Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

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

  • Despite Strong Performance, Eric Lauer Could Miss the Dodgers’ October Roster

    Despite Strong Performance, Eric Lauer Could Miss the Dodgers’ October Roster

    Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer has delivered everything the team has asked of him in 2026, but his strong regular season still may not be enough to secure a spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

    Lauer joined Los Angeles in May after the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment and traded him. Since then, the left-hander has revived his season and become one of the Dodgers’ most dependable pitchers.

    How has Eric Lauer performed for the Dodgers in 2026?

    Lauer’s ERA has dropped from 6.69 with Toronto to 3.78 with the Dodgers. His ERA+ has improved from 67 to 107, while his WHIP has fallen from 1.486 to 1.145. His FIP, or fielding independent pitching, has also improved from 6.91 to 5.21.

    Even more importantly, the Dodgers have consistently won when Lauer takes the mound.

    Los Angeles did not lose a game started by Lauer until Aug. 5, when the Chicago Cubs defeated the Dodgers 7-6. The Dodgers then suffered another one-run loss, falling 6-5 to the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 26.

    Despite those defeats, the Dodgers are 11-2 with Lauer on the mound, and he has posted a personal record of 6-1.

    Eric Lauer remains on the bubble for the Dodgers’ playoff roster

    Lauer has moved between the starting rotation and bullpen this season, but neither role appears to have a clear postseason opening for him, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.

    Although Lauer has been successful as a regular-season starter, he is unlikely to join the Dodgers’ postseason rotation ahead of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. Justin Wrobleski, an All-Star this season, is also being shifted to the postseason bullpen and would be the most likely candidate to enter the rotation if a spot becomes available.

    “On the pitching side, it’s hard to see Eric Lauer cracking the list, despite Lauer being one of the most dependable arms this season,” Woo wrote. “That Lauer looks to be outside the bubble has more to do with the left-handers that have more or less stamped their ticket on the roster: Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and most likely Justin Wrobleski, with Kris Bubic potentially in the mix.”

    There is still time for the situation to change, but the window is closing. Lauer has produced a strong season for Los Angeles, yet he could ultimately be left off the Dodgers’ playoff roster.

  • Texas Rangers Lineup for August 31, 2026

    Texas Rangers Lineup for August 31, 2026

    Texas Rangers Lineup vs. Athletics: August 31, 2026

    The Texas Rangers return home for a seven-game homestand, opening the stretch against the Athletics on August 31, 2026. Jacob deGrom will start on the mound for Texas, while Gage Jump is scheduled to pitch for Oakland.

    With the Athletics sending a left-handed pitcher to the mound, the Rangers have loaded their lineup with right-handed hitters. Ezequiel Duran is set to bat leadoff for the first time in his career. The start also gives Duran an appearance in every spot in the batting order.

    Rangers vs. Athletics game details

    First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Central time. The Rangers are listed as -214 favorites.

    Source: www.lonestarball.com

  • National Weather Service Says Tropical Storm Battering Southern California Is the “least likely outcome” for Weekend Forecast

    National Weather Service Says Tropical Storm Battering Southern California Is the “least likely outcome” for Weekend Forecast

    Southern California Tropical Storm Threat Remains Unlikely, Forecasters Say

    Forecasters say the likelihood of a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall in Southern California in the coming days remains low, despite uncertainty surrounding what the National Weather Service called a challenging Labor Day weekend forecast.

    Concerns have grown after some weather models suggested that a tropical storm could form off the coast of Mexico this week and bring strong winds and rain to Southern California. However, forecasters are reassuring residents that the chances of damage-inducing weather remain small.

    The main message is that while significant winds and rain associated with a tropical storm is possible, it is the least likely outcome at this point, the NWS said in a bulletin.

    Weather models show significant uncertainty

    CBS LA meteorologists said current models show the potential storm is still about six days away, leaving considerable room for changes in its track and strength.

    Only a minority of models are actually showing a tropical system reaching Southern California, said CBS LA Weather Producer Patrick Wright. There’s a lot that goes into a tropical storm, or system in general, making it to Southern California … Everything must go perfectly correct for that to happen.

    Models show tropical developments in the Pacific Ocean.

    The systems developing in the Pacific Ocean this week appear likely to be massive, Wright said. Even small changes in their behavior could significantly affect their projected paths and intensity.

    A perfect sequence of events that we’re not very confident in would have to occur for a tropical system to strengthen and travel north toward Southern California, Wright said.

    Current forecasts point to high humidity and only slight chances of rain showers. We could see absolutely nothing, he said. Or, some minority models show something, which these details can be ironed out over the next couple of days.

  • FanDuel Promo Code: Get $350 in Bonus Bets for Monday’s Brewers-Cubs and Diamondbacks-Phillies Games

    FanDuel Promo Code: Get $350 in Bonus Bets for Monday’s Brewers-Cubs and Diamondbacks-Phillies Games

    The latest FanDuel promo code offers new users $350 in bonus bets when they wager $5 or more for seven days. With Week 0 of football officially complete, sports fans can also look forward to a 12-game MLB schedule on Monday and action at the U.S. Open.

    According to the latest MLB odds at FanDuel, the Chicago Cubs are -110 moneyline favorites against the Milwaukee Brewers. Click here to sign up for FanDuel on Monday and claim your bonus bets. Visit the FanDuel promo code review page for the terms and conditions of the offer.

    Best MLB bets at FanDuel for Monday, Aug. 31

    The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It entered Week 23 of the MLB season on a 49-34 run with its top-rated MLB picks. The model also performed well on home run prop picks in 2025, generating nearly 30 units of profit. Bettors who followed its MLB picks while using sportsbook promotions and betting sites could have seen strong returns.

    Brewers vs. Cubs: Chicago +1.5 (-182)

    The Brewers continue to look like contenders for the best record in baseball, but they will need to hold off a potential late push from the Cubs beginning Monday. The four-game series could significantly affect the NL Central standings, although Chicago enters the matchup in a slump after a strong start to August.

    The Cubs are 3-7 over their last 10 games, while Milwaukee is 7-3 during the same stretch. The Brewers will start Kyle Harrison (10-3, 2.79 ERA), and the Cubs will counter with Clay Holmes (5-6, 2.26 ERA). The SportsLine model projects that Chicago will cover the run line in 64% of simulations.

    Phillies vs. Diamondbacks: Arizona +1.5 (-170)

    The Diamondbacks currently hold the final National League wild-card spot, but they are only a half-game ahead of the Padres. Philadelphia has a 4.5-game cushion over Arizona, while also aiming to challenge Atlanta in the NL East.

    Aaron Nola (5-10, 5.03 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Phillies, while the Diamondbacks will send Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.51 ERA) to the mound. Arizona covers the run line in 68% of SportsLine simulations.

    Bet on Brewers-Cubs, Phillies-Diamondbacks and more with the FanDuel promo code to get $350 in bonus bets.

    More MLB picks for Monday

    The SportsLine Projection Model has simulated every game 10,000 times. Get against-the-spread, total and moneyline picks for Monday’s games, including selections across the NFL, MLB, college football and more from the model and the SportsLine team of experts.

    Responsible gaming at FanDuel

    FanDuel takes responsible gaming seriously. Users can access tools including betting activity alerts, timeouts and self-exclusion measures. FanDuel also provides contact information for helplines such as 1-800-MY-RESET, along with other resources for users who need additional assistance on its platforms.

  • Miley Cyrus Appears to Tease New Music and Possible Name Change

    Miley Cyrus Appears to Tease New Music and Possible Name Change

    Miley Cyrus may be preparing for a new musical era after sharing a cryptic Instagram post that appears to tease new music and a possible change to her stage name.

    The pop star posted a photo on Monday (Aug. 31) showing herself staring into the camera while wearing a fuzzy black jacket. The image is tinted bright red, and the caption simply read, “MILEY.”

    Cyrus’ social media username has also changed from her full name to “@miley.” Billboard has reached out to Cyrus’ representatives for more information.

    Miley Cyrus’ next album may be on the way

    The Grammy winner has not released an album since Something Beautiful last year. The record peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. It followed 2023’s Endless Summer Vacation, which produced “Flowers,” an eight-week No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Earlier last week, Cyrus appeared to begin teasing her next era when cryptic red-and-black billboards promising “coming soon” appeared. The campaign began roughly a day before the death of Dolly Parton, the country music superstar and cultural icon who was also Cyrus’ godmother.

    “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” the Hannah Montana alum wrote on Instagram shortly after Parton died at 80 following a brief cancer battle. “Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”

    “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong,” Cyrus continued at the time. “I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”

    Her latest post may offer the first glimpse of what is next for Miley Cyrus.

    Source: www.billboard.com

  • Otto Virtanen Pulls Off Huge Upset as Russian Opponent Struggles

    Otto Virtanen Pulls Off Huge Upset as Russian Opponent Struggles

    Finland’s tennis star Otto Virtanen narrowly missed a major upset at the US Open after losing a five-set battle to world No. 24 Andrey Rublev in the first round.

    Virtanen, ranked 109th in the world, won the opening two sets in tiebreaks and moved within reach of a shock victory. However, Rublev fought back to win 6–7, 6–7, 6–0, 6–2, 7–6 after three hours and 41 minutes.

    Virtanen made a dream start

    Virtanen entered the US Open main draw through a fortunate route after Croatia’s Marin Cilic withdrew from the tournament. The Finnish player had previously been forced to retire from his third-round qualifying match because of a back problem.

    Against Rublev, Virtanen produced an inconsistent but dangerous performance in the opening set. Precise and controlled shots were often followed by errors that sailed long or wide.

    After holding serve with difficulty, Virtanen broke Rublev in the next game. His best tennis came when Rublev was serving for the set at 5–4. With his back against the wall, Virtanen found a series of outstanding shots and broke back.

    The set went to a tiebreak, which Virtanen won 7–5 with a service winner on set point. Both players hit five aces in the opening set.

    Two-set lead for the Finnish qualifier

    Rublev handled his service games more convincingly in the second set, while Virtanen repeatedly found himself under pressure. Rublev eventually broke in Virtanen’s final service game of the set and had three set points at 6–5.

    Virtanen saved all three with exceptionally strong play. In the tiebreak, he took Rublev’s first serve and followed it with two aces. When Rublev’s next shots also flew long, the Russian lost his temper, kicked a ball in frustration, gestured with his arms and complained as the tight margins continued to favor Virtanen.

    Virtanen completed a dominant 7–0 tiebreak and again finished the set with a service winner.

    Rublev turns the match around

    Virtanen immediately lost serve in the third set. He earned two break points in Rublev’s next service game but could not convert them. After losing serve again, the set quickly slipped away from the Finn.

    Virtanen appeared to conserve energy and focus for the fourth set, allowing Rublev to take an easy 6–0 victory. Virtanen won only 10 points in the set.

    Virtanen started the fourth set more positively and held his opening service game. He then lost his second service game and was forced to chase the match once again. A further break followed, and Rublev closed out the set 6–2. Virtanen won just 13 points in the set.

    Rublev prevails in another tiebreak

    The deciding set began much better for Virtanen. He held serve comfortably for the first time since the start of the second set, with his previously misfiring first serve also returning.

    Virtanen’s patience earned him two break points in Rublev’s second service game, but he could not secure the crucial break. Neither player was broken in the final set, and the match was decided by another tiebreak.

    Virtanen had a match point in Rublev’s final service game, but his shot landed long. In the tiebreak, Virtanen immediately lost his own serve and surrendered it again shortly afterward. Rublev won the tiebreak 10–5.

    Virtanen appeared to be suffering from a cramp in his left thigh during the decisive moments.

    Rublev the established favorite

    Rublev, 28, reached a career-high ranking of fifth in 2021. He has won 18 ATP titles and earned more than $34 million in prize money.

    Virtanen’s best ranking came in 2024, when he reached No. 91. He has yet to win an ATP tournament, while his career prize money totals approximately $1.7 million.

    Source: www.is.fi

  • Is a Hurricane Coming to Southern California This Weekend? Experts Say It’s Unlikely

    Is a Hurricane Coming to Southern California This Weekend? Experts Say It’s Unlikely

    A tropical disturbance developing near the southern tip of Baja California could bring rainfall and elevated surf to Southern California this weekend, but forecasters say it is too early to predict the system’s impact.

    The National Weather Service said a reliable forecast will not be possible until the disturbance develops into a tropical storm and begins moving.

    “It’s very much in the air at this point, other than the elevated surf,” said Lauren Villafane, a National Weather Service meteorologist. “That’s the only thing we can say with any kind of certainty.”

    If the storm remains near the coast, Southern California could face a 20% chance of rain over the weekend, along with increased swells along the coastline, meteorologists said.

    Storm’s path will determine Southern California impacts

    If the system moves west, similar to Hurricane Karina over the weekend, its effects would likely be limited to sustained high humidity and elevated surf.

    “This happens every year,” said Mike Wofford, another National Weather Service meteorologist. “Off Mexico, they form, they move on the ocean and they go in different directions depending on what the upper pattern is.

    “Most of these systems tend to weaken considerably before they get here,” he added.

    The cautious forecast issued Monday contrasted with online and social media speculation over the weekend that a hurricane could reach Southern California. Some posts even referred to the potential storm as Hurricane Marie.

    The disturbance is developing as Southern California receives a break from a prolonged heat wave that brought higher-than-normal humidity.

    Villafane said the cold water off the California coast “really does kill a lot of storms, so we don’t have to worry about it being a hurricane by the time it gets up here, if it does at all.”

    Southern California’s most recent tropical storm

    The last tropical storm to reach Southern California was in August 2023, when Hurricane Hilary traveled along the West Coast. However, it weakened before making landfall.

    Even so, the storm produced record rainfall, including about 8.5 inches on Mt. Wilson. Most valley areas received between 2 and 4 inches.

    Forecasters said it remains too soon to determine how the current tropical disturbance could affect Southern California.

    “We have to see what happens in terms of the direction it takes and whether it crosses the (U.S.-Mexico) border or not, and then how much … rain develops,” Wofford said. “There’s a lot of unknowns. The storm hasn’t even formed yet.”

  • New York Giants Awarded No Players on Waivers

    New York Giants Awarded No Players on Waivers

    The New York Giants did not acquire any players on waivers Monday as NFL teams claimed players released Sunday to finalize their 53-man regular-season rosters.

    The Giants held the fifth position in the waiver-wire priority order but made no additions. The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans had higher priority.

    Waiver Claims Ahead of the Giants

    The Raiders claimed defensive back Darrell Luter, while the Jets added kicker Blake Grupe and linebacker Trevin Wallace.

    The Titans claimed three players: linebacker Owen Pappoe, defensive back Melvin Smith and defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse.

    Former Giants Linebacker Claimed by Patriots

    Former Giants linebacker Darius Muasau, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was claimed by the New England Patriots. Former Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is a member of the Patriots’ defensive staff.

    The Miami Dolphins, who held the 11th position in the waiver-claim order, were awarded seven players.

    Source: www.bigblueview.com

  • Tottenham in Talks to Sign Mykhailo Mudryk on Season-Long Loan

    Tottenham in Talks to Sign Mykhailo Mudryk on Season-Long Loan

    Mykhailo Mudryk is understood to be open to a move to north London, having maintained a personal connection with Roberto de Zerbi, who managed him at Shakhtar Donetsk.

    The Ukraine international joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for an initial £61m. However, his career was interrupted after he was provisionally suspended for returning an “adverse finding” for the banned substance meldonium in an out-of-competition test while on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.

    Mudryk’s anti-doping suspension

    The Football Association subsequently imposed the maximum four-year ban. Mudryk appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but he became free to return to competition “with immediate effect” on 31 July after the FA confirmed that the anti-doping disciplinary proceedings had been resolved.

    Mudryk accepted that he had breached anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time he had already served.

    The Chelsea winger has consistently maintained that he “never knowingly or intentionally” took a banned substance. He said he was “grateful” to return to playing after “the most difficult period” of his career.

  • Tennessee Crime: Key Takeaways from the TBI’s 2025 Report

    Tennessee Crime: Key Takeaways from the TBI’s 2025 Report

    Violent crime declined across Tennessee in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to data released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

    The figures are included in the agency’s “Crime In Tennessee 2025 Report,” which compiles information submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System.

    Each incident report includes details about the offense, victim, offender, property, arrestees and relationships between the people involved. The TBI said the 2025 data provides a “snapshot” of crimes reported during the year.

    Murder and aggravated assault declined in Tennessee

    Tennessee reported 484 murder cases in 2025, down from 592 in 2024. The murder rate fell by more than 18% year over year.

    According to the report, most people killed in 2025 were between the ages of 25 and 34. In 2024, victims ages 18 to 24 represented the largest share.

    More than 30,000 aggravated assault cases were reported in 2025, but incidents fell by more than 15% compared with 2024. The data also showed that Sundays had the highest number of reported aggravated assaults, with at least 4,999 incidents.

    Most Group A offenses happened during the afternoon

    More than 429,000 Group A offenses were reported across Tennessee in 2025. The category includes crimes such as animal cruelty, assault, burglary, vandalism, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, theft, prostitution and robbery.

    The TBI reported that 70,824 Group A offenses occurred between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. Most took place at homes, followed by highways, schools and gas stations.

    Extortion and identity theft reports increased

    Reports involving extortion and blackmail rose by 3.23% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Identity theft victim reports increased by 16.35%.

    Earlier this year, several law enforcement agencies warned on social media about an increase in government impersonation scams. The FBI said at least $20 billion was lost to government impersonation scams in 2025, including $300 million in Tennessee.

    Meth offenses increased while imports declined

    More than 2,100 methamphetamine-related offenses, including cases involving meth labs, were reported in 2025. The report said that was an increase from 2024, when 2,087 meth lab-related incidents were reported.

    At the same time, offenses involving meth imports declined. Law enforcement agencies in Tennessee reported more than 17,000 import-related meth offenses in both 2023 and 2024. In 2025, that figure fell to more than 15,000.

    “The TIBRS program continues to serve as a model for the nation and remains successful because of the continued cooperation by Tennessee’s law enforcement community,” stated TBI Director David Rausch following the report’s release. “The TBI provides TIBRS training to commissioned and non-commissioned law enforcement personnel across the state. TBI remains committed to this effort and will continue to provide the training and technical assistance necessary to collect the most accurate and comprehensive crime statistics for Tennessee and its citizens.”

    The full Crime In Tennessee 2025 Report is available through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.