illinoisintelligencer.com latest rss headlines

As it turns 100, Route 66 remains global icon for American road trips

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:35:03 GMT

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico: Despite losing its status decades ago as one of the nation's main arteries, people from around the world still flock to Route 66 to take perhaps the quintessential American road trip.

Route 66 is a famous road about 2,400 miles long, running from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, passing through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexi

MLB roundup: Three-run 10th completes Jays' comeback win over Brewers

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:55:07 GMT

(Photo credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Myles Straw's two-run double capped a three-run 10th inning as the visiting Toronto Blue Jays rallied for a 9-7 victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday night, the Brewers' sixth consecutive defeat.Toronto scored three runs in the ninth to go up 6-4, but the Brewers tied it with two in the bottom half.Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s one

Shane McClanahan earns long-awaited win as Rays top White Sox

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:05:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Ben Williamson had two hits and three RBIs and left-hander Shane McClanahan earned his first victory in nearly three years as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Tuesday.

Tampa Bay stretched its winning streak to four games while sending Chicago to its sixth loss in eight games.

McClanahan (1-1) sparked the effort, spacing th

Cubs unleash 15-hit attack, even series with Phillies

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:05:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Carson Kelly belted a three-run homer and Nico Hoerner and Alex Bregman also drove in three runs apiece, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 10-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

Hoerner recorded an RBI single in the third inning, Bregman had one of his own in the fifth and both added a two-run single in the sixth.

Ian Happ ripped an RBI doub

Stars, Sabres meet on stellar runs ahead of playoffs

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:19:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

The Buffalo Sabres wrap up the regular season Wednesday at the Dallas Stars, and for the first time since the 2010-11 season, the regular-season finale will not be Buffalo's last game.

Coach Lindy Ruff's team has been one of the NHL's hottest over the past four months, winning 39 out of 52 games since Dec. 8. Thanks to that torrid stretch, the Sabres (50-23-8, 108 p

Tall order as White Sox add LHP Noah Schultz to roster

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:40:24 GMT

(Photo credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images)

The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation.

Rated b

Mariners place Rob Refsnyder on paternity list, promote Patrick Wisdom

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:19:07 GMT

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The Seattle Mariners placed infielder/outfielder Rob Refsnyder on the paternity list Tuesday and selected the contract of infielder Patrick Wisdom from Triple-A Tacoma.

The Mariners designated right-hander Blas Castano for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Wisdom.

Refsnyder, 35, signed a one-year contract with Seattle in December. He is h

Blackhawks face Sharks, seek positive to another non-playoff season

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:05:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks hope to leave a better impression on their fans when they play their season finale against the visiting San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night.

The Blackhawks (28-39-14, 70 points) heard boos from their home crowd during a listless 5-1 loss to the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Monday night.

'I don't know if it's unwarranted, but it's not f

Panthers yet to pick up Bryce Young's fifth-year option

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:05:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan expects the Panthers to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young before the deadline next month.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft is on hold while No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud, No. 3 pick Will Anderson Jr., No. 5 pick Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (8th

Penguins prepare for playoffs with season finale vs. Blues

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:55:13 GMT

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are locked into second place in the Metropolitan Division and know who they'll play in the first round of the playoffs.

That said, they still have some areas to clean up heading into their regular-season finale on Tuesday night against the host St. Louis Blues.

The Penguins will host their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Flyers, in the

Cubs eager for better start in rematch vs. Phillies

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:40:24 GMT

(Photo credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

With the recent injuries to the Chicago Cubs' rotation, veteran right-hander Colin Rea has become a lot more valuable.

Rea is expected to follow opener Riley Martin on Tuesday evening when the Cubs visit the Philadelphia Phillies in the second contest of a three-game series.

The Cubs need a good start to the game after they were walloped 13-7 in the series opener

MLB roundup: Orioles storm back from 6-run deficit to beat Diamondbacks

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:19:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)

Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the seventh inning, Jeremiah Jackson smacked two homers and drove in five runs and the Baltimore Orioles rallied from a six-run deficit to stun the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 on Monday in the series opener.

The Orioles trailed 7-1 going to the bottom of the sixth inning, when Leody Taveras' RBI single and Jacks

Sabres stomp Blackhawks, wrap up Atlantic Division crown

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:25:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Tage Thompson scored twice and Alex Tuch had a goal and assist as the Buffalo Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division title with a 5-1 victory against the host Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

Buffalo (50-23-8, 108 points) recorded its fourth straight victory. The Sabres have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind the Carolina Hurricanes' 111 points

Lightning hold off late charge from Red Wings for overtime win

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:19:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Nikita Kucherov scored the game-winner 27 seconds into overtime, and the Tampa Bay Lightning started a final two-game homestand with their 50th win, edging the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on Monday night.

After goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (27 saves) stuffed Alex DeBrincat just after the puck dropped in overtime, Brayden Point went the other way and executed a give

Kyle Schwarber blasts two homers as Phillies outslug Cubs

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:55:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

Kyle Schwarber homered twice, drove in three runs and scored four times to help the Philadelphia Phillies to a 13-7 win against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Monday evening in the opener of their three-game series.

J.T. Realmuto had three hits and three RBIs, Brandon Marsh added three hits, two RBIs and two runs scored, and Adolis Garcia contributed two hits, an RBI

Long-time NFL coach Dave McGinnis dies at 74

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:19:09 GMT

(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Dave McGinnis, who spent 30 years as an NFL head and assistant coach, died on Monday due to a prolonged illness, the Tennessee Titans announced.

The Athletic reported that the colorful McGinnis, 74, died of renal failure.

'My heart aches with the loss of Coach Mac, who was so much more than a coach and broadcaster -- he was family,' Titans controlling owner Amy A

Yankees' Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon close to rehab assignments

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:25:19 GMT

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

New York Yankees starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon may go out on rehabilitation assignments in the next week, manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Monday's home game against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-handed staff ace Cole underwent Tommy John surgery 13 months ago. He did throw in two spring training games, but the team decelerated his b

Wings select UConn star Azzi Fudd No. 1 overall in WNBA draft

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:40:20 GMT

(Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

UConn guard Azzi Fudd was chosen by the Dallas Wings with the No. 1 overall pick of the WNBA draft on Monday night in New York.

Fudd is the seventh UConn player to be selected first in the draft. One of the others is Paige Bueckers, who went No. 1 to Dallas last year. Fudd and Bueckers are in a relationship and played together for four seasons with the Huskies.

White Sox prospect Noah Schultz set for MLB debut vs. Rays

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:40:23 GMT

(Photo credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images)

Fresh off their first three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in five years, the Tampa Bay Rays will look to reverse recent struggles against the host Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game set on Tuesday.

Chicago has gone 4-2 against Tampa Bay in each of the past two seasons after the Rays ran away with the 2023 season series 6-1.

Tuesday's pitching

Blue Jays acquire OF Lenyn Sosa from White Sox

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:55:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired infielder Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox on Monday in exchange for minor league outfielder Jordan Rich and a player to be named later or cash.

To open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays transferred right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) to the 60-day injured list.

Sosa, 26, was batting .212 with three RBIs in 12 game

Tigers' confidence renewed entering home series with Royals

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:40:21 GMT

(Photo credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images)

The Detroit Tigers enjoyed a confidence-building weekend at home. They'll try to keep the good vibes going when they host Central Division rival Kansas City in a three-game series that begins on Tuesday.

The Tigers had lost five straight before the Miami Marlins headed north to Michigan for a three-game series. Detroit swept the series by a combined score of 16-3.<

Doc Rivers steps down as head coach of Bucks

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:55:13 GMT

(Photo credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images)

Doc Rivers officially stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday after two-plus seasons.

The Bucks' finished 32-50 with Sunday's season-ending 126-106 loss at Philadelphia. It marked their worst record since 2013-14 and the first time they missed the playoffs since 2015-16.

'I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee. Coming back to where I got my

Skidding Yankees push to ignite offense vs. Angels

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:40:29 GMT

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

While some late at-bats were better, the New York Yankees still experienced the same disappointing results at the plate during a lost weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees hope they can put their hitting woes behind them as they attempt to halt a five-game losing streak Monday night in the opener of a four-game series against the visiting Los Angeles

Riding momentum from sweep, Nationals ready for Pirates, Paul Skenes

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:19:07 GMT

(Photo credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)

Fresh off their first three-game road sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in 20 years, the Washington Nationals will try to keep their momentum going when they face the Pirates and ace Paul Skenes on Monday night in the first contest of a four-game series in Pittsburgh.

The Nationals will aim for four wins in a row as Cade Cavalli (0-0, 2.51 ERA) will oppose fellow right

Phillies, Cubs search for consistent offense in opener

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:05:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs will have the same mission when they meet on Monday: kick-start an in-and-out offense.

The Phillies have scored in only three of their last 45 innings and have been shut out twice while losing four of their last five games.

The Cubs took a step in the right direction Sunday when they overcame an early five-run deficit fo

MLB roundup: Braves pound out 19 hits in 13-1 thrashing of Guardians

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:55:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night.

Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is

Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:05:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.

Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged

Ryan Nembhard totals 23 assists as Mavericks roll past Bulls

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:25:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)

Ryan Nembhard notched the second-most assists in a game in Dallas history as the Mavericks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls 149-128 on Sunday.

Nembhard fell narrowly short of a triple-double in the season-ending clash, chalking up 15 points, nine rebounds and 23 assists.

Only current Dallas coach Jason Kidd, with 25 assists in February 1996, has registered

Report: Doc Rivers out after three years as Bucks head coach

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:19:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Doc Rivers is out as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a Sunday night ESPN report.

Rivers has one year remaining on his $40 million contract, and the Bucks will pay the remainder of that contract. The club and Rivers and discussing a possible move to the front office for 2026-27, according to sources.

The Bucks stumbled to a 32-50 record this se

Sabres seeking two more wins, starting with Blackhawks Monday

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:19:16 GMT

(Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)

With two games remaining in the regular season, the playoff-bound Buffalo Sabres can finish anywhere from first to third in a stacked Atlantic Division.

Fortunately for the Sabres, they control the equation entering Monday's visit to the slumping Chicago Blackhawks.

With three points this week, Buffalo (49-23-8, 106 points) wins the division. With two, it

Wild hope to banish recent funk as they take on Blues

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:19:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images)

Central Division foes square off one final time this season when the playoff-bound Minnesota Wild visit the St. Louis Blues on Monday night.

This is the third and final regular-season matchup between these teams. They have split the season series so far, with the Wild winning 5-0 in St. Louis back in October and the Blues getting revenge in Minnesota 3-1 last mon

Predators, Sharks look for late push into West playoff picture

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:55:13 GMT

(Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)

Two teams still on the outskirts of the Western Conference playoff picture will collide when the Nashville Predators host the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.

The Predators (38-32-10, 86 points) trail the Los Angeles Kings by one point for the second wild card in the West with two games remaining. The Kings have played one fewer game, but should they finish tied, t

Lightning seek strong home finish, starting vs. eliminated Red Wings

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:55:09 GMT

(Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)

The Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning meet for the final time Monday night, but their penultimate regular-season games will hold very different impacts for the Atlantic Division foes.

The Lightning (49-25-6, 104 points) are glad to be back home for their final two games after a bad four-game road trip. After losing the first three contests, they managed to

Carson Kelly's walkoff single caps Cubs rally, avoids Pirates sweep

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:05:16 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images)

Carson Kelly drove in pinch-runner Scott Kingery with one out in the ninth inning to give the host Chicago Cubs a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday.

Kelly's RBI single delivered the Cubs' first lead of the day as they rallied from deficits of 5-0 and 6-2 to avoid being swept. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (1-0) tossed a scoreless ninth.

The Pirates waste

Reports: Breakout Providence frosh Stefan Vaaks headed to Illinois

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:05:09 GMT

(Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Estonian guard Stefan Vaaks will transfer from Providence to Illinois, according to multiple reports Sunday.

Vaaks had a standout freshman season for an otherwise disappointing Friars team that finished 15-18. He averaged 15.8 points, 3.2 assists and 2.5 rebounds per contest across 31 games (22 starts).

His value comes from the perimeter. A 6-foot-7 sharpshoote

After DWI arrest, Aviators coach Ted Ginn Jr. sidelined for loss to Renegades

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:40:22 GMT

(Photo credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. did not coach his team's UFL game against the Dallas Renegades on Sunday after he was arrested and subsequently released from jail on Saturday in Texas on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

The Renegades improved to 3-0 with a 28-23 victory over the Aviators (0-3) in Frisco, Te

UCLA likely to make history as No. 1 draft pick decision looms

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:55:08 GMT

(Photo credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

UCLA just finished off a dominating run to the NCAA title, but now the stars of the Bruins are about to take over the WNBA Draft.

As many as five UCLA players could be first-round selections and six total will be chosen when the three-round, 45-player draft is conducted Monday night in New York. That would be a WNBA record for a c

Nick Kurtz's HR, Aaron Civale's pitching help Athletics blank Mets

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:40:39 GMT

(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

Aaron Civale tossed 5 2/3 solid innings and combined with four relievers on a four-hitter Sunday for the red-hot Athletics, who completed a three-game sweep of the New York Mets with a 1-0 victory.

Nick Kurtz homered in the third for the Athletics, who won the final five games of a six-game road trip to New York against the Yankees and Mets.

The homer was the

Busy Sky acquire F Rickea Jackson from Sparks for G Ariel Atkins

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:55:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Joe Rondone/The Arizona Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The Chicago Sky acquired promising forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins, the teams announced.

Jackson, 25, was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 78 games (72 starts) over her two seasons with the S

LHP Noah Schultz, White Sox's No. 2 prospect, set for debut Tuesday

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:40:21 GMT

(Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

The Chicago White Sox are promoting No. 2 prospect Noah Schultz, who will make his major league debut in Tuesday's home game vs. Tampa Bay.

The team announced the news Sunday on its social media accounts with the caption, 'Coming soon to a mound near you.'

The 22-year-old left-hander was Chicago's first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings

Phil Garner, 3-time All-Star, manager, dies at 76

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:55:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images)

Phil Garner, who won a World Series title as a player with the Pittsburgh Pirates and managed the Houston Astros to the Fall Classic in 2005, died on Saturday. He was 76.

The Garner family released the following statement on Sunday:

'(He) passed away peacefully last night, April 11, surrounded by family and love after a two-plus-year battle with pancreatic ca

Aviators coach Ted Ginn Jr. not coaching vs. Renegades after DWI arrest

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:55:05 GMT

(Photo credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. will not coach his team's Sunday UFL game against the Dallas Renegades after he was arrested and subsequently released from jail on Saturday on a charge of driving while intoxicated in Texas.

Ginn Jr., a former second-team All-American at Ohio State who was hired as head coach for

Valkyries sign F Gabby Williams to multi-year deal

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:40:24 GMT

(Photo credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images)

All-Star forward Gabby Williams signed a multi-year contract with the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team for Williams, who spent the past four seasons with the Seattle Storm.

'For a player of Gabby's caliber to choose us in just our second year ... means everything,' Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin sa

Braves, Guardians battle it out to stay undefeated in series play

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:19:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

The race to determine the last Major League Baseball team to lose a series this season will, appropriately, go down to the wire Sunday night.

The Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Guardians each will attempt to remain unbeaten in series play Sunday night, when Atlanta hosts Cleveland in the rubber match of a three-game interleague set.

Left-hander Chris Sale (

Islanders face Canadiens, must win last two games to have shot at playoffs

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:40:22 GMT

(Photo credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images)

Peter DeBoer's teams have won all nine Game 7s he's coached -- which is a good thing, because any chance his New York Islanders have of making the playoffs will rely on them winning their two remaining regular-season games and then getting plenty of help.

The Islanders will attempt to stave off elimination Sunday evening in Elmont, N.Y., when they meet the Montrea

After 'gutsy, blue-collar win,' Pirates vie for rare sweep of Cubs

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:40:34 GMT

(Photo credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)

Konnor Griffin was 13 the last time the Pittsburgh Pirates swept the Chicago Cubs in a series.

The Pirates and their soon-to-be 20-year-old shortstop will look to leave Chicago with three straight wins when the National League Central rivals conclude their series on Sunday.

Griffin, who signed a nine-year, $140 million deal on Wednesday, is part of a youth m

Royals turn to Noah Cameron in series finale vs. White Sox

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:55:08 GMT

(Photo credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images)

Dominance on the mound continues to fuel the Kansas City Royals in their extended home success against the Chicago White Sox.

Following consecutive shutout victories, the Royals will aim for an eighth straight winning home series over the White Sox on Sunday afternoon.

After its 14-game home winning streak over Chicago ended with a 2-0 loss in Thursday's series

O's lineup takes another hit heading into rubber match with Giants

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:55:05 GMT

(Photo credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

When the Baltimore Orioles try to capture the finale against the visiting San Francisco Giants in the rubber game of the three-game series Sunday afternoon, they might be doing with a bit of a makeshift lineup.

But at least they'll have some momentum following Saturday night's 6-2 victory.

The Orioles lost first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle to a f

Wings sign defensive standout Alanna Smith to reported 3-year contract

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:25:04 GMT

(Photo credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA's co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night.

ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports Internatio

Michael Wacha goes stellar 8 innings as Royals blank White Sox

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:19:16 GMT

(Photo credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images)

Michael Wacha struck out seven over eight stellar innings and Maikel Garcia clubbed a leadoff home run, as the Kansas City Royals continued their strong pitching in this series with Saturday's 2-0 victory over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Wacha (2-0), who turns 35 in July, allowed just four hits and a walk while throwing 88 pitches to help the Royals post a second

Chicago Fire use early goal to extend Atlanta's road woes

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:05:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night.

Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field.

Atlanta (1-5-1,

Pirates nip Cubs on Caleb Thielbar's 11th-inning throwing error

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:05:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)

Nick Gonzales scored the go-ahead run on pitcher Caleb Thielbar's throwing error in the 11th inning, propelling the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

Leadoff man Oneil Cruz went 4-for-5 with three stolen bases and Nick Yorke added three hits for Pittsburgh, which won its eighth game in 10 tries and clinched its first s

Illinois freshman G Keaton Wagler to declare for NBA draft

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:40:43 GMT

(Photo credit: Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler, a consensus second-team All-American, will declare for the NBA Draft, he said on social media on Saturday.

Wagler, projected as a lottery pick in the draft, led the Fighting Illini to a 28-9 record and their first Final Four since 2005.

'This past year has been the journey of a lifeti

Blues ride 3-goal 2nd period to win over Blackhawks

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:55:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Joel Hofer made 32 saves to help the St. Louis Blues to a 5-3 win against the host Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

Jimmy Snuggerud, Alexey Toropchenko, Jordan Kyrou, Cam Fowler and Dalibor Dvorsky scored for the Blues (34-33-12, 80 points).

Ilya Mikheyev scored twice, Ryan Greene added a goal and Arvid Soderblom made 23 saves for the Blackhawks (28-38-14,

Michael Wacha goes stellar eight innings as Royals blank White Sox

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:55:19 GMT

(Photo credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images)

Wacha (2-0), who turns 35 in July, allowed just four hits and a walk while throwing 88 pitches to help the Royals post a second

Pirates nip Cubs on Caleb Thielbar's 11th inning throwing error

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:40:35 GMT

(Photo credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)

Nick Gonzales scored the go-ahead run on pitcher Caleb Thielbar's throwing error in the 11th inning, propelling the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

After a scoreless 10th inning, Thielbar (1-2) entered in the 11th, striking out Konnor Griffin and Joey Bart, before intentionally walking Oneil Cruz. Brandon Lowe then h

Seven-time All-Star G Skylar Diggins joins Sky

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:19:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images)

Seven-time All-Star guard Skylar Diggins signed as a free agent with the Chicago Sky, the team announced Saturday.

Terms weren't divulged, but reports pointed to a two-year deal.

Diggins, 35, has career averages of 16.4 points, 5.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 335 games over 11 seasons.

'Skylar is a player we have coveted for years. We are

Mets call up veteran closer Craig Kimbrel

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:55:21 GMT

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The New York Mets called up nine-time All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel on Saturday.

Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor league deal with the Mets in January.

Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time with 440 career saves. He led the National League in saves in four straight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, starting with his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2011.

He tallied 39 s

Magic try to avoid play-in, wrap regular season vs. Celtics

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:55:21 GMT

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

The Orlando Magic will visit the Boston Celtics on Sunday as they attempt to avoid the play-in tournament.

Orlando (45-36) is currently the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have the same record as the sixth-seeded Toronto Raptors, who own the tiebreaker.

The Magic helped their case by beating the Chicago Bulls 127-103 on Friday night. As

Sky acquire Jacy Sheldon from Mystics for 1st-round pick

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:55:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)

The Chicago Sky acquired guard Jacy Sheldon from the Washington Mystics on Saturday in exchange for a 2028 first-round draft pick.

Sheldon, 25, has averaged 6.3 points, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 70 career games (43 starts) with the Dallas Wings (2024), Connecticut Sun (2025) and Mystics (2025).

'Jacy made an impression on us with her toughness, competit

F Azura Stevens rejoins Sky on reported 3-year deal

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:40:26 GMT

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Free agent forward Azura Stevens rejoined the Chicago Sky on Saturday following three seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Terms were not disclosed by Chicago but ESPN reported that the 6-foot-6 Stevens, 30, landed a three-year contract.

Stevens previously played for the Sky from 2020-22, winning a WNBA championship during the 2021 campaign.

'I'm tr

Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. 'confident' heading into game vs. Guardians

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:19:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Ronald Acuna Jr. remains confident even as his slow start to the season has dragged into another week.

After what amounts to an offensive eruption, Acuna will lead the Atlanta Braves into the second contest of a three-game series against the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Saturday night.

In Atlanta's 11-5 win on Friday, Acuna went 2-for-5 with a solo home run

Yankees determined to wake sleepy bats in rematch vs. Rays

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:55:24 GMT

(Photo credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images)

Getting into a climate-controlled environment hardly solved woes at the plate for the New York Yankees on Friday night.

Tweaking the top of the lineup helped the Tampa Bay Rays, however.

The Yankees will attempt to get rolling offensively and halt a three-game losing streak on Saturday evening when the American League East rivals continue a three-game series i

Runs in short supply for White Sox, Royals in series

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:19:05 GMT

(Photo credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images)

The Kansas City Royals are scuffling at the plate, but their starting pitching continues to keep them competitive on the young season.

Ageless veteran Michael Wacha will look to continue his solid mound start to 2026 when the Royals aim to win back-to-back contests for the first time since the start of the month on Saturday against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Behind Braxton Ashcraft, Pirates chase series win vs. Cubs

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:05:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

The visiting Pittsburgh Pirates will search for a rare series victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon when the teams play the second contest of a three-game set.

Pittsburgh went 3-10 against the Cubs in 2025, dropping all four series against its National League Central rival. Through two weeks this season, though, this looks like a much different Pir

Atlanta United search for rare road win in Chicago

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:55:05 GMT

(Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images)

The Chicago Fire don't appear to have lost confidence despite an injury to their star striker.

The Fire (3-2-1, 10 points), winners of their last two matches and currently tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, host struggling Atlanta United (1-4-1, 4 points) on Saturday night.

Chicago was without leading scorer Hugo Cuypers (head injury) for its hom

Bryan Reynolds' homer the difference as Pirates blank Cubs

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:40:27 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run home run, Carmen Mlodzinski threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings and the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Friday afternoon.

Chicago starter Shota Imanaga held Pittsburgh hitless in his six-inning stint.

The third pitch from Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar (1-1) was singled to right by Ryan O'Hearn. His next pitch

Magic stay in sixth-place chase with rout of Bulls

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:40:52 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images)

Franz Wagner scored 25 points and Jamal Cain added 20 as the visiting Orlando Magic stretched their winning streak to five games with a 127-103 victory against the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Orlando (45-36) remained alive for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference -- which would allow the Magic to avoid the play-in tournament -- with one game remaining in the regular

Kris Bubic tosses gem as Royals blank White Sox

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:05:17 GMT

(Photo credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images)

Kris Bubic allowed two hits and struck out a career-high 11 over seven stellar shutout innings, and Carter Jensen clubbed a solo home run, as the Kansas City Royals snapped a three-game skid with Friday night's 2-0 victory over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

An All-Star last season before his season ended due to a July rotator cuff injury, Bubic (2-1) didn't yie

Vegas looking to clinch playoff spot with two points in Colorado

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:40:28 GMT

(Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

The Colorado Avalanche have clinched the Presidents' Trophy, so their last four games of the regular season are for style points. Vegas, however, has plenty on the line when it plays at Colorado on Saturday night.

The Golden Knights (36-26-17, 89 points) are in a battle with Edmonton and Anaheim for the Pacific Division title and the No. 2 seed in the Western Confer

Buoyed by first playoff berth, Mammoth take on Eastern Conference-leading Canes

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:55:18 GMT

(Photo credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images)

With a playoff spot locked up, the Utah Mammoth will look to extend their winning streak to six when they wrap up a three-game homestand against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon in Salt Lake City.

Nick Schmaltz and Dylan Guenther each had a goal and an assist, and Kailer Yamamoto and Lawson Crouse also tallied as the Mammoth (42-30-6, 90 points) toppe

Bryan Reynolds' homer the difference in Pirates' defeat of Cubs

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:25:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run home run, Carmen Mlodzinski threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings and the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Friday afternoon.

Facing Chicago starter Shota Imanaga, Pittsburgh didn't tally its first hit until the top of the seventh.

Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar (1-1)'s third pitch was singled to right by Ryan O'H

Blues desperate for win over Blackhawks, help elsewhere to stay in contention

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:19:10 GMT

(Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

The St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks will each look to break out of a slump when the division rivals face off Saturday in Chicago.

The Blues (33-33-12, 78 points) have lost four of their past six games (2-3-1) after going 10-1-2 in their previous 13. That successful stretch saw St. Louis pull to within four points of the second wild card from the Western Confere

OF Seiya Suzuki returns as Cubs lose reliever Phil Maton to IL

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:05:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

The Chicago Cubs reinstated outfielder Seiya Suzuki from the injured list before Friday afternoon's series opener against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.

Suzuki, 31, has been sidelined by a sprained knee ligament sustained while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

The Cubs designated outfielder Dylan Carlson for assignment to make room on the

Sales of Dream tickets soar after Angel Reese acquisition

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:40:28 GMT

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

The Atlanta Dream's acquisition this week of Angel Reese in a trade with the Chicago Sky sent ticket sales soaring.

StubHub posted this on social media Thursday:

'Atlanta Dream ticket demand spiked 15x after trading for Angel Reese, the largest single day spike in franchise history,' read the message posted on the StubHub X account. 'The Angel Reese Effec

Toronto M Djordje Mihailovic (pelvis) out an estimated 8 weeks

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:40:20 GMT

(Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Toronto FC midfielder Djordje Mihailovic is expected to be sidelined approximately eight weeks after being diagnosed with a fractured pelvis, the club announced Friday.

Mihailovic, 27, did not suit up for Toronto's 3-2 victory over his former team, the Colorado Rapids, last Saturday. He has one goal and two assists in five matches (four starts) this season.

Magic eager to continue winning ways in encounter vs. Bulls

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:40:26 GMT

(Photo credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images)

The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge.

Orlando enters Friday night's visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner

White Sox break long losing streak in K.C., pursue repeat win vs. Royals

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:25:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images)

It's been nearly four years since the Chicago White Sox won back-to-back games in Kansas City.

After ending their lengthy road skid to the Royals on Thursday, the White Sox will get the chance to accomplish that feat again on Friday night.

Chicago entered Thursday's opener of a four-game set with the Royals as a loser of 22 of the previous 24 games at Kansas Ci

Yankees work to end struggles at plate in visit to Rays

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:05:10 GMT

(Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images)

The New York Yankees are intrigued at the prospect of playing in a renovated Tropicana Field after letting the Tampa Bay Rays use their spring-training stadium as the Rays' home last season.

New York is even more interested to see if it can solve its current slump at the plate on Friday night when the team visits the Rays for the opener of a three-game series in St. P

IL researcher calls for investment in rural life, not just farms

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:08:32 GMT

An academic known for his research on rural economic development is calling on lawmakers to include support for the nonfarm economy in the 2026 Farm Bill.

A draft proposal, which would set national policy for agriculture, nutrition and conservation for the next five years, is currently making its

CA child-care workers praise injunction to keep federal funds flowing

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:27:57 GMT

Child-care workers in the Golden State and the families who depend on them are breathing a sigh of relief after a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to cut off $10 billion in federal funds. The judge granted the preliminar

State of the Giants' offensive line: What it looks like pre-draft

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:04:00 GMT

Dan Salomone

John Harbaaugh gave a recent assessment of what will be the heartbeat of the offense. "I think the offensive line is like our team," he said. "It's a work in progress."

With 193 victories as evidence, including a Super Bowl title, the head coach knows games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. He is out to build the New York Football Giants in that vein, with the best units on both sides

Notable No. 61 overall picks in NFL draft history

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:26:51 GMT

Wyatt Miller

The Rams currently own the No. 61 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and are scheduled to make that selection on April 24. Here are some of the most notable players who have been selected there, including a Hall of Famer:

2014: Jaguars WR Allen Robinson

Rams fans will remember Robinson for his disappointing 2022 season that didn't go the way he nor the team expected, b

Dussault's Patriots Big Board 2026: Top 50 Draft Fits

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:34:52 GMT

Mike Dussault breaks down his 50 favorite prospects in this years 2026 NFL draft.

Mike Dussault

The 2026 NFL Draft will pose a significant change of pace for the New England Patriots. After two years of top-four picks, the Patriots unexpected run to Super Bowl LX has them back in territory more familiar during the days of the dynasty.

At 31st overall, there's a huge amount of uncertainty. Which positi

Lazar's Patriots Big Board 2026: Top 50 Draft Fits

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:45:51 GMT

Breaking down the top fits for the Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft.Evan LazarHere's my eighth annual Patriots top-50 big board, ranking New England's best fits in the 2026 NFL Draft.These are the best Patriots fits in this year's draft class after a thorough evaluation. We'll focus on realistic targets based on film, scheme fit, athletic testing, and other team trends. With their first pick at No. 31, top prospects like Fe

Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnis Passes Away

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:43:57 GMT

'Coach Mac' brought charisma during his Arizona tenure

Darren Urban

Dave McGinnis, the energetic and personable head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2000-2003, died Monday at the age of 74.

"Coach Mac" had been the Tennessee Titans radio analyst since 2017, after a 41-year coaching career in college and the NFL. But his time in Arizona, despite a 17-40 overall record, was marked with matter-of-fac

2026 Seahawks Draft Preview: Defensive Line/Outside Linebacker

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:39:05 GMT

2026 Seahawks Draft Preview: Defensive Line/Outside Linebacker

byJohn Boyle&Rob Rang

A look at where the Seahawks stand at defensive line and outside linebacker heading into the 2026 draft, as well as draft analyst Rob Rang's top-ranked prospects at that position.

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off next week in Pittsburgh, and for the Seahawks, this year's draft represents a chance to add to a roster mo

Inbox: Who doesn't want to see that one

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Packers have been masterful at moving forward while honoring the past

Wes Hodkiewicz

Robin from Ashburn, VA

Draft advice?

Just relax. Find your center. Picture the pick, Gutey. Picture it. Turn off all the sound. Just let it happen. Be the ball. Be the ball, Gutey

Mark from Garden City, ID

I am on your side about the likelihood of trading Dontayvion Wicks. Funny thin

On The Clock: A second look at the top EDGEs in the '26 Draft

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The 'On The Clock' crew of Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta and Max Starks take a look at the top prospects in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh later this month. Today, they take a second look at the defensive edge position.

Note: The opinions expressed here are their own and not those of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Matt's First Look

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State,

Community Corner: Kuntz making his impact felt

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Teresa Varley

Friday, April 10

Making his impact felt:Christian Kuntz has a soft spot for Jeremiah's Place, Pittsburgh's only 24-hour crisis nursery that provides emergency childcare for families in need.

It's an organization he and his wife, Heather, have been involved with the last few years, providing holiday joy to the single mothers and kids who they serve.

Falcons Mock Draft Tracker: Beefing up Atlanta's defensive line

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:00:14 GMT

Each week throughout draft season, we'll comb through the national mock drafts to get a sense of who people believe the Falcons will take in Aprill

Will McFadden

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the Atlanta Falcons will be making their first selections under general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Each week throughout draft season, we'll comb th

'A perfect mission': Artemis II astronauts return to Earth

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:56:20 GMT

The NASA spacecraft carrying four astronauts -- three Americans and one Canadian -- splashed down without a hitch off the California coast, capping the US space agency's crewed test mission that returned with spectacular images of the Moon.

"What a journey," said mission commander Reid Wiseman, who reported that the crewmembers -- himself along with Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen -- were "stable"