Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation

Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation

PARIS (AP) —Kylian Mbappéhas dropped the legal proceedings he started this year againstParis Saint-Germainfor moral harassment, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press. The Paris prosecutor's office last month said Mbappé accused the club in a legal filing, and opened an investigation. A person close to the France captain said on Tuesday that Mbappé's decision to end that legal procedure was linked to a desire for reconciliation with his former club. The person was not authorized to speak publicly in line with the practice of Mbappé's entourage. The France captain is at odds with his former club,arguing PSG owes him 55 million euros($61 million) in unpaid wages. The person said the end of the criminal proceedings does not affect that ongoing procedure before an industrial tribunal. When he accusedParis Saint-Germainof moral harassment this spring, Mbappé denounced the 'lofting' he claimed to have been subjected to at the club. The word lofting is used in France to describe a practice that involves isolating a player from the main squad for sporting, administrative, or disciplinary reasons. Mbappé was unhappy with the way he was treated by the Ligue 1 club when he was sidelined before the 2023-24 season, following his decision not to extend his club contract. But according to his entourage, relations between Mbappé and PSG president Nasser Nasser Al-Khelaïfi have been improving for several weeks. Mbappéjoined Real Madridlast summer on a free transfer after scoring a club-record 256 goals in seven years at PSG. He will face his former club in Wednesday's Club World Cup semifinal. Mbappé's relationship with PSG ended amiddeep tensions, and somefans booed himin his last home game at Parc des Princes. PSG felt let down by Mbappé after offering him the most lucrative contract in club history when hesigned a new contractin 2022. Mbappé stunned PSG in June 2023 by informing the club he wouldnot take the optionfor an extra year. With his contract effectively into its final year, it put PSG in the position of needing to sell Mbappé to avoid losing him for nothing when the contract expired. His PSG career could have ended that summer amid atense transfer standoff. After telling the club he would not extend, Mbappé was left off a preseason tour to Japan and South Korea and forced to train with fringe players. PSG said it would rather sell him than let the player leave for free in 2024, but he rejected a300 million euros moveto Saudi Arabia team Al-Hilal. PSG left Mbappé out of the opening league game of that season but he soon returned to the lineup following talks. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation

Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation PARIS (AP) —Kylian Mbappéhas dropped the legal proceedings he starte...

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College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft

College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft

The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and the pieces are mostly in place for the coming men's college basketball season. We previously did ourtoo-early Top 25 preseason rankingsafterFlorida finished as national championsin April. Now three months later, we revisit whether the Gators and others have moved up or down in our projections. Unsurprisingly, the list is mostly filled with teams from the Big 12, Big Ten and SEC but the top half of the rankings have a balanced spread across the five major conferences, portending a wide-open race for who will be crowned national champion in Indianapolis at the end of the season. For reference, the previous rankings are in parenthesis. The defending national runner-up loses stalwarts L.J. Cryer and J'Wan Roberts but is poised to make another run to the title game behind one of the top recruiting classes in the country, led by five-star forward Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Isiah Harwell. Returning contributors include guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp and frontcourt defensive standout Joseph Tugler. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are off to the NBA along with Tyrese Proctor, but Jon Scheyer put together another top recruiting class. Next year's group will be led by wingers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the twin sons of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer. Also arriving are guards Dame Sarr and Sebastian Wilkins. They'll join several veterans who opted to return, including Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster. Three in a row wasn't in the cards, but a third title in four years isn't out of the question for UConn. Liam McNeeley is gone after just one year in Storrs, but reinforcements are coming for Danny Hurley, whose top-five recruiting class features a pair of McDonald's All-Americans and an international prospect from Down Under. Post man Eric Reibe and guard Braylon Mullins comprise the domestic talent, and Australian wingman Jacob Furphy will arrive in the States this summer. Georgia transfer Silas Demary will provide even more backcourt depth. In addition, veteran forward Alex Karaban and rising junior Solo Ball return. The news that rising seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn would be back along with sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer vaulted the Boilermakers into the top spot in the Big Ten projections for 2025-26. The veteran-laden team with league title and Final Four potential also returns C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris, and big man Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) arrives via the portal to provide the low-post presence that was lacking in 2024-25. All-America guard and Final Four MVP Walter Clayton will be hard to replace. Backcourt mate Elijah Martin and Will Richard are also gone, but the Gators will defend their title with most of their inside players returning. Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu are all back. Denzel Aberdeen was a key reserve who should pick up more minutes, and the arrival of transfers Boogie Fland (Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) means there should be little to no drop-off in perimeter production. Despite losing its top three players, things could get even better in year two for coach Dusty May in Ann Arbor thanks to a huge haul in the transfer portal. Yaxel Lendeborg (Alabama-Birmingham) elected to forgo the NBA for another year and should thrive in the Wolverines' system. The newcomers also include point guard Elliott Cadeau (North Carolina) and frontcourt players Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois) and Aday Mara (UCLA). Michigan also brings in an impact freshman in combo guard Trey McKenney and another top-100 recruit in Winters Grady. After making the Sweet 16 for the second time since 1981, BYU is poised for a big year with the arrival of hyped freshman AJ Dybantsa. He'll join a rotation that lost point guard Egor Demin to the NBA but brings back Dawson Baker and forwards Richie Saunders and Mihailo Boskovic. If Dybantsa is as good as expected, the Cougars could be a serious threat for the Final Four. The Crimson Tide should again be among the SEC favorites. Losing catalyst Mark Sears puts pressure on the backcourt to replicate his scoring production and leadership, but the return of guard Lebaron Philon for a sophomore season will help. Aden Holloway should take up much of that slack as well, along with Miami (Fla.) transfer Jalil Bethea. Inside additions Noah Williamson (Bucknell) and Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State) should take on big roles. Now that Rick Pitino has instilled the work ethic needed to bring the Red Storm program back to prominence, he hopes the shooters he's brought in via the portal will improve the team's accuracy. Bryce Hopkins (Providence) should provide an immediate boost in that regard if he can stay healthy, with Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Ian Jackson (North Carolina) adding back-court depth. Big East player of the year R.J. Luis is gone and Simeon Wilcher transferred out, but Zuby Ejiofor is back to anchor the interior. Mick Cronin has put together a transfer class that should make the Bruins one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The biggest addition is point guard Donovan Dent from New Mexico, who led the Mountain West with 20.4 points per game this season and may have been the best overall player in the portal. Another three incoming transfers join a roster headlined by returning starters forwards Eric Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau. While several key pieces behind last year's rebound under coach Pat Kelsey have been lost to graduation, Louisville was a sought-after destination for a strong transfer class. The impact newcomers include Isaac McKneely from Virginia, Ryan Conwell from Xavier and Adrian Wooley from Kennesaw State. The Cardinals will add another perimeter threat in freshman Mikel Brown and will get a boost from the return of big man Aly Khalifa, who redshirted last season after knee surgery. Texas Tech's roster has taken shape after reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin and guard Christian Anderson opted to return to Lubbock. This pair will set the pace for another run at the Final Four after coming up one win shy this March. The Red Raiders' transfer haul includes sharpshooting guards Donovan Atwell (UNC Greensboro) and Tyeree Bryan (Santa Clara) along with forward LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and center Luke Bamgboye (Virginia Commonwealth). A very deep roster took a hit with Eastern Washington transfer Mason Williams needing hip surgery that is likely keeps him out for the season.. But Iowa State has the bodies to replace that projected production and make a March Madness run. Newcomers such as forwards Blake Buchanan (Virginia) and forward Eric Mulder (Purdue-Fort Wayne) and a highly rated recruiting class will join holdovers in Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic to make the Cyclones a national player. Getting leading scorer Otega Oweh back in the fold for another year will keep the Wildcats in the mix for the SEC crown under second-year coach Mark Pope. One huge factor that could determine where Kentucky lands is the health of sophomore transfer Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), one of the top prospects in the nation and a potential difference-maker on the defensive end. Quaintance injured his knee last season but is expected to be ready in the fall. Kentucky also upgraded its backcourt by adding Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida). Tennessee is looking at a roster overhaul with just one returning starter in center Felix Okpara. The Volunteers need to land production in increased action from forwards Cade Phillips and J.D. Estrella while blending in point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Maryland), guard Amaree Abram (Louisiana Tech) and forward Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt). Tennessee will also lean on a really strong traditional recruiting class starring five-star forward Nate Ament. Wisconsin will build around guard John Blackwell, who took his name out of the draft in favor of another year in Madison. He'll team with former Florida Atlantic and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd will form one of the top backcourts in the Big Ten. The Badgers also brought in a deep threat in wing Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and a very promising young big man in sophomore Austin Rapp (Portland), the reigning West Coast Conference rookie of the year. Guard Jaden Bradley will be one of the best players in the Big 12. Returning role players in forward Tobe Awaka and guard Anthony Dell'Orso add experience and production after last year's Sweet 16 berth. But the Wildcats are going to be young, with six freshmen among the seven new additions to the roster. Included in this group are prized recruits Dwayne Aristode and Koa Peat. Even though Mark Few is losing his strong backcourt of Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle, the frontcourt is made up of a group of stars. Graham Ike is back and is a conference player of the year contender. He'll be paired with Braden Huff, but the real key is the addition of Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, a 25-year-old perennial scorer that could be the playmaker for the Zags. Former Big Sky player of the year Steele Venters will finally suit up after missing back-to-back seasons with injuries, putting the Bulldogs in great position for their final year in the West Coast Conference. The momentum from the Sweet 16 run should continue for John Calipari as he was able to bring back some last year's core. D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox stayed but the Razorbacks took a hit when Adou Thiero decided to go to the NBA. Still, Calipari brings in another talented recruiting class, headlined by guard Darius Acuff Jr., who has SEC freshman of the year potential. Other incoming freshman Meleek Thomas could provide solid production off the bench. Greg McDermott knew replacing Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth was the top priority, and he brought in transfers that should keep the Bluejays among Big East contenders. Iowa transfers Josh Dix and Owen Freeman will assume the leadership, while guard Nik Graves (Charlotte) and forward Blake Harper (Howard) will be X-factors after they each led their previous schools in scoring last season. Plus, you can't forget the potential from Serbian 7-foot freshman Aleksa Dimitrijevic. There were plenty of swings and misses by Bill Self in the transfer portal as he was unable to add a big-time playmaker. He was able to salvage it by bringing Tre White from Illinois and Jayden Dawson of Loyola-Chicago. Still, the Jayhawks await the arrival of top recruit Darryn Peterson. He has top NBA draft pick potential and he will join sophomore forward Flory Bidunga, who saved the offseason by choosing to stay in Kansas. The Jayhawks still feel like a bit of a mystery of whether it'll be a boom or bust season. The Spartans will have to replace their top production as Jase Richardson's jump to the NBA means last season's top three scorers are gone. Michigan State played a deep rotation, so experience isn't a big issue. Jeremy Fears Jr. will have to assume a bigger role and Carson Cooper will have to be a force down low. They'll get help in Coen Carr and Jaxon Kohler. The transfer and recruiting haul is promising, but perimeter shooting still appears to be an issue. Illinois jumps into the rankings thanks to the international flair coming to Champaign; Mihailo Petrovic leads the Balkan squad now playing for Brad Underwood. Petrovic is a 22-years-old guard among the best players in the European ABA League. Also joining is Andrej Stojakovic, who had a great freshman season at California, and former Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivišić, who joins brother Tomislav Ivišić to form a terrifying 7-foot duo. Also in the mix is guard Kylan Boswell after he showed maturity in the move to Illinois after leaving Arizona. Another new addition to the rankings, Oregon is looking to maintain success after an up-and-down season. Back are the top two scorers in Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad, who are consistent scorer. But they can't be the only ones producing, and the Ducks have to replace TJ Bamba. That appears to be answered in the transfer portal. TK Simpkins led Elon in scoring last season and improved his 3-point shooting. Sean Stewart (Ohio State) also could be a breakout player as he finds a more elevated role. Experienced stars led Auburn last season, but the entire starting unit is gone following the tough loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to Southern California. Bruce Pearl knew he had to replenish the roster, and he did so with significant recruiting and transfer classes. Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida) and Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) arrive after strong season, and there's intrigue with the Tigers brining in the top junior college transfer, Abdul Bashir. A new crop of players will join Tahaad Pettiford, the one key returnee that had a big role in the Final Four squad. Dropped out:Baylor, North Carolina. Just missed:Texas, North Carolina State and Oklahoma. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College basketball too-early top 25 rankings for 2025-26 season

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft

College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and ...

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Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands U.S. President Donald Trump a letter he said he sent to the Nobel Peace Prize committee to nominate Trump, during a dinner at the White House on July 7, 2025. Credit - Andrew Harnik—Getty Images Donald Trump has ticked many boxes in his life and career: husband (three times), father (of five), (multi-)billionaire, President (twice). But he's made clear that there's one title he really wants but is yet to achieve: Nobel Peace Prize winner. "They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize," he told reporters at the White House in February as he hostedIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It's too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me." In a gesture of support, Netanyahu, duringhis latest visit to the White House on Monday, presented Trump with a copy of a letter he said he sent to the Nobel Prize committee. "It's nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well-deserved. And you should get it," Netanyahu said. "Wow," Trump responded, holding the paper Netanyahu presented him. "Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful. Thank you very much Bibi." The Nobel Peace Prize has been given nearly every year since 1901 to one or more individuals or groups deemed by a Norwegian committee to have done "the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." Recent past recipients have includedJapanese anti-nuclear-weapon organization Nihon Hidankyo,Iranian human rights advocate Narges Mohammadi, andPhilippine champion of democracy and freedom of the press Maria Ressa. Trump has been fixated on the Nobel Peace Prize for years, in particular since the bestowal of the award on then-President Barack Obama during his first year in office in 2009—a move even many Obama supporters questioned and the Nobel committee secretary wouldlater express regret about. In 2013, after it was reported that Obamatoldaides, referring to drone strikes, "Turns out I'm really good at killing people. Didn't know that was gonna be a strong suit of mine," Trumptweeted: "Can Oslo retract prize?" "He saw that Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize and felt if Obama got it for not doing anything, why should he not get it?" Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton told theNew York Timesin March. "If I were named Obama I would have had the Nobel Prize given to me in 10 seconds," Trumpsaidduring his reelection campaign last October. "He got the Nobel Prize. He didn't even know what the hell he got it for. Remember, he got elected. Well so did I. He got elected and they announced he was getting the Nobel Prize." "He got the Nobel Prize for doing nothing, for getting elected, but I got elected too," Trump added. "I'm just saying that there's a lot of unfairness in this world." Trump has at times sounded resigned to the fact that he may never receive the prize that's eluded him. As recently as last month, hepostedon Truth Social, after announcing the brokering of a treaty between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda: "I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the War between India and Pakistan, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the War between Serbia and Kosovo, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for keeping Peace between Egypt and Ethiopia (A massive Ethiopian built dam, stupidly financed by the United States of America, substantially reduces the water flowing into The Nile River), and I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East which, if all goes well, will be loaded to the brim with additional Countries signing on, and will unify the Middle East for the first time in 'The Ages!' No, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and that's all that matters to me!" Critics have balked at Netanyahu's nomination of Trump. Former National Security Council spokesman during the Obama Administration Tommy Vietorpostedon X: "Obviously this is pathetic a-- kissing and a PR stunt, but I'd imagine that the folks who award the Nobel Peace Prize aren't the biggest Netanyahu fans." Netanyahu currentlystands accusedof war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's 21-month (and ongoing) military campaign in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinians, according toestimates. But Netanyahu is not the first to formally nominate Trump for the honor—and likely won't be the last. According to the Nobel Foundation, nominators canincludeany head of state, national-level politician, professors of various humanities and social science disciplines, directors of peace research or foreign policy institutes, former laureates, and more, though the organization doesn't confirm or publicize nominations. Last month, Pakistanannouncedthat it had nominated Trump "in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis." Pakistan,like many countries, is currently negotiating with the Trump Administration in effort to achieve a trade deal and avoid high tariffs. Meanwhile, India has denied that the U.S. played a role in mediating theborder conflict. Also in June, Rep. Buddy Carter (R, Ga.)saidthat he had nominated Trump "in recognition of his historic role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and preventing the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, from obtaining a nuclear warhead." Iran hasthreatened to leave the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weaponsafter Trump authorizedU.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilitiesbefore announcing thecease-fire between Israel and Iran. Carter joins fellow Republican congressmembersDarrell Issaof California, who said he nominated Trump in March, andClaudia Tenneyof New York, who said she nominated Trump in January 2024. These nominations were submitted either before or after the February deadline for consideration for this year's prize, for which there are338 nomineesand the recipient will be announced in October. But Anat Alon-Beck, an Israeli-born law professor at Case Western Reserve University,told Axiosshe submitted a nomination of Trump before the deadline. "By securing the release of hostages, standing firm against antisemitism, and fostering historic agreements that bring stability to the world's most volatile regions, [Trump] has once again demonstrated why he is a deserving recipient," Alon-Beck wrote. Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian politician, also said he nominated Trump in November,writing: "It is my belief that Trump has made considerable contributions to world peace, and that he can make more in the future." However, in June, hewithdrewthe nomination, saying he "lost any sort of faith and belief" in the U.S. President to secure peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has also previously been nominated bya Finnish member of the European Parliament in 2020,a group of Australian professors in 2020, a far-right Norwegian lawmaker in2018and2020, former Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abein2019, andan unidentified American in 2016. In 2020, Trumptolda crowd in Michigan: "You know it's an amazing thing. I don't say this out of ego, but I was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. And I have to tell you, that's sort of a big thing." "All of them--Netanyahu, Putin, the sultans and princes--have solved the least difficult puzzle to solve on the planet,"criticizedformer Obama senior adviser David Axelrod on X after Netanyahu announced his nomination of Trump on Monday. "With Trump, lavish flattery and blandishments will get you everywhere!" Contact usatletters@time.com.

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands U.S. President ...

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Cuts to DHS watchdogs spark more questions as deportation efforts increase

Cuts to DHS watchdogs spark more questions as deportation efforts increase

Three months after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shut down three oversight offices, slashing staff from hundreds to a dozen, advocates and whistleblowers say the move gutted an already fragile accountability system. The oversight is crucial as at least 11 people have died in ICE custody since the start of the fiscal year, according to agency data and press releases. With months still left in the fiscal year, 2025 is already nearing the 12 deaths reported in all of fiscal year 2024 as the Trump administration continues its immigration enforcement push. Michelle Brané, a former Immigration Detention Ombudsman, which is an office providing neutral oversight of federal immigration detentions, said the true toll "could be much higher." "People's lives are at risk," she continued. The closures have significantly reduced internal oversight at a time when DHS is handling complex immigration operations. The departmentis also moving to open new detention sites, including one in the Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," which President Donald Trump vistedlast week. Private immigration detention contractors are also ramping up: CoreCivic is reopening the Dilley detention center and is expanding in four states, while GEO group is reactivating sites in Georgia and Newark, New Jersey. Advocates have raised alarm about the lack of accountability, citing inhumane conditions, medical neglect, and abuse in some federal detention facilities. "As the Trump administration is doubling down on immigration enforcement, and the number of people in custody is rapidly increasing, we should be increasing oversight, not eliminating it," said Katie Shepherd, one of the hundreds of employees affected by the cuts to oversight and one of dozens of previously anonymous whistleblowers who submitted a disclosure to Congress in May. Shepherd previously served as a senior policy adviser at the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). Shepherd said, as far as she knows, she is concerned that meaningful oversight is not happening because there is now minimal expertise within the office "It's problematic in many different ways," said Shepherd. Shepherd said the office had more than 500 open investigations when she left. When asked about the number of ongoing investigations at the DHS' office for CRCL, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CNN that the department remains "committed to civil rights" but claimed that "sadly the CRCL office actually undermined civil rights protections as well as basic federal law-enforcement. "All legally required functions are still being carried out—but in a more efficient and cost-effective way, and without compromising the department's core mission of securing the homeland," McLaughlin added. "Oversight offices continue to receive and open new complaints and investigations." In April, advocacy groups including Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the Southern Border Communities Coalition and the Southern Border Communities Coalitionsuedthe Trump administration, arguing it was unlawfully eliminating oversight offices mandated by Congress. According to court documents, on March 21, 2025, hundreds of employees at the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CISOMB), and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) were suspended via mass email – effectively shutting the offices down. The Trump administration argues the offices have not been eliminated. By May 23, many employees were formally removed from their roles, leaving hundreds of unresolved complaints, including reports of medical neglect and wrongful deportation, according to court documents. Created by Congress over the last two decades, these offices were meant to provide independent oversight, investigate civil rights complaints, and ensure accountability inside DHS's sprawling immigration operations. The challengers argue that Trump's DHS is speaking out of both sides of its mouth—telling the court that the offices remain intact, while proposing budget cuts to eliminate them. In one filing, they cited the administration's budget request for fiscal year 2026, which recommends zeroing out funds for the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman because "the office is being dissolved." In arecent court filing, DHS argued that language around OIDO's dissolution in its FY2026 budget was meant as a recommendation from the president – not an indication of current or planned action by the office itself and that ultimately Congress has the last say. The agency argued the reference should not be interpreted as evidence that the reductions in force effectively shut down the office. "DHS remains committed to civil rights protections but must streamline oversight to remove roadblocks to enforcement," a department spokesperson said in a statement to CNN acknowledging the reduction in force efforts. "These reductions ensure taxpayer dollars support the Department's core mission: border security and immigration enforcement." The spokesperson said that the oversight offices "have obstructed immigration enforcement by adding bureaucratic hurdles and undermining DHS's mission," and "often function as internal adversaries that slow down operations rather than support them." "It seems like they're [the government] playing games," said Michelle Brané, former Ombudsman at OIDO, referring to the ongoing uncertainty and conflicting signals about whether the oversight offices are closing, reopening, or restructuring. In a sworn declaration to US District Judge Ana Reyes,DHS laid out its plans to rebuild three oversight offices that were effectively dismantled after mass layoffs this spring. But while DHS insists it is moving forward, critics say internal reshuffling tells a different story. Troup Hemenway, the acting officer for CRCL and a former Heritage Foundation Project 2025 leader, said DHS is pursuing a phased plan to restore operations using a mix of permanent hires and detailees. Each office would get leadership, caseworkers, and support staff, with contractors assisting CRCL during the transition. Still, Hemenway acknowledged that rebuilding would take time—and that, for now, the offices rely on short-term fixes. Challengers pointed out that Project 2025—the Heritage Foundation's policy roadmap for the next conservative presidency—explicitly calls for eliminating these oversight bodies. Hemenway alsosaidthat Ronald Sartini— now the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman — was brought in to reassess what duties the oversight offices should carry forward. Before that, he held several leadership roles at USCIS, including Chief of Staff in the Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate. In his declaration, Sartini described the offices as "not the model of efficiency," citing mismanagement and overlapping responsibilities. But just before his testimony, DHS reassigned his deputy — apparently without his knowledge — leaving him as the only employee assigned to CISOMB, CRCL, and OIDO. Challengers say this underscores the disconnect between DHS's public plans and internal actions. They argue work at the offices remains stalled except for what Sartini can do alone, while DHS continues to state in official documents that the offices are being eliminated "in their entirety." Brané, who led OIDO for over nine months, said that even before the cuts, staffing was a major challenge. The office was created to conduct unannounced inspections, investigate detention complaints, and recommend oversight improvements across ICE and CBP facilities. Under Hemenway's restructuring plan, OIDO would have eight to ten employees: the Ombudsman, a deputy, five to seven caseworkers, and one person focused on reporting and support tasks. Brané said this would be insufficient—especially as the number of people in detention rises. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Cuts to DHS watchdogs spark more questions as deportation efforts increase

Cuts to DHS watchdogs spark more questions as deportation efforts increase Three months after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shut d...

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Padres slugger Manny Machado gets his 2,000th career hit

Padres slugger Manny Machado gets his 2,000th career hit

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres gothis 2,000th career hitMonday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a sharp single off the glove of diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The milestone hit came against starter Zac Gallen leading off the fourth inning. Machado received a standing ovation from the crowd at Petco Park, where he's been a fan favorite since joining the Padres in 2019. "Doing it in front of the home crowd definitely is a lot better, and hopefully there's more," Machado said afterSan Diego's 6-3 loss. The All-Star slugger singled to left field in the first for his 1,999th hit. Machado's third hit of the night was a homer against Kyle Backhus leading off the eighth, his 15th of the season and 357th of his career. Machado became the fifth active player and 297th all-time to reach the milestone. He is the 12th player to have 350 homers and 2,000 hits by his age-32 season. "It's special and an honor to be a part of that list," Machado said. "Definitely would have wanted the victory, but stepping away from that, it's pretty cool." He tipped his batting helmet to the crowd while standing on first base. "Wow, literally hats off. What an accomplishment," Padres manager Mike Shildt said. "We're happy for it. He earned it." Machado made his debut with Baltimore in 2012 and got 977 hits with the Orioles before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 18, 2018. He had 73 hits with the Dodgers before signing as a free agent with the Padres on Feb. 21, 2019. He has 950 hits with San Diego, which ranks fifth on the franchise list. Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn had 3,141 in his 20-season career. Machado was voted the starting third baseman for the National League All-Star team this year. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Padres slugger Manny Machado gets his 2,000th career hit

Padres slugger Manny Machado gets his 2,000th career hit SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres gothis 2,000th career hitMon...

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Running back James Cook, Bills motivated to get extension done

Running back James Cook, Bills motivated to get extension done

Running backs Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkleysigned contractextensions this offseason. Could James Cook be the next running back to ink a new deal? There's growing optimism Cook and theBillscan reach a contract agreement by training camp, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Both sides are motivated to get a deal done and have been in talks since the team's mandatory minicamp. Bills veterans report to training camp on July 22. "Everything is a business, so no hard feelings," Cook said last month at Buffalo's mandatory minicamp, via theteam's official website. "Everything gonna work how it's supposed to work." The Bills have rewarded extensions to multiple key players this offseason. Quarterback Josh Allen, defensive end Greg Rousseau, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford have all signed extensions. Cook is in the final year of his rookie deal. He's due to make $5.2 million in base salary, perOver the Cap. Cook said in February on Instagram Live that he hoped his next contract would pay him an annual average of $15 million. However, the running back market has since gone up. Barkley's new extension made him the first $20-plus million (per year) running back in NFL history. Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $35.89 million contract as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Cook is coming off a second straight Pro Bowl season in which he tied an NFL-high with 16 rushing touchdowns. He's produced two consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards and 1,200 yards from scrimmage. The Bills originally drafted Cook in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Georgia. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X@TheTylerDragon. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:James Cook, Bills motivated to get extension done

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Running back James Cook, Bills motivated to get extension done

Running back James Cook, Bills motivated to get extension done Running backs Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkleysigned contractextensions this ...

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Cruz came back ‘as fast as humanly possible’ from Greece vacation after floods hit Texas, his office says

Cruz came back 'as fast as humanly possible' from Greece vacation after floods hit Texas, his office says

GOP Sen. Ted Cruz was on a pre-planned vacation in Greece with his family whendevastating floods hit central Texas, and he sought to travel back "as fast as humanly possible," his office said in a statement. "The Senator was already in the middle of preplanned family vacation travel overseas when the flooding occurred on July 4. Within hours, he spoke by phone with Governor (Greg) Abbott, Lt. Governor (Dan) Patrick, Texas Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd, and President (Donald) Trump, working to ensure that the maximum federal assets were available for search and rescue," Cruz's office said in a statement to CNN. "He and his team worked closely with local officials and with families of missing girls throughout that time. He promptly booked a flight back home. Given the time difference, he left Athens on Sunday morning and was back in Texas that night. And he was in Kerrville on the ground early Monday morning," the statement continued. A tourist in Athens toldthe Houston Chroniclehe spotted Cruz at about 6 p.m. in Athens, Greece – or about 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. in Kerrville – and snapped a photo, which was posted to social media. That was after Abbott issued a disaster declaration due to severe flooding that wasbelieved to have left at least 24 deadand many more missing. The death toll has since risen to more than 100 people. "I get it, he's on vacation," said the tourist, Michael Rocchio, who the Chronicle reported is not a Texan and is openly critical of Cruz's political beliefs. "But after what happened, vacation or not, you should have been back on a plane on his way back to Texas to deal with everything that was going on with those poor kids in the floodplain." Cruz has faced criticism previously for a vacation that came amid a natural disaster. In 2021, the Texas Republicansaid it was "obviously a mistake"to fly to Cancun, Mexico, as a winter disaster in his home state left millions without power or water. The Greece trip wasfirst reported by The Daily Beast. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Cruz came back ‘as fast as humanly possible’ from Greece vacation after floods hit Texas, his office says

Cruz came back 'as fast as humanly possible' from Greece vacation after floods hit Texas, his office says GOP Sen. Ted Cruz was on a...

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