HOUSTON (AP) — The United States is heading to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic after a “different level of focus” helped this All-Star-studded team rebound from a shocking loss.

The U.S. beat Canada 5-3 on Friday night for a spot in the semifinals Sunday against the Dominican Republic. The big win came after an 8-6 loss to Italy in pool play left them needing help to advance to Friday’s game.

“Guys really locked in,” Yankees star Aaron Judge said. “We saw a different level of focus at our workout the other day and then even pregame today. It felt like the boys were locked and ready to go.”

The loss to Italy elicited criticism of the team and particularly manager Mark DeRosa after he prematurely said on a television interview the morning of the loss to Italy that: “Our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.”

Judge said he knows a lot of people had negative things to say about them after the Italy game, but they didn’t pay it any mind.

“There’s a lot of noise that’s been going on with that,” he said. “And I think it just speaks volumes to the players in this room, the manager we’ve got, everybody, that no matter what’s being said about us, what’s going on, we still got a job to do on the field.”

First baseman Bryce Harper echoed Judge’s sentiments that they didn’t worry about what outsiders were saying about the team.

“People are going to have their opinion about us,” he said. “I don’t think any of them are going to be sitting at our dinner table or our Thanksgiving dinner, so it doesn’t really matter what anybody says, that’s always been my call on that kind of stuff.”

The Americans did eventually punch their ticket to the quarterfinals when Italy beat Mexico to win Pool B and give the U.S. second place.

Starter Logan Webb, who threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings Friday night, said the team’s path to the semifinals was not ideal but he was proud that the guys got the job done.

“It kind of feels like a second chance and… I felt like it was a newfound energy today,” he said.

Third baseman Alex Bregman appreciated the professionalism in the clubhouse as the team dealt with the adversity from the loss to Italy.

“One of the biggest things that you see around all these great players is everyone’s present and they’re not worried about the future or the past,” he said. “They’re worried about that game, that moment, that pitch, the next pitch. And it was just a good, good response today.”

Now the challenge gets even bigger as the U.S. faces a Dominican t eam that beat South Korea 10-0 Friday in seven innings to advance to the semifinals.

The Americans will send reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes to the mound Sunday to contend with a roster that is also chock full of All-Stars.

“I expect it to be like one of the best games of all time,” DeRosa said.

Judge is thrilled that the team is heading to Miami and can’t wait for what’s waiting for the U.S. there.

“The boys are excited, that’s for sure,” he said. “Definitely getting a taste for playoff atmosphere in March, definitely gets the juices flowing a little bit.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

WASHINGTON (AP) — Anti-Muslim rhetoric from some Republicans in Congress intensified this week against the backdrop of the Iran war, with multiple lawmakers — including one who said “Muslims don’t belong in American society” — drawing condemnation from Democrats for their remarks but little pushback from GOP leaders.

The derogatory language has been percolating among Republican officials for months, often prominent when criticizing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim. But against the backdrop of the Iran war, a country with an overwhelmingly Muslim population, and attacks at a synagogue in Michigan and a college in Virginia, the tone sharpened this week.

“The enemy is inside our gates,” Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville wrote Thursday in response to a photo of Mamdani sitting on the ground during an iftar dinner at New York City Hall. The photo was juxtaposed with a picture of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Hours later, Tuberville doubled down: “To be clear, I didn’t ‘suggest’ Islamists are the enemy. I said it plainly.”

The rhetoric intensified Friday as GOP lawmakers responded to the attacks in Michigan and Virginia by urging a halt to all immigration into the United States. Some singled out Muslims specifically.

For many Muslims, it’s a political moment that carries echoes from the early 2000s, when the 9/11 attacks and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars generated hostility toward Muslim communities in the United States, often accompanied by discrimination and racist violence.

“When members of Congress speak, it’s not just words,” said Iman Awad, the national director for policy and advocacy for the Muslim American advocacy group Emgage Action. “It shapes public perception. It legitimizes prejudice.”

GOP rhetoric targeting Muslims spreads online

Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles in his social media post stated flatly that Muslims don’t belong in the United States. He stood behind it after criticism mounted, later writing that “paperwork doesn’t magically make you American” and that “Muslims are unable to assimilate; they all have to go back.”

Asked about Ogles’ post on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he had spoken to members “about our tone and our message and what we say.” He said Ogles used “different language than I would use,” but added that he believes the issue raised by the comments is “serious.”

“There’s a lot of energy in the country, and a lot of popular sentiment that the demand to impose Sharia law in America is a serious problem,” Johnson said. “That’s what animates this.”

Sharia is a religious framework that guides many Muslims’ moral and spiritual conduct. References to “Sharia law” have often been invoked by officials to suggest Muslims are attempting to impose religious practices on communities in the United States.

Many Republicans point to a Muslim-centered planned community near Dallas as proof of “Sharia law” — though the developers have denied the allegations and said they are being targeted because they are Muslim.

With Johnson not condemning Ogles’ remarks — or to recent comments from Florida Rep. Randy Fine that “the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one” — the anti-Muslim rhetoric grew louder. After the photo circulated of Mamdani at the iftar dinner, several Republicans responded with critical posts.

Democrats broadly condemned the GOP messages. Chuck Schumer, the leader of Senate Democrats, called Tuberville’s post “mindless hate.”

“Islamophobic hate like this is fundamentally un-American and we must confront and overcome it whenever it rears its ugly head,” Schumer said.

Mamdani — in response to Tuberville’s post that “the enemy is inside our gates” — said: “Let there be as much outrage from politicians in Washington when kids go hungry as there is when I break bread with New Yorkers.”

Attacks in Michigan and Virginia spark another wave of rhetoric

Federal officials identified a man who rammed his vehicle into a hallway at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, this week as a naturalized citizen born in Lebanon. Officials have said that the man had lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike in his native Lebanon last week, just after sunset as they were having their fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

In Virginia, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University before ROTC students subdued and killed him. Court documents showed that he had previously served time for attempting to aid the Islamic State and was released less than two years ago.

Some Republican lawmakers claimed vindication for their views. Others pushed for legislation. Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, the House GOP’s whip, said “the security of our nation hinges on our ability to denaturalize and deport terrorists.”

West Virginia Rep. Riley Moore said he would introduce a bill to denaturalize and deport any naturalized citizen who “commits an act of terrorism, plots to commit an act of terrorism, joins a terrorist organization or otherwise aids and abets terrorism against the American people.”

Similar rhetoric and policy pushes have surfaced before and drawn controversy. Last year, protesters connected to demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war were arrested and targeted by authorities, including former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist the government has sought to detain and deport.

GOP leadership offers little pushback

Middle East conflicts bringing domestic tensions is nothing new. With the war in Gaza, both Muslim and Jewish communities have faced faith-based discrimination and attacks.

Mamdani said the posts invoking the 9/11 attacks are problematic not just because of the words, but because of “the actions that often accompany them.”

“I think too of the smaller indignities, the indignities that many New Yorkers face, but that Muslims are expected to face in silence,” Mamdani said. “Of the exhaustion of having to explain yourself to those who are not interested in understanding. Of the men who introduce themselves by their given name only to be called Muhammad for years on end.”

The stark silence from Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump, reflects a broader change in the party. After the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, Republican President George W. Bush visited the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., to explicitly warn against Muslim discrimination.

“America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country,” Bush said during the visit, adding: “They need to be treated with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with respect.”

“Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don’t represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior,” Bush said.

Women who don’t want or can’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might now have another option

Half a million menopausal women could be eligible for a new daily tablet to alleviate hot flushes and night sweats. The pill can now be prescribed on the NHS for women who either don’t want or can’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) stated that fezolinetant is a non-hormonal treatment which operates by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats.

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, commented: “Symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats can affect every part of a women’s life, so this is very welcome news especially for women who are unable to or don’t wish to take hormone replacement therapy.

“It’s another vital treatment option which could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause to better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health.”

The treatment, also known as Veoza, is produced by Astellas Pharma, and NICE has indicated that it can significantly reduce symptoms. Women may not be able to take HRT if they have other medical conditions such as blood clots, reports the Mirror.

Some also opt not to use HRT, which is the first-line treatment for symptoms of the menopause. The health spending watchdog added that women will need regular liver function monitoring whilst taking the treatment as it is rolled out in England.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing. For those who are unable to take HRT for varying reasons, options have historically been limited, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult that can be. This decision will give much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is unsuitable.”

The menopause occurs when periods cease due to reduced hormone levels. According to the NHS, it typically affects women aged between 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier.

The NHS recommends the following lifestyle adjustments women can make to help manage symptoms:

• get plenty of rest, including keeping to regular sleep routines
• eat a healthy diet
• have calcium-rich food like milk, yoghurt and kale to keep bones healthy
• exercise regularly, try including weight-bearing activities where your feet and legs support your weight like walking, running or dancing
• do relaxing things like yoga, tai chi or meditation
• talk to other people going through the same thing, like family, friends or colleagues
• talk to a doctor before taking herbal supplements or complementary medicines

Emergency services remain at the scene

Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash involving on a major road in Stockport. The smash, on Turves Road in Cheadle Hulme, happened at around 7:40pm this evening (Saturday, March 14).

The crash involved a van and a motorbike, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMRS) said. Police, paramedics attended the scene along with firefighters.

Two casualties were taken to hospital by ambulance. Their condition is not known. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been contacted for further information.

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A large cordon is currently in place near the junction with Bruntwood Lane. A white van can be seen inside the police tape.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 7.40pm on Saturday 14 March, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Turves Road, Stockport.

“One fire engine from Cheadle station was quickly mobilised to the incident, which involved a van and a motorbike.

“Firefighters assisted paramedics in caring for two casualties, who were then taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service, and helped make the area safe. Fire crews were in attendance for about 40 minutes.”

On January 14 actor John Alford was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court for sexually abusing two children – The Mirror’s Patrick Hill attended the hearing and watched on as he attempted to put on a brave face for five family members in the public gallery

Fifty nine days ago, John Alford, once one of Britain’s most famous actors, was sentenced to eight and a half years in jail for sexually abusing two children.

I watched on as he attempted to put on a brave face for five family members in the public gallery by looking at them and tapping his heart while being led down to the cells. But at that moment it was clear he was fooling no one. He was a broken man.

Alford, whose real name was John Shannon, looked completely shell-shocked and I remember doubting he would ever recover. Now, two months to the day, we know for sure he never will, following the announcement that he died in his cell bed on Friday before guards found him unresponsive.

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She described how she no longer trusted men and how her relationship with her own father had been affected by what Alford, then aged in his 50s, had done to her. The other victim, aged just 15 at the time, told how she severely self-harmed for years after the attack and attempted suicide with a batch of sleeping tablets when she was only 16.

Both girls told the court they continue to suffer flashbacks and nightmares related to Alford’s crimes, which were committed against them almost four years earlier, in April 2022. They also both admitted they feared encountering him again one day following his release.

Today marks a sad end for Alford’s family, including his four children, who the court heard are aged between five and 19. But his victims and their families will not mourn him. I hope his death will at least give them some closure and peace of mind. They deserve it.

Officers were called to Albert Road, near Bar Cuda, in the early hours of Saturday (March 14).

Footage widely circulating online shows a street fight breaking out between a group of women in the centre of the street shortly after 2am.

The video then shows several police officers running towards the scene after arriving on flashing blue lights.

Cleveland Police has confirmed two women, aged 41 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Gladiators host Bradley Walsh was told off by referee Mark Clattenburg during Saturday’s semi-final of the BBC show

Gladiators’ audience began to boo as presenter Bradley Walsh was reprimanded by the referee.

The host was questioning the rules of one of the challenges on the programme when ref Mark Clattenburg retorted: “Be quiet!”

Unimpressed, the spectators started booing as Mark pointed his finger at the TV personality and scolded him, reports the Mirror.

The light-hearted clash occurred during Saturday’s semi-final (March 14) of the BBC show, as contenders Mo and Finn competed against the Gladiators in an attempt to secure a place in the final of the current series.

Mo was penalised for dropping a ball during the Collision challenge, telling Bradley afterwards that he believed he should have received the point regardless. “I think I got disqualified with one point. I should have been allowed that,” he said.

READ MORE: BBC Gladiators fans call out ‘unfair’ detail minutes into latest episodeREAD MORE: BBC Gladiators fans claim semi-final was ‘unfair’ as they fume ‘it’s shocking’

Addressing Mark, Bradley tried to clarify the situation, saying: “Please explain what’s going on there, please?”

The ref responded: “You’ve dropped the ball on the bridge. That’s against the rules.”

Bradley questioned whether there might be a loophole, asking: “There’s a case to be said that if you drop the ball and then you regain it and catch it? I mean, seriously.”

However, gesturing at him, the ref retorted: “Bradley, be quiet!”

“The rules are the rules,” he continued as the crowd erupted into a chorus of loud jeers.

Grinning at the fans, Bradley said of Mark: “He’s got out of the wrong side of the bed today.”

The incident also entertained viewers watching at home, with several taking to social media to comment on it.

One posted on X: “The referee telling Bradley to be quiet as he objected the rules!”

“Bradley getting in Mark’s bad books again, classic,” another person commented on the platform, previously known as Twitter.

However, another viewer felt it was a bit excessive, remarking: “This show is getting a bit pantomimey…” Someone else quipped: “Clattenburg getting his audition for Christmas panto villain in nice and early.”

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Gladiators airs on BBC One.

Race Across The World is returning with a new set of contestants taking on the epic trek

The new Race Across the World contestants are seen trudging through deep snow in a sneak peek at the new series.

The popular BBC show – which sees teams racing across huge distances with tight budgets, no phones and without using planes – is returning for a sixth series, and the broadcaster has shared a brief glimpse of what’s to come in a teaser trailer.

While the starting point has yet to be shared, this time around the contestants will be tasked with making their way from Europe to “to the uncharted edges of Mongolia”. Scenes in the trailer show the racers on horseback, in big cities, jumping off boats and trying to thumb rides.

“The further they go, the closer they’ll get,” is emblazoned across the screen, as one of this year’s contestants is heard saying: “This race, it’s a lifetime of exploring in such a short amount of time.

READ MORE: Welsh word that confused Race Across the World producers is put in the dictionaryREAD MORE: Race Across the World’s Sioned opens up on relationship with Fin as she makes admission

“It’s going to open up a lot of doors not many people have the privilege to unlock.”

Another contestant is then heard exclaiming: “This is an adventure.”

The BBC teased: “In this vast east-to-west journey, five pairs race from the familiarities of Europe all the way to the uncharted edges of Mongolia in Race Across the World series six.

“These teams must forge their own path… But on this journey of extremes, who will finish first? No flights. No phones. No safety net… Let the race begin!”

Fans have said they “can’t wait” after getting a taster of the series, with one posting on Instagram: “So excited for this.”

“OMG…. Can’t wait for this one!!!” said someone else, as another fan remarked: “My favourite programme.”

“Yippee!” exclaimed another viewer, as somebody else commented: “Yesssssss!! Cannot wait – best programme!!”

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Last year’s instalment of Race Across the World saw the teams setting off from The Great Wall of China before travelling across China, Nepal and India to the end point of Kanniyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.

It was won by mother and son duo Caroline and Tom, who won the £20,000 prize when they were the first pair to make it to the final checkpoint.

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Race Across the World airs on the BBC.

David Moyes praised Riccardo Calafiori for his ‘unbelievable’ block to stop Dwight McNeil’s goal-bound effort in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side left it late at the Emirates Stadium as Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring in the 89th minute before Max Dowman became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with his brilliant solo effort in injury time.

Everton were close to going ahead in the first half when McNeil had a chance from seven yards out, but Calafiori produced an impressive scorpion kick to block the strike, which looked to be beating David Raya.

Speaking after the game, Moyes hailed Calafiori’s block and claims it symbolises Arsenal’s determination to keep clean sheets this season.

‘The block from Dwight McNeil from Calafiori is unbelievable,’ Moyes said.

‘And it tells you a little bit about what Arsenal are, they’re fighting for it, they’re defending the goal for their lives.

‘Probably in the end I think Raya made more saves than Jordan Pickford in the game, but the block from Calafiori was amazing.’

In a separate interview with Sky Sports, Moyes added: ‘I thought Raya had more saves than Jordan tonight, and he kept a couple of great saves.

‘The bigger thing for me was the block [Riccardo Calafiori]. It tells you a bit about how good they are defensively. They are wholly defending that goal. So you have to praise them for that.’

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