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Westchester’s James Nicholas chasing home-state U.S. Open moment

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Westchester’s James Nicholas chasing home-state U.S. Open moment



James Nicholas has been here before, so he’s doing his best not to get overly excited. 

The 29-year-old, who grew up in Scarsdale, qualified for his first U.S. Open a year ago at Oakmont, where he shot a 1-under-par 69 in the opening round, which had him tied for sixth. 

Nicholas followed that with a 78 in the second round, which was enough to make the cut and play the weekend, finishing tied for 61st at 19 over par. 

James Nicholas plays a shot from the 13th tee during the first round of the U.S. Open on June 18. 2026 at Shinnecock Golf Clubs. Getty Images

This time around, Nicholas, who plays his golf on the Korn Ferry Tour, expects more from himself in what he hopes are the next three rounds. 

He opened with a 1-over-par 71 on Thursday at Shinnecock and is tied for 29th entering Friday’s second round, trailing leader Wyndham Clark who is 6-under through 16 holes as his opening round was suspended due to darkness. 

“Last year after Round 1, I was T-6 in the U.S. Open, then Round 2, I struggled, because I put all that pressure onto myself, and you have expectation,’’ he said. “I talked to my mental coach, Joe Perron, about fear of failure. It’s something that I struggle with. I want to do so well. Once I put myself in position, you get scared, you have this fear of failure.’’ 

Nicholas is leaning into his 2025 Oakmont experience to make his Shinnecock experience better. 

“I got my first taste of a U.S. Open last year at Oakmont, and that was a lot different than this year for many reasons, one being this is my home state,’’ Nicholas said Thursday. “You dream about playing in your home state, your home U.S. Open.’’ 

Accentuating this experience of playing near home with family and friends in the gallery, Nicholas struck the first tee shot of the 126th U.S. Open at 6:45 a.m. amid the morning fog, something he called “an honor.’’ 

“You dream of hitting the first tee shot under some pressure,’’ he said. “I didn’t hit the best one, but I ended up making a par and just to kind of continue the day with a lot of grit was pretty cool.’’ 

James Nicholas walks across the 13th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open. Getty Images

Nicholas actually seized the early lead with birdies on Nos. 3 and 6 that got him to 2 under par with the outright lead. A double bogey on the par-3 seventh hole erased the birdies, but he hung in the rest of the round. 

Nicholas, once an accomplished youth hockey player whose close friend is Bruins star Charlie McAvoy (a Long Island native), went to Yale to play football and opted to concentrate on golf. 

He’s become an accomplished photographer who’s very active on social media, chronicling his worldwide travels and has his own YouTube channel. 

He said he put Meta glasses on when he woke up at 3:55 a.m. Thursday to chronicle his day. 

James Nicholas putts on the fourth green during the first round of the U.S. Open. Getty Images

“I’m trying to film some behind the scenes of what it’s like to play in the U.S. Open,’’ he said. 

Nicholas’ father is Dr. Stephen Nicholas, who was the longtime Jets orthopedist. Stephen’s father, James, served in that role before him and was responsible for fixing Joe Namath’s knees. 

Positive attitude and life perspective are Nicholas’ superpowers as a player, and he’s trying to lean into that more often. 

“Yeah, I’m a golfer, I’m playing in the U.S. Open this week, but that’s not my identity,’’ he said. “I think I struggled with that as a kid. I played a lot of sports. I was a hockey player, a football player. I played lacrosse, basketball, you name it. I defined myself as an athlete. That was sort of the only thing I did. I didn’t hang out with friends. I studied, and I played sports. 

“As I get older, you sort of have this perspective change. We’re playing a silly game.’’ 

But … 

“This is my dream,’’ he said, “and this is what I aspire to be.’’



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Byron Buxton says he doesn’t ‘give a f–k’ about Twins trade rumors

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Byron Buxton says he doesn’t ‘give a f–k’ about Twins trade rumors


Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is giving no time to any trade speculation.

“I’m a Twin,” Buxton reiterated when asked by reporters Thursday about the possibility of being traded ahead of the trade deadline on Aug. 3.

Buxton, who has put up a slash line of .275/.336/.601 with 23 home runs this year, has been a name floated around in trade rumors given the Twins’ middling 36-40 record as of Thursday.


Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run.
Byron Buxton rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the Twins’ win over the Rangers on June 15, 2026 at Globe Life Field. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It should also be noted that Buxton, 32, has a full no-trade clause, meaning he could block any deal Minnesota makes.

“I don’t give a f–k,” Buxton told The Athletic about hearing his name in trade rumors. “End of the day, nobody’s in my shoes. Nobody can say anything about what I’m going to do. I know what I’m doing.

“The only way I’m getting out of here — they’re going to have to come talk to me and tell me something else. Simple as that. … I ain’t said nothing about leaving, nor will I. I’m a Twin.”

With the Twins sitting just 1½ games out of an American League wild-card spot, Buxton told The Athletic he believes his team is headed in the right direction.

Buxton, who was drafted by the Twins with the No. 2 pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, expressed similar feelings at the 2025 All-Star Game, saying that he plans to remain in Minnesota for the rest of his career.

“I’m going to be a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life,” Buxton told reporters then. “It’s the best feeling in the world, knowing I can walk into a clubhouse that says ‘Minnesota Twins’ for the rest of my life.”


Byron Buxton, number 25 of the Minnesota Twins, hits a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Byron Buxton hits a solo home run during the Twins’ loss to the Cardinals at Target Field on June 13, 2026 in Minneapolis. Getty Images

The Twins traded 10 players last trade deadline before finishing with a 70-92 record. They also cut payroll by $38 million ahead of this season.

Buxton, who signed a seven-year, $100 million extension in December 2021, is currently the second-highest-paid player on the Twins’ 2026 payroll behind pitcher Pablo Lopez.

Buxton has had shining moments during his time with the Twins, but has had trouble staying on the field, playing over 120 games just twice across his 11-year MLB career.

He enjoyed a career year last season, posting a .264/.327/.551 slash line with 35 home runs in 126 games.



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Jelly Roll breaks his silence on divorce from Bunnie Xo

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Jelly Roll breaks his silence on divorce from Bunnie Xo



Jelly Roll is officially speaking out on his divorce from his wife of nearly 10 years, Bunnie Xo.

“This is the only time and the only city I’m gonna speak about this, so break your camera phones out now,” he told a rapturous audience at the Saratoga Springs, New York, stop of his Little ASS Shed Tour Thursday night, in video exclusively obtained by Page Six.

“Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends,” the country superstar continued, noting that she will “probably be the only woman I will ever love the way I loved her” and that “nobody cheated on nobody.”

Jelly Roll broke his silence on his shocking divorce from Bunnie Xo after 10 years of marriage at the Saratoga Springs, New York, stop of his Little ASS Shed Tour Thursday night (seen here). Alexis for Page Six
Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends,” he told the audience. Alexis for Page Six

Jelly Roll then plugged Bunnie’s latest “Dumb Blonde” podcast episode in which she addressed their shocking divorce in a nearly hour-long recording session.

“Every word of it is the truth,” he said of his estranged wife telling her side of the story. “That will be my best friend forever. This is the only time I will ever speak about it. Bunnie, I love you, baby.”

As Page Six confirmed on Monday, Jelly Roll quietly filed for divorce from the “Dumb Blonde” podcast host, 46, in Williamson County, Tennessee, on May 18.

The singer confirmed that “nobody cheated on nobody” and reassured fans Bunnie “will be my best friend forever.” Alexis for Page Six
“This is the only time I will ever speak about it,” he concluded. “Bunnie, I love you, baby.” Alexis for Page Six

The documents revealed the singer cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their breakup.

During her new “Dumb Blonde” episode, Bunnie opened up about the fight that led to Jelly Roll filing for divorce and revealed they are still planning to have a baby together despite their split after a decade of marriage.

Bunnie noted that the divorce is not “going to deter” her journey toward motherhood with the “Save Me” singer and said “he wants the same thing.”

“We’re just going to raise little Nugget as one big happy family,” the podcaster (born Alisa Andrea Carter) explained, also opening up about their experience with IVF.

Jelly Roll quietly filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo after nearly 10 years of marriage on May 18. (They’re pictured here at the 2026 Grammy Awards Pre-Grammy Party.) FilmMagic
Jelly (seen here planting a kiss on his wife’s forehead at the 2024 CMT Music Awards) cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their breakup. Getty Images for CMT

The couple married in August 2016 — just one year after they met at one of Jelly Roll’s concerts in Las Vegas.

They secretly tied the knot at a Vegas courthouse the same night the “Son of a Sinner” singer (born Jason Bradley DeFord) proposed.

Bunnie quickly stepped in as a co-parent to the “Wild Ones” hitmaker’s two children — daughter Bailee Ann, 18, and son Noah Buddy, 9 — both of whom he welcomed during previous relationships.

The breakup came as a shock to fans considering how open the now-estranged couple was about their relationship.

In February, the country star even tearfully thanked his wife for saving his life as he accepted the award for Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The estranged couple (pictured above in a throwback photo) married in 2016 after one year of dating. jellyroll615/Instagram
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Jelly (pictured above with his wife at the 2026 Grammys ceremony) tearfully thanked his wife for saving his life while he accepted the award for Best Contemporary Country Album.

“I would have never changed my life without you. I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn’t for you and Jesus. I thank you for that,” he said during his speech.

Though, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the pair has called it quits. They also briefly went through a separation in 2018, which Bunnie Xo discussed in a February 2023 social media post.

“Who knew that us breaking up in 2018, me moving back to Vegas & you coming to get me back — would have put us on this wild journey called life,” wrote Bunnie at the time.

Bunnie (seen here with Jelly Roll at the Grand Ole Opry in 2024) addressed the divorce in a new episode of her “Dumb Blonde” podcast released Thursday. jellyroll615/Instagram
During episode, Bunnie opened up about the fight that led to Jelly Roll (seen here in May) filing for divorce and revealed they are still planning to have a baby together despite the split. Ron Elkman-Imagn Images

In an October 2025 interview, Jelly confessed that the reason for their breakup was due to infidelity, calling it “one of the worst moments” of his “adulthood.”

However, after they reconciled, Jelly Roll said “the repair has been special.”

“And we’re stronger than we could have ever been,” he added.



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Shinnecock bares its teeth as US Open opens with fog, whipping winds

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Shinnecock bares its teeth as US Open opens with fog, whipping winds



Thursday’s first round of the U.S. Open showed why Shinnecock Hills remains a grueling test.

The tone was set early by the intense fog that rolled into the East End of Long Island, delaying play for two hours after a handful of groups had already teed off.

Then the whipping winds proved to be another obstacle, as promised, as some of the world’s best golfers battled the elements, with Rory McIlroy alluding to the idea of just keeping yourself in it on the first day at Shinnecock Hills.

Sam Stevens, Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowan’s 2-under-par rounds gave them the clubhouse lead when the horn sounded to suspend play at 8:25 p.m. as the sun set. Wyndham Clark was 6 under through 16 holes and the leaderboard featured seven U.S. Open champions among the top 10, which included McIlroy, Clark, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Gary Woodland.

“It was a good round. I got off to kind of a weird start with the double on 10,” said Stevens, who had been part of the early group that had its round interrupted by the fog delay. “I got off to kind of a weird start but made a birdie on the very next hole. So it kind of felt like I settled in after that.”

The winds gusted for most of the day and were evident in the morning at the first hole during Cam Young’s approach shot following the delay. Young hit the ball on the green, bouncing toward the edge before the wind caught it and sent it rolling into the bunker off the back.

Sustained winds neared 25 mph, and as the day progressed, the winds shifted direction, adding to the madness. At the fourth hole, the wind blew so hard that the person holding the sign with the player names in the group struggled to keep it above his head as they left the tee box.

No. 4 proved harrowing for McIlroy, too, who finished 1 under, when his drive went into the fescue, his second shot went far right onto a cart path and was nearly stolen by a fan who didn’t know better. The world No. 2 still managed to finish with par. 

Wyndham Clark is 6 under through 16 holes on June 18, 2026 after Day 1 of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Golf Club. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

“I think with the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score,” he said. “It was a day to really just keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it, which is exactly what I did eight years ago here.”

The afternoon wave did appear to get more favorable conditions than the morning wave did during the first round, as four of the top eight players on the leaderboard after the first round was halted had been part of the later wave. The average score of the early wave had been 73.87 compared to the late wave, which had an average score of 72.88.

Sam Stevens prepares to putt during the first round of the U.S. Open. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Winds died down for the later groups, which had anticipated being a tough draw at their original time, but Clark noted that the fog helped to push everything back. “It definitely helped those last six, seven holes we played,” he said.

Coming into this year’s U.S. Open, plenty had been made about the condition of the course, especially after the drama that played out in 2004 and 2018. However, Shinnecock’s setup for the first round earned the approval of many of the players.

Rory McIlroy plays a shot from the first tee during the first round of the U.S. Open. Getty Images

“It’s about as fair as you can probably get it. I was surprised on Monday. The course was very, very soft and slow, but they clearly judged it perfectly,” Tommy Fleetwood said after finishing the day with a 70 for even par. “I think today, well, hardly anybody would want to play it any harder than what it was. I think they did an amazing job of making it as fair as you could possibly make a test of golf today with the conditions that they had.”

Keegan Bradley echoed the sentiment after shooting a 70.

Keegan Bradley watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open. AP Photo/George Walker IV

“The greens were softer than I expected, but thank goodness they were,” he said. “There was a few times where my ball was, like, wiggling, like, oscillating a little bit. They did what they had to do to play today. They did a great job. They should be commended for that.”



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Juneteenth and California’s debate over affirmative action

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Juneteenth and California’s debate over affirmative action



Communities around California and the nation are gathering this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth, the traditional day marking liberation from slavery. 

It is a day that reminds us that we ought to be equal under the law. And Californians believe opportunity should be based on merit and hard work, not race.

That is why every time the voters of California are asked to change the state constitution to allow for affirmative action, defined as preferential treatment for government jobs or admission to public universities based on background characteristics, they say no. Time and again.

But the debate is reemerging once again — this time in the form of Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7, a proposal that would repeal protections approved by voters in 1996 through Proposition 209.

Communities around California and the nation are gathering this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth, the traditional day marking liberation from slavery.  USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

In that 1996 ballot initiative, Californians rightly established a basic principle: The state shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education or government employment.

ACA 7 would roll back those protections by allowing race-based admissions policies at California’s public institutions of higher education.

Supporters of ACA 7 argue that affirmative action is necessary to address past racial injustice and improve representation at universities across the Golden State. While California has a complicated history that included real discrimination and barriers to opportunity, past injustices do not always reflect an individual’s current circumstances or level of disadvantage today.

A student from a wealthy or well-connected background may still receive preferential treatment based on race, while another student from a struggling working-class family may not.

In that 1996 ballot initiative, Californians rightly established a basic principle: The state shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education or government employment. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

That is why Californians have repeatedly affirmed that merit, hard work and achievement are the fairest standards when evaluating students for admission to public universities.

The reason for voters’ concerns is clear. Californians believe in equal treatment under the law and that students should not receive an admissions advantage or disadvantage based on race or ethnicity. These types of quotas erode public trust, create resentment and force Californians to view one another through the lens of oppressor and oppressed.

Admissions decisions should instead be based on superior academic performance, community involvement, leadership potential and extracurricular achievement. Simply put, merit should remain the guiding principle when applications are reviewed.

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Asian Americans would be among the communities most impacted if ACA 7 is approved by the Legislature and ultimately passed by voters. Across California, many Asian American families place a strong emphasis on education, academic achievement and the belief that hard work should open the door to opportunity, including admission to some of the state’s most competitive public universities.

Policies that weaken merit-based admissions send the wrong message to students who have dedicated themselves to academic success.

California should focus on improving educational outcomes for all students, rather than lowering standards based on background characteristics. If Democrats in Sacramento were serious about addressing inequality, they would invest in struggling schools; expand career and technical education opportunities; and address the affordability crisis facing working families.

Policies that weaken merit-based admissions send the wrong message to students who have dedicated themselves to academic success. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve support and resources that help them compete successfully.

California is one of the most diverse states in America, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. That is exactly why we should not tolerate the state putting its thumb on the scale to reward students with preferential treatment based on demographic categories determined by government bureaucrats.

The voters have spoken on this issue. When Democrats backed an effort to overturn Proposition 209 in 2020, the voters said no. ACA 7 ignores that clear message and revives a divisive policy that Californians have consistently opposed.

As a father and as a legislator, I want the next generation to inherit a state where achievement matters most. Californians should strive for equality of opportunity, not equality socially engineered through racial preferences.

Tri Ta is a Republican member of the California Assembly for the 70th district, representing much of Little Saigon.





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Mexico-South Korea match brings massive crowd to Koreatown

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Mexico-South Korea match brings massive crowd to Koreatown


Los Angeles couldn’t wait for one of the most anticipated World Cup matches in the group stage of the tournament.

Mexico versus South Korea is a clash on the pitch at Guadalajara Stadium, but it’s also a collision of communities in the City of Angels.

Koreatown, a buzzing late-night neighborhood known for its party scene, has deep ties to the Korean and Mexican population in LA. The city’s cultural diversity is perfectly highlighted in a place like Koreatown.


A fan in a red shirt and Korean flag attire cheers with arms raised.
Fans flood Koreatown for Thursday’s matchup between Mexico and South Korea. AFP via Getty Images

On Thursday, that couldn’t have been more true.

Mexico and South Korea fans gathered along the streets of Koreatown to celebrate their cultures ahead of the World Cup clash. Though rivals in the tournament, fans adorned in gear enjoyed food and festivities together as Angelenos.

The city sponsored an all-day outdoor event at Seoul International Park, which began at 10 a.m. PT and ends at 10 p.m. PT. The event featured classical Korean dance performances, raffles and other activities.

There were several other watch parties throughout Koreatown on Thursday, including at longtime sports bar BiegartenLA.

One could argue the neighborhood has now become one of the best atmospheres for soccer as the highly touted World Cup matchup cements Koreatown as an LA sports staple.


A young fan holding a Mexico flag at a World Cup event.
The World Cup hype reached an all-time high Thursday in Koreatown. AFP via Getty Images

There’s a lot riding on the matchup because a win for either team would guarantee a spot in the knockout round of the tournament. Mexico and South Korea are coming off victories in their respective World Cup openers, which added to the hype surrounding the game.

The World Cup craze has evidently overtaken Koreatown as the two countries clash in Guadalajara. Regardless of the outcome, the neighborhood may just go ballistic following the Mexico-South Korea match.



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Updated US Open odds after Thursday: Wyndham Clark mounts big lead

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Updated US Open odds after Thursday: Wyndham Clark mounts big lead


Maybe Shinnecock Hills isn’t so scary after all.

The 7,440 links course that has humbled the world’s best was conquered by Wyndham Clark, who blew open the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open at 6-under through 16 holes.

With the sun going down, officials suspended play at 8:25 p.m. ET, so Clark will face the challenge of waking up early to finish his Round 1 before the task of another 18 on Friday. 

The 2023 U.S. Open winner is now the +330 odds-on favorite DraftKings, making a lengthy leap up the oddsboard from opening at 45/1. 

He benefited from a later tee time that brought him softened wind conditions. He almost holed an albatross on his approach shot on the par-5 14th, but settled for an eagle to reach 6-under. 

He holds a four-stroke lead over seven other players tied for 2-under, which includes Sam Stevens, Ryder Cowan, Max McGreevy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Jon Rahm. Fitzpatrick, Johnson, Woodland and Rahm — all of which are former U.S. Open champions — did not finish their rounds, either. 

Rahm holds the next-best odds to win his third major after marking his ball location in the rough of the 13th hole. 

Oddsmakers are favoring pedigree as Rory McIlroy, who fired a 1-under 69 and is tied with eight other players, is next available at +740. He missed out on Clark’s luxury of afternoon delight as the reigning two-time Masters winner capped off the day with back-to-back bogeys, but an eagle at the par-5 fifth ultimately kept him in contention. 

U.S. Open odds after Round 1

Player Score Odds
Wyndham Clark -6 (thru 16) +335
Jon Rahm -2 (thru 13) +580
Rory McIlroy -1 +740
Matt Fitzpatrick -2 (thru 16) +770
Scottie Scheffler +2 +1275
Bryson DeChambeau -1 14/1
Odds via DraftKings

It’s a step in the right direction since McIlroy shot a 10-over 80 in the first round of the last U.S. Open at Shinnecock. 

Fitzpatrick, +770, will open his day with an 11-foot birdie putt then one more hole to play. 

Scottie Scheffler finished with a 2-over 72, but is still a threat with the fifth-best odds at +1275.


Jon Rahm holding a golf ball.
Jon Rahm, of Spain, waves after a putt during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., Thursday, June 18, 2026. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Johnson surged into a share of the lead at 2 under after opening with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 1 and 2.

The two-time major champion had struggled gravely in recent majors, missing five of his last 10 cuts with just one top-25 finish in that span.

Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps

Cowan is the only amateur of 17 players who sit below par heading into Friday.

The 21-year-old amateur, a two-time All-American at Oklahoma who survived a 3-for-2 qualifying playoff just to reach the field, hit all eight fairways on the back nine and is gaining about 1.5 strokes on the greens.

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.



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JD Vance scraps overnight flight to Switzerland for first round of nuclear talks with Iran

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JD Vance scraps overnight flight to Switzerland for first round of nuclear talks with Iran



Vice President JD Vance will not head to Switzerland Thursday evening for the first round of planned technical nuclear talks with Iran, his office announced.

The trek to Switzerland was already in flux, the veep had previously admitted, as his team worked to iron out the logistics and figure out whether or not the Iranians would participate. The technical negotiations were outlined in a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran that was finalized this week.

“As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity,” a White House spokesperson said in a statement.

“[T]he logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable,” the spokesperson added. “As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible.”

Vice President JD Vance is not leaving for Switzerland for Iran talks, his office revealed, blaming the delay on logistics. MediaPunch / BACKGRID
There had been questions about whether or not the Iranian officials would show up in Switzerland for the first round of talks. Anadolu via Getty Images

Initially, a formal signing ceremony for the MOU with Iran was expected to take place on Friday. An official agenda or schedule hasn’t been disseminated.

It’s not immediately clear what logistical snarls caused the delay, but Vance implied that the Iranians may have a difficult time leaving their mountainous country.

“We think these technical negotiations are going to start sometime this weekend; that’s still the plan, but that could change because it’s not an easy country, Iran, to get out of, and so we’re trying to figure out exactly when that’s going to happen,” Vance said during the White House press briefing Thursday.

“I suspect this weekend, but I’m not sure.” 

Under the MOU — which was electronically signed Sunday by Vance, then by President Trump on Wednesday in France — both the US and Iran agreed to technical talks over a 60-day period to hash out the details of the Iranian regime’s concessions on its nuclear program.

President Trump signed the memorandum of understanding with Iran on Wednesday. The White House/UPI/Shutterstock

The talks are expected to include specifics of how Tehran will address its stockpile of enriched uranium and other, more granular, details of the broader peace agreement.



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This Knicks parade moment exactly what team, city deserved

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This Knicks parade moment exactly what team, city deserved



Alicia Keys, a product of Hell’s Kitchen, was singing her New York anthem. You know the words, “Let’s hear it for Newww Yorrrk.” There’s not a stage in the world Keys can’t own, but it felt especially poignant at City Hall after being introduced by Mike Breen, the famous voice from Yonkers.

At some point, Keys left her piano and took the performance to the section of Knicks players, where Jose Alvarado, a Brooklyn product, danced and sang with the most emotion.

The rendition culminated a long and hectic celebration of the 2026 NBA champions while underscoring the real theme of Thursday’s ceremony: New York City, for the few weeks that spanned an improbable playoff run until Keys shut down City Hall, was alive, thrilled, united.

The boroughs won together, they hugged each other after Game 5 in San Antonio, then they gathered together Thursday for what was one of the largest parades in the city’s history.



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Phil Mickelson resigns from country club following sexual assault allegations, lawyer says

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Phil Mickelson resigns from country club following sexual assault allegations, lawyer says


A lawyer for Phil Mickelson says the six-time major winner resigned from a country club near San Diego where he was accused of inappropriate contact with a female employee.

Golf Digest last week reported that Mickelson was no longer a member of The Farms Country Club and that the golfer was asked by club management to leave the course during his round after the employee reported the allegations of misconduct.

Tom Clare, a defamation lawyer hired by Mickelson, said that the golfer later resigned from the club.

The Golf Digest story broke at a low point for Mickelson. He withdrew from the Masters and PGA Championship this year, citing a personal health matter with his family that kept him out of all but one of the nine LIV Golf events this year.

The one major golf tournament that has eluded him — the U.S. Open, where he has been runner-up a record six times — is happening this weekend, and he is no longer eligible to compete after running out of exemptions.

Golf Digest cited sources in reporting Mickelson approached the woman in the clubhouse and made nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with her. The woman rejected his advances and reported it to her supervisors.


Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot during the 2023 Masters at Augusta National.
Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot during the 2023 Masters at Augusta National. AP

Club management investigated and confronted Mickelson on the course. Mickelson, 55, was told to leave the premises.

“Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club,” The Farms said in a statement to Golf Digest.


Golfer Phil Mickelson watches his iron shot.
US golfer Phil Mickelson watches his iron shot from the 6th tee on day two of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 18, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

“To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and member, we are unable to speak further on the matter.”

A spokesperson for the golfer issued a statement in response to the Golf Digest reporting that said: “Any misunderstanding has been cleared up. Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf.”

Mickelson became the oldest major champion in golf history when he won the 2021 PGA Championship. A year later, he was a central figure in helping to launch Saudi-funded LIV Golf. He lost major sponsorships when he was quoted in early 2022 as calling the Saudis “scary mother (expletives)” and that he was only thinking of joining the league to gain leverage over the PGA Tour.

The Farms, located about 10 miles from Torrey Pines, is a private club where several top players are members, such as Annika Sorenstam and Xander Schauffele.



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