STEVE REED Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Fluminense fans celebrate after the Club World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Inter Milan and Fluminense in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, June 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Some fans question US readiness for 2026 World Cup after Club World Cup experience

July 3, 2025

Soccer fans have mixed feelings about the United States hosting the World Cup next year. Some worry about stadium readiness and security. Fans also cite concerns about extreme heat, game scheduling, and the lack of enthusiasm in some places during the ongoing Club World Cup. Others, however, praise improvements in security and organization, saying the U.S. has the infrastructure to host successfully. The Club World Cup is seen as a test run for the World Cup, allowing organizers to address challenges before welcoming even more global soccer fans next year.

FILE - Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton controls the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Feb. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file)

Hornets acquire Connaughton, 2 second-round picks from Bucks for Micic, AP source says

July 1, 2025

The Charlotte Hornets have acquired guard Pat Connaughton and two second-round draft picks from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for point guard Vasa Micic. That’s according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because trades can’t be finalized by the league until July 6. The Hornets will get Milwaukee’s second-round picks in 2031 and 2032 as part of the deal.

What’s next for influencer Livvy Dunne after college gymnastics career? ‘Everything,’ she says

June 5, 2025

With her college gymnastics days behind her, influencer and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Livvy Dunne is moving on with life — but that doesn’t mean she’ll be far from the public eye. Dunne has more than 13 million followers on social media, and she created a multimillion-dollar personal brand while competing as a gymnast at LSU. Now she’s trying to help other female athletes do the same, helping to educate them about name, image and likeness deals and personal branding. Asked about her future, Dunne told The Associated Press, “What’s next? Everything.”

NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Austin Cindric not concerned about future with Team Penske after his father was fired this week

May 24, 2025

Austin Cindric is not worried about his future with Team Penske after his father Tim Cindric was fired by team owner Roger Penske as the team’s IndyCar president earlier this week following a cheating scandal at the Indianapolis 500. Cindric drives the No. 2 Ford Mustang for Penske in the NASCAR Cup Series and is currently 12th in the points standings with three top-10 finishes in 12 races, including a win at Talladega. Given the family ties with Team Penske it raised some speculation about how it might impact him. When asked if he was given assurances from Penske, Cindric said he didn’t think “it was even in question.”

Crew members of Chase Briscoe push his car to get it started after a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Kyle Larson to start on front row at Coca-Cola 600 alongside pole sitter Chase Briscoe

May 24, 2025

Chase Briscoe won the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 and will start on the front row for NASCAR’s longest and most grueling race alongside Kyle Larson. Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, turned a lap of 182.852 mph on the 1 1/2-mile oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway to edge out Larson, who plans to arrive at the track about an hour before the race Sunday night after completing the Indianapolis 500. William Byron starts third, followed by Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger. Rounding out the top 10 will be John Nemechek, Ty Gibbs, Noah Gragson, Alex Bowman and defending race champion Christopher Bell.

Kyle Larson watches as he waits for is turn during qualification for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Doubling down: Kyle Larson preps to run Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 after last year’s washout

May 24, 2025

Kyle Larson is doubling down on “The Double.” Larson is set to run both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, a task he set out to do last year but never had a chance to complete after weather disrupted the NASCAR star’s plans. A year ago rain delayed the start of the Indianapolis 500. That put Larson, who finished 18th after a pit lane speeding penalty, well behind schedule. He arrived in Concord 249 laps into the 400-lap Cup Series Race and was set to take over for replacement driver Justin Allgaier and finish the race. But lightning and heavy rains forced NASCAR to call the race early.

FILE - Kyle Busch (54) celebrates after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2020, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, file)

2-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch to return to Richard Childress Racing for 2026 season

May 24, 2025

Richard Childress Racing has picked up the option on Kyle Busch’s contract, meaning the two-time Cup Series champion will be back with the team for the 2026 season. The 40-year-old Busch is in the midst of the longest slump of his career, with his losing streak closing in on 70 Cup Series races. Busch has won 63 Cup Series races since joining the circuit in 2003, but has not taken the checkered flag since June 4, 2023. Still, Busch believes RCR will get things turned around soon. Busch has one top-5 finish this season and is 17th in the standings.

STEVE REED Sports Writer.

Some fans question US readiness for 2026 World Cup after Club World Cup experience

Hornets acquire Connaughton, 2 second-round picks from Bucks for Micic, AP source says

What’s next for influencer Livvy Dunne after college gymnastics career? ‘Everything,’ she says

Austin Cindric not concerned about future with Team Penske after his father was fired this week

Kyle Larson to start on front row at Coca-Cola 600 alongside pole sitter Chase Briscoe

Doubling down: Kyle Larson preps to run Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 after last year’s washout

2-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch to return to Richard Childress Racing for 2026 season

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