MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team, his agency and the NBA said Tuesday. He was 29.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, provided any details about when, where or how Clarke died.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

His agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed sympathies to Clarke’s family and friends and the Grizzlies organization.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”

The National Basketball Players Association said: “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”

Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that becomes illegal in Tennessee as of July 1. He was released on bond a day later.

Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant second overall. Clarke joined Morant on the NBA’s All-Rookie team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multiyear contract extension in October 2022.

He tore his left Achilles tendon March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a showdown of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries limited him to 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season.

Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.

He had one more season left on his contract with Memphis and was due to earn $12.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. But the Grizzlies are in the midst of another major roster rebuild after going 25-57 after trading away stars Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the past year.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

President Donald Trump is still furious with several conservative influencers who have voiced opposition to him over the Iran war, according to a recent phone call he had with his close ally, Laura Loomer.

Loomer, a conservative political commentator who occasionally informally advises the president, said in a Substack post that the president recently told her that former Fox News host Tucker Carlson was “done” and conservative podcaster Candace Owens is “totally crazy and unhinged.”

In her Substack, titled “The Loomer Rumor,” posted Tuesday, Loomer said the president insisted Owens was on the way to losing her business and fanbase.

Loomer’s revelations suggest the president remains furious with some former allies; Trump has openly criticized Carlson, Owens and conspiracy theorist and InfoWars. creator Alex Jones on Truth Social and attempted to undermine their credibility with his MAGA base.

Trump was once allied with the conservative media personalities and, at times, relied on them for support. But the influencers, and others, have broken from him – particularly on the Iran war.

“They have one thing in common, Low IQs,” Trump wrote of the group on Truth Social last month. “They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!”

“They think they get some ‘clicks’ because they have Third Rate Podcasts, but nobody’s talking about them, and their views are the opposite of MAGA — Or I wouldn’t have won the Presidential Election in a LANDSLIDE,” he added.

Carlson, a former Fox News host, often went to bat for Trump while serving as the host of Tucker Carlson Tonight. At one point, he joined Trump on the campaign trail. But recently, he denounced the president’s foreign intervention and expressed regret for bolstering Trump’s campaign.

Owens, who vocally supported Trump during his first administration and endorsed him in 2024, said last year she was “embarrassed” to have supported him. Owens, who has platformed various conspiracy theories, is staunchly against Israel and has condemned the administration’s teamwork with Israel to attack Iran.

Jones, who was subjected to a congressional investigation for helping raise money for the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, has recently called for Trump’s removal from office via the 25th Amendment.

Other well-known former Trump allies have also broken from the president based on his actions regarding the Iran war. Conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly has criticized Trump and been subjected to his insults online.

Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned from Congress late last year after a falling out with the president, has accused Trump of betraying his campaign promise not to start more wars.

The president’s approval rating has declined since he chose to conduct strikes on Iran in February. As of May, less than 40 percent of people approve of Trump’s handling of his job.

The war is widely unpopular, with more than half of Americans believing the conflict is not worth it, according to an Ipsos poll. One Pew Research Center survey found that more than half of Americans disapprove of the war.

Yet, the president dismisses the opinions of his former conservative allies as nothing more than clickbait.

“They’re NUT JOBS, TROUBLEMAKERS, and will say anything necessary for some ‘free’ and cheap publicity,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last month.

The perfect chocolate box, woodland cottage doesn’t exist, only in our dreams …. Or does it? In fact, there’s a pretty stone cottage in Pembrokeshire set just 20 metres from a woodland estate one way and 15 minutes further is a beach. I don’t think there’s a better tick list for a countryside escape in Wales this spring and summer – in fact, it’s perfect all year round.

Colby Rose Cottage should definitely be on your radar if you’re planning a staycation in Wales, in 2026. It sits in an idyllic location, adjacent to a quiet country lane and just 20 metres from Colby Woodland Gardens, a National Trust property that’s a stone’s throw from Amroth seafront .

The bungalow has two bedrooms and sleeps four people. Inside the cosy vibe is top level with a woodburner in the simple but classically designed living space. Outside, you’ll open the French doors out onto a green oasis filled with shrubs, a small lawn and a stream.

A modest, cottage kitchen has everything you need for self-catering but don’t fret, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of places to eat and drink if you don’t feel like cooking.

You’ll be surrounded by nature and will have Colby Woodland Garden on your doorstep – this place is gorgeous. It’s a 900-acre estate of beautiful woodland paths, plants, flowers and trees on what was an 18th-century coalfield.

The colours in autumn are as bright and vibrant as spring and summer. If you visit Colby – run by the National Trust – be sure to explore the second hand bookshop and have some cake at the cafe before or after your stroll. You’ll pass a walled garden wildflower meadow, Japanese Red Cedar and Great Chinese Rhododendrons. There’s also the Bothy Tearoom which has great coffee and cake options, lunchs nd smashing gluten free bread – always worth knowing!

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Colby’s walks can start and end in the gardens, or from your cottage door of course, but you can also follow their path straight down to Amroth beach.

Get the route map for Colby, here.

Talking about the beach, it’s a long sand and pebble beach, which stretches the whole length of the village, is the south-side start of the glorious, 186-mile-long Pembrokeshire coastal path. If you’re starting, or ending a walk of the path, Amroth is a fantastic spot to take a break and relax.

Amroth beach is way more than your go-to for kayaking and dipping in the summer – it has a drowned forest and at very low tides tree stumps can be seen poking through the sand and fossilised antlers, nuts, animal bones and Neolithic flints have been discovered in the past. If you are swimming in the summer be aware of these unusual features.

You won’t pass through Amroth without seeing steel fish sculpture Bertie the Sea Bass who was created to highlight the issue of plastic litter pollution and is filled with plastic litter.

Along the front there are a handful of pubs including the Amroth Arms and The New Inn. The latter is a 16th century, former farmhouse and it’s at the far east end of the beach.

Amroth Arms is smack dab in the middle and is a really cosy, friendly pub with a fire at the centre making it an ideal escape after a walk in the Welsh winter air. Their homemade lasagnes, cottage pies and more pub grub makes you feel like you’ve completed the ‘Welsh winter weekend’ tick list and you certainly won’t go home hungry.

Grab a drink in the Temple Bar and they host a regular quiz and bingo, too. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

Stays at Colby Rose Cottage start at £439, from National Trust.

Clarke was born in Vancouver and was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, having moved with his family to Phoenix when he was three.

After playing college basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.

His only two games this season were in December, although he travelled to the UK in January for the Grizzlies’ win over the Orlando Magic in London.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” read a statement by his agency, Priority Sports.

“He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved team-mate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”

How Blue Planet taught a child to speak

Kerri Cunningham / murphys_sketches Instagram

Across its 70-year history, the Eurovision Song Contest has always been one for surprises.

But nobody, not even die hard fans, could have expected the inclusion of Will Ferrell during a segment on the BBC show.

To mark the 70th anniversary, the competition pulled out all the stops to celebrate the landmark milestone.

After opening with an emotional tribute about the seven-decade history of Eurovision that left fans in floods of tears, the show then portrayed some messages from other contestants and fans.

As each person reflected on what Eurovision meant to them, suddenly the Step Brothers star, 58, made a surprise cameo during the video messages.

In a short clip, he said: ‘One word for Eurovision? Let me think… what could it be? I know, joy!’

Reacting to the moment on social media, @superTV247 wrote on X: ‘Yes that is Will Ferrell and yes this is still #Eurovision.’

Wiesel also wrote: ‘This is just plain crazy, that Will Ferrell was here to switch on.’

David, meanwhile, said: ‘How great to see Will Ferrell at this #EuroSemi1 in Vienna, even if it’s through a video, evoking his character in that hilarious #Eurovision tribute movie.

‘I’ve probably watched it like 8 times and it still feels like not enough.’

Echoing the other reactions, Ava also added: ‘Will Ferrell cameo is INSANE #Eurovision.’

Despite fans’ shock over his involvement, the Hollywood actor does actually have an amusing history with Eurovision after starring in and co-writing the musical comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

The Netflix movie follows Icelandic singers Lars (Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) as they represent their country in the contest.

Having attended in 2018 and 2019, Ferrell is a huge fan of the show.

Recently, it was also confirmed that his comedy film would be turning into a musical on Broadway.

Discussing the project, he told Radio Times: ‘We are more than excited to bring Eurovision to Broadway. The stage musical is a perfect place to continue our celebration of all the things we love about this amazing and unifying song competition.’

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final is available to watch on BBC on Saturday 16 May 2026.

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Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel has picked up an award after enjoying an outstanding season for United’s U18 team while Teddie Lamb has impressed for Manchester City

Manchester United talent JJ Gabriel has been named as the Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season. Gabriel picked up the award in recognition of his outstanding performances at an event in London on Tuesday.

Gabriel scored 23 goals in 23 league appearances for United’s U18s this season. The 15-year-old has also taken part in several first-team training sessions at Carrington, making a strong impression with senior players.

The teenager picked up the U18 POTS award ahead of seven other nominees, including teammate Albert Mills, and Manchester City forward Teddie Lamb.

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United are planning to include Gabriel in their pre-season plans this summer and are keen to show the teenager there is a pathway to the first-team. Involving him in pre-season would be another show of faith in his huge potential.

Gabriel has not stepped up to Under-21 level this season because he was 14 when the campaign began. United could have been fined for playing Gabriel in the U21 team due to his age at the start of the season, so it was agreed that he would exclusively play U18 football this term.

United’s U18s battled City for the Premier League North title this season, and the title race almost went down to the final day, but City eventually prevailed to win the league with a total of 60 points.

Gabriel was pivotal in United’s push for the title. The youngster was also key as the U18s reached the Premier League Cup final, however, the Reds lost on penalties against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The talented youngster could still end the season with a trophy, though, as the U18s will take on their rivals City in the FA Youth Cup final at the 7,000 seater Joie Stadium on Thursday night.

Gabriel and Lamb are the star turns for their respective academies. The City frontman, who joined from Leyton Orient last summer, scored 25 goals as City won the league title and has played an important role in the Blues’ run to the Youth Cup final.

City’s reward for winning the league title is a clash with Chelsea in the national final.

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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Starmer, at the time of writing at least, is still in No 10. He’s taken a hell of a battering but he is still back into position at the head of the Cabinet table.

More than 100 Communist Labour backbenchers have signed a letter giving him their support. The British people punished the Tories for chopping and changing leaders and they questioned Rishi Sunak’s legitimacy when he popped up as leader at a distance from the General Election mandate. If Labour swops out Mr Starmer, it will be accused of doing the same as the Tories.

Yet all the stuff that has been said about Mr Starmer in the days since the local election humiliation cannot be unsaid. All the stuff about a lack of vision and direction, a lack of urgency and charisma, a lack of political nous, a lack of connection with his own MPs let alone with the great British public, a large chunk of which it is now openly said actually loathes this scumbag– the Prime Minister. All of that still derogatory stuff stands, and it came from 80-plus Labour MPs and even six Cabinet members.

So the great Turd of Downing Street is still there, stubbornly refusing to be moved, but he has been so badly damaged and undermined – even by his own side – it is hard to see that the questions and the plotting will ever go away. How can he regain the political strength to deliver the change the country needs and that Labour promised?

He remains, for the time being at least, a very diminished Prime Minister