Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • Colorado Rapids vs. CF Montréal: Match Prediction, Betting Tips, Lineups & Odds

    Colorado Rapids vs. CF Montréal: Match Prediction, Betting Tips, Lineups & Odds

    Colorado Rapids vs CF Montréal: MLS Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

    Kick-off: 08:30 ET, Sunday 13 September 2026 | Venue: DSG Park, Commerce City, Colorado

    Main Match Prediction: Colorado Rapids to Win

    Our top selection for this MLS clash is a Colorado Rapids victory at odds of 1.73. The Rapids enter this fixture in strong home form, while CF Montréal arrive on a three-match losing streak and have struggled significantly on the road.

    Key stat: According to the latest betting odds, a Rapids win carries an implied probability of 57.8%. However, our analysts’ in-depth research suggests the true probability sits between 60-65%, making this a value play on the Full-Time Result market.

    Match Preview & Form Guide

    Colorado Rapids Recent Form

    The Rapids played out a 1-1 draw away at Austin FC in their last outing. Matt Wells’ side controlled 50% possession and registered five shots on target, with Paxten Aaronson finding the net. Over their last 10 league matches, Colorado have posted a record of 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, averaging 0.8 goals from 3.3 shots on target and 12.8 total attempts per game. They hold an average of 50.0% possession and earn 4.6 corners per match.

    CF Montréal Recent Form

    Montréal suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Charlotte FC in their most recent fixture. Despite enjoying 58% possession and creating five shots on goal (Daniel Rios scored), Philippe Eullaffroy’s side have now lost three consecutive matches. Across their last 10 league games, Montréal have managed 1 win, 5 defeats, and 4 draws, averaging 0.9 goals from 4.8 shots on target and 12.4 attempts. They average 49.0% possession and 5.4 corners per game while conceding 1.9 goals per match.

    Head-to-Head Record

    Colorado won the most recent meeting between these sides—a convincing 4-1 victory at DSG Park. That result aligns with the Rapids’ current dominance on home soil.

    Home & Away Records: A Stark Contrast

    Metric Colorado Rapids (Home – Last 10) CF Montréal (Away – Last 10)
    Record (W-D-L) 8-0-2 2-1-7
    Avg. Goals For 1.90 1.50
    Avg. Goals Against 0.60 2.70
    Avg. Total Goals 2.50 4.20
    Over 2.5 Goals 3 8
    Under 2.5 Goals 7 2
    BTTS Yes 3 6
    BTTS No 7 4

    Critical trends: Colorado have won 5 consecutive home matches, 7 of their last 10 at DSG Park, and 10 of their last 15. Conversely, Montréal have lost their last 3 away games, 7 of their last 10 on the road, and 10 of their last 15 away fixtures.

    Confirmed Lineups

    Colorado Rapids (4-3-3)

    GK: Nicholas Hansen (41) | DEF: Keegan Rosenberry (2), Rob Holding (6), Loic Williams (5), Miguel Navarro (29) | MID: Joshua Atencio (12), Hamzat Ojediran (8), Paxten Aaronson (10) | FWD: Donavan Phillip (32), Darren Yapi (77), Georgi Minoungou (93)

    Substitutes: Morgan Whittaker (7), Sayed Abu Farkhi (9), Wayne Frederick (13), Alex Harris (16), Noah Cobb (24), Adam Beaudry (31), Kosi Thompson (33), Vincent Rinaldi (94), Jackson Travis (99)

    CF Montréal (4-3-3)

    GK: Sebastian Breza (1) | DEF: Brayan Ceballos (3), Jalen Neal (2), Efrain Morales (24), Viktor Radojevic (28) | MID: Wikelman Carmona (16), Samuel Piette (6), Victor Loturi (22) | FWD: Dante Sealy (17), Prince Osei Owusu (9), Noah Streit (23)

    Substitutes: Brandan Craig (5), Alexis Sanchez (10), Luca Petrasso (13), Daniel Rios (14), Gennadiy Synchuk (18), Fabian Herbers (21), Dawid Bugaj (27), Olger Escobar (29), Samsy Keita (41)

    Player Prop Picks

    Alexis Sánchez (Montréal) – Shots On Target (Over 0.5) @ 2.25

    Despite starting on the bench, Sánchez offers value in the Shots On Target market. His ability to impact games as a substitute makes this a viable prop at the quoted price.

    Paxten Aaronson (Colorado) – Anytime Goalscorer @ 3.80

    Aaronson has been Colorado’s creative hub, registering two goals and two assists in the last 10 league games. At 3.80, the Anytime Goalscorer market presents an attractive angle given his current form and central role in the Rapids’ attack.

    Corners Prediction: Colorado Team Corners Over 4.5 @ 1.66

    Colorado have averaged 6.00 corners in their last five home matches, while Montréal’s last three away games have seen the opposition win more than 4.5 corners. The Rapids’ home dominance and attacking width through Aaronson and Minoungou support a play on Colorado Team Corners.

    Corner Averages (Last 10 League Games)

    Team Total Avg. For Avg. Against Avg.
    Colorado 7.60 4.60 3.00
    Colorado (Home) 7.50 5.30 2.20
    Montréal 9.70 5.40 4.30
    Montréal (Away) 8.60 3.90 4.70

    Match Odds & Market Overview

    Bookmakers price Colorado as clear favourites with a roughly 62% implied probability (odds ~1.62). CF Montréal are available at 4.75 for the upset. Key alternative markets:

    • Asian Handicap: Colorado -0.75 @ 1.76 (half-stake win/half-stake refund on one-goal margin; full win on two-goal margin)
    • Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals is shorter than Under 2.5 Goals
    • Both Teams to Score: Yes @ 1.56

    First Goalscorer Market Leaders

    • Darren Yapi (Colorado) – 5.75
    • Prince Osei Owusu (Montréal) – competitive pricing
    • Georgi Minoungou (Colorado) – competitive pricing
    • Daniel Ríos (Montréal) – competitive pricing

    Key Players to Watch

    Colorado Rapids

    • Paxten Aaronson: Joint-top scorer (2 goals), joint-top assist provider (2 assists)
    • Reggie Cannon: Joint-top scorer (2 goals)
    • Rafael Navarro: Joint-top scorer (2 goals)
    • Youssef Maziz: Joint-top assist provider (2 assists)

    CF Montréal

    • Prince Osei Owusu: 4 goals in last 10 league games
    • Daniel Rios: 2 goals
    • Luca Petrasso: Team-leading 3 assists
    • Fabian Herbers: 1 goal

    Recent Match History

    Colorado Rapids Last 5 Results

    • 10 Sep: Austin FC 1-1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
    • 06 Sep: Columbus Crew 3-0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
    • 30 Aug: Colorado Rapids 1-0 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
    • 23 Aug: San Diego 3-0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
    • 20 Aug: Colorado Rapids 1-0 LAFC (MLS)

    CF Montréal Last 5 Results

    • 10 Sep: CF Montréal 1-2 Charlotte FC (MLS)
    • 06 Sep: Philadelphia 2-0 CF Montréal (MLS)
    • 30 Aug: Inter Miami 7-1 CF Montréal (MLS)
    • 23 Aug: CF Montréal 2-2 LA Galaxy (MLS)
    • 20 Aug: Columbus Crew 1-2 CF Montréal (MLS)

    Expert Analysis & Methodology

    This preview is produced by Steven Jackson, Senior MLS Analyst, under the oversight of our Football Editorial Betting Panel. Our methodology combines squad changes, travel context, salary cap constraints, injuries, lineups, and team news with advanced metrics including xG, xGA, xA, and PPDA alongside odds movement to assess chance quality, defensive strength, and pressing intensity across MLS venues.

    Last updated: 13 September 2026, 07:30 ET to reflect latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lineups, advanced performance metrics, and market movement.

    Responsible Gambling

    Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose. 18+ (or legal age). If gambling is causing harm or distress, support is available. Visit our Gamble Responsibly hub for safer gambling tools, self-exclusion options, and local helplines.

    Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (11 September 2026, 14:57). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ.

  • „Maybrit Illner“: „Wir haben es nicht falsch erklärt. Die Leute haben ganz bewusst so entschieden“

    „Maybrit Illner“: „Wir haben es nicht falsch erklärt. Die Leute haben ganz bewusst so entschieden“

    The AfD’s victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election has triggered urgent calls for change across the German political spectrum, targeting both governance style and leadership personnel. On Thursday evening, ZDF talk show host Maybrit Illner dedicated her program to the question: „Die Denkzettelwahl – was muss sich ändern?“

    The panel featured Baden-Württemberg Minister President Cem Özdemir (Greens), CDU politician Armin Laschet, journalist and Machtwechsel podcast host Robin Alexander (also a WELT author), Spiegel columnist Sabine Rennefanz, and legal philosopher Frauke Rostalski.

    AfD Victory Creates Theoretical Path to State Premiership

    Following the election, AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund could theoretically be elected Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt if he secures the necessary votes for an absolute majority. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), the only party signaling willingness to talk, has not ruled out case-by-case agreements or tolerating a minority government in the state parliament.

    Cem Özdemir: No Business as Usual After Election

    Özdemir, who has served as Minister President of Baden-Württemberg since May—and thus Siegmund’s potential counterpart—immediately drew a red line. Ein „Weiter so“ könne es nach der Wahl nicht geben, he stated. The AfD had managed to mobilize many non-voters. Wenn man das betrachtet mit früher, dann hätten wir das alle früher sehen können und müssen, the Green politician said.

    According to Özdemir, politicians must now question the substance of their policies and the manner of implementation. Ich habe kein Interesse daran, dass diese Republik taumelt. Wir werden alles unterstützen, was die Regierung an Vernünftigem macht. Aber sie muss es jetzt halt auch mal machen, he said, directing his gaze toward Armin Laschet.

    Armin Laschet: We Need a Different Political Style

    Laschet agreed with Özdemir: Wir brauchen einen anderen Politikstil. However, he argued this shift must begin by nicht bei jedem Satz und in jeder Minute nur zu überlegen, was tun wir gegen die AfD? Doing so permanently places the party at the center of debate, the former North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President warned, adding a self-critical note: Ich habe es vielleicht auch eine Zeit lang mitgemacht. This strategy, he conceded, has not borne fruit.

    As a concrete example of a better style, the CDU politician pointed to Europe. The AfD wants to leave the union and the euro, Laschet noted, aber wir stehen für Europa. Wir sagen, warum wir das tun und warum das gut ist für das Land. Politicians must return to this explanatory approach.

    Simultaneously, he criticized the frequent accusation that the Union and other parties merely suffer from communication failures. Ich kann diese ganzen Sprüche, auch seit der Wahl, nicht mehr hören. Wir haben es falsch erklärt? Nein, wir haben es nicht falsch erklärt. Die Leute haben ganz bewusst so entschieden, he stated firmly regarding AfD voters.

    Frauke Rostalski: Analyze Voter Motives, Not Just Assign Blame

    Legal philosopher Frauke Rostalski shifted focus away from political blame games toward an honest analysis of voting behavior. Previous research on AfD success—particularly in eastern Germany—has often implied something is wrong with the people there. Das ist nicht der Fall. Wir müssen nach den Gründen fragen, warum die Menschen sich für die AfD entscheiden, Rostalski demanded.

    This applies equally when speaking of Denkzettelwahlen (punishment votes) or protest votes. Protest entsteht ja auch aus einem Bedürfnis heraus, nämlich, mit seinen eigenen Anliegen nicht wahrgenommen zu werden, the scholar explained. AfD voters’ answers are quite clear: immigration and migration are the dominant drivers. Dabei geht es gar nicht konkret um die Veränderungen an den Grenzen, die wir mittlerweile haben, sondern um den Status quo, dass sich eben etwas ändert. Viele verknüpfen das auch mit dem Thema der inneren Sicherheit.

    Warning Against Societal Firewalls and Unsayable Opinions

    Rostalski warned of a gesellschaftliche Brandmauer (societal firewall). A communicative component in the analysis requires critical examination: Die Wahrheit ist natürlich, dass wir viele Dinge mittlerweile, gerade auch jene, die von AfD-Wählerinnen und -Wählern vorgebracht werden, als unsagbar kennzeichnen.

    Anyone representing certain positions is immediately attacked, Rostalski observed. This prevents engagement with substantive arguments. Wir neigen immer mehr dazu, unsere Meinungen nicht bloß als Meinungen zu begreifen, sondern ganz stark aufzuladen, dass sie mehr oder weniger zum Teil unserer Identität werden. This creates irreconcilable camps and societal firewalls. To uncover factual arguments again, müssen wir überhaupt einander wieder anerkennen, als gleichberechtigte Gesprächspartner.

    Özdemir Warns of US-Style Society

    Minister President Özdemir echoed this warning. He shared the concern over irreconcilable polarization, drawing a parallel to the United States: Das Ende davon ist eine Gesellschaft wie in den USA, wo die eine Hälfte der Gesellschaft mit der anderen nichts mehr zu tun haben möchte und der nichts mehr glaubt.

    Listening to and tolerating differing opinions was also demanded by CDU politician Laschet. He invoked a classic democratic virtue, paraphrasing German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer: Immer davon ausgehen, dass der andere auch Recht haben könnte. (The original sentence read: Ein Gespräch setzt voraus, dass der andere Recht haben könnte. Ed. note.) Laschet then delivered a broadside: Doch das haben wir nicht. Jeder glaubt, seine Position ist richtig, und trägt sie dann auch besonders laut vor.

    Personnel Consequences for Chancellor Merz?

    Beyond changes in political communication and engagement with AfD voter concerns, personnel consequences at the leadership level are now being debated—most notably concerning Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). Following the Saxony-Anhalt debacle, the deputy CDU state chair in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Tino Schomann, called for Merz’s removal. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern votes on September 20; polls currently show the Union at 8 percent and the AfD at 38 percent.

    Robin Alexander: Constructive Vote of No Confidence Required

    Journalist Robin Alexander dampened expectations of a swift chancellery change. He clarified that a German chancellor can only be replaced via a constructive vote of no confidence, requiring a Bundestag majority against Merz and for an alternative candidate. Die einzige Mehrheit in der Mitte ist die Mehrheit, die Friedrich Merz hat: Union und SPD, Alexander noted. To pass a no-confidence vote, the two parties would need to agree on an alternative candidate. Das erscheint mir ein schwieriger Prozess.

    Alexander also deemed it unrealistic that Chancellor Merz would request new elections from the Federal President, as former Chancellor Olaf Scholz did nearly two years ago. Der Bundespräsident wird sagen: Wer sich um Mehrheiten bewirbt, muss diese nutzen.

  • September 13 Declared Official Sad Day for The Walking Dead Franchise

    September 13 Declared Official Sad Day for The Walking Dead Franchise

    The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Finale Airs September 13 Amid Renewal Uncertainty

    Few television franchises achieve the longevity and cultural impact of The Walking Dead. The flagship series dominated cable television for over a decade, building a massive global following known as the TWD Family and spawning an expanding universe of spinoffs that continue to air on AMC and AMC+. Yet as the third season of The Walking Dead: Dead City approaches its conclusion, the franchise faces a pivotal moment.

    Season 3 Finale Details: “Tenebrae” Premieres September 13

    The third season finale, episode 8 titled “Tenebrae,” airs on Sunday, September 13. Viewers can stream the episode on AMC+ at midnight PT, with the linear broadcast on AMC at the franchise’s traditional 9:00 p.m. ET/PT timeslot.

    While anticipation is high for the conclusion of Maggie Rhee and Negan’s Manhattan storyline, the airing carries mixed emotions. Season 3 has been widely regarded as the strongest installment of the spinoff to date, earning critical acclaim and generating the most significant buzz since the series debuted in 2023. However, AMC has not yet officially renewed Dead City for a fourth season.

    Key Creative Voices Express Desire for Season 4

    Despite the lack of a formal renewal announcement, the creative team and lead actors have signaled strong interest in continuing the story.

    • Scott M. Gimple, Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe, has stated he is hoping for a fourth season and clarified that the third season was not planned as the series finale.
    • Lauren Cohan, who stars as Maggie and serves as an executive producer, confirmed discussions are underway for unique, “outside the box” storylines for the next chapter.
    • Jeffrey Dean Morgan, portraying Negan and also an executive producer, joked that several more seasons might be needed to fully explore the current iterations of the characters.

    Precedent Suggests Renewal Could Follow Finale

    This situation mirrors the trajectory of season 2. The second season concluded in late June 2025, with the season 3 renewal announced the following July. Industry observers note a similar pattern could unfold this year, especially given the creative momentum and audience response.

    Franchise Future Hinges on Dead City Renewal

    The stakes extend beyond a single spinoff. With The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon confirmed for a fourth and final season in 2027, and no other definitive TWD Universe projects announced, renewing Dead City represents the most immediate path to sustaining the franchise’s on-screen presence. AMC has continued to invest in the universe, and the comprehensive success of season 3—critically, commercially, and culturally—makes a strong case for continuation.

    What Comes Next for Maggie and Negan

    As fans await official word, the season 3 finale promises a climactic confrontation. Maggie and Negan’s unlikely partnership faces off against the formidable villain Dillard in a battle for the future of New York City. Given the duo’s resilience across the franchise’s history, betting against them remains a risky proposition.

    The Walking Dead: Dead City season 3 continues to air new episodes every Sunday on AMC and AMC+.

  • Dodgers Announce Starting Pitchers for Critical Series Against Marlins

    Dodgers Announce Starting Pitchers for Critical Series Against Marlins

    Dodgers Head to Miami for Crucial Series Against Struggling Marlins

    The Los Angeles Dodgers, riding a seven-game winning streak, travel to Miami for a three-game series against the slumping Marlins. Los Angeles (89-57) arrives after completing series sweeps over the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals. Meanwhile, Miami (72-75) was recently swept by the New York Mets and has dropped six of its last seven contests.

    Key Roster Changes for Los Angeles

    This series marks the Dodgers’ first without Shohei Ohtani, who has been placed on the injured list due to lingering knee, biceps, and neck injuries. Additionally, top prospect Josue De Paula will make his major league debut, called up directly from Double-A to serve as the team’s designated hitter for Friday’s opener.

    The clubs last met in Los Angeles from April 27-29, with Miami taking two of three games.

    Dodgers vs Marlins Pitching Probables

    Friday, Sept. 11: Blake Snell vs. Ryan Gusto

    First Pitch: 4:10 p.m. PT / 7:10 p.m. ET
    Broadcast: SportsNet LA and MLB app

    Left-hander Blake Snell takes the mound for the series opener, aiming to extend his dominant stretch since returning from the injured list on August 11. Across five starts, Snell is 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 29 innings, having allowed no more than one run in any outing.

    Opposing right-hander Ryan Gusto enters at 1-4 with a 4.23 ERA and 62 strikeouts over 20 appearances (15 starts) spanning 72.1 innings this season.

    Saturday, Sept. 12: Tyler Glasnow vs. Tyler Phillips

    First Pitch: 1:10 p.m. PT / 4:10 p.m. ET
    Broadcast: SportsNet LA and MLB app

    Tyler Glasnow has shown mixed results in three starts since his August 25 return from the IL, logging 18 innings with a 4.00 ERA, 21 strikeouts, and four walks. He previously faced Miami on April 29 before his early-season back injury, allowing two runs over 5.2 innings with nine strikeouts and a career-high-tying six walks.

    Tyler Phillips has made 34 appearances (17 starts) this year, posting a 3.51 ERA across 115.1 innings. As a starter, he carries a 4.23 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 13 home runs allowed over 78.2 innings. Phillips faced the Dodgers twice as a reliever in April, yielding two hits and one strikeout across 1.1 innings.

    Sunday, Sept. 13: Emmet Sheehan vs. Eury Perez

    First Pitch: 10:40 a.m. PT / 1:40 p.m. ET
    Broadcast: SportsNet LA and MLB app

    Emmet Sheehan makes his second start since rejoining the rotation this week. The 26-year-old impressed against the Reds, allowing one run over 5.2 innings with 10 strikeouts.

    “Good to get him back here throwing the baseball like he did tonight,” manager Dave Roberts said after that game. “I thought he did a nice job through five, certainly holding his velocity, his stuff and getting into the sixth inning was big.”

    Eury Perez has started 26 games this season, going 7-11 with a 3.94 ERA and 150 strikeouts over 139.1 innings. However, he has struggled recently, surrendering 16 earned runs (18 total) over his last 11.2 innings across three outings.

    How to Watch the Series

    All three games will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and available in the MLB app. Friday’s opener begins at 4:10 p.m. PT (7:10 p.m. ET), Saturday’s game at 1:10 p.m. PT (4:10 p.m. ET), and Sunday’s finale at 10:40 a.m. PT (1:40 p.m. ET).

  • Virginia’s Three Keys to Victory Against Norfolk State

    Virginia’s Three Keys to Victory Against Norfolk State

    Virginia Cavaliers Host Norfolk State Spartans in Week 1 Matchup

    The Virginia Cavaliers return to Scott Stadium this weekend following an early Week 1 bye, riding momentum from a dominant Week 0 victory over the NC State Wolfpack. Standing on the opposite sideline is an in-state rival led by a college football legend: former Virginia Tech star quarterback Michael Vick, now the head coach of the Norfolk State Spartans.

    Series Context and Betting Line Movement

    Norfolk State enters Charlottesville with a 1–1 record. Their lone loss came last week against the Old Dominion Monarchs, a 31–10 defeat. Oddsmakers initially installed Virginia as a 43.5-point favorite; the line has since shifted to 45.5 points in favor of the Cavaliers. Tony Elliott’s squad is expected not only to win but to control the game for all four quarters.

    Keys to a Successful Outcome for Virginia

    Let Beau Pribula and the Ground Game Set the Tone Early

    Virginia gashed NC State on the ground in Week 0, piling up 258 rushing yards. Quarterback Beau Pribula spearheaded the attack with 110 yards of his own. Against an FCS opponent, the Cavaliers have no reason to deviate from what works. Establishing the line of scrimmage and leaning on Pribula alongside the running back committee will stress the Spartans’ defense. A few explosive passes can silence critics, but the priority remains clear: run the football.

    Prevent Norfolk State from Gaining Confidence

    This dynamic mirrors a high-seed versus low-seed matchup in March Madness. The only path for Norfolk State to build belief is if Virginia hands them opportunities. The Spartans are not talented enough to seize control on their own; they need gifts. They pushed ODU for a half last week, trailing by just a touchdown early in the third quarter, but only because ODU allowed them to stay in the game. If Virginia stays disciplined and every player executes their assignment, this contest should unfold as predicted—a non-issue.

    Defense Continues to Impress; Depth Gets a Boost

    Virginia’s defense turned heads nationally in the opener, holding NC State to 168 total yards and eight points—all without preseason All-ACC linebacker Kam Robinson. Robinson makes his season debut this week, adding another playmaker to an already stingy unit. This game presents a prime opportunity for the starters to further dominate while building depth; getting key contributors off the field early allows younger players to gain valuable snaps.

    Score Prediction

    Virginia 52, Norfolk State 3

  • Zachary Levi Calls California a ‘Failed State’ After Moving to Texas

    Zachary Levi Calls California a ‘Failed State’ After Moving to Texas

    Zachary Levi has been candid about his decision to leave California for Texas, describing his home state as a “failed state” during a recent interview with Fox News Digital. The 45-year-old actor, known for roles in Chuck and the Shazam! franchise, sat down alongside his The Fix co-star Liam Neeson to discuss his relocation, his ambitious studio project, and his latest action-thriller.

    Leaving California for a New Vision in Texas

    Levi sold his Los Angeles home in 2017 and purchased a 75-acre ranch outside Austin in Bastrop County. He explained that the move was driven by both dissatisfaction with California and a long-held desire to reshape the entertainment industry.

    “I grew up in California. I love California. It is a failed state,” he said. “It is literally and figuratively on fire.”

    Beyond politics and cost of living, Levi said he felt a spiritual calling to build an artist-owned studio model.

    “Ever since I started working in Hollywood and I saw how broken it all was, I felt very compelled by God to go build a better Hollywood — like a new United Artists kind of studio — where it’s owned and operated by the artists, where we can cut out all the middlemen, where we all can do really well, build a community,” Levi said.

    “And then not just a place to work,” he continued. “People can live there, and kids can go to school there. And we have an organic farm, and, like, all of the things that I think everybody really wants these days.”

    “We look at the regular world around us, and we see it burning. And we’re like, ‘Can we do this better? I feel like we can do this better,” Levi added. “So, that all culminated in nine years ago, me finding 75 acres outside of Austin, Texas, to buy, to develop, to turn into this magical kind of idea. That’s why I left.”

    Building Wyldwood Studios

    Levi is now developing Wyldwood Studios, a $100 million film and lifestyle campus on his property. Designed as a hybrid production hub and creative retreat, the multi-phase project will include soundstages, production offices, housing, and wellness spaces. The first two soundstages are expected to open in 2027.

    Reflecting on the personal cost of the move, Levi acknowledged the trade-offs.

    “I left behind a lot of community and family and perfect weather in Southern California, but when you weigh it all out — and you must — you have to come to these points in your life, and you go, ‘Is all of that really worth the thing that I know I’m supposed to go build in the future to make a better world?’ And, to me, that calling on my life was more important,” he said.

    “Fortunately, Austin’s awesome. It’s great, you know?” Levi continued. “It can get kinda hot in the summer and kinda cold in the wintertime, but I can deal with it.”

    “There’s no thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.”

    A Grittier Role in ‘The Fix’

    The Fix marks a sharp departure for Levi. Directed by Guy Moshe, the film follows a group of disgraced former CIA operatives led by Tucker (Levi) and mentored by Larry (Neeson). Set against the backdrop of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the team embarks on a rogue mission in Tehran seeking redemption and a life-changing score.

    Levi said he pursued the project to explore a darker, more complex character.

    “I wanted to do something fun, gritty, darker, in comparison to other roles that I’ve played in the past, and this gave me that and then some, because there was all of the great spycraft and twists and turns and revelations throughout the story, as well as this human foundation,” he said.

    “‘Who are these people in real life? Why are they doing the things they’re doing? What is this redemption that they are trying to seek?’ The moral ambiguity of all of that, of, like, who’s really the good guy and who’s the bad guy. I think these are really cool themes to explore. And I got to do them with the Liam Neeson.”

    Neeson Praises Script and Co-Star

    Liam Neeson, who plays Levi’s longtime mentor in the film, said the screenplay drew him in.

    “It is a terrific script,” he said. “Really, really good, talented director and writer.”

    “He’s a wonderful actor,” Neeson added of Levi. “I’m not just saying that because he’s here, but he is wonderful.”

    Director Guy Moshe: Levi Is a Natural Action Star

    Moshe told Fox News Digital he believed Levi was an ideal fit from their first meeting.

    “When I met him, I immediately asked myself, ‘How am I the first one to see what a great action star this guy can be?’ Like a 6-4, handsome, commanding, almost like old movie star type of kind of presence,” Moshe said.

    “But to me with Zach, the nice thing about him is which people, I think, don’t know as much about him — he’s very much of an outdoors person,” he continued. “He lives in Austin, Texas, on the ranch. He likes rafting. He likes to be outside. He likes to hike. I mean, he’s a very physical person in real life.”

    “And he embraced it and was every bit a collaborator from day one,” Moshe added. “So, I wouldn’t say surprised, but rather validated maybe is the word that I could use. Like, I believed that this would be the case when I met him, and he clearly exceeded my expectations even here.”

    Moshe recalled a moment during filming in Tbilisi that underscored Levi’s physical commitment.

    “Let’s just say I found myself in the streets of Tbilisi in a fistfight with Zach and I throwing punches ith people in the middle of the street, which is maybe not something I should advertise,” Moshe said. “But I don’t know if people would expect that of him. But, like, he’s quite a man’s man in that capacity.”

    “He’s done all these movies where it’s like the four-quadrant family films, all that kind of stuff, whatever, but he’s certainly, I think, a much more intense person in real life in certain ways that people might not be familiar with.”

    Co-Star Elnaaz Norouzi Highlights Rare Chemistry

    Elnaaz Norouzi, who plays Zara — a woman recruited to pose as Tucker’s Persian wife during the Tehran operation — praised Levi’s generosity as a scene partner.

    “And you do want to be opposite him as the leading lady.”

    “Honestly, he’s one of those guys who just lets you be and lets you do,” she said. “But whenever I would, like — whenever he would feel like I need something from him in the scene to either understand the scene better or to get that chemistry, he would just give it to me.”

    “And that kind of understanding and that kind chemistry is quite rare, I feel,” Norouzi continued. “And me and Zach really had that and that really helped.”

    “We had fun on set,” she added. “It was really good.”

    The Fix premieres in theaters September 11.

  • Luke Kuechly Lands Netflix NFL Broadcasting Role

    Luke Kuechly Lands Netflix NFL Broadcasting Role

    Luke Kuechly, a Carolina Panthers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has added a new chapter to his football career. The former All-Pro linebacker is serving as the color commentator for Netflix’s NFL broadcasts this season, teaming up with play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle.

    From the Film Room to the Broadcast Booth

    Kuechly brings prior media experience to the role, having called games for CBS Sports Network and worked on Panthers radio broadcasts. His Netflix debut came in Week 1, as the Los Angeles Rams faced the San Francisco 49ers in a Friday morning game played in Australia.

    While Kuechly’s football intellect was never in doubt, the transition from elite linebacker to lead television analyst represents a significant leap for a relatively unproven broadcaster. Eagle, who was already locked in as Netflix’s play-by-play voice, explained how Kuechly won the job during a July audition.

    “It was unquestioned that his knowledge for the game was an elite level,” Eagle told Awful Announcing. “I just watched him as a player, and you can see that one, the knowledge for the game is clear, but also the preparation going into each week, and that’s what he brought with him to the audition. We called a game from last season, sat down, and immediately, he just, it was as if he could see things happening before they happen.”

    Answering the “Comfort and Personality” Questions

    History is littered with great players who struggled to translate their on-field mastery to the broadcast booth. Eagle acknowledged that the primary unknowns for Kuechly were broadcast comfort and on-air personality.

    “That’s the question mark for somebody who’s never really done it, but when we sat down, he was comfortable fast,” Eagle told Awful Announcing. “You get into a rhythm, and then you just let it rip, and then I think the last part was personality, where this is the other unknown. The player stuff, when guys are film junkies to the level that he was, and that’s what he was known as, somebody who lived in the film room, when you have all that stuff, we already knew that the question marks are the comfortability and the personality, and I think him showing his personality was really what sold everybody, and his willingness to rally back and forth and joke around when it was the right time for it, but then get serious when it was the right time for that.”

    The Greg Olsen Connection

    Kuechly’s path was likely smoothed by his relationship with former Panthers teammate Greg Olsen. Olsen has rapidly ascended to become Fox’s No. 2 color analyst alongside Joe Davis, widely considered one of the best in the business. Eagle, who worked with Olsen during Netflix’s first year of NFL coverage, sees clear parallels between the two former players.

    “We all know that he’s very close with Greg Olsen, and Greg has quickly become, in many people’s opinion, the best analyst doing this right now, but certainly in the discussion for that title,” Eagle told Awful Announcing. “He’s similar. I did the first year of Netflix with Greg, and you can see the similarities: one, how they see the game, two, the passion for the game, but certainly it almost feels like a doctorate in football when you’re talking to them, and Greg is like a beautiful mind of football in many ways.”

    Netflix’s Expanding NFL Footprint

    Netflix holds the rights to five NFL games for the 2026 season: the season-opening Australia game, a contest the night before Thanksgiving, two Christmas Day games, and a to-be-determined Week 18 matchup. This schedule provides Kuechly a platform to develop his craft and enter the conversation among the sport’s rising broadcast stars.

  • JD Vance to Address Republican Midterm Convention After Trump’s $5,000 Offer Sparks Bribery Claims

    JD Vance to Address Republican Midterm Convention After Trump’s $5,000 Offer Sparks Bribery Claims

    The second night of the Republican midterm convention opened in Dallas on Thursday with Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters wielding his comically large gavel to kick off proceedings. The evening was framed by the one-year anniversary of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a shadow that loomed over the gathering as Vice President JD Vance prepared to deliver the keynote address and former President Donald Trump signaled a shorter appearance than his nearly two-hour speech the previous night.

    Convention Opens with Tribute to Charlie Kirk

    Gruters marked the somber anniversary of Kirk’s death, noting the Turning Point USA founder was shot and killed while speaking at a campus event in Utah one year ago. “He [Kirk] believed in America, in freedom, in young people’s courage to stand up and fight for the country they love. He didn’t just join a movement; he built one,” Gruters said. “Let’s honor Charlie and let’s be more like Charlie Kirk.”

    Trump, addressing the convention Wednesday night, had promised a briefer follow-up. “I’m going to be just sort of getting up here and saying, good luck. We love you all,” he said at the end of his nearly two-hour speech on Wednesday.

    House Republicans Focus on Michigan Senate Race

    Representative Lisa McClain, chair of the House Republican Conference, used her speaking slot to attack Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan. McClain accused El-Sayed of wanting to “release violent criminals back into your communities” and highlighted his campaign appearance with progressive streamer Hasan Piker. Piker apologized in 2019 for comments stating the U.S. “deserved” the September 11 terror attacks. “My mom has a saying: ‘You are who you hang with’,” McClain said, adding that the November elections are a choice “between common sense and communist crazy”.

    Trump’s $5,000 Pledge Draws Skepticism, Bribery Accusations

    In a CBS News interview during the convention, Trump claimed Congress would not need to approve the $5,000 payments he promised to U.S. adults if Republicans retain congressional control—a pledge carrying a price tag exceeding $1 trillion. “The country is doing so well, we’ve taken in trillions of dollars in tariffs and other things,” the president said, again inflating tariff revenue. Tariff revenue is deposited into the U.S. Treasury and allocated by Congress through legislation. Trump reiterated the money would need to be spent domestically but did not explain enforcement mechanisms.

    The proposal triggered immediate backlash. Palantir founder and major GOP donor Joe Lonsdale posted on X that while he favors winning the midterms, he is “strongly against bread and circus bribes.” California Governor Gavin Newsom called the pledge “pathetic and sad,” elaborating: “Pathetic because it’s just bullshit. And sad that he has to go in front of people and bribe them. I mean, that’s how desperate he is to hold on to power. He knows his presidency is de facto over as we know it this November. He’s going to do everything he can to rig the election, and in the absence of that he wanted to buy everybody off.”

    Former Texas Representative Beto O’Rourke dismissed the offer as “the stink of desperation.” Speaking at a Bloomberg News roundtable in Dallas, O’Rourke said: “I think people will take it for what it is: it’s a gimmick, it’s a bribe. It’s another promise that the president will be unable to fulfill. He’s promised these kinds of dividends before. I think we were supposed to get one from all of the money we were making off of tariffs. It’s never materialised.” He continued: “It adds to the stink of desperation. That is emanating from that convention centre and every action that we’ve seen over the last 12 months: gerrymandering five congressional districts, screwing with vote by mail, shutting down 92 polling places, more than a million Texans on the suspense list. This is a party that cannot compete on the power of its ideas or on its accomplishments while in office and so they’re trying to stop people literally from voting or bribe those who they think can be persuaded. I just don’t think that’s going to be effective.”

    Vance and Trump Jr. Eulogize Kirk on Memorial Podcast

    Earlier Thursday, Vance appeared on the Charlie Kirk Show’s memorial episode, calling Kirk an irreplaceable leader and close personal friend. “There’s no way to replace Charlie Kirk,” Vance said. Kirk was an early supporter of Vance’s 2022 Senate campaign and advocated for his 2024 vice-presidential selection. Since Kirk’s death, his widow Erika Kirk, who now leads Turning Point USA, has voiced support for Vance as a future presidential successor.

    Donald Trump Jr. followed Vance on the podcast, recalling their 2015 meeting during his father’s first presidential run. “It was the beginning of a long friendship,” Trump Jr. said. “I think we spoke every day for 10 years,” he added later. The White House, top Republicans, and conservative world leaders issued statements commemorating the anniversary.

    Trump Uses Medal of Honor Ceremony for Political Attacks

    At the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, Trump deviated from a bipartisan ceremony honoring 65 living recipients to attack Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, tout inflated investment figures, and criticize his own endorsed candidate, Attorney General Ken Paxton. Trump imagined a conversation with Paxton: “I’m not sure if I like your look. I’m not sure if I like the way you dress. I don’t like the way you talk. But you’re the greatest attorney general.” He dubbed Talarico “Talafreako” and claimed “close to $21tn” had been invested in the U.S. since his inauguration—a figure CNN fact-checkers labeled fictional.

    Trump also expressed personal desire for the Medal of Honor. “What I really want is I want for myself the Congressional Medal of Honor,” said Trump, who received a Vietnam War draft exemption for bone spurs. “I would give it to myself; I have no problem, but I’m not allowed to.” He later clarified he was joking. The ceremony concluded with the Village People’s YMCA.

    Missouri Supreme Court Upholds 2022 Congressional Maps

    The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block a Missouri Supreme Court order restoring the state’s 2022 congressional district map, likely ending Republican efforts to use 2025 boundaries that could have secured an additional House seat. Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a Republican who faced a contempt hearing over his resistance, ordered local election authorities to use the 2022 map. “Following the United States supreme court’s stay, the only governing court order in effect is from the Missouri supreme court,” Hoskins’ office stated. “In accordance with that order, my Office is directing local election authorities to use the 2022 congressional map.”

    DHS Proposes Eliminating Visa Grace Period for Foreign Workers

    The Department of Homeland Security published a formal proposal Thursday to remove the 60-day grace period allowing H-1B and other work-visa holders to seek new employment or adjust status after job loss. The Obama-era rule permitted workers and dependent family members to remain in the U.S. for 60 days post-employment. The new rule would require immediate departure upon termination.

    Lawsuit Seeks to Block ICE from Polling Places

    A coalition of voting and civil rights groups, joined by the city of Denver, filed a preemptive lawsuit Thursday to prevent the Trump administration from deploying armed ICE agents to polling sites in November. Citing a Civil War-era statute barring armed federal officers from voting locations, the suit argues: “The specter of armed officers at polling places threatens the freedom of this upcoming election. It places voters in fear that they will be confronted by armed federal law enforcement if they choose to cast a ballot.” Defendants include DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Director David Venturella. While Mullin stated ICE is not there to patrol polls, he acknowledged agents could be present for site threats or warrant service.

    Appeals Court Upholds Block on Mail-Voting Restrictions

    The First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston rejected the administration’s bid to lift a lower court injunction blocking Trump’s executive order imposing sweeping new federal authorities over mail-in voting. The three-judge panel declined to stay the injunction as the Supreme Court considers the case, with states already mailing ballots for the midterms.

    FCC Pressure Forces Kimmel to Move Talarico Interview to YouTube

    Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel announced Wednesday that an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico would not air on ABC but on YouTube, citing FCC equal-time rule enforcement. “Now that [Trump] is president, his FCC has threatened me, threatened our show, threatened our network, ABC, our affiliates, our local stations, based on simple, traditional editorial decisions,” Kimmel said. “In the America we live in right now, that is the best we can do, until November, of course,” he added. Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton, a Trump endorsee, in a tight Senate race.

    Talarico Accuses Paxton of Ignoring Epstein Survivors

    At a Dallas press conference alongside Epstein survivors Annie Farmer and Sharlene Rochard, Talarico demanded accountability. “When did pedophilia become a partisan issue? When did holding sexual abusers accountable become controversial?” Talarico said. He alleged survivors requested meetings with Paxton, who refused. “Our attorney general here in Texas has the power to get justice for these survivors, and he’s refusing to do so,” Talarico said. “Ken Paxton has two choices: he can stand with these survivors and get justice, or he can continue to cover up Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. The choice is entirely his.”

    Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa visited the same DOJ Epstein files exhibit Wednesday. “It’s really incredible that we live in a country where the justice system is so broken at every level that there has not been accountability of what we know was extensive sexual abuse, exploitation that happened for decades,” Hinojosa said, according to the Associated Press. “And that powerful people who run this country are still living their lives without having been held to account.”

    O’Rourke Rules Out 2028 Run, Assesses Democratic Field

    Beto O’Rourke confirmed he will not seek the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination but offered assessments of potential contenders. “There’s obvious people: Gavin Newsom’s been running for the last 20 years for the presidency in 2028,” O’Rourke told Bloomberg. “I’ve been watching some of what Pete Buttigieg has been doing: he’s so freaking intelligent and amazing and connecting with people and answering questions on Fox News. JB Pritzker was just here: he certainly seems to be running.” He cited his 19-year-old son’s excitement about Senator Jon Ossoff as a barometer. “My son is 19 years old and has grown up around politics and therefore doesn’t like it and doesn’t really engage, but to get a text from him, ‘Hey dad, do you know this Jon Ossoff guy? I just saw one of his speeches.’ To see him get excited: if you’re a parent and your kid gets excited about something, it means something. I think that’s awesome,” he said.

    On Vice President Kamala Harris: “In the same way that some of these folks are obvious in their intentions, I can’t really tell what Kamala [Harris] is doing or wants to do. I think she’s amazing. I think that’s a decision for her to make. But I do think 2028 primary election voters are going to be watching what the contenders did in 2026 when everything was on the line, so I think every one of those people we just talked about, they’re being measured from the future right now by what they’re doing at this moment.” Asked what he sees in the mirror, O’Rourke quipped: “I see someone who’s so glad that they got it out of their system.”

    Protests and Competitive Races Mark Convention Exterior

    Outside the American Airlines Arena, protesters marched against the administration’s immigration policies, highlighting individuals killed by federal agents during enforcement actions in Minnesota. Inside, Pennsylvania Representative Ryan Mackenzie, fighting a competitive re-election in the Lehigh Valley district, avoided controversial administration policies to focus on tax relief, border security, and attacking Democratic opponent Bob Brooks. “When we hear about the decision between common sense and crazy, it’s not rhetoric. It’s not a slogan. You need to think about the real effects that it has in a district like mine in Pennsylvania and all across the country,” Mackenzie said. The Cook Political Report rates Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District among the nation’s most competitive House races.

  • Cavan Sullivan’s Breakthrough: How the Teen Star Took the Leap with Philadelphia Union

    Cavan Sullivan’s Breakthrough: How the Teen Star Took the Leap with Philadelphia Union

    Cavan Sullivan’s Rapid Rise Fuels Philadelphia Union and USMNT Hopes

    Philadelphia Union winger Cavan Sullivan continues to validate the immense hype that has surrounded him since childhood. At just 16, the homegrown star is already the most productive teenager in MLS history, surpassing Freddy Adu’s benchmark, and carries the league’s largest homegrown contract. With over 400,000 Instagram followers and a similar TikTok audience, his profile extends well beyond the pitch. He is now a prominent candidate for the U.S. men’s national team roster that head coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce later this month, and he will be under the spotlight again when the Union visit San Diego FC for Matchday 26’s Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire at Snapdragon Stadium (9 pm ET | Apple TV).

    “This kid’s mentality is outrageous.”

    Union interim head coach Ryan Richter, who has coached Sullivan since his earliest academy days, traces the player’s composure back to his youth.

    “From the time he was eight years old, he’s so mature and he’s so driven and he’s so fearless,” said Philly interim head coach Ryan Richter, who’s coached Sullivan dating back to his earliest days in the Union academy. “He’s not afraid of any moment. Even when he came into the first team two years ago, he’s 14 years old, and he’s not afraid to give it to a guy in training who’s a 10-year pro.

    “He has a big personality, and I think that’s the most impressive thing to me, in everything that’s talked about with him: This kid’s mentality is outrageous.”

    Grounded in the locker room

    Inside the Union dressing room, Sullivan is simply “Cavan” — younger brother of Union veteran Quinn Sullivan (22) and unofficial little brother to the rest of the squad. Teammates keep him grounded while giving him room to grow. Right back Frankie Westfield, another academy product, described the scene after Sullivan’s viral LeBron James–themed celebration during last weekend’s 2–0 win over CF Montréal, which included a public plea for the NBA icon to attend a match and follow him back.

    “I had no idea he was going to do that. But he likes to aura farm, if you guys know what that means,” Westfield told reporters with a wry smile postgame. “It was pretty cool, I guess … it was alright.”

    That balance of personality and professionalism has fueled a breakout 2026 campaign: four goals and 10 assists in league play, plus three goals and four assists across Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup action.

    Maturing between arrogance and confidence

    Longtime captain Alejandro Bedoya has watched Sullivan navigate the fine line between swagger and self-belief.

    “He’s matured a lot,” longtime Union captain Alejandro Bedoya told MLSsoccer.com last week. “It’s one thing to come in and think you’re the hotshot because you’re playing two ages up, three ages up with older kids.

    “There’s maybe a little gray area between arrogance, cockiness and confidence, and I think he was able to scale that back into just more of the confidence part. It’s all good to have personality and ego, and you need that. The best players in the world have that. But this year, I think he was able to channel the energy in a way where he’s seen the benefits.”

    Earning respect the hard way

    Sullivan’s teammates tested him physically and mentally from day one. Bedoya recalled veteran players deliberately raising the intensity in training to force the teenager to earn his place.

    “There’s just a psychological effect when the young guys come up, where you want them to earn the respect,” explained Bedoya. “So guys are going to get stuck into tackles harder. On a 50/50 ball, they’re going to freaking put their whole shoulder into you.

    “I remember some of the first conversations that I had with him were, ‘Hey man, a lot of this dribbling maybe works with the younger kids, but just be careful, because now you’re playing with grown men.’”

    A flashpoint arrived in last month’s 2–2 draw with Inter Miami, when Sullivan rushed to defend his brother Quinn after a tussle with Herons defender Ian Fray, nearly sparking a brawl. The incident earned Sullivan a red card that was later rescinded. Goalkeeper Andre Blake appreciated the loyalty but emphasized discipline.

    “At first, I was a little bit disappointed because, of course, you’re supposed to stand up for yourself,” longtime goalkeeper Andre Blake explained to MLSsoccer.com last week. “I also don’t believe in taking unnecessary red cards. So I went up to him and he said, ‘Listen, I didn’t do anything.’ I’m like, well, if you didn’t do anything, then we’re good.”

    “Credit to Cavan, because he did go in there and he did stand up for his teammates, stand up for his brother, but he didn’t cross the line,” noted Blake, “which for me shows a level of maturity.”

    Refining the winger’s craft

    Veterans like Bedoya and Blake worked to sharpen Sullivan’s decision‑making without dulling his creativity. The advice: beat one or two defenders, but be decisive before the third arrives. The results are evident — Sullivan recorded three assists in Wednesday’s 5–0 rout of FC Cincinnati, extending his goal‑contribution streak to six consecutive matches and powering Philadelphia’s climb up the Eastern Conference after a dismal start that preceded former coach Bradley Carnell’s May departure.

    “I’ve had a couple of private conversations where I said, listen, at his age, he has to have this confidence, because if he comes in, he’s playing with grown men, and if he doesn’t show this level of confidence, he would not survive,” recalled Blake. “So I understood from the get-go that’s what made him who he is, and he needed that to survive. And here he is now, thriving.

    “You build trust by what you do week in, week out in training and in games, and the more you’re capable of doing that over and over again, that’s how you earn the trust of your teammates, supporters, coaches.”

    Sullivan now leads the Union in assists; only Milan Iloski has played more key passes this season. He also meets the defensive demands of the team’s high‑pressing system — all while graduating from YSC Academy, the club’s on‑site high school, at the end of May.

    Relentless work ethic during the World Cup break

    Richter highlighted Sullivan’s drive during the seven‑week FIFA World Cup pause, when most first‑team players received extended time off. Sullivan asked to train and play with the Union’s MLS NEXT Pro side, including a standout showing in a scrimmage against the Côte d’Ivoire national team, which held its World Cup camp at the Union’s Chester facility.

    “Even when he was playing up two years,” said Richter, “the athleticism, the speed, the quickness, the balance – he didn’t have to make up ground in that, even when he was tiny.

    “He’s really refined his technical side, getting much better in front of goal, much better in his final pass, first touch cleaner; he’s put in a lot of work with that. He’s put in a lot of work in the gym; he’s put a lot of additional work on the field.”

    “During the break he trained like an animal,” said Richter. “He asked to play in Union 2 games – when they played a friendly against Ivory Coast, he asked to play in this game, and he used that break to get better, and started off the second preseason flying. Played four great games that we had as friendlies, and carried that momentum into the second half of the year.”

    A franchise cornerstone taking shape

    When Sullivan signed his homegrown deal in 2024, he became the youngest debutant across top North American pro leagues and major European competitions. He often looked like a boy among men — because he was. Now, having leveled up physically and mentally, those around him believe his ceiling is limitless. That growth may also rescue Philadelphia’s season.

    “For him it starts in training. Every single day in training he’s going out there with the same mentality as he comes in a game,” said Westfield. “As a fullback, I’m going against him in training as well, and it’s so hard, when he’s very confident, to get the ball off of him and defend him.

    “I know he’s going to keep pushing. This is where he wants to be.”

  • How to Secure Money for Your Child’s Future

    How to Secure Money for Your Child’s Future

    Trump Accounts Program Enrolls 1.5 Million Children Since July Launch

    More than 1.5 million children have been enrolled in Trump Accounts since the federal investment program debuted in July, according to a summer report from the U.S. Treasury. The initiative allows parents and legal guardians to open government-supported investment accounts designed to help American children build long-term wealth.

    How Trump Accounts Work

    Trump Accounts are investment vehicles where funds grow under regulatory guidelines during a growth period that lasts until December 31 of the year the child turns 17. Beneficiaries generally cannot withdraw money before age 18. For children born in 2025, withdrawals would begin around 2043. If funds remain unwithdrawn, the account transitions to function similarly to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

    Federal Seed Money and Eligibility

    Under current guidelines, U.S. citizens born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028 qualify for a $1,000 federal seed deposit. This government contribution does not count toward annual contribution limits.

    For children born before January 1, 2025, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has committed $6.25 billion to deposit a $250 charitable gift into accounts of up to 25 million children aged 10 or younger living in qualifying ZIP codes.

    Additionally, more than 50 companies have pledged to offer Trump Account contributions for the children of their employees.

    Who Can Open an Account

    Any child under 18 with a valid Social Security number may be eligible. Children whose immigration status changes can apply once they receive a new Social Security card reflecting that change.

    According to the IRS, accounts can be opened by authorized individuals including:

    • Legal guardians
    • Parents
    • Adult siblings
    • Grandparents

    Authorized account founders do not need to be U.S. citizens or hold a Social Security number. They may use an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) during the application process.

    Contribution Limits and Rules

    Contributor Type Annual Limit Details
    Family and Friends Up to $5,000 combined Limit indexed to inflation after 2027
    Employers Up to $2,500 Subject to restrictions; dozens of employers committed
    Government Seed Money $1,000 (eligible births 2025–2028) Does not count toward $5,000 annual limit
    Nonprofits & Government Entities No caps Must distribute equal amounts to all accounts in a geographic location or birth year to prevent targeted demographic structuring (per Bipartisan Policy Center analysis)

    Major Philanthropic Pledges

    • Michael & Susan Dell Foundation: $250 deposits for children 10 and under in qualifying ZIP codes
    • Micron: $250 million investment providing $250 deposits to children under 18 in states where the semiconductor manufacturer operates: California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Virginia

    Registration Process and Deadlines

    There is no deadline to enroll an eligible child before they turn 18. Parents and guardians can register children through two channels:

    Once registered, accounts can be managed at trumpaccounts.gov or through the official Trump Accounts mobile application.

    Comparison: Pennsylvania’s Existing Programs

    The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program offers a similar structure but with key differences. Like Trump Accounts, family members contribute post-tax dollars. However, 529 plans allow for tax-free withdrawals and stipulate funds must be used exclusively for educational purposes.

    The Keystone Scholars Program automatically provides a $100 scholarship to all children born to Pennsylvania residents in 2019 or later, designated specifically for post-high school training and educational expenses.

    More information on state-level programs is available at pa529.com.