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Illinois Air Pollution Alert: Stay Safe with These Tips

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — An “Air Pollution Action Day” alert has been issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency due to the movement of wildfire smoke across the state.

The alert is set for Sunday, July 19, as weather conditions are expected to reach or exceed the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG) category in almost all regions forecasting Illinois Air Quality Index sectors. Notably, the entire state is encompassed by this alert, with the exception of the Metro-East St. Louis area.

Starting Saturday afternoon, smoke and fine particulate matter anticipated at levels harmful to air quality will likely resurface in Illinois. The northern regions are expected to feel the effects by the afternoon and evening, with smoke slowly drifting to southern areas overnight.

According to the IEPA, varying levels of smoke could affect locations both within and outside the alert zones over Saturday and Sunday, potentially even extending into Monday.

People with respiratory and pulmonary disorders, children, older adults, and anyone who is active outdoors are more at risk to elevated air pollution. Sensitive individuals should follow their doctor’s advice, Illinois officials added. Symptoms that are important to pay attention to include wheezing, coughing, elevated heart rate, tiredness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Officials also encouraged people to take the following actions to protect themselves when air quality is poor:

  • Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed

  • If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, set your system to recirculate or close the intake
  • Use high efficiency filters
  • Avoid smoking or burning candles indoors
  • Spend less time outside and take frequent breaks
  • Wear a high-quality N-95 or N-100 mask to filter damaging particles when outside
  • Anyone with air quality concerns, or those with outdoor plans, should check current NowCast readings on AirNow.gov. To learn more about how to interpret the air quality numbers near you, click here.

    You can learn more information on the IEPA’s website and on the IDPH’s website.

    Argentina Fans Turn Times Square into World Cup Fiesta Hub

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    On Saturday, a wave of blue and white splashed across New York’s Times Square as fans of Argentina descended upon the iconic site, setting the stage for the upcoming World Cup final.

    With ‘La Albiceleste’ poised to clash with Spain at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday, throngs of passionate supporters from Argentina flooded the bustling streets of the Big Apple.

    Captured by The Daily Mail, the lively scenes revealed Argentina’s fans singing, dancing, and waving flags with exuberance, all set against the rainy backdrop of this renowned New York City landmark.

    Undeterred by the flash floods that hit New York, Argentina’s supporters remained vibrant and full of spirit, braving the storm throughout Saturday afternoon’s celebrations.

    The enthusiasm of these South American fans was likely fueled by their team’s sensational comeback against England in Wednesday’s semi-final match, leaving them energized and ready for more.

    Lionel Messi and Co. staged a late resurgence to book their place in Sunday’s final, after scoring two goals in the dying moments to beat the Three Lions 2-1.

    New York's Time Square was transformed into a sea of blue and white on Saturday after Argentina fans took over the area ahead of this weekend's World Cup final

    New York’s Time Square was transformed into a sea of blue and white on Saturday after Argentina fans took over the area ahead of this weekend’s World Cup final

    Thousands of supporters swarmed to the iconic New York landmark one day before the final

    Thousands of supporters swarmed to the iconic New York landmark one day before the final

    Despite New York battling flash floods, that didn't dampen the mood for Argentina fans

    Despite New York battling flash floods, that didn’t dampen the mood for Argentina fans

    England had taken the lead through winger Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, before Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck for Argentina. 

    Meanwhile, Spain defeated France 2-0 in their respective semi-final – with Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro on the scoresheet for La Roja. 

    Sunday’s final will see Barcelona legend Messi take on Spain’s 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal – who once crossed paths in bizarre circumstances years ago.

    Once their date with destiny was confirmed, a barely-believable photo of an astonishing encounter in 2007 resurfaced on social media this week.

    The snap in question shows then-Barcelona star Messi, while carrying out a photoshoot for local newspaper Diario Sport and charity UNICEF, sitting on the floor to help to bathe the future Spain wonderkid in a blue plastic bathtub, before later cradling him while he’s wrapped in a towel.

    The pictures were posted on Instagram by Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, in 2024 with the caption: ‘The beginning of two legends.’

    Two days before they meet in the World Cup final, Messi was asked about the extraordinary images of him with a young Yamal after appearing at Fanatics Fest in New York City.

    ‘That picture, it was crazy. Him as a baby, and now we are facing each other… so once again what a crazy picture,’ the soccer legend said when asked by NFL icon Tom Brady about the photos.

    Thousands of fans were seen singing, dancing and chanting throughout the afternoon

    Thousands of fans were seen singing, dancing and chanting throughout the afternoon

    Argentina fans made use of branded umbrellas as they battled the elements on Saturday

    Argentina fans made use of branded umbrellas as they battled the elements on Saturday

    They then partied the night away as the rain continued to pour down in Times Square

    They then partied the night away as the rain continued to pour down in Times Square

    Argentina fans are in fine spirits ahead of their bid to win a second straight World Cup

    Argentina fans are in fine spirits ahead of their bid to win a second straight World Cup

    Lionel Messi at Fanatics Fest

    Lamine Yamal

    Lionel Messi admits the viral photo of him bathing a six-month-old Lamine Yamal is ‘crazy’

    Messi is set to collide with Yamal in the World Cup final, almost two decades after he helped bathe the future Spain wonderkid as a baby

    Messi is set to collide with Yamal in the World Cup final, almost two decades after he helped bathe the future Spain wonderkid as a baby

    ‘I just wish him the best of luck, and he’s part of the Barcelona squad as well. We will try to give them [Spain] the best match possible, [but] Lamine is not the only great player that Spain has. So again we will give it our all.’

    Before addressing the UNICEF photos, Messi described Yamal as ‘one of the best players in the world right now.’

    ‘He’s only 19 years old and he has all of his future ahead. He has the opportunity to make history, but we are also going to give it our best,’ he added.

    Photographer Joan Monfort, who works as a freelance photojournalist for the AP, took the photos of Messi and Yamal in 2007 as part of a charity calendar produced by local newspaper Sport and UNICEF.

    Taylor Sheridan Lands Role After Bold Audition Outburst

    Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind iconic tough-guy figures like Rip Wheeler from Yellowstone and Tommy Norris from Landman, likely draws some of his daring character concepts from his own life. In a candid chat on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, the acclaimed writer and producer shared a throwback to a time in his acting career when he resorted to settling disputes in a rather old-school manner—involving a bit of fist power.

    Taylor Sheridan was stunned when he landed this acting job

    During an audition for a commercial, Sheridan found himself dealing with a rather disruptive fellow actor who wouldn’t stop interrupting, as he explained to the famously candid radio host. Frustrated and reaching his limit, Sheridan bluntly warned, “Keep that up, and I’m going to knock you the f*ck out.”

    Recalling the event, Sheridan described how the other actor gave him a bewildered look, yet continued his chatter. Unperturbed, Sheridan recounted sitting on the couch and, with a swift and unexpected move, gave the nuisance a light punch. Realizing the situation’s finality, he calmly concluded, “This is over. I guess this ain’t the job for me. Thank you, everyone.” With that, he exited the room with his dignity intact.

    Convinced his actions had cost him the commercial, Sheridan was in for a shock when he returned to his talent agency. Despite the altercation, the surprising news awaited him: the role was his. He had landed a spot in an advertisement for the now-defunct department store Montgomery Ward.

    While filming the spot, Sheridan stepped out for a smoke break. 

    “There’s this dude,” he said. “I still remember, he’s wearing a baseball cap, like a Chicago White Sox baseball cap, a sport coat, and jeans and tennis shoes, and just that whole combination fascinated me, and I said, ‘So, what do you do? You like a camera guy or something?’ And he looks at me and he just laughs. He just can’t stop laughing when he looks at me and he goes, ‘I’m the executive producer. I’m the one who hired you.’”

    Sheridan asked the man why he’d hired him for the job. He admitted to Stern that he was hoping to hear something like, “Well, you’ve got it, kid. You’re just so charismatic. You’re a movie star. I could just tell when you walked in.”

    “He starts laughing,” Sheridan continued. “He said, ‘You told that guy you were going to hit him, and then you hit him and it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve watched it 50 times.’”

    ‘Yellowstone’ creator explains why he gave up acting

    Sheridan might have gotten the job promoting Montgomery Ward. But he eventually realized that the instability of an actor’s life wasn’t for him. After a stint on FX’s Sons of Anarchy, he mostly stopped performing in front of the camera, aside from some roles in his own projects. He made the decision after his request for a raise was shut down. 

    Decision-makers on Sons of Anarchy told Sheridan that they didn’t have to up his pay because it would be so easy to recast him. 

    “I realized my value is I’m imminently replaceable and that my business did not respect me and I thought to myself, I’m like, ‘Man, I can’t take this job and tell my son, Son, you can be anything you want to be, but I’m going to miss your soccer game ‘cause I’ve got a Windex audition.’ So, I quit the show,” he said. “…I just realized I’ve maxed out what I can do as an actor in this industry, so I’m not going to try to do it anymore and the people that have all the power are the people telling stories, so I’m going to tell my own stories, and so, that’s when I decided that I was going to write. I quit.”

    For more​​ news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram. 

    Switched at Birth: Two Men Sue Hospital After 38-Year DNA Discovery Shocks Families

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    Two families are seeking justice after uncovering a life-altering mistake at a North Dakota hospital. Thirty-eight years ago, their sons were accidentally switched at birth, a discovery made through DNA testing. These families now claim the hospital deprived them of the futures they rightfully deserved.

    Kyle Bylin embarked on a journey of unexpected revelations when he decided to try an at-home DNA test. This test, chosen randomly during a Christmas gift exchange, connected him with his biological aunt through a genealogy website. Intrigued by this connection, Jeremy Morrison, her nephew, also took a DNA test. The results were both shocking and undeniable.

    “My mind was completely blown,” Bylin recounted, reflecting on the moment the truth of their birth switch emerged. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think a birth switch was possible.”

    For Morrison, the realization hit upon seeing a photograph of Bylin’s brother, noting the striking resemblance between themselves. This image confirmed what the DNA tests suggested, resolving any lingering doubts.

    According to the recent lawsuit filed in state court, Bylin and Morrison were the sole babies born on January 26, 1988, at Unity Medical Center in Grafton, North Dakota. In an inexplicable twist, each went home with the wrong family, setting the stage for a legal battle over this heart-wrenching error.

    A hospital statement says there’s no evidence staff was responsible for the switch.

    But Bylin, born Jeremy Morrison, says he still has the hospital bracelet that misidentified him as Kyle Bylin.

    The hospital records no longer exist

    Two years have passed since the DNA tests shattered what they thought they knew about their families – including disorienting moments, emotional family meetings and thoughts about the what-ifs.

    “Kyle is still my son – that is never going to change,” Evelyn Newton, who raised him as her own, told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday. “But I feel robbed of the life I should have had with my biological son. You can’t go back and replace 35 years. First steps, driving a car, getting married – how do you make up for that?”

    The hospital doesn’t dispute that the babies were switched at some point. It says it’s working to better understand what happened, but has uncovered no evidence that its administration or staff were responsible for the lives-altering error.

    “We recognize the profound impact this discovery has had on them and their families,” Unity Medical’s statement says. “Unfortunately, because of the passage of nearly four decades, the medical and staffing records that might have provided additional clarity no longer exist, and no members of the delivery team from that time are still employed by the hospital.”

    The knowledge hasn’t changed the way Morrison feels about the family he’s always known. He still thinks of the parents he grew up with – Elizabeth O’Toole and Terry Morrison – as his parents. And aside from some challenging times – like wishing he had a sibling to lean on when he was 7 and they divorced – he says his childhood was fine.

    “I was loved. I played sports. I did well in school,” Morrison said. “A DNA test is not going to take away 38 years of memories.”

    The shocking truth led to emotional encounters

    Morrison now lives in Colorado City, Colorado, and works as a welding inspector for a wind energy company. Had he not been switched at birth, he figures he’d still be with his biological brother and father, working on the North Dakota grain farm where Bylin grew up.

    Newton said she never had any thought that Kyle might not be their biological son, as she and her then-husband, Keith Bylin, were raising him. True, the immediate family had light hair and Kyle’s was dark. But her husband had relatives with dark hair, and Newton herself was adopted, so she didn’t know what her own blood relatives looked like.

    For Bylin, questions about nature versus nurture have become more personal. As he pursued an academic career far from North Dakota, he figured the political debates over Thanksgiving dinner were just a staple of American family life.

    “You’re just kind of shaking your fist, like, how can this be my family? How am I so different from them?” Bylin said. “It turns out that we’re just totally different people, period.”

    Bylin and Morrison have now met their biological parents – the encounters were welcoming but awkward, they said. They have yet to meet each other, but have spoken on the phone.

    “We’ve tried to unite as a group and just recognize that no matter what, there’s different ways that this can be socially messy,” Bylin said. “Everyone’s getting to know people that they didn’t know before.”

    Others have discovered they were switched at birth

    Such cases are rare, but at-home DNA tests are making them easier to uncover:

    1. In 2024, two women sued the government of Norway, alleging a breach of human rights after discovering they had been switched.

    2. Two men who believe they were switched at birth in 1942 sued a Roman Catholic diocese in West Virginia in 2020, alleging negligence and breach of duty by the hospital where they were born.

    3. In 2018, in Pennsylvania, testing revealed that two girls had been switched some 75 years earlier.

    4. In 2016, the Canadian government launched an investigation after DNA evidence indicated two men from a northern Manitoba Indigenous community were switched at birth in 1975.

    Modern tech helps hospitals prevent switches

    Dr. Jonathan Marron, a pediatric oncologist who also teaches at Harvard Medical School’s Center for Bioethics, says such mix-ups should happen “pretty close to never” nowadays.

    “As often as all clinicians, doctors, nurses, social workers, everybody else, gripe about the electronic health records,” the digital backstop is a clear benefit, Marron said.

    Attorney Tim O’Keefe said he tried for a year to reach a monetary settlement with the hospital before filing a lawsuit claiming emotional distress due to negligence and medical malpractice. The families have spent this time adjusting to new realities.

    “I know the truth now, but we’re still working to build relationships,” Morrison said. “I mean, it’s not like I can go back in time and rebuild what’s already lost. It’s a work in progress, just like me.”

    ___

    Susan Montoya Bryan contributed from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Johnson reported from Seattle, Schuettler from Phoenix. Schuettler is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

    Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

    Transform Your Midsection: Top 4 Core Boosters After 60

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    Cultivating a robust and stable core is crucial for navigating everyday activities with ease and confidence.

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    Core strength is vital at every age, but once you hit 60, it’s even more important to give your workouts some extra attention. A strong, stable core enhances your balance, supports your posture, and allows you to enjoy activities like strolling in the park, playing pickleball, or spending active time with your grandchildren.

    Understanding the significance of core strength means it’s time to focus on it within your fitness regimen. We’ve uncovered four fantastic at-home exercises specifically designed to strengthen your core more effectively than traditional crunches, especially after age 60.

    “Traditional crunches mostly engage the superficial abdominal muscles, neglecting the deeper muscles critical for spinal stability during daily activities. They’re prone to cause discomfort for individuals with neck or back issues due to the repetitive spinal flexion,” explains Denise Chakoian, a Certified Fitness Trainer and owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree in Rhode Island. With over 16 years of experience training clients of all ages and fitness levels, Chakoian emphasizes, “Daily life calls for core strength that resists movement to maintain body stability, rather than constant forward curling. This is why stability, posture, and controlled movements offer greater functional benefits for older adults.”

    An effective core workout isn’t measured by the number of crunches you can perform; instead, it should enhance your functional movement throughout the day.

    Grunge Legend Jennifer Finch Passes Away at 59 After Battling Aggressive Brain Cancer

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    The music world bids farewell to Jennifer Finch, the iconic bassist and vocalist of the 1990s all-female band L7. Finch passed away at the age of 59 after a fierce struggle with an aggressive cancer.

    Her death comes on the heels of brain surgery, which she underwent in her battle against the illness.

    This heartbreaking announcement was made via Finch’s official Instagram account on Saturday evening, bringing a wave of sorrow to fans and friends alike.

    Accompanying a radiant photograph of Finch, the post stated, “We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch.”

    The message continued, “Jennifer’s impact on the world of music was seismic; her impact on our lives, even more so. We appreciate everyone’s interest and concern, thank you for all the kind messages. We appreciate some space to heal privately during this difficult time.”

    Just hours earlier, Finch’s account had shared a post from her bandmate Donita Sparks, 63, who uploaded a photo and wrote that she was ‘sending much love and strength to my beautiful, talented bandmate.’

    Jennifer Finch, the bassist and vocalist for the 1990s girl group L7, has died at age 59 after battling an 'aggressive' form of cancer

    Jennifer Finch, the bassist and vocalist for the 1990s girl group L7, has died at age 59 after battling an ‘aggressive’ form of cancer

    Along with a smiling photo of the musician, an Instagram caption read, 'We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch'

    Along with a smiling photo of the musician, an Instagram caption read, ‘We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch’

    Earlier this week Finch shared a photo of her surgery scar as her family and friends asked for donations to help fight her cancer battle.

    She went public on Monday with news that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

    Her bandmates announced her illness in an Instagram statement, revealing she was forced to pull out of their upcoming farewell tour.

    ‘Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support,’ the post read.

    There was a link to a GoFundMe set up by her loved ones, which featured a picture of a smiling Finch pulling back her hair to reveal the still healing incision after one operation.

    She received an outpouring of support on the crowdfunding platform, and as of Saturday evening there was a total of $393,596 donations, surpassing the original goal of $350,000.

    It was noted that proceeds would ‘allow Jennifer to remain safely and comfortably at home’ throughout her treatment.

    The page also requested donations to help recover the ‘significant out-of-pocket medical expenses and legal fees’ already spent on her care.

    L-R Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner, Finch, and Demetra 'Dee' Plakas pictured in Belgium in a 1992 publicity shot for their grunge band L7

    L-R Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner, Finch, and Demetra ‘Dee’ Plakas pictured in Belgium in a 1992 publicity shot for their grunge band L7

    It comes days after Finch shared a photo of her brain surgery scar as her family and friends asked for donations to help fight her cancer battle

    It comes days after Finch shared a photo of her brain surgery scar as her family and friends asked for donations to help fight her cancer battle

    Just hours earlier, Finch's account shared a post from her bandmate Sparks, 63, who uploaded a photo and wrote that she was 'sending much love and strength to my beautiful, talented bandmate'

    Just hours earlier, Finch’s account shared a post from her bandmate Sparks, 63, who uploaded a photo and wrote that she was ‘sending much love and strength to my beautiful, talented bandmate’

    Acknowledging ‘the difficult reality that Jennifer may have more good days behind her than ahead,’ her loved ones also solicited contributions to maintain Finch’s ‘legacy by creating an archive of her artistic and creative work.’

    Finch was one of the earliest and longest-lasting members of L7, which she joined in 1986, the year after the band was formed in Los Angeles.

    She appeared Courtney Love’s group Hole’s 1994 Doll Parts music video as a replacement for bassist Kristen Pfaff, who died of a heroin overdose at age 27.

    Although she left L7 in 1996 and the band broke up in 2001, they reunited in 2014.

    This past May, the collective announced their final tour, The Last Hurrah 2026, with the endeavor slated to begin in October.

    Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate Arrested in the US, Facing Extradition on New Charges

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    This story includes mentions of rape and assault.

    Social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate, known for their controversial views, have been detained in the United States while British authorities push for their extradition on charges related to rape and sex trafficking.

    With a social media brand built on themes of wealth, male dominance, and disdain for women, the Tate brothers have become some of the internet’s most divisive figures.

    The US Marshals Service verified that 39-year-old Andrew Tate, who openly embraces misogyny, along with his younger sibling, were apprehended due to a sealed warrant. This development positions the US at the forefront of a high-profile international legal affair spanning from Europe to the UK.

    In footage shared by TMZ, law enforcement is seen placing the brothers in handcuffs and ushering them into vehicles. As shown on the social platform X, when queried by a passerby for a statement, Tristan Tate remained silent.

    British prosecutors said on Sunday they were prosecuting Andrew Tate with seven further counts of rape, three counts of facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault and 19 additional charges for offences relating to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography. He has already been charged previously for 10 counts of rape, assault and human trafficking.

    Tristan Tate had been charged with an six more counts of sexual assault, rape and facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation. He already has 11 previous charges for the same crimes.

    British prosecutors seeking the brothers’ extradition alleging they conducted these offences between 2010 and 2017.

    The dual US and British citizens moved to Romania in 2016.

    They were arrested there in 2022, accused of participating in schemes to lure women for sexual exploitation. They denied those allegations and the case didn’t go forward because of legal and procedural irregularities.

    The brothers are expected to appear in Miami’s federal court early next week.

    ‘Filth and slander’

    The pending charges in the United Kingdom accused the brothers of abusing women in an area north of London, where they grew up. Their lawyers had said they denied the allegations.

    Joseph McBride, a lawyer representing the Tate brothers, said in a phone interview he had not been able to speak with his clients but called the new charges out of the UK “filth and slander” intended to derail defamation lawsuits filed by the brothers in the US.

    “They’re pulling out all the stops to make sure these guys never get their day in court,” McBride said.

    “We are confident that once a competent judge sees the facts, and once the Department of Justice confronts this egregious abuse of its own authority, Andrew and Tristan Tate will walk free. America does not do Britain’s political dirty work.”

    Andrew Tate first reached a mainstream audience as a contestant on the UK reality television show Big Brother in 2016. He was removed from the show when a video surfaced that appeared to show Tate assaulting a woman. He and his brother are vocal supporters of US President Donald Trump.

    Andrew Tate has amassed over 10 million followers on X but has been banned from platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for violating hate speech guidelines.

    His most widely condemned rhetoric includes comments that women who are sexually assaulted should bear some responsibility for their attacks, graphic descriptions of how he might attack women and criticisms of people who seek treatment for mental illness.

    The Tate brothers have consistently denied allegations of abuse and human trafficking, claiming that violent and misogynistic statements have been taken out of context or were intended as jokes.


    Liberty Collapses as Fever Dominates Disastrous Third Quarter

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    INDIANAPOLIS — The Liberty find themselves in a difficult position with no justification to lean on.

    After facing travel disruptions that pushed their scheduled game in Dallas from Thursday to Monday, they hadn’t stepped onto the court since Sunday.

    This shift afforded them additional practice sessions, extra preparation time, and ample opportunities for meetings to ensure everyone was in sync.

    Breanna Stewart believed they were poised for success.

    Yet, some 12 hours later, the Liberty’s performance indicated otherwise.

    Earlier in the day, Stewart told The Post that Saturday night’s game against the Fever was more about proving to themselves that the work is paying off than proving to others that the Liberty are a serious contender.

    New York’s pride was on the line.

    But things unraveled for the Liberty and they never recovered, falling to the fatigued Fever 108-88.

    Embarrassing.

    Disappointing.

    Frustrating.

    Demoralizing.

    Pick your adjective.

    The Liberty led by 13 points with 2:55 left in the first half.

    Then, Lexi Hull hit a 3 in transition.

    Pauline Astier got called for a flagrant foul, sending Kelsey Mitchell to the line for three free throws, and Tyasha Harris drained a 3.

    That six-point swing made it a four-point game.

    The Liberty led by four at halftime.

    The Fever — playing on the second night of a back-to-back with Caitlin Clark on a minutes restriction — outscored them 30-12 in the third quarter.

    Mitchell had 14 of her 33 points in the period.

    It was the same story, different game.

    The Liberty looked out of sorts.

    The chemistry seems off.

    They’re asking too much of Stewart.

    It was never going to be sustainable.

    New York committed 17 turnovers resulting in 30 Fever points.

    Indiana converted its eight offensive boards into 18 points.

    The Fever looked every bit like a team playing for the second time in 24 hours.

    And yet, the Liberty — who, again, hadn’t played in six days — couldn’t take advantage.

    New York’s third-quarter showing was pitiful.

    The Liberty committed eight turnovers and eight fouls.

    They shot 5-for-13 from the field.

    The Liberty have taken some injury hits.

    They’re without Leonie Fiebich, who has a left foot injury, and Satou Sabally, who missed her seventh game because of concussion protocol.

    Still no excuse for what transpired Saturday.

    The Liberty started the game strong.

    They were raining 3s.

    Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Stewart each drained one.

    Marine Johannes went a splashy 4-for-5 from deep in the first quarter.

    The Liberty shot 7-for-9 from deep, but 2-for-10 inside the arc.

    New York went 6-for-23 from beyond the arc in the final three quarters.

    The Liberty’s bench was expected to be the deepest in the league.

    But the Fever’s reserves outscored New York’s 31-14.

    It’s unclear why Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Rebekah Gardner never left the Liberty’s bench considering how poorly things were going.

    New York needed something, anything, and never got it outside of Stewart.

    Clark said she might have to play more than her minutes restriction if the game called for it.

    Ultimately, it didn’t because the Fever sealed the Liberty’s fate in the third quarter.

    The Liberty have lost eight of their last 10 games and are 13-12 with two games left before the All-Star break.

    England Beats France 6-4 to Clinch World Cup Wooden Spoon

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    Thomas Tuchel is a figure who commands attention, and for good reason, especially if you’re in his shoes.

    Tuchel’s latest victory, marked by dramatic highs and lows, has offered him a much-needed reprieve. It quieted the boos echoing before the game and the flood of criticism following England’s semi-final loss to Argentina. With this triumph, he secured England’s most commendable World Cup finish since their glorious 1966 victory. While the team didn’t achieve the second star he had ambitiously aimed for, they clinched a respectable bronze medal. True to his nature, the journey remains on Tuchel’s terms.

    Yet for those scrutinizing Tuchel’s strategies, this win serves as further fuel for their arguments. They question his approach: “See, Thomas, what attacking a lead rather than defending it achieves?” Despite the euphoric 6-4 triumph over tournament favorites, there lies a sense of regret and outrage. Critics point to England’s faltering during the second half as proof of tactical hesitance and inevitable retreat, reflecting the deep divide over the coach’s leadership after the stinging loss to Argentina.

    On the eve of the match, Tuchel suggested that the fan base was evenly split in their opinion of him, a perspective which some might call optimistic. The Miami crowd’s reaction, mostly boos punctuated by a smattering of cheers when his image graced the big screen, must have struck a chord with Tuchel.

    However, his team’s performance was a resounding reply. This was something that moved both Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry. Leading 4-0 at halftime, Barry noted, “I can’t find the words to express my pride in these players. We’re witnessing a game played with broken hearts—11 players all dealing with their own disappointments.”

    ‘I’ve seen them in the hotel in the last few days with broken hearts. The cynics will say it’s too late but we still play against a world-class opponent and I’m so proud of the boys.’

    Bukayo Saka netted a hat-trick to help England secure their best World Cup finish since 1966

    Bukayo Saka netted a hat-trick to help England secure their best World Cup finish since 1966

    After defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, England competed with 'broken hearts' to claim third place in Miami

    After defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, England competed with ‘broken hearts’ to claim third place in Miami

    Kylian Mbappe was unable to help France end on a high in an eye-popping end to both nations' World Cup journey

    Kylian Mbappe was unable to help France end on a high in an eye-popping end to both nations’ World Cup journey

    The cynics will say it is too late. Where was this bravery when it was needed at 1-0 up in Atlanta? Where was Bukayo Saka against Argentina? Here he was sending Theo Hernandez for the baguettes every time he got the ball. So much so, the full-back was hooked at half-time. Saka had scored twice by then. Come the end, he had a hat-trick. Individually and collectively, England were inspired. At least for 45 minutes they were.

    We had, mistakenly, thought that Tuchel’s performance in his pre-match press conference would be more significant than anything that played out on the pitch. There, we got an insight into his thinking having had time to reflect on Argentina. And his thinking was exactly the same as it was in the immediate aftermath – England’s exit was not on him. Yes, he would take responsibility, but he was not responsible. There is a subtle difference, yet it is one that would have landed like a sledgehammer in the dressing-room. After parking the bus in Atlanta, this felt like he was chucking his players under it.

    Tuchel’s subsequent team selection had an uneasy whiff of self-preservation. Seven changes and no Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham. Surely we could not criticise him if the reserves did not perform? France had Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise in their XI.

    England’s start, then, was a shock. They played with freedom, adventure and precision. Goodness, they were brave on the ball. When they took the lead in the third minute, it was overdue, such was the purpose with which they began.

    Declan Rice intercepted a ball on halfway and, when France’s efforts to recover the situation amounted to nothing more than a Gallic shrug, the midfielder took that as an invitation. He drove into the space in front of him, composed himself 25 yards out and slammed into the bottom corner.

    Thomas Tuchel received heaping criticisms after defeat to Argentina and was somewhat subdued in Miami

    Thomas Tuchel received heaping criticisms after defeat to Argentina and was somewhat subdued in Miami

    Didier Deschamps oversaw his last ever match in the France dugout but could not see out a final win

    Didier Deschamps oversaw his last ever match in the France dugout but could not see out a final win

    Declan Rice was the first name on the scoresheet just minutes after the match kicked off

    Declan Rice was the first name on the scoresheet just minutes after the match kicked off

    Mbappe did at least help bolster his Golden Boot credentials by establishing a two-goal lead to contender Lionel Messi

    Mbappe did at least help bolster his Golden Boot credentials by establishing a two-goal lead to contender Lionel Messi

    Jude Bellingham was a later substitute and the final scorer as England closed their World Cup chapter Stateside

    Jude Bellingham was a later substitute and the final scorer as England closed their World Cup chapter Stateside

    What to do now? Bring on Dan Burn? Switch to five at the back? There were only 87 minutes to see out. No, England went for a second. They puffed out their chests, gloved up and sought to land another blow. Quick learners, this lot.

    Marcus Rashford saw a shot deflected, likewise Saka, who also had a goal disallowed for offside. There were chances at the other end – Dean Henderson saved well from Ryan Cherki – but there would have been France opportunities, too, had England sat back. Instead, here they were, on their feet and marching forward.

    In the 18th minute, Rice delivered teasingly from a corner, in a way he had not done since the opening game, and Ezri Konsa flashed a header into the far corner. There were two more before the break and neither goal was at all a surprise. Rashford teed up Saka to finish after the pair burst in behind and Saka rolled an easy fourth after being sprung clear by Eberechi Eze.

    Never did we know, however, how dangerous a 4-0 scoreline can be. From the start of the second half, seemingly without instruction from Tuchel, England’s back four set up camp in their own penalty. And so came the invaders.

    France 4-6 England: PLAYER RATINGS 

    ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Henderson 6; Quansah 5, Konsa 5, Guehi 5, Spence 7; Rice 7, Eze 7 (Anderson 79, 6); Saka 9, Rogers 6, Rashford 7 (Watkins 46, 5); Toney 5 (Bellingham 79, 7)

    Manager: Thomas Tuchel 7

    FRANCE (4-2-3-1): Maignan 4; Gusto 3, Konate 4 (Upamecano 46, 6), Lacroix 5, Theo Hernandez 3 (Digne 46, 6); Zaire-Emery 5, Rabiot 5; Olise 7, Cherki 5 (Dembele 46, 7), Doue 5 (Barcola 46, 7); Mbappe 8

    Manager: Didier Deschamps 6

    Mbappe ran away from Konsa to collect an Olise pass for 4-1. Mbappe turned provider when Bradley Barcola escaped Jarell Quansah for 4-2. Mbappe then finished after France knitted passes around a ragged England, and all of this before the 67th-minute drinks break. At 4-3, you could hear the knives sharpening from across the Atlantic.

    But England reached into their own cutlery draw and found a blade of their own. Djed Spence charged into the area in the 86th minute and was tripped by Malo Gusto. Saka stepped up to slot home from the penalty spot for his hat-trick. Ousmane Dembele then smashed a French fourth before Bellingham danced through the goalmouth for England’s sixth. With that, the World Cup wooden spoon was theirs.

    Tuchel will likely use it to bat away the doubters.