The death of Valeria Márquez, 23, was the latest reminder of the rise in violence against women in the country.
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Valeria Márquez, TikTok Influencer, Shot Dead During Live Stream in Mexico
Contracts? Buyouts? Study at 1 school, play for another? Ambitious pitches to revamp college sports
As the amateur model of college athletics disintegrates, a handful of unusual ideas have been floated as ways to reign in some of the chaos surrounding the explosion in name, image and likeness compensation and a transfer portal that sees thousands of athletes changing schools every season.
Whether any of the ideas end up being implemented is unknown and every school is awaiting a decision from a federal judge on whether a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement against the NCAA and the five largest conferences will take effect as early as July 1. If it does, that opens the floodgates for schools to share millions in revenue directly with their athletes amid a host of other changes.
Here is a look at some of the topics:
A formal agreement between an athlete and a school is not a new concept, but with the uptick of NIL deals the thought of pro-style contracts is becoming increasingly more common.
There are plenty of ways to get creative with contracts. Rich Stankewicz, operations director for Penn State’s NIL collective Happy Valley United, said he favors an incentive-based approach — essentially adding money for athletes who not only perform but stick around.
“I personally really like the idea of incentivizing performance in school, those kinds of things that would only be occurring in the season while they’re playing,” Stankewicz said. “If more money is paid out in those time frames, then that gives the incentive for the player to stay and see those dollars from their contract, rather than potentially collect up front and then decide the grass is greener somewhere else three months later, barely doing any school, you know, without playing at all.”
This topic is red hot at the moment. Entering the transfer portal comes with the risk of not landing in a better spot — or any spot — but athletes have shown every single season over the past few years that they are comfortable going anyway. Athletic departments are beginning to fight back.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek recently encouraged the school’s NIL collective to pursue legal action after quarterback Madden Iamaleava departed for UCLA after just five months in Fayetteville. Iamaleava allegedly collected significant money upfront and cited homesickness as his reason for following his brother to California.
This is a scenario Penn State hopes to avoid. And the importance of contract details is clear.
“Commonly, there’s nothing binding students in certain instances to the institution they’re with for the entirety of the contract,” Stankewicz said. “We’ve definitely looked into having measures in place to discourage transfers during the time of the contract. There are a bunch of different ways to do that, from buyouts to how you load the contract.”
Groundbreaking shifts in the landscape have sparked conversations about athletes becoming official employees of their universities.
It’s a controversial subject to say the least. Universities would become responsible for paying wages, benefits, and workers’ compensation and schools and conferences have insisted they will fight any such move in court (some already have).
Complexities go beyond the concept. While private institutions fall under the National Labor Relations Board, public universities must follow labor laws that vary from state to state and it’s worth noting that virtually every state in the South has “right to work” laws that present challenges for unions.
There is also a new administration in power now, said Michael LeRoy, a labor and employment professor at Illinois who has studied the NCAA and athlete rights.
“With the election of Donald Trump, and what that would mean for a new National Labor Relations Board, what that would mean for repopulating the courts with judges who are likely not congenial to that view, I no longer have much hope that we’ll get a ruling in the next 5-10 years that these are employees,” LeRoy said.
Despite the lack of employment status, LeRoy said, athletes should advocate for themselves and use the entertainment industry as a model. He said athletes currently are offered “take-it-or-leave-it” NIL contracts when a broader approach might have benefits.
“I think athletes should start to look at Hollywood and Broadway contracting arrangements that deal with publicity rights,” he said. “I think there’s a way to frame this collectively. The framework of collective bargaining and employment, I would say, the entertainment industry generally offers a blueprint for success.”
Things are so chaotic right now that the very lines of who an athlete is playing for could get blurred.
Saying he was inspired by the NBA’s G League, University of Albany basketball coach Dwayne Killings is proposing a two-way contract for college players. Albany would welcome transfers from top-tier programs who need more seasoning and help them develop — with plenty of game time vs. sitting on the bench — before sending them back to their original program, where they’d be ready to compete.
“The best development happens on the floor, not necessarily on the scout team, given the new 15-man scholarship limits,” Killings told CBS Sports.
And then there is Division III, which recently approved an unusual pilot program: Athletes would play for one school but do their coursework at another school that does not sponsor varsity athletics.
The NCAA said the program, which would run during the next academic year, “will offer expanded pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic objectives and complete their participation opportunity.”
“This program intends to address the changing, dynamic higher education environment we find ourselves in right now,” said Jim Troha, president of Juniata and chairman of the DIII President’s Council. “It recognizes existing academic programs and provides flexibility to expand participation opportunities for student-athletes.”
The program will be assessed before any decisions on whether to make it permanent or expand it.
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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports
The chair of Tesla sold stock worth $230 million while profits at Elon Musk’s carmaker plunged
NEW YORK (AP) — The chair of Tesla sold more than $230 million of company stock since Elon Musk’s endorsement of Donald Trump triggered boycotts and protests against his cars, sending its profits and stock price plunging.
More than half of Robyn Denholm’s cash haul came from sales in the first four months this year as Tesla stock fell by one-third, according to filings reviewed by The Associated Press. In total, she unloaded hundreds of thousands of shares — more than half her holdings as dictated by a pre-arranged selling plan filed with regulators as Musk began embracing right-wing politics.
Denholm filed that plan on July 25, the day Musk endorsed Trump for president.
Denholm’s profits were likely outsized, too. That is because many of the shares she sold had been acquired through so-called options granted to her by Tesla years earlier that, given recent stock prices, allowed her to buy at a deep discount, according to data from research provider FactSet. Nearly a million shares acquired through options were bought for $25, less than a tenth of the market price for much of the last nine months.
The AP reached out to both Tesla and Denholm but did not receive an immediate reply.
A Denholm statement to The New York Times, which earlier reported on the insider sales, said that the share value of holdings by Tesla directors has jumped because the stock itself has soared, creating “outsized returns” for all shareholders.
It’s not clear why Denholm decided to cash out so much of her stake.
Pre-determined selling schedules are used by executives and directors as a way of telling investors that their selling isn’t based on insider information, which is illegal, or necessarily a sign that they have turned pessimistic about a company.
Denholm isn’t the only Tesla insider who has been selling. The chief financial officer and other directors have unloaded $189 million in stock in the same nine-month period, according to FactSet data.
Tesla stock soared after Trump was elected in November on hopes that the president-elect’s close relations with Musk would translate to less regulatory scrutiny and bigger profits.
But Musk’s role as the government cost-cutting chief for Trump and his comments supporting extreme right-wing politicians in Europe have triggered a backlash among car buyers, and sales have sunk along with its stock.
Tesla reported last month that profits in the first three months of the year plunged 71%.
The stock soared again after Musk, the company’s chief executive and biggest shareholder, said he would be stepping back from his Washington work to spend more time at the electric automaker.
Tesla closed at $347 a share Wednesday, up 4% for the day and more than 50% since its April low.
Tom Cruise gives Cannes another thrill with latest ‘Mission: Impossible’
CNN
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Tom Cruise was last at Cannes in 2022, when the film festival gave him an honorary Palme d’Or and, in return, got one of the last bona fide Hollywood stars to grace their red carpet as he launched “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Fighter jets swooped overhead, and Cruise, who hadn’t been to the festival in 30 years at that point, flashed that megawatt smile. Before you knew it, “Maverick” soared past one billion dollars at the box office.
Which needed the other more – the festival or the star? It doesn’t matter, the formula worked so well they commissioned a sequel to the whole spectacle.
On Wednesday night, Cruise ascended the steps of the Palais de Festivals once more for the gala premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” As the cast assembled on the red carpet, an orchestra struck up a live rendition of Lalo Schifrin’s theme tune, Cruise flashed that smile and… well, as Jerry Maguire once said, “Show me the money.”
The film, which leans heavy on the franchise’s three-decade legacy, played well with the audience. Inside the Grand Theatre Lumiere, there was sporadic applause throughout for Cruise’s spy Ethan Hunt, series regulars Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames and newer recruits including Hayley Atwell.
Prolonged applause during the credits gave way to some words by director Christopher McQuarrie, who recalled being “one of those kids who didn’t quite fit in” when he was growing up.
“A lot of my life was imaginative play. I got to grow up and have my very own action figure, who was actually willing to do just about any crazy thing I could think of,” he said, gesturing to Cruise.
“I’m grateful for your support, your friendship, your insanely unquestioning devotion to this craft, and most of all for your artistry,” McQuarrie, a four-time director in the “Mission” franchise, added.
Cruise for his part noted McQuarrie’s expansion of the franchise’s ambitions while looking forward to making “a bunch of other kinds of movies” with the director.
The comment further muddies the picture of whether this is the final “Mission: Impossible” film. It was unclear from the film’s marketing if that were the case, and it remains unanswered even after watching all 165 minutes of the movie.
Shot in the UK, South Africa and Svalbard in the Arctic, “Final Reckoning” picks up where 2023’s “Dead Reckoning” left off, with Cruise’s Hunt pursuing the destruction of pervasive AI enemy The Entity. The stakes, already high, are ratcheted up significantly; arguably, Hunt and co. have never faced a graver scenario.
An exposition-heavy opening third, prone to repetition, offers a wobbly scaffolding on which Cruise and McQuarrie hang some truly spectacular set pieces. If the film spent less time worrying about explaining itself – or drifting into a reflective, sometimes somber mood – it might be more straightforward and more fun.
That said, when Cruise is firing all cylinders, in the well-advertised acrobatic biplane scene, and a nightmare-fuel deep sea diving sequence, he’s a marvel to behold.
The actor has long been in a category of one when it comes to his on-screen pursuits, and this is no different. It’s no easy task for a director to keep up with Cruise, but McQuarrie does admirable and inventive work, and wisely lets the action do the talking when the film is at its best.
Despite the positive notices at Cannes, “Final Reckoning” will face stiffer headwinds than Cruise hanging off the side of an airplane to reach profitability. The film reportedly cost around $400 million, and studio Paramount will no doubt be nervous given “Dead Reckoning” relatively underperformed. The 2023 film, originally billed as “Dead Reckoning – Part One,” grossed $571 million worldwide – down from the franchise’s peak of $792 million for “Fallout” in 2018 – although it was faced with the box office tidal wave of “Barbenheimer” shortly after its release, something the latest movie has steered clear of.
Will “Final Reckoning” be a critical and commercial slam dunk like “Maverick”? Paramount will care more than Cannes and more than McQuarrie. The festival got its star, and the director got to play with his action figure once more.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14 ahead of its release in cinemas from May 23.
89 million Steam accounts leaked? Here’s what to do
As a PC gamer, you may have already seen some alarm around the web regarding Steam—headlines saying 89 million Steam accounts hacked. But you shouldn’t panic.
The reports stem from a post on the dark web, where an alleged hacker offered up supposed records from millions of Steam accounts, including one-time codes used for two-factor authentication (2FA). Sounds bad, right? Except when Twilio, the third-party service that powers the 2FA text message codes for Steam, was asked for comment, the company told BleepingComputer it had not found any evidence of a breach or leak.
In the meanwhile, however, multiple outlets have published the original claim—as well as a follow-up from X/Twitter user Mellow_Online1, who says they were told by Valve no relationship exists between Steam and “Trillio.” (A possible typo, as Mellow_Online1 refers to Twilio in a follow-up post on X.)
So what’s the deal? As BleepingComputer points out, this data could suggest a leak in the delivery system for text messages—one of three major reasons why security experts don’t recommend receiving 2FA codes through SMS. (The other two? Someone could steal your phone number to receive codes, or they could redirect the codes to their own device without you knowing.) This is not a Valve problem, though. It’s unfortunately a known weakness in how text messaging works.
Alaina Yee / Foundry
Update (5/14/2025, 3:20pm PT): Speaking of Valve, the company just confirmed in a Steam Community post that no Steam systems have been breached. The leaked data also does not “associate the phone numbers with a Steam account, password information, payment information, or other personal data.” Valve also says to regard any account security messages you didn’t request (e.g., by asking for a 2FA code or making an account change) with suspicion.
While this situation is likely nothing to worry about, your account is probably still at risk for other reasons. Chances are, your password is weaker than you think. (Just have a look at how fast modern GPUs can crack passwords.) And you’re probably not using two-factor authentication yet.
Bump up your password to something strong, random, and unique. Turn on Steam Guard now, too. The better method for getting codes will be through the Steam Mobile App on your phone.
Already using a good password and Steam Guard? For peace of mind, you can still change your password (which should be simple and fast if you use a password manager). Also switch to the Steam Mobile App as your 2FA method if you haven’t already.
While you’re updating your Steam security, be sure to look over the list of authorized devices connected to your account, too. Remove any that you don’t recognize.
You may not be able to trust the claims made in dark web forum posts, sure. But strengthening your security is a process you can put weight behind—and you get full control over it, too.
Jennifer Lawrence Wore Wide-Leg Pants and Similar Pairs Start at $20
Jennifer Lawrence knows how to make loungewear look stylish.
This week, the actress was spotted out in New York City wearing a laid-back T-shirt, ballet flats, and a sleek alternative to sweats and leggings: wide-leg pants. Lawrence wore the $295 La Ligne Colby Pants to be exact, which inspired us to find lookalikes for less.
Luckily, Amazon’s fashion department is bursting with similar styles — and our favorite finds start at just $20. You can score tons of wide-leg pants to level-up your everyday wardrobe, including trousers that are easy to dress up, plus summer-ready pairs made from linen.
Wide-Leg Pants Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence
Backgrid
Evaless High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
Amazon
This pair of sleek trousers looks so similar to the ones we spotted on Lawrence — and they’re on sale for $20 today. The pants have a high-rise silhouette with an elastic waistband for comfort, plus pleat detailing for a more high-end look. “They’re perfect for a professional look at work, yet [feel] super comfy,” according to one reviewer, who also described them as “flattering.” Pair them with flats or loafers for a day at the office, or keep them casual with a tee on a day out like Lawrence.
Faleave Cotton and Linen Wide-Leg Pants
Amazon
For something more seasonal, try these best-selling wide-leg pants that are made from a breathable blend of cotton and linen. The lightweight pants are great for stuffy summer weather, no matter if you’re dressing them up with an equally airy blouse or using them as a cover-up on a beach trip. More than 1,000 Amazon shoppers already bought them this month, so act fast to snag them while they’re down to $30.
Lee Legendary High-Rise Trouser Jeans, $31 with coupon
Amazon
In addition to trousers and lounge pants, celebrities like Anne Hathaway are also making a case for wide-leg jeans this season. This popular pair by Lee has a high waistline that’s fitted at the top, then flows out into comfortable loose legs. Best of all, they’re made from the brand’s signature stretchy denim blend that feels far from restrictive.
Want to follow suit with Jennifer Lawrence? We found even more wide-leg pants to zhuzh up your wardrobe at Amazon now.
Anrabess Smocked Palazzo Pants
Amazon
Xiaoxuemeng Palazzo Harem Pants
Amazon
Promover Wide-Leg Lounge Pants
Amazon
Gap Easy Trousers
Amazon
Odd-looking western diamond rattlesnake discovered in Arizona backyard
FILE – Dozens of snakes can be seen slithering and curling in a rookery, or snake den, in Colorado. They are just a few of hundreds of snakes in the rookery.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – An Arizona homeowner’s discovery of a rattlesnake exhibiting an unusual color pattern left some snake experts rather amazed.
The western diamondback rattlesnake was uncovered in the backyard of a Scottsdale home on Friday.
Rattlesnake Solutions, a pest control service, posted the colorful photos on Facebook, stating that a pattern mutation may be the reason for the odd appearance.
“In the many thousands of diamondbacks we’ve seen over the years, this is a first,” a business spokesperson wrote in the post.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake with a significant pattern mutation was found in the backyard of a home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
(Rattlesnake Solutions / Facebook)
The snake’s tail stands out compared to the rest of its body as the base of the tail is bright white with black spots. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the typical pattern of a western diamondback rattlesnake is outlined in white and black, and the tail has alternating black and white banding.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department says that Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state.
The pest service remarks that the area where the snake was found is not a hybridization zone, ruling out any possibilities of breeding with other snakes. According to the NDOW, the western diamondback rattlesnake is a venomous species that uses its venom to subdue its prey.
Western Dioamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Southern Arizona
(VWPics/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
“We want people to know that there is a higher than average chance that they might encounter a rattlesnake when they are out recreating,” said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
ALLIGATOR MADE FAMOUS IN ‘HAPPY GILMORE’ DIES AT MORE THAN 80 YEARS OLD
If bitten, MedlinePlus.gov suggests restricting movement to the affected area. If bitten by a rattlesnake, copperhead, or cottonmouth, keep the affected area at heart level. If bitten by a coral snake, cobra, or exotic snake, keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
Man who allegedly drove a truck in Canada’s biggest-ever gold theft pleads guilty to U.S. gun charge
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Canadian man who drove the getaway truck in the biggest gold theft in Canadian history has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge after he sneaked into the United States, where he was caught trying to smuggle out 65 guns, authorities said Wednesday.
Durante King-Mclean faces up to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court in Pennsylvania, authorities said. King-Mclean, who was arrested in 2023, had been facing six illegal weapons charges before he pleaded guilty to one of the charges.
King-Mclean’s lawyer did not immediately comment.
At least 10 people have been charged by Canadian and U.S. authorities in connection with the guns and the heist of a cargo container from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport two years ago.
In the stolen cargo container were 6,600 gold bars worth more than 20 million Canadian dollars ($14.5 million) and CA$2.5 million ($1.8 million) in foreign currencies, authorities said.
Police said the 6,600 gold bars were melted down in a Toronto jewelry store and sold, and the proceeds used to purchase the firearms in the U.S.
King-Mclean, of Ontario, was the truck driver who picked up the gold from the airport cargo terminal, authorities say.
King-Mclean sneaked illegally into the United States and had been staying in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, until he rented the vehicle and drove north toward Canada with the illegal handguns, authorities said.
He was arrested in Pennsylvania five months after the heist following a traffic stop with the 65 illegal firearms that were destined to be smuggled into Canada, authorities said. King-Mclean tried to flee Pennsylvania State Police troopers after they discovered the firearms — each concealed in a sock — in his rental car, authorities said.
Two of the firearms were fully automatic, 11 were stolen and one had an obliterated serial number, authorities said.