SEATTLE — For all the optimism around Christian Pulisic’s status in the aftermath of his left calf injury last Friday, things are coming down to the wire for his status against Australia.
“He’s evolving,” manager Mauricio Pochettino said at his news conference Thursday. “He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see.
“I think at the moment, we think if he’s not available for tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game. He’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready. I think for every player that loves his country, it’s an amazing opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games. When this type of thing happens, always it’s painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready.”
Christian Pulisic of the U.S. during the match against Paraguay. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
Pulisic, a few hours prior, had once again done a modified training session, and wasn’t with the rest of the team during the portion of training open to media viewing. Pochettino said he would meet with the medical staff Thursday night.
Pochettino declined to say what his plan would be if Pulisic can’t go against the Socceroos.
Christian Pulisic of the United States practices on his own, away from other players, during a training session for the 2026 World Cup at Great Sports Park on June 17, 2026 in Irvine, California. Getty Images
“I will tell tomorrow if that is the situation,” the 54-year-old said. “At the moment, we are evaluating all the possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight.”
The options for Pochettino would range from doing what he did in the second half against Paraguay — moving Malik Tillman to Pulisic’s spot while Sebastian Berhalter takes over a midfield pivot — to playing any of Gio Reyna, Alex Zendejas, Brenden Aaronson or even Tim Weah in the left attacking midfield position usually occupied by No. 10.
The messaging around Pulisic’s status has changed over the last couple of days, with players going from saying the superstar would surely be available to hedging.
“As far as recovery, I don’t really know,” Weston McKennie said. “To be fair, I’m more just the energy guy. Either way, just trying to give good spirits and hopefully he can be there tomorrow. I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him rather than me. I’m in my own la-la land.”
When another question about Pulisic was asked, McKennie said, “You guys love asking about other people.”
One storyline that figures to be prominent during Jets training camp is who will be the backup quarterback.
Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook and rookie Cade Klubnik practiced this spring behind starter Geno Smith, but it still feels like the team may need to add a veteran who shakes loose from another team in camp either via trade or by signing someone who gets cut.
Coach Aaron Glenn is not ready to go there, obviously, but he was asked about his backup spot Thursday as the spring program ended.
“Well, I would say this: We’re always going to create competition when it comes to that,” Glenn said. “And the thing is, we have Bailey, who’s been around this league for a long time, he’s won some games. We have Cook that was with us last year who’s a second-year player and he’s still developing. And then we have Cade, who was doing a really good job until he was out with a back. … Those guys are going to continue to compete. I would never sit here at this time of the year and say, OK, this guy’s going to be our backup quarterback.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn talks to reporters before an NFL football practice in Florham Park, N.J. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
“Guys, we have training camp to go through, and I think I’ve said that before, those guys are going to compete and see who actually comes out of that fight.”
Klubnik missed the last two weeks of spring with back spasms. But the fourth-round pick out of Clemson did some good things before then. He will have a lot riding on the preseason games. If he plays well, he might be able to win the backup job. If not, GM Darren Mougey may be working the phones looking for a trade.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws as Cade Klubnik (10), Brady Cook (4) and Bailey Zappe (11) look on during OTAs in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
It was hard to fully evaluate rookie edge rusher David Bailey this spring because there are no padded practices, but the No. 2 overall pick did some things to impress his new coach.
“I think David has grown quite a bit,” Glenn said. “Obviously, the thing that I think we all know that stands out is his first-step quickness and his ability to rush the passer. Obviously, we don’t have pads on so the physical part of it we just couldn’t see.
“But we do know this: The way he strikes the bag, his length, how strong he is, again he’s 250-some pounds. I have no worries about anything else about his weaknesses because I know he’s going to work his ass off to be able to get better at those things. So, listen, I’m looking forward to this player, man, h… He’s going to be a damn good player for us.”
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Glenn canceled the last minicamp practice Thursday, sending the team home until training camp begins July 28.
President Trump shockingly claimed that the controversial memorandum of understanding with Iran “probably” amounts to unconditional surrender from Tehran as he grapples with a GOP revolt over the preliminary deal.
Back in March, during the early days of Operation Epic Fury, Trump publicly insisted that he would not cut a deal with Iran unless it agreed to an unconditional surrender.
“Well, but really it probably is unconditional surrender,” Trump told Axios reporter Mark Caputo, per a preview clip of their interview.
Typically, unconditional surrender has meant that the losing side agrees to all demands.
President Trump defended the preliminary peace deal with Iran and downplayed the limits of his power. REUTERSIran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz, but it’s unclear if it will try to extract tolls at some point in the future. REUTERS
Under the MOU, Iran is getting oil sanctions temporarily waived, key assets unfrozen, a $300 billion reconstruction, an end to the naval blockade, and more. Vice President JD Vance has stressed that those perks are conditional on Iran holding up its end of the deal.
Critics have noted that while Iran agreed in principle that it won’t pursue a nuclear weapon and to engage in negotiations to address its stockpile of enriched uranium, it hasn’t actually relinquished the “nuclear dust” yet.
Moreover, there are concerns that the Islamic Republic may take advantage of the sanction relief to beef up funding for its terrorist proxies.
Some detractors argued that the deal looked lopsided and pointed to Iran’s wreaking havoc in the Strait of Hormuz, where over a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil supplies once flowed through annually, as a reason.
The chaos in the Strait of Hormuz caused gas prices to rise, creating political pressures for Trump in a midterm year.
Caputo pressed Trump about whether the war in Iran was a humbling experience for him and illustrated the limits of his power, but the president scoffed at that suggestion.
“There are no limits,” Trump shot back. “I haven’t learned that lesson yet. I know there are, but there are no limits. We defeated them totally militarily.”
The MOU calls for the two sides to iron out a more fleshed-out peace deal within the next 60 days. That agreement is supposed to include more specific mechanics about how Iran will address its stockpile of enriched uranium.
Trump has made clear that his No. 1 priority is to ensure that Iran never obtains nuclear material. He bombed multiple nuclear facilities, including ones that had close to 1,000 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60%, a short technical step away from weapons-grade enrichment, which is 90%.
Iran also has thousands of pounds of 20% enriched uranium.
Iran’s new supreme leader authorized in-person meetings for the final deal with the US. ISNA/AFP via Getty Images
During the interview with Axios, Trump ripped into his more interventionist critics who want him to crack down harder on Iran.
“The only way I can get tougher is if I go in there for another two or three weeks and continue to bomb the hell out of ’em. Right? But what does that get us? The Strait of Hormuz will not be open,” he said.
“We wouldn’t have oil for months. As long as you’re dropping bombs, that thing is automatically closed,” he continued. “…This is the kind of thing that could cause a worldwide depression.”
Mexico versus South Korea is slated to be one of the most exciting World Cup matches of the week as the victor of the clash wins Group A.
Both countries won their World Cup openers, with Mexico dominating South Africa and South Korea taking down Czechia. A win for either squad will guarantee a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Losing for Mexico, a team that has notoriously fallen short in the Round of 16, would almost guarantee a matchup with Argentina in the quarterfinals. A win for South Korea would also mean a victory over a top-20 team globally.
Mexico versus South Korea has emerged as a must-watch match in the 2026 World Cup. REUTERS
Mexico is projected to finish in first place, but South Korea could make things interesting. Both teams have three points, while South Africa and Czechia have one.
There’s a lot on the line, and fans of both teams know it.
Perhaps that’s why a new drinking game has been created for Mexico and South Korea fans to partake in while watching the high-stakes battle.
A viral post from @luuucas1k on X (formerly known as Twitter) pegged tequila against Soju, a distilled Korean spirit.
“for every time Mexico scores tonight I take a shot of tequila and for every time South Korea scores I take a shot of Soju,” the user wrote.
for every time Mexico scores tonight I take a shot of tequila and for every time South Korea scores I take a shot of soju 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
Other fans have put their own twist on the tequila versus Soju matchup, with one user vowing to take shots of either beverage when said country is crowned victorious.
If South Korea wins, we are taking soju shots. If Mexico wins, we are taking Tequila shots 😋
— Blurr 🙈👑 ➡️ AX/OFFKAI (@BlurrFlavorz) June 18, 2026
World Cup mania is evidently in full effect with fans immersing themselves into the sport and rooting for their native countries. Los Angeles has a storied history with both the Mexican community and the Korean community, which makes the matchup all the more interesting for Angelenos on Thursday night.
On National Sushi Day, June 18, all eyes are on Ventura Boulevard’s legendary “Sushi Row,” a roughly 18-mile stretch through Studio City that food historians say helped transform sushi from a niche Japanese delicacy into an American culinary phenomenon.
The unassuming corridor reportedly boasts one of the highest concentrations of sushi restaurants outside of Japan, with iconic names like Asanebo, Katsu-Ya, Sushi Note, Brothers Sushi and a long list of others.
Ventura Blvd in Studio City has the most Sushi restaurants. Obtained by the CA PostSushi Row website showing the 18 miles strip of Sushi Restaurants. thesushirow.comGoogle Map view of sushi restaurants on Ventura Blvd Studio City. Google
It is the birthplace of the modern “Trust Me” omakase, which helped popularize spicy tuna crispy rice, and is home to a culinary diaspora.
The affordable rents of Valley strip malls allowed immigrant chefs to open kitchens and experiment. In 1987, two distinct philosophies were born there. On one end, chef Kazunori Nozawa opened Sushi Nozawa, banning California rolls, serving warm rice and hanging a sign that read: “Today’s special: Trust me.” This would soon launch the Sugarfish empire.
On the other end, chefs like Katsuya Uechi set up shop there and introduced dishes that would become staples in American Japanese restaurants.
Exterior of the Asanebo sushi restaurant on Ventura Boulevard. Obtained by the CA PostJames Spratt and Angie Revell eating sushi at Dojo Sushi. Obtained by the CA Post
For many in SoCal, sushi is a weekly ritual on Ventura.
Katsu-Ya Sushi restaurant on Ventura Boulevard, featuring the restaurant’s sign and promotional materials. Obtained by the CA PostTeku Sushi Bar, Studio City, CA, at night with outdoor seating. Google
“I love anything with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and avocado,” diner Dee Carano told The California Post. “It’s just a classic crunch, texture, taste. It’s just good for people who, like, are new to sushi, and if not, but it’s amazing.”
Others prefer to keep their order traditional, focusing on the fish itself. “Toro,” said Chad Simpson, naming the prized fatty tuna belly. “Just because it’s the best part of the tuna. It’s super tender, and it’s, like, melt in your mouth.”
One man goes to every sushi spot on sushi row. Instagram/@infatuation_la
Some opt for clean, traditional flavors. “I’d say the scallop sushi with a little bit of lemon and salt is always a go to for us,” notes Andre Ahronin. Anthony Delgado leans into a straightforward, punchy favorite. “My go to sushi order is albacore. Albacore on a on a nice piece of rice. A little bit of soy sauce and sriracha.”
“I know I’m going to get a lot of calories from sushi, so albacore, you know, a nice fillet of salmon, sushi, rice – delicious,” Delgado added. “That’s what I like. Simple, easy.”
Decades after the first wave of sushi pioneers arrived on Sushi Row, it still remains a popular destination for connoisseurs and fire timers to gather at the counter.
An Iranian music sensation, and an eight-person production team, were reportedly sentenced to 74 brutal lashings for the singer’s viral patriotic tune which she performed without a hijab on.
Parastoo Ahmadi, 29, and other artists were slapped with the savage flogging by the criminal court of Qom province over a livestream performance from December 2024, according to court documents reviewed by the Guardian.
Musician Parasto Ahmadi, 29, and an eight-person production crew were sentenced to 74 lashes for a performance of the patriotic song “As Khoone Javane Vatan.” Womens Voices Now
Ahmadi sang the patriotic track “As Khoone Javane Vatan” — which translates to “From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland” in Persian — without donning a hijab, considered a Muslim symbol of religious devotion, the outlet reported.
The video prompted authorities to file a formal case — though some human rights advocates said the barbaric sentence has no legal grounding.
The folk artist and other musicians were reportedly briefly detained for the livestream, which racked up millions of views on YouTube — but were eventually released.
In addition to the gruesome lashes, Iranian authorities sentenced Ahmadi and the crew to a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year ban on engaging in artistic activities.
“Singing, performing music and producing or disseminating musical works by women are not criminalised under Iranian criminal law,” Moein Khazaeli, a human rights lawyer, told the outlet.
Other singers and women’s rights activists have been subject to similar punishments by the Iranian regime, including flogging and arbitrary detention. via REUTERS
“Consequently, such activities cannot reasonably be construed as the ‘production, distribution or publication of obscene content.’”
Though Iran’s official judiciary news agency has not yet published the ruling, rights groups and lawyers who reviewed the filings argued a surge in cases against artists shows the theocratic regime’s intent to viciously crack down on cultural dissent, the Guardian reported.
“Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed, despite the Iranian authorities’ wartime propaganda campaign aimed at improving their image,” Bahar Ghandehari, the director of advocacy at the US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, told the outlet.
In addition to 74 lashes, Iranian authorities sentenced the crew to a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year ban on engaging in artistic activities. Womens Voices Now
Other singers and women’s rights activists have been subject to similar punishments by the Iranian regime, including flogging and arbitrary detention, according to Amnesty International.
On March 5, 2025, singer Mehdi Yarrahi’s sentence of 74 lashes was carried out in connection with his song “Your Headscarf (Roosarito)” to honor the first anniversary of the Women, Life, Freedom uprising, the human rights organization said.
Regime forces also led a deadly crackdown against an anti-government uprising in late December after demonstrations broke out in Tehran over the country’s failing economy.
Within two days, protests spread across the capital city, and by January, students and other groups had joined a nationwide show of opposition against the ruling clerics.
Thousands of protesters were reportedly killed or injured, with tens of thousands arrested or detained as part of the brutal crackdown — and the internet was turned over for several months to apparently hide the human rights atrocities taking place inside Iran.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed with the California Post on Thursday that following an investigation into domestic violence claims against the Los Angeles star, its prosecutors have elected to not levy felony counts against the 27-year-old.
However, Jackson is still facing the possibility of criminal charges — a rep for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office said in a statement to The Post that it currently has Jackson’s case and is reviewing it for possible misdemeanor offenses.
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson (77) runs off the field at halftime during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. AP
In an application for a restraining order against Jackson, the woman alleged the football player got mad at her for recording on her phone, and caused her injuries when he tried to take it from her.
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
She alleged that at one point during their quarrel, she told him “to be careful because I’m pregnant.” But she said he responded by stating, “I don’t give a f—k.”
The woman, who was granted a temporary restraining order against Jackson on June 10, said she suffered bruises and cuts all over her body during the altercation.
Jackson has been with the Rams since 2021 and signed a $57 million contract extension last year to remain with the team. He has not yet publicly commented on his ex’s claims, though the Rams said on the day of his arrest that it was “aware of the incident” and taking “these matters very seriously.”
A hearing to decide if Jackson’s ex needs a more permanent restraining order against the left tackle is scheduled for July 1.
NBC4 was first to report the news of the LA County DA’s Office’s decision.
ATLANTA — Here, a new number for all the statheads out there: innings pitched per hour of sleep.
In Carson Whisenhunt’s case, the ratio on Wednesday was something like 5:2. Even counting the short nap after his crack-of-dawn flight to make it on time for his spot start, Whisenhunt barely cracked four hours of shuteye.
Giants pitcher Carson Whisenhunt fared well in his spot start against the Braves. Getty Images
He didn’t look bleary-eyed in his first major-league start of the season, keeping the Braves off the scoreboard for five innings and finishing with two earned runs over five-plus.
His reward: one full night’s sleep in the posh team hotel before boarding another flight back to rough it in Triple-A. Whisenhunt, the 27th man for the second game of the Giants’ doubleheader against the Braves, was sent back out after the 7-5 win.
But he showed enough to convince manager Tony Vitello he’ll be back.
“He’s got the ability to be at this level,” Vitello said. “It wasn’t just about what he did today. You see the incline of improvement. He’ll have more days like this.”
For now, though, the Giants will continue to roll with Adrian Houser, Landen Roupp and Trevor McDonald behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Tyler Mahle is also on a rehab assignment, though he was shaky in his first outing Tuesday, walking five in three innings.
Ray, on the last year of his contract, is one of the likeliest candidates to be dealt if the Giants maintain their posture as sellers. Mahle, with a few strong starts under his belt, could also give a contender a low-cost option to boost their pitching depth.
The Giants aren’t exactly swimming in major-league arms themselves, but without much hope of making the playoffs, trading from the relative position of weakness would at least give them a chance to see if they can count on any of their internal options heading into next season.
Whisenhunt started for the Giants on short rest after leaving Triple-A Sacramento’s game in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night. Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Whisenhunt, as Vitello declared two weeks ago, would be the “next man up.”
“I just meant he’s doing well enough to get the call-up if circumstances come up,” Vitello said before Wednesday’s game. “Circumstances have come up, so here we are.”
Whisenhunt was with Triple-A Sacramento in Oklahoma City when he got word that he was getting the call late in their game Tuesday night. He packed his things and got to bed around 1 or 2 a.m. for a 7 a.m. flight to Atlanta, where he started on short rest about 12 hours later.
His evaluation: “Not the best it could have been, but for what I had to work with, I felt pretty solid.”
It went better than just about any of the five starts Whisenhunt made in his big-league debut last summer, when he struggled with his command and batters punished him for lacking a second offspeed pitch. For the most part, it’s why he has been stuck at Triple-A for three years after rising quickly through the Giants’ system with a major league-ready changeup.
This time around, Whisenhunt still struggled to put away hitters, finishing with only two strikeouts, but settled in to retire 11 of 12 until allowing the first three batters of the sixth to reach. He issued two walks but left them both stranded on first base.
“He put on a clinic for how to handle traffic,” Vitello said. “Because there weren’t very many moments in the game where it was easy, or he just breezed. …
“To come in on a flight and all that stuff, I think it’s pretty commendable how well he pitched on the road against a great team, and then you add in all the circumstances, too.”
Vitello noticed a difference from the pitcher he watched for the first time in spring training.
“I thought [his] composure was at a high level,” Vitello said. “Whereas in spring training … composure got away and he kind of just went harder and madder and faster. There was a lot of poise out there today.”
At Triple-A, he has been working on a slider that he admitted was “still a work in progress,” particularly against right-handed hitters. Still, he said having the breaking ball to go with a fastball that sits 92-94 mph and his signature changeup is “definitely a lot of help.”
He gave a different explanation for what allowed him to earn the Pacific Coast League’s Pitcher of the Month award for May and post a 2.76 ERA in 10 starts since April 28.
“Just trusting my stuff in the zone,” he said. “Not trying to punch everybody out. If it happens, it happens. But just trying to get early contact and go further into the game.”
Now, on his way back to Triple-A, he knows that mindset can translate to The Show.
“It definitely makes it mentally better,” he said.
The Phillies will be without one of their major offseason acquisitions for the rest of the year.
Outfielder Adolis Garcia will undergo right latissimus dorsi repair surgery on June 24, which comes with a six-to-eight-month recovery, the team announced Thursday.
Garcia, 33, initially suffered the injury on a throw from right field in a game versus the Blue Jays in Toronto on June 10.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Adolis Garcia receives treatment before being helped off the field against the Toronto Blue Jays. Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP
After third baseman Kazuma Okamoto lifted a fly ball toward Garcia, the right fielder unleashed a strong throw in an attempt to nab George Springer at home plate, hurting his shoulder in the process.
He was immediately removed from the game and later placed on the 60-day injured list with a torn right lat, but the team did not immediately rule him out for the season.
“We have not finalized his plans moving forward,” Phillies interim skipper Don Mattingly told reporters last week. “It’s an important one for him and his career, so everybody wants to get it right.”
The procedure marks the end of a disappointing 2026 for Garcia, who was brought on a one-year, $10 million deal in an attempt to recapture his prior All-Star form after the team moved on from the mercurial Nick Castellanos.
While Garcia provided solid defense, his offense left much to be desired as he posted a .195/.270/.329 slash line with seven home runs in 21 RBIs across 67 games.
Garcia’s 2026 is over after just 67 games with the Phillies. Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Three of those homers had come in the week before the injury, but Garcia nonetheless registered a -0.8 WAR on the season.
Garcia spent time in Japan and with the Cardinals during his career before enjoying a breakout season with the Rangers in 2021.
The Cuban slugger hit 31 homers and made his first All-Star team that season, solidifying himself in the middle of Texas’ lineup.
He enjoyed an even better 2023 with the Rangers, making his second All-Star team, winning a Gold Glove and playing a pivotal role in the organization’s first World Series championship.
One golfer’s 2026 U.S. Open is over before it really got started.
Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner, withdrew from this year’s U.S. Open early on Thursday with a back injury.
Day, who’s also a two-time U.S. Open runner-up, was 7 over after 10 holes and left the course in a golf cart with his caddie, Luke Reardon.
Jason Day waves to the crowd on the 14th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club before he was forced to withdraw mid-round due to a back injury. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
The 38-year-old grimaced and struggled to turn during a practice swing on the 10th hole, which was his first hole of the day.
Day was seven-over and had six straight bogeys from holes 13-18 after starting on the back nine.
The Australian has battled multiple injuries throughout his career, including a vertigo at the 2015 U.S. Open in Chambers Bay that he played on. Thursday was the 12th time in Day’s career he withdrew due to injury.
It was Day’s 14th U.S. Open appearance of his career, but he hadn’t produced a top-10 finish in the championship in nearly a decade.
He came in second in 2011 and registered three straight top 10s from 2014-17, but hasn’t regained that success recently.
The former Major winner has been up-and-down in 2026 so far, coming in second at The American Express in January but struggling ever since.
Jason Day plays a shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the U.S.Open. Getty Images
Day tied for 12th in the Masters, but made just one start after tying for 65th in the PGA Championship and missed the cut in The Memorial two weeks ago.
Formerly ranked No. 1, Day is now ranked 47th in the world.
Day’s immediate injury remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be present for the Travelers Championship next week, the PGA Tour’s final signature event of the season.
