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Sophie Cunningham Drops Bombshell on ‘Creepy Old Men’ Fans in Candid GQ Sports Interview

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Sophie Cunningham

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham isn’t shying away from the realities of stardom in the booming WNBA. In a revealing new interview with GQ Sports, the 29-year-old sharpshooter detailed everything from unsettling fan encounters with “old creepy men” to the pure joy of inspiring the next generation of young athletes.

Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham

The conversation, which has quickly gone viral across social media platforms, comes as Cunningham navigates life as a key piece of the Fever’s roster alongside superstar Caitlin Clark, a new broadcasting gig and her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

“You’re asking the right person,” Cunningham said with a laugh when asked about her most memorable or wildest fan interaction. “I get a lot of old creepy men so that would be the extreme no so good experiences.”

The Missouri native didn’t linger on the uncomfortable moments but was quick to highlight the brighter side of her growing fame.

“But the great experiences are all the little boys and girls who are just so excited and new to the WNBA and want to be like us,” she continued. “Inspiring them is probably like the most fulfilling thing you can do.”

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Cunningham’s comments arrive at a pivotal time for the WNBA, which has seen explosive growth in popularity, attendance and media attention in recent seasons. With that spotlight has come increased scrutiny and, for many players, a need to set firmer boundaries with fans.

From Missouri Roots to WNBA Enforcer

Born Aug. 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, Cunningham’s athletic pedigree runs deep. The daughter of two former University of Missouri athletes, she dominated at Rock Bridge High School, leading the girls’ basketball team to multiple state titles while also playing football as a kicker — a unique chapter that often surfaces in her interviews.

She earned a black belt in taekwondo by age 6, showcasing an early competitive fire that would define her career. At Missouri, Cunningham became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points, earned All-SEC honors and helped the Tigers to four NCAA Tournament appearances.

Selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Cunningham spent six seasons in the desert, developing into a reliable perimeter threat and vocal leader alongside legends like Diana Taurasi. In February 2025, she was traded to the Indiana Fever in a multi-team deal, joining forces with Clark and Aaliyah Boston in a move that energized the franchise.

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In her first season with the Fever, Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Known for her toughness and outside shooting, she quickly became a fan favorite for her no-nonsense approach and clutch performances.

Life in the Spotlight

Cunningham’s off-court ventures have only amplified her profile. She recently debuted in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and landed a role as a studio analyst for USA Network. Her podcast, “Show Me Something,” co-hosted with West Wilson, has drawn praise for candid conversations about life in the WNBA.

The GQ Sports interview also touched on her multifaceted athletic background. Clips circulating on TikTok and Instagram show Cunningham discussing her early taekwondo achievements and high school football days, painting a picture of a well-rounded competitor who brings grit to every endeavor.

Her openness about fan interactions reflects a broader conversation in women’s sports. As the WNBA draws larger, more diverse audiences — including celebrity courtside attendees — players are balancing newfound celebrity with personal safety and comfort. Cunningham’s willingness to address the “creepy” encounters head-on has resonated with many, sparking discussions online about respect for athletes.

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“I think the WNBA is in such a great place right now,” Cunningham has said in various interviews, crediting the league’s growth to stars like Clark while emphasizing the hard work of veterans who paved the way.

All-Star Insights and Future Outlook

During the NBA All-Star Weekend coverage, Cunningham weighed in on potential changes to the event, suggesting a return to East vs. West format over the current three-team setup. Her basketball IQ and straightforward opinions have made her a sought-after voice.

As the 2026 WNBA season approaches, with free agency looming for some players including potentially Cunningham herself, her focus remains on winning and elevating the game. The Fever are positioned as contenders, bolstered by their core talent and the electric atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Cunningham’s journey embodies the evolution of the modern WNBA athlete: elite on the court, influential off it, and unapologetically authentic. Whether dropping threes in crunch time, calling out uncomfortable realities or inspiring kids at fan events, she continues to make her mark.

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Her GQ Sports appearance underscores a key truth in 2026: WNBA stars are no longer just athletes — they’re cultural figures navigating fame’s complexities while staying true to the game that raised them. As viewership soars and opportunities expand, players like Cunningham are ensuring the league’s surge benefits everyone, even as they protect their peace.

Fans have flooded social media with support, praising her candor. “Sophie keeping it real as always,” one viral comment read. Others highlighted the inspiring aspects of her message to young fans.

With the season on the horizon and her platform growing, Cunningham shows no signs of slowing down. For a player who once kicked field goals in high school and now stars in one of the world’s fastest-rising leagues, the sky — and perhaps a championship — appears to be the limit.

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InvestingPro’s fair value warns of 46% Samsara plunge

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InvestingPro’s fair value warns of 46% Samsara plunge

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Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: ITC, HDFC Bank and Balkrishna Industries among stocks bought and sold in March

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Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: ITC, HDFC Bank and Balkrishna Industries among stocks bought and sold in March

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Sezzle: Consolidation Completed, Re-Rating Ahead

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Sezzle: Consolidation Completed, Re-Rating Ahead

Sezzle: Consolidation Completed, Re-Rating Ahead

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Q1 Earnings Kick Off With Major Banks’ Results: Bank Of America, Netflix In Focus

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Get ahead of the market by subscribing to Seeking Alpha’s Wall Street Week Ahead, a preview of key events scheduled for the coming week. The newsletter keeps you informed of the biggest stories set to make headlines, including upcoming IPOs, investor days, earnings reports, and conference presentations.

Wall Street’s major averages struggled to stay higher on Friday as the core retail inflation print for March came in slightly cooler than expected, while investors continued to brace for U.S.-Iran war tensions. The March U.S. core Consumer Price Index, which excludes food and energy, came in weaker at +0.2% MoM vs. +0.3% consensus. In addition, the Consumer Sentiment Index came in lower at 47.6 for April vs. the 52.0 consensus, according to preliminary data by the University of Michigan Survey.

As the first-quarter earnings season kicks off next week, with major banks reporting their results, only a few economic data are scheduled. Existing home sales data for March will be released on Monday, with PPI data scheduled for Tuesday. Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing numbers are due on Thursday along with the jobless claims data.

Goldman Sachs (GS), JPMorgan (JPM), Citigroup (C), Bank of America (BAC), and Netflix (NFLX) are among the companies reporting their results next week.

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_______________________________________________________________

Earnings spotlight: Monday: Goldman Sachs. See the full earnings calendar.

Earnings spotlight: Tuesday: JPMorgan, J&J (JNJ), Wells Fargo (WFC), Citigroup. See the full earnings calendar.

Earnings spotlight: Wednesday: ASML (ASML), Bank of America (BAC), Morgan Stanley (MS). See the full earnings calendar.

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Earnings spotlight: Thursday: Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), Netflix, PepsiCo (PEP). See the full earnings calendar.

Volatility watch: Coherent (COHR) and AMD (AMD) are set up for a volatile week of trading based on options volume. The most overbought stocks per their 14-day relative strength index include Service Mega Fortune (

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West Asia turmoil priced in; India’s long-term story intact, says Sunil Singhania

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West Asia turmoil priced in; India’s long-term story intact, says Sunil Singhania
In an interview with ET Now, market veteran Sunil Singhania explains why the current West Asia conflict is impacting Indian equities more than past geopolitical events, how oil, rupee and global flows are interconnected, and why he believes most risks are already priced in with long-term prospects intact.

Why is this geopolitical episode impacting Indian markets more than past events?

Markets have recovered from past crises and will likely do so again. The key difference this time is not just higher oil prices but also supply disruptions due to issues around the Strait of Hormuz. There’s also constant, uncertain news flow, which keeps sentiment volatile. That said, markets are gradually stabilising and beginning to take this in stride.

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From an investor’s perspective, is this mainly an oil story, a rupee issue, or a broader risk-off trend?


It’s a combination. This comes after 18 months of underperformance by Indian markets versus global peers. Earlier, high valuations, slowing growth, weak earnings, and global shifts toward tech-heavy markets led to FPI outflows. Just as things were improving—growth picking up, earnings recovering, and policy support kicking in—this conflict hit. Oil prices, currency pressure, and risk-off sentiment are all interconnected here.

What could break this cycle of pressure on markets?

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De-escalation of the conflict is key. If tensions ease, crude prices could fall by $20–25, which would significantly improve sentiment. In fact, I believe nearly 90% of the current risks are already priced in, making the risk-reward favourable from here.

With heavy FPI outflows, can domestic investors continue to support markets?


Domestic investors have shown strong resilience and continue to invest with a long-term view. SIP flows and investor confidence remain intact. While FPI selling has been heavy, India’s fundamentals—strong GDP growth, improving earnings outlook, and attractive valuations—should eventually bring foreign investors back.

What is your outlook on India amid all this uncertainty?


Despite current challenges, India remains the fastest-growing large economy with over 6.5% GDP growth. Valuations have corrected, and India’s weight in global portfolios is at a decade low. As growth and earnings recover, both domestic and foreign investors are likely to increase exposure again.

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Widespread Outages Hit Midwest as Users Report Disruptions

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Midco Internet Down for Many Customers Saturday: Widespread Outages Hit

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Midcontinent Communications, known as Midco, faced scattered but significant service disruptions Saturday, with numerous customers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska reporting internet, TV and phone outages despite the company’s official outage map showing mostly normal operations.

Midco Internet Down for Many Customers Saturday: Widespread Outages Hit
Midco Internet Down for Many Customers Saturday: Widespread Outages Hit Midwest as Users Report Disruptions

As of late Saturday evening on April 11, 2026, third-party monitoring sites showed spikes in user reports, contradicting Midco’s public status page that continued to display “Services Online” for many entered addresses. Downdetector and Outage.Report noted elevated complaints, particularly in Sioux Falls, Fargo, Bismarck and surrounding communities.

Customers took to social media and outage trackers expressing frustration over sudden loss of connectivity during peak evening hours when streaming, remote work and family entertainment demand typically surges. Many described complete blackouts lasting from minutes to several hours, with intermittent service in some areas.

Scope of the Reported Issues

While Midco’s official outages portal did not flag a company-wide event, independent trackers painted a different picture:

  • Downdetector recorded a noticeable increase in reports for internet connectivity as the primary issue.
  • Outage.Report indicated isolated but persistent problems, with users in Minnesota and Nebraska among the most affected in recent hours.
  • Social media platforms showed real-time complaints, including users unable to stream sports, attend virtual events or even make calls via VoIP services.

The discrepancies between official statements and customer experiences are common during rolling or localized outages caused by node-specific failures, fiber cuts, maintenance or weather-related stress on the network.

Possible Causes and Midco’s Response

Midco has not issued a public statement on any widespread outage as of Saturday night. The company typically attributes such disruptions to routine maintenance, construction accidents, severe weather or upstream provider issues. Spring conditions in the Midwest — including wind, rain and construction activity — often contribute to cable and fiber vulnerabilities.

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Customers who contacted support reported long wait times and automated messages directing them to the outages page or basic troubleshooting. Many were advised to restart modems and routers, a standard first step that proved ineffective for those in genuinely affected areas.

Midco’s Fiber Forward initiative, which includes recent multimillion-dollar upgrades, aims to improve long-term reliability. However, during transition periods, hybrid fiber-coaxial segments can experience temporary hiccups.

What Affected Customers Should Do

If your Midco service is down:

  1. Verify the Outage — Visit midco.com/outages and enter your exact address.
  2. Basic Troubleshooting:
    • Power cycle your modem and router (unplug for 30-60 seconds).
    • Check all physical connections.
    • Test with a wired Ethernet connection if possible.
  3. Use the Midco App — For Freestyle Wi-Fi customers, the app often provides more detailed diagnostics.
  4. Contact Support — Call 1-800-888-1300, use live chat on the website, or log into My Account for personalized status.
  5. Alternative Connectivity — Switch to mobile hotspot data temporarily for urgent needs.

Midco crews typically prioritize restoring service quickly once an issue is identified, with most localized outages resolved within a few hours.

Broader Impact on Midwest Users

Midco serves hundreds of thousands of households and businesses across the Upper Midwest, where reliable broadband is critical for agriculture, education, healthcare and remote work. Saturday evening disruptions likely affected family movie nights, online gaming, bill payments and small business operations.

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In a region with limited provider competition in many rural and suburban areas, such outages draw particular ire. Past incidents have prompted customers to explore alternatives like satellite internet or emerging fiber competitors where available.

Staying Informed

  • Follow Midco’s official X account (@Midcontinent) for updates, which has shifted focus toward customer support.
  • Monitor Downdetector.com/status/midcontinent for real-time user reports.
  • Check local news outlets in Sioux Falls, Fargo and Bismarck for any confirmed large-scale events.

Midco continues investing heavily in network modernization. The $9.1 million Bismarck-Mandan fiber upgrade announced earlier this month is part of broader efforts to deliver faster, more resilient service.

For now, affected customers are urged to remain patient as technicians work behind the scenes. Many outages resolve spontaneously as systems self-heal or as crews complete repairs.

If your service remains down after basic troubleshooting and the official page shows no outage, document the issue with screenshots of speed tests or error messages. This information helps support teams isolate problems faster.

Midco has built a reputation for local service in a vast region, but nights like Saturday remind users that even established providers can face unexpected challenges. As the situation develops, check official channels regularly for restoration estimates specific to your area.

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How to Watch Live Stream & Telecast of Chennai vs Delhi Clash Today

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Will cricket take off in the United States?

CHENNAI, India — Cricket fans across India and around the world are gearing up for a high-stakes Indian Premier League 2026 encounter as Chennai Super Kings host Delhi Capitals in Match 18 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday evening.

Will cricket take off in the United States?
Cricket
POOL / PAUL CHILDS

The match, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. IST with the toss at 7 p.m. IST, pits five-time champions CSK against a resurgent Delhi Capitals side. With both teams looking to steady their campaigns early in the season, viewers can expect intense T20 action under the Chennai lights.

Where to Watch CSK vs DC Live in India

In India, the CSK vs DC IPL 2026 match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network, including Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Tamil and other regional language channels for comprehensive coverage.

Live streaming will be available exclusively on the JioHotstar app and website (the merged platform of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar). Fans with an active subscription can stream the match in high definition across multiple devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, laptops and tablets.

JioHotstar offers multiple commentary options in English, Hindi and regional languages, along with features like multi-angle views, expert analysis and real-time statistics. A subscription starts from basic plans suitable for IPL viewing, making it accessible for millions of fans.

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International Broadcast and Streaming Options

  • United States and Canada: Willow TV will broadcast the match live, with streaming available on the Willow TV app, Fubo, Sling TV and other platforms. The game starts at 10 a.m. ET.
  • United Kingdom: Sky Sports will provide live coverage, starting at 3 p.m. BST.
  • Other Regions: Availability varies by country. Fans in Australia can tune into Fox Cricket or Kayo Sports, while those in the Middle East and North Africa may access via beIN Sports or regional partners. Check local listings or use a VPN for geo-restricted access where permitted.

Free live streams are not officially available, and fans are advised to avoid unauthorized websites to ensure quality and support the sport.

Match Preview and Key Storylines

The MA Chidambaram Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches and passionate crowd, sets the stage for a fascinating contest. CSK, traditionally strong at home, will rely on their experienced core, while Delhi Capitals boast a dynamic squad capable of explosive batting and varied bowling attacks.

Early season form has been mixed for both sides, making this encounter crucial for momentum heading into the league phase. Star players on both teams are expected to deliver fireworks, with the spin battle likely playing a decisive role on the Chepauk surface.

Weather in Chennai is forecast to be warm and humid with a low chance of rain, promising a full 20-over contest. Pitch reports suggest assistance for spinners as the game progresses, favoring teams with strong slow bowling options.

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How to Prepare for the Best Viewing Experience

To enjoy uninterrupted coverage:

  • Download the JioHotstar app in advance and ensure a stable high-speed internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps recommended for HD).
  • For TV viewers, tune into Star Sports well before the toss for pre-match analysis featuring former cricketers and experts.
  • Use official apps for live scores, ball-by-ball commentary and fantasy updates if you’re following multiple screens.
  • Charge devices and have power banks ready for long viewing sessions, especially for mobile streamers.

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube will buzz with real-time reactions, highlights and fan discussions. Official IPL and team handles provide verified updates throughout the match.

Broader IPL 2026 Context

The 2026 season continues to captivate global audiences with its blend of established stars and emerging talent. Broadcasting rights held by JioStar ensure wide reach, with JioHotstar and Star Sports delivering professional production values that have become the benchmark for T20 cricket coverage.

This match marks another chapter in the historic rivalry between these two franchises. Past encounters at Chepauk have produced memorable moments, from last-ball thrillers to dominant bowling displays.

For fans unable to attend in person, the broadcast experience aims to bring the electric atmosphere of MA Chidambaram Stadium directly to living rooms worldwide through innovative camera angles, player microphones and expert insights.

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Additional Viewing Tips

  • Fantasy Cricket: Platforms integrated with JioHotstar allow participation in official fantasy contests with cash prizes.
  • Highlights and Replays: Missed the live action? Full match highlights and key moments will be available shortly after the game on the same platforms.
  • Accessibility: Audio-described commentary and multiple language options make the broadcast inclusive for diverse audiences.

As anticipation builds for the 7:30 p.m. IST start, cricket enthusiasts are reminded that official channels provide the best quality and support the ecosystem that makes IPL possible. Whether watching from Chennai, Delhi, New York or London, fans can look forward to an evening of high-octane T20 cricket.

Tune in early for the toss and pre-match build-up. With both teams hungry for points, CSK vs DC promises to deliver the drama, skill and entertainment that define the Indian Premier League.

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Trump says empty oil tankers heading to U.S. to load up with oil, gas

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Trump says empty oil tankers heading to U.S. to load up with oil, gas


Trump says empty oil tankers heading to U.S. to load up with oil, gas

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ICE launches new effort to uncover US ‘birth tourism schemes’

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ICE launches new effort to uncover US ‘birth tourism schemes’


ICE launches new effort to uncover US ‘birth tourism schemes’

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Trump says US forces are ’clearing’ Strait of Hormuz

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Trump says US forces are ’clearing’ Strait of Hormuz


Trump says US forces are ’clearing’ Strait of Hormuz

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