Paige Bueckers, playing for the Dallas Wings, won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. She had a standout season, scoring 19.2 points per game, and set several rookie records. Despite her team's struggles, she was a key player with impressive performances.
Key Facts
Paige Bueckers plays for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA.
She was named Rookie of the Year in 2025.
Bueckers received 70 out of 72 votes for the award.
She averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Bueckers scored 44 points in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks, the highest in a WNBA game this season.
Her overall points and assists were among the top for a WNBA rookie.
She started her career with a 30-game streak of scoring double digits.
Kash Patel, the FBI director, attended his first oversight hearing since taking office. During the hearing, senators examined his progress and critiqued his handling of certain investigations, including a controversial social media post about a shooting suspect.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the director of the FBI.
This was Patel’s first oversight hearing since he was confirmed in January.
The hearing focused on assessing Patel's performance as FBI director.
Patel faced criticism over his social media post about the Charlie Kirk shooting suspect.
Senators from both parties asked Patel to be more open about the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Republicans generally supported Patel, but Democrats were critical.
Patel remains committed to his role, saying he’s “not going anywhere.”
A recent poll shows that 40% of U.S. adults are unsure about FBI Director Kash Patel's handling of the investigation into the shooting of Charlie Kirk, with 36% approving and 24% disapproving. The case involves concerns over public sharing of investigation details and raises issues surrounding university safety and political violence. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with murder and will appear in court.
Key Facts
40% of U.S. adults are unsure about FBI Director Kash Patel's handling of the Charlie Kirk shooting investigation.
36% approve of Patel's handling of the investigation, while 24% disapprove.
The poll included 1,567 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of 3.6%.
The shooting took place on a college campus and has raised concerns about safety and political violence.
Kash Patel has faced criticism for publicly discussing investigative details, such as a recovered note and DNA matches.
Tyler Robinson has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting and is scheduled for a court appearance.
Charlie Kirk was a well-known supporter of former President Donald Trump and had a large social media following.
The U.S. reinstated Hungary's full access to the Visa Waiver Program, allowing Hungarians to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. This decision follows actions by Hungary to improve security checks and aligns with the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Key Facts
Hungary now has full access to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program again.
Visitors can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa under this program.
The Trump administration reversed restrictions that were in place during the Biden administration.
The Department of Homeland Security noted Hungary improved security measures at borders.
Hungary is one of 28 European countries in the Visa Waiver Program.
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program includes countries from outside Europe, such as Australia and Chile.
The program change may strengthen relations between the U.S. and Hungary under Viktor Orbán's leadership.
Michael Vick, former Virginia Tech football star, addressed rumors about returning to his alma mater as head coach after Brent Pry was fired. Vick stated his current focus is on coaching Norfolk State, where he is in his first season. Virginia Tech is looking for a head coach with more experience.
Key Facts
Virginia Tech fired head coach Brent Pry after losing to Old Dominion.
Michael Vick's name was rumored as a possible replacement.
Vick is currently the head coach at Norfolk State, with a record of 1-2.
Vick dismissed the rumors, stating his focus is on Norfolk State.
Virginia Tech seeks a coach with experience in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and transfer portal management.
Michael Vick lacks high-profile coaching experience and is not a primary candidate at this time.
Other names mentioned for the Virginia Tech position include Alex Golesh and Pat Fitzgerald.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury, which will keep him out for at least four more games. The Vikings have signed Cam Akers to help fill the gap left by Jones, who had a productive season last year. The team is also currently managing a number of other injuries.
Key Facts
Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings has a hamstring injury and will be on the injured reserve list for at least four games.
The Vikings signed Cam Akers to join Jordan Mason as the team's top two running backs in Jones' absence.
The Vikings are also without players Ty Chandler and C.J. Ham due to injuries.
Last season, Jones achieved a career-high with 306 touches for 1,546 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones recently signed a two-year, $20 million extension with the Vikings.
In the current season, Jones had 13 carries for 46 yards and three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown before his injury.
Other Vikings players dealing with injuries include left tackle Christian Darrisaw, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, cornerback Jeff Okudah, and safety Harrison Smith.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy's sprained ankle means Carson Wentz will start in the next game against the Bengals.
Attorney General Pam Bondi clarified her statement that the Justice Department will not prosecute people for hate speech unless it incites violence. Her earlier comments caused confusion and criticism, especially after saying hate speech would be targeted without mentioning the violence clause.
Key Facts
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that her office will not prosecute hate speech unless it incites violence.
Bondi's comments in a podcast led to criticism and confusion about free speech rights.
Some people, including MAGA Republicans, opposed Bondi's initial remarks on prosecuting hate speech.
Bondi emphasized the focus is on criminal groups or people inciting violent acts.
The Department of Justice will target credible threats and unlawful activities promoting violence.
Bondi's comments came after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed.
Legal experts criticized her mention of prosecuting Office Depot workers for discrimination.
WWE has released new merchandise to celebrate John Cena's Farewell Tour as he retires from wrestling. Fans can buy hats, t-shirts, belts, and other items featuring Cena's logos. Cena's upcoming big event is Wrestlepalooza 2025 in Indianapolis, where he will face longtime rival Brock Lesnar.
Key Facts
WWE is selling new merchandise for John Cena's Farewell Tour.
Items available include hats, t-shirts, wristbands, jerseys, and belts.
Cena is a 17-time world champion in WWE.
This tour marks the end of Cena's lengthy wrestling career.
Wrestlepalooza 2025 is a major WWE event taking place on September 20th in Indianapolis.
At Wrestlepalooza, Cena will wrestle against Brock Lesnar.
The merchandise is officially licensed and in high demand.
Cory Booker, a senator from New Jersey, engaged in a heated exchange with FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Hearing. The argument arose from criticism of Patel's actions as FBI director, including the mishandling of statements about a shooter and the firing of officials investigating Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Cory Booker is a senator from New Jersey.
Kash Patel is the current FBI Director.
The clash took place during a Senate Judiciary Hearing.
Booker criticized Patel for actions he described as damaging to the FBI.
Patel is facing criticism for retracting statements about a shooter's identity.
Patel also faced criticism for firing officials involved in Trump's investigation.
The event happened on September 16.
The exchange between Booker and Patel became a shouting match.
Labour MP Clive Lewis discussed the rise of far-right political movements in the UK during the time of President Trump's visit to the country. Lewis reflected on the complexity of British identity and nationalism, especially as large protests took place in London. He noted the diverse motivations of the protesters and expressed concerns over feelings of disconnection among citizens.
Key Facts
Labour MP Clive Lewis talked about the UK's far-right movements.
President Trump's state visit to the UK coincided with protests in London.
Protesters carried both the English flag and the UK flag.
Clive Lewis described the march as larger than expected.
Lewis shared personal insights on British identity and nationalism.
Some protesters expressed feelings of wanting to be heard and proud of their country.
Lewis warned against oversimplifying the motivations of the protesters.
The article discusses a "free-speech" march organized by far-right groups in London. Labour MP Clive Lewis shared his views on the event and what it means to be British in today's society.
Key Facts
A march in London was organized by far-right groups and focused on "free speech."
Labour MP Clive Lewis was interviewed about the march.
The event took place last weekend.
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly conducted the interview.
The discussion explored the meaning of being British in current times.
The conversation was part of NPR's program "All Things Considered."
The audio of the interview will be released later today.
Belarus pardoned 25 prisoners, aiming to improve relations with the United States. The pardons follow US calls for the release of those prosecuted on political charges. Some released prisoners were identified as political detainees by human rights groups.
Key Facts
Belarus pardoned 25 prisoners in an effort to improve ties with the USA.
The release follows US President Trump's appeal to free people held on political charges.
State news reported 12 women and 13 men were pardoned.
Human rights organizations say over 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarus.
The Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, was re-elected for a seventh term this year.
The USA has shown interest in reopening its embassy in Minsk.
Recently, 52 political prisoners were released, including a staff member from the EU's Minsk delegation and journalists.
Opposition leader Mikola Statkevich was returned to prison after refusing deportation.
A United Nations group has reported that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This conclusion comes from a commission led by Navi Pillay, which examines issues in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Key Facts
A UN inquiry claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
The inquiry is part of a commission focused on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Navi Pillay chairs the commission that reported these findings.
The report was discussed on NPR's program "All Things Considered."
The findings are based on the commission's investigation into actions in Gaza.
Israel has launched a major military offensive in Gaza City. This operation involves airstrikes and efforts by Israeli troops to take control of the city.
Key Facts
Israel started a large military operation in Gaza City.
The operation includes airstrikes.
Israel aims to take over and occupy Gaza City.
The offensive marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict.
Scores of people have been reported killed due to the airstrikes.
The Detroit Red Wings have released their 2025-26 Centennial jerseys, which are available for purchase now. Fans can buy these jerseys in various styles, including generic, player-specific, or custom options.
Key Facts
The Detroit Red Wings released their 2025-26 NHL Centennial jerseys.
The jerseys are available for fans to purchase immediately.
Fans can choose from generic styles, player-specific jerseys, or custom options with names and numbers.
The team narrowly missed the playoffs last season after winning 39 games.
The Detroit Red Wings have not made the playoffs for nine years.
The jerseys are expected to be in high demand.
They are officially licensed and available through Fanatics.
A partial solar eclipse is set to occur next week, mainly visible in Antarctica, New Zealand, and part of Australia. This event is the last in a series of eclipses for the year, following a total lunar eclipse in Asia.
Key Facts
A partial solar eclipse will happen next week.
Antarctica, New Zealand, and a part of Australia are the best places to see it.
The eclipse will take place on Monday, local time in these regions.
This is the fourth and final eclipse of the year.
Earlier in the year, a total lunar eclipse was visible in Asia.
There were eclipses earlier in the year in March.
In 2026, more solar eclipses will happen, including one called a "ring of fire" and another total solar eclipse.
The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed running back Cam Akers due to recent injuries in their team, including Aaron Jones's hamstring injury. Akers, familiar with the team's system, will play a key role in upcoming games as the Vikings face a shortage of healthy running backs.
Key Facts
Cam Akers has re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings due to injuries in their running backs.
Aaron Jones, another running back, has a hamstring injury and will miss at least one game.
The Vikings are also missing Ty Chandler and C.J. Ham due to injuries.
This is the third time in three seasons the Vikings have acquired Akers midseason.
Akers previously joined the Vikings in 2023 but suffered an Achilles injury that year.
Akers was traded back to the Vikings in October 2024 from the Houston Texans.
Head Coach Kevin O'Connell trusts Akers due to their shared history with the Los Angeles Rams.
Akers may play in the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Boston Red Sox are striving to secure a playoff spot in the last weeks of the baseball season. Alex Bregman, an infielder for the team, has been struggling with his performance since a previous injury. Improving his play could be crucial for the team's playoff chances.
Key Facts
The Red Sox are currently ahead of the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians for a wild card playoff position.
Alex Bregman had a strong start to the season before sustaining a quad injury.
After returning from his injury, Bregman's performance initially improved but later declined.
Bregman is currently batting with a low average of .198 in his last 25 games.
The Red Sox's offensive lineup is under pressure due to other injuries on the team.
There is hope that a turnaround from Bregman could positively influence his teammates' performances as well.
Republicans and Democrats are debating a funding bill that could avoid a government shutdown. The proposed bill would extend funding for federal agencies until November 21. However, there are disagreements on issues like healthcare subsidies and Medicaid changes, which could delay the resolution.
Key Facts
Republicans proposed a bill to keep government funding going until November 21.
Democrats have enough numbers to potentially stop the bill unless changes are made.
The bill aims to extend current funding levels and add $58 million for security.
There is a concern about losing government functions if a shutdown occurs.
Democrats are worried about expiring healthcare subsidies and Medicaid changes.
Senate Minority Leader Schumer says 60 votes are needed in the Senate to pass the bill.
As of Tuesday, a market estimation places the shutdown likelihood at 45% by October 1.
GOP needs to ensure they do not lose more than two votes in their party to pass the bill.
