Sunday’s game, which seemed set to be a highlight for Anthony Volpe, ended in a disappointing loss for the Yankees.

However, the significance of Volpe’s performance should extend beyond the 7-6 defeat at the hands of the Mets at Citi Field.

In his fourth appearance this season, following offseason shoulder surgery and losing his starting shortstop position to José Caballero, Volpe excelled. He went 2-for-3, drove in three runs, hit a double, and earned two walks.

Volpe appeared to clinch the game with a two-run single in the sixth inning, breaking a 1-1 deadlock. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t hold onto leads of 5-1 and 6-3, overshadowing his efforts.

“Incredible: That’s the guy we know,” said Aaron Judge. “He’s been our shortstop for the past couple of seasons because he steps up when it matters. He made some crucial plays, delivered significant hits, and showed patience at the plate in tough situations. With more at-bats, he’s returning to form after major shoulder surgery, so it takes a few games to adjust.”

“But I was definitely encouraged by what I saw today.”

Volpe, who collided with Max Schuemann as both tried to make a play on Carson Benge’s walk-off chopper over the mound in the bottom of the 10th, reached base in nine of his 13 plate appearances in the Subway Series, going 2-for-6 with seven walks — one of which came with the bases loaded Sunday to drive in another run in the seventh inning.

“I’m just trying to stay within myself, stay within my approach and put good swings on good pitches,” Volpe said. “Obviously, it fluctuates, but I just want to stay locked into that. Every day, that’s what I can control.”

Volpe cannot control that Caballero expects to miss only the minimum 10 days on the injured list with a fracture in his right middle finger — he is eligible to return Friday — and that manager Aaron Boone has already said he expects Caballero will get his starting job back when he returns.

But the 25-year-old Volpe at least has the opportunity to give the Yankees something to think about if he can show enough on both sides of the ball while Caballero is out.

Volpe’s first hit of the season came on a 104.5 mph double to the gap off Freddy Peralta in the second inning before he struck out in his second at-bat.

He delivered a two-run single off lefty Sean Manaea with the bases loaded in the sixth to put the Yankees ahead 3-1.

After walking in a run in the seventh, Volpe drew another 3-2 walk against Devin Williams in the top of the 10th, only for Austin Wells to follow by grounding into an inning-ending double play.

“Just trying to do my job and contribute in any way I can,” Volpe said. “I got some good pitches to hit and put some good swings on them.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Sunday, throngs of attendees gathered at the National Mall for a full day of prayer and reflection, an event aimed at reaffirming the nation’s commitment to unity “under God.”

Set against the iconic silhouette of the Washington Monument, the rally featured a stage filled with the sounds of worship music and a distinctly Christian theme. The stage design included arched stained-glass windows and grand columns reminiscent of federal architecture, showcasing depictions of the nation’s founders alongside a prominent white cross.

Many of the speakers at the event emphasized the historical connections between Christianity and the United States, a perspective that some critics preemptively criticized as an endorsement of Christian nationalism.

In a video message recorded in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump contributed to the rally by reciting a Scripture passage. This same footage was previously broadcast during a Bible-reading marathon. The chosen verses from 2 Chronicles resonate with those who assert that America’s roots are deeply Christian.

Trump quoted, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Other top Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., were also on the schedule as part of the celebrations this year marking 250 years of U.S. independence.

Many names on the Rededicate 250 program were among Trump’s longtime evangelical supporters, including Paula White-Cain of the White House Faith Office and evangelist Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse.

“We are deeply concerned that what is really being rededicated is a nation to a very narrow and ideological part of the Christian faith that betrays our nation’s fundamental commitment to religious freedom,” said the Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, a Baptist minister who leads the progressive Christian organization Sojourners.

The conservative Christian lineup featured guests who often argue that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, a narrative disputed by many historians and other religious traditions.

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, noted the religious diversity of early America, including Jews, Muslims and Indigenous people. “I want to shine a light on America’s history as a nation that welcomes, celebrates, and protects people of all faiths and those of no faith,” Pesner said.

Attendees believe prayer event is significant

Many in the crowd wore Trump hats and patriotic colors, joining the festivities under a sweltering sun.

“It’s all about Jesus,” said Denny Smith, 72, of Rhode Island, who rented a motorized scooter to traverse the National Mall.

Retha Bond, 58 and from southern Illinois, also heard Trump speak not far away on Jan. 6, 2021. She said she did not join the protesters who rioted later that day at the Capitol but has remained a steadfast Trump supporter.

“I’m not saying Trump is the savior,” Bond said. She added that “this is one of the most important things that could be going on in the world, for us to rededicate our nation back to God.”

Speakers mentioned the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk from the stage. Kirk’s activism has been a powerful example for Alessandra Seawright, 15, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, who came to Rededicate 250 with her mother.

“I think we just need more of this in our country, and we just need to share the word of the Lord,” she said. “We love going to events like this.”

They also attended Kirk’s memorial service, which mixed Christian worship and political messages. Events like these, Seawright said, help her feel less alone in her conservative Christian beliefs.

Prayer event spurs protest

Hegseth, who has infused Christian language and worship with his role leading the Pentagon, asked the gathering in a video to pray to “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Referencing George Washington’s faith, he said, “Let us pray without ceasing. Let us pray for our nation on bended knee.”

Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the only non-Christian religious leader listed on the program. To applause, he told the crowd, “Antisemitism is utterly un-American” — a seeming reference to debates dividing the right.

Soloveichik serves on the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission along with White-Cain, Graham and Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic clerics also featured on the program.

The event was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership backed by the White House. Congressional Democrats have questioned the nonprofit’s structure and finances, which they see as a Trump-controlled end run around a separate commission charted by Congress a decade ago to prepare semiquincentennial events.

Progressive groups staged counterprogramming. Among them were the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which advocates a strict separation of church and state, and the Christian organization Faithful America. The two groups displayed a large balloon near the mall of a Trump-like golden calf, in a biblical reference to idolatry.

On Thursday evening, the Interfaith Alliance projected protest slogans onto an exterior wall of the National Gallery of Art. “Democracy not theocracy,” said one. Another said: “The separation of church and state is good for both.”

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Donald Trump has issued his most ominous warning to Iran so far, as diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution have hit a standstill.

On Sunday, the former President took to Truth Social to unleash a fiery message.

“Iran, your time is running out, and you’d better act quickly, or there will be nothing left,” Trump declared. “Time is of the essence! President DJT.”

His words have ignited concerns that he might consider resuming military actions against Iran if a resolution with the United States isn’t promptly reached.

Trump’s statement coincided with his planned conversation with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday afternoon, aiming to address the latest regional developments.

An Israeli official told Axios the two discussed Iran, and the outlet also reported that Trump’s national security team is expected to meet on Tuesday.

Iranian media reported Sunday that the Trump administration had offered no meaningful concessions in response to the Iranian regime’s latest proposals, raising fears that negotiations could crumble.

The warning came after President Trump said the fragile ceasefire was on ‘massive life support’ and dismissed Iran’s counteroffer as ‘totally unacceptable.’ 

President Donald Trump departs the White House on May 12, 2026 in Washington, DC

A woman holds an Iranian flag during a pro-government campaign in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026

A drone strike targeted the United Arab Emirates’ sole nuclear power plant on Sunday, sparking a fire on its perimeter. 

There were no reports of injuries or radiological release, but it highlighted the risk of renewed war as the Iran ceasefire remains tenuous. 

No one claimed responsibility, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) did not blame anyone for what it said was an ‘unprovoked terrorist attack.’ 

On domestic soil, Americans are increasingly bearing the cost of the conflict.

The Trump administration is under pressure to end the war in Iran as the midterm elections loom, with gas prices rocketing by more than 50 percent to a nationwide average of $4.51 per gallon. 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tried to avoid giving a clear answer about the cost of conflict during an appearance before lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning.

Hegseth appeared before the House Appropriations Committee last week to discuss the Pentagon’s budget, alongside Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst and Caine.

The Defense Secretary was probed by California Democrat Pete Aguilar to share more details about the budget, to which Hegseth said the Pentagon would ‘share what we can when it’s relevant and required.’

Aguilar then responded that he believes, ‘this would be the format that would be required.’

President Donald Trump unleashed on Iran in a Truth Social Post on Sunday, May 17, 2026

Hurst told lawmakers that the estimated cost of the war had risen to $29 billion, up from the earlier $25 billion he had presented to lawmakers while appearing on Capitol Hill at the end of April. 

‘That’s because of updated repair and replacement of equipment costs, and also just general operational costs to keep people in theater,’ Hurst noted as justification. 

Diplomatic efforts for a more durable peace have faltered, and fighting has heated up between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon despite a nominal ceasefire there. 

The UAE recently accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks as tensions have risen over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy waterway gripped by Iran, which is under a US naval blockade.

The UAE has hosted air defenses and personnel from Israel, which sparked the war by attacking Iran with the US on February 28.

Iranian state television, meanwhile, aired segments with news anchors holding rifles in an effort to prepare the public for war. 

The UAE Defense Ministry said three drones came over its western border with Saudi Arabia, with the other two intercepted. It was investigating who launched them. 

Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq have also launched drone attacks targeting Gulf Arab states in the war.

Two teenagers were apprehended by Austin police on Sunday, suspected of involvement in a dozen shooting incidents throughout the city. These events resulted in injuries to four individuals, impacted two fire stations, and led to a shelter-in-place advisory for South Austin residents.

The arrests were announced by Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis, who confirmed that the suspects, aged 15 and 17, were detained following a spree of shootings that began late Saturday night and extended into Sunday morning.

“We have taken two suspects into custody,” Davis stated during a press briefing on Sunday. “The individuals in question are a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old.”

According to officials, the older teenager was already wanted for an alleged firearm theft from a local store, the same location where the younger teen is accused of stealing another gun.

The Austin Police Department also released surveillance photos of a suspect believed to be linked to the city’s recent shooting spree.

According to police, the suspects allegedly stole multiple vehicles throughout the spree and fired shots at apartment complexes, homes, pedestrians and two fire stations.

Davis said one fire station was shot at twice and a fire truck was struck while firefighters were nearby.

Officials said four people were shot during the incidents. One victim suffered critical injuries but was in stable condition, while three others sustained non-life-threatening wounds.

Surveillance footage released by Austin police shows a suspect investigators said was involved in multiple shooting incidents across Austin. (Austin Police Department)

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said emergency responders treated victims at four separate shooting scenes across the city.

“At this time, most of the shootings have occurred in South Austin,” Davis said earlier Sunday. “No specific motive, and they appear to be random in nature.”

Authorities initially warned residents to shelter in place in an area bounded by South Slaughter Lane, East McKinney Falls Parkway, North Ben White Boulevard and West Escarpment Boulevard while officers searched for the suspects.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis speaks during a press conference alongside city officials following a series of shootings across Austin. (Austin Police Department)

The shelter-in-place order was later lifted after the two suspects were taken into custody, though police said a possible third person fled from a vehicle stop in the Manor area.

Austin police said the suspects cycled through several stolen vehicles during the spree, including a black or dark blue Hyundai, a gold Hyundai sedan, a silver Mazda four-door and a white Kia Optima.

Davis urged residents not to leave keys or key fobs inside vehicles.

A police officer stands behind crime scene tape at an active investigation scene. (Stephanie Tacy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“What we are seeing are these cars are being stolen,” Davis said.

Authorities said the investigation began after officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle from an apartment complex and a stolen firearm. Police later said investigators connected the incidents as additional shootings were reported throughout the city.

Davis described the investigation as “complex” because of the number of scenes, stolen vehicles and random shootings spread across multiple areas of Austin.

Police said officers responded to shootings involving apartment buildings and homes while going door-to-door to ensure residents had not been injured.

Davis said surveillance video appeared to show one shooting in front of a store where two people were struck after suspects fired from a passing vehicle.

Police also said a man walking his dog was shot in the back Sunday morning.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the coordinated response from local and regional law enforcement agencies, including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Manor Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.

“This was a rapidly evolving event involving multiple incidents in multiple locations,” Watson said.

Davis also suggested license plate reader technology could have helped investigators more quickly connect the shootings and stolen vehicle reports.

“We need to take seriously the fact that we’ve got two juveniles, 15 and 17, running around with guns creating this havoc,” Davis said.