accept because she had always wanted to know what it was like to be pregnant.

She also discussed how many women navigate fertility challenges in silence without feeling seen or heard. Her honesty resonated with fans on social media, and Dwyane Wade’s unwavering support along the way helped to build public affection for the couple and their willingness to talk about family, healing, and resilience.

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2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson leaderboard: Brooks Koepka finds putting stroke in Round 1

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A new-look TPC Craig Ranch brought out a vintage version of Brooks Koepka on Thursday at the 2026 CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Carding a first-round 8-under 63, the five-time major champion finally found his footing on the greens and climbed near the top of the leaderboard outside Dallas, Texas, behind just Taylor Moore, who signed for one better with his 62 late in the evening.

“It was just a comfortable group as well,” Koepka said. “Everyone is just kind of feeding off each other, easy. Everyone’s having fun. Makes it enjoyable. I feel comfortable on the golf course as well. 

“Finally, I felt good with the putter. I felt good the last few days with it when I was working in my studio. Then, when I got here, it felt very comfortable. Rick [Elliott] said the same thing from watching. Which also kind of helps build a little confidence, what you feel versus the reality of it. Just happy with the way everything went today.”

Koepka’s 63 may not have been the lowest of the day, but it was among his threesome, which included Dallas resident Si Woo Kim and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Kim needed one more stroke than Koepka en route to his 64 that headlines a large group at 7 under, while Scheffler was as steady as ever and signed for a 66 in the opening effort of his title defense.

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“I felt like I was pretty close. I did some good stuff,” Scheffler said. “I felt I was a little short with my irons, making myself a few more looks. It’s just a matter of getting closer and holing a few more putts. Overall, I felt like I did some good stuff, just keeping it closer and holing a few more putts. But overall, did a lot of good things.”

Even in his own backyard, Scheffler seized the stage from Koepka as the powerful right-hander put six birdies and an eagle on his scorecard. A player who entered the week inside the top 10 in greens in regulation, strokes gained approach and proximity to the hole on the PGA Tour, Koepka kept knocking on the door, and his putter finally broke through in Round 1, gaining more than two strokes on the field with that club in hand.

“I feel like it’s a long ways away right now, but yeah, it would be great [to win],” Koepka said. “I think, when I won [The CJ Cup] the last time, I got back to No. 1 in the world. I think there’s such a huge difference right now of trying to get into signature events…on my way back, coming back to the Tour. 

“It would be a big confidence boost for sure because I feel like I’ve been playing well, the results just haven’t been there, mainly because of the putter, but I feel like I’m knocking on the door, and I’m very, very close. I would love to have a chance come Sunday.”

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Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark is among those tied with Scheffler at 5 under, as are PGA Tour rookies Johnny Keefer and Neal Shipley, and 19-year-old Blades Brown, who is hoping to earn special temporary membership on the PGA Tour by week’s end with a high enough finish.

Leaders

1. Taylor Moore (-9)
T2. Brooks Koepka, Jesper Svensson (-8)

For the second straight week, Koepka put a new putter in his golf bag, but unlike last week at the PGA Championship, he was met with quality results at TPC Craig Ranch. The lid was taken off the hole immediately for Koepka as he made an 18-footer for birdie on the par-4 11th, his second hole of the round. That was just the beginning.

Koepka rolled in additional par-breakers from 14 feet, 3 feet, 11 feet, 16 feet, 5 feet and 3 feet for his round. Hitting 14 greens in regulation in the process, Koepka’s performance was made even more impressive by the fact that he hit only three fairways. With preferred lies in effect, he did not have the luxury of cleaning his golf ball and placing it as much as he would have liked, but he will still be able to manage.

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Contenders

T4. Emiliano Grillo, Keith Mitchell, Si Woo Kim, Stephan Jaeger, Michael Thorbjornsen, Tyler Duncan, Kensei Hirata (-7)
T11. Doug Ghim, Mackenzie Hughes, Hank Lebioda, Austin Eckroat, Lanto Griffin (-6)

The best player on the PGA Tour this season without a win may very well be Kim, who eyes another opportunity to enter the winner’s circle after an opening 64. That effort marked Kim’s 11th round of 66 or lower on the PGA Tour this year, which is second only to Scheffler’s 12. 

Similar to Koepka, Kim’s putter is the club that has held him back. On Thursday, however, it proved to be an asset as he gained more than 1.50 strokes on the greens and an additional 1.30 strokes by holing a putt from just off the green on his opening hole for birdie. With a stat line that read 13 fairways and 16 greens in regulation, Kim can keep climbing to the top of this leaderboard so long as the putter allows him to.

“It was a good round, then I putted great,” Kim said. “Hitting was a little off, but I kind of still take it. Yeah, it was a good round. Green was a little tougher than I thought. But I putted really good today, so it was a good round.”

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Game within the game

The magic number for Blades Brown this week is 21 as he needs a solo 21st finish or better to earn special temporary membership on the PGA Tour, which would allow him to accept unlimited sponsor exemptions to play in PGA Tour events this season.

Brown’s 66 puts him inside that cutoff point, and his play on both the Korn Ferry Tour — where he ranks No. 9 in the season-long race — and the PGA Tour suggests he won’t be going anywhere. So far in 2026, Brown has six top-25 finishes on the Korn Ferry Tour, including a couple of runner-up results.

On the PGA Tour, he has been even better, as he was in the final grouping with Scheffler and Kim at The American Express, where he finished T18. Brown also had the lead at the Puerto Rico Open over the weekend before a third-place finish, and most recently, finished T9 at the Myrtle Beach Classic.

2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson updated odds and picks

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

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  • Scottie Scheffler: +260
  • Si Woo Kim: 13/2
  • Brooks Koepka: 7-1
  • Taylor Moore: 13-1
  • Michael Thorbjornsen: 15-1
  • Keith Mitchell: 18-1
  • Stephan Jaeger: 20-1

Clark played well on Thursday, and his price hasn’t moved much, as he is listed at 45-1, only a handful of strokes off the pace. He drove the ball much better than he had in recent weeks, and perhaps most importantly, he filled it up on the greens. We have seen over the course of his career that once he finds a comfort level with green complexes, he tends to run hot for the entire week. If that is the case, he should have a chance come Sunday.

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Antony addresses personal heartbreak as Man United flop says ‘now it’s time’

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Former Manchester United forward Antony has been left ‘saddened’

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Former Manchester United forward Antony has expressed his sadness after missing out on Brazil’s World Cup squad. The 26-year-old completed his permanent Old Trafford exit last summer and has been in fine form for Real Betis after struggling in the Premier League.

Antony has netted 14 goals and provided 10 assists in his first season since joining Betis on a permanent deal, having enjoyed a similar impressive run during his loan spell in Andalusia last season. The former Ajax star made the move from the Eredivisie to the English top-flight for £82million but managed just five goals in 62 league appearances during his three-year spell at Old Trafford.

Despite his strong performance that helped Betis to a fifth-place finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, Antony was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup.

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He said: “I’m saddened not to be at another World Cup with the national team, but I’m calm and proud of everything we’ve achieved so far.

“I will continue working as I always have, because this dream is still alive. Now it’s time to cheer on my friends who will represent Brazil in the fight for the sixth title. I’ll be supporting them all from here.”

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Antony has been one of the success stories away from Old Trafford after a series of departures went on to succeed away from the Theatre of Dreams.

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The 26-year-old has returned to the fold following his upturn in form with the Spanish side including a call up in June 2025 but he has failed to be considered for selection in the previous squads for the South American giants.

Speaking previously, Antony described remaining at Betis as “one of the best decisions” of his life. He said: “It was one of the best decisions of my life to stay at Betis. I am very happy.

“My family weighed heavily in the decision. Seeing them happy is important. It makes things lighter on the pitch when the family is well.”

In another interview, he added: “The ‘new Antony’ is someone who has learned from hardships, who respects the process and has found joy in playing again.

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“Today, I can proudly say that I’m living my best life, in a place where I’ve chosen to settle with my wife and children, in a city that has welcomed us with open arms and helped me find peace.

“The tranquillity I’ve found off the pitch has had a positive impact on my performances on it. I feel more mature, aware of my responsibilities and happy about every training session and match.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Brooks Koepka shoots best score this year, after a day in the ‘warehouse’

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