Final Four X-factors: The four March Madness players key to team's national title hopes

There will beplenty of star powerin Indianapolis for the2026 Final Four, but don't forget about the unsung heroes.

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Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona and Michigan made the national semifinals with their major playmakers having the primary roles. But what has allowed this quartet to reach the biggest stage in men's college basketball is that they also get significant contributions from people outside the spotlight. It's going to take more than the top guys to cut down the nets − just look atUConn's Braylon Mullinsin the Elite Eight.

So, which under-the-radar players have the chance to step up and be the catalyst for a national championship? Here is one player to watch for each team.

<p style=Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. <p style=Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC. Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY. BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore. Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC. Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City. Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland. St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California. <p style=A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or. The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or. The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City. The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland. A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026. The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or. High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or. The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or. The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY. The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC. The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City. The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia. Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City. A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or. The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC. Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO. Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA. Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026. Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.

See best of March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities

Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournamentat Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

Connecticut: Malachi Smith

The health of Silas Demary Jr. has been a talking point for UConn as the lead guard, but Smith has stepped up well and become a reliable guard during the tournament.

It was big for Smith, who started in 77 games at Dayton before transferring to Storrs this season, to accept a bench role for the Huskies, but he's wound up becoming a vital part of the second unit, and his value has only risen as the season ended. After averaging 2.7 assists per game before the tournament began, he's averaging 5.5 in the four tournament games. Smith made the most his starting role in the first two rounds, when he played more than 30 minutes against Furman and UCLA.

Even with Demary back, Smith has earned increased minutes and it's paying off for Dan Hurley.

Illinois: Kylan Boswell

It makes sense to see a senior playing a big role for Illinois, but it's easy to forget Boswell is won't turn 21 until later this month, and he'll have to play up to his experience in order for the Fighting Illini to break through.

A look at the stat sheet may make you wonder how Boswell makes such a difference − averaging just 8.3 points and 2 assists during the tournament − but he is the heart and soul of the team, a guy that brings energy and intensity. That will be needed defensively since Connecticut is one of the best teams sharing, so he will have to bring pressure to limit passing lanes. Illinois' offense has done well, but it could really use Boswell as he has struggled to score, as he went a combined 0-for-7 from the field in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. If he can find a shooting touch, that makes the back court mightily stronger.

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The Final Four means a lot to many, but Boswell is playing a big part on his hometown team. The Champaign native will have the chance to bring its first national title home.

Arizona: Ivan Kharchenkov

You want someone that is willing to lay it all on the line every single play? Kharchenkov is your guy.

There may no be no one with more hustle than than the freshman from Germany who is diving for the ball and playing an aggressive style of ball that really makes opponents uncomfortable. If you look at moments where Arizona swung momentum to its side, most of the time its because of Kharchenkov. Not only that, but he's raised his level in the postseason. He entered the NCAA Tournament averaging 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds, but he's improved that to 14 point and 6.5 rebounds per contest.

Teams cannot relax when Kharchenkov is on the court, as he is will do the little things that could be the key moments in an Arizona win.

Arizona forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) celebrates in the second half of his team's game against Purdue in the Elite Eight game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.

Michigan: Elliot Cadeau

Michigan is the highest-scoring offense left in the tournament, averaging 87.7 points per game. None of it happens withoutthe guard play of Cadeau.

The North Carolina transfer has had a renaissance in Ann Arbor, averaging 5.8 assists per game. While he's been dishing it out at a great rate, he's really honed in on taking care of the ball, with fewer than four turnovers in each of the last six games. That's on top averaging a career-best 10.2 points per game and becoming a reliable 3-point shooter. What makes it even more incredible? He is partially deaf in his right ear, has asthma and had surgery his freshman year to treat a progressive eye disorder.

Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara get most of the attention, but the offense doesn't move as exceptional as it does without Cadeau. Michigan needs its guard to spearhead the attack to keep the offense as lethal as its been all season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Final Four X-factors for Arizona, Michigan, UConn, Illinois

Final Four X-factors: The four March Madness players key to team's national title hopes

There will beplenty of star powerin Indianapolis for the2026 Final Four, but don't forget about the unsung heroes. ...
You're the best player in the NCAA Tournament. It doesn't mean you'll have an NBA future.

The award for the most outstanding player of the NCAA Tournament's Final Four comes with prestige. Past winners form an exclusive club, including Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Magic Johnson.

NBC Universal Photo illustration of Patrick Ewing, Walter Clayton Jr., and Tristen Newton (Leila Register / NBC News; Getty Images)

The honor comes with a small trophy, too, one mailed to winners once March Madness concludes, an NCAA spokesperson said.

What it no longer comes with, though, is job security.

"It's a lot different," past winner Patrick Ewing told NBC News, "from when I played."

Proving that a player could come up clutch on college hoops' biggest stage was once a reliable indicator of a can't-miss prospect. Since the start of the modern era of the NBA draft in 1966, 28 of the next 42 Final Four Most Outstanding Players were selected within the first 10 picks of their drafts.

Not every winner would go on to become Hall of Famers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the former all-time NBA scoring leader, or the quartet of Isiah Thomas, James Worthy, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ewing, who won Most Outstanding Player from 1981 to 1985. Yet many carved out long, lucrative careers; in that same span that started in 1966, 25 winners went on to spend at least a decade in the NBA.

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But since 2012 — when one-and-done star Anthony Davis earned the award, was drafted No. 1 overall and began a career that could likely, one day, land him in the Hall of Fame — the last 12 Most Outstanding Player winners have combined for zero All-Star appearances. Four have gone undrafted. Three others quickly washed out of the NBA.

Tristen Newton had no doubt that winning the honor in 2024 while leading Connecticut to its second consecutive national championship helped his case when he auditioned in front of NBA teams. It "was one of the first things that teams would mention" during their interviews, Newton told NBC News.

"But nowadays," he added, "teams in the NBA are looking for, I guess, the younger guys than the more-ready guy who can come and contribute."

On-court action during an NCAA tournament game. (Jamie Schwaberow / NCAA Photos via Getty Images file)

Newton, 24, learned that on draft night, when he was selected 49th overall in a 58-player draft. In two seasons, Newton, a 6-foot-5 guard, has appeared in eight NBA games while playing primarily in the NBA's developmental minor league.

He added that "NBA and college careers, I guess those are two different — they don't really correlate with each other anymore."

Winning Most Outstanding Player is but one of hundreds of data points NBA teams use to evaluate prospects, from how they play on the court to how they carry themselves off it. Indeed, two executives of NBA teams, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in exchange for their candor about the draft process, said they didn't even realize the past connection between winners of the award and often strong NBA careers. They viewed a strong performance in the tournament and particularly the Final Four as a helpful line in a player's broader résumé but not a difference-maker. Conversely, struggling in the tournament wouldn't be held against a prospect who had played well all season, an executive said.

When Ewing left Georgetown for the NBA in 1985 and was drafted first overall by the New York Knicks, he was the definition of a college superstar. He had led the Hoyas to three NCAA championship games in four seasons, winning once, and he remains so closely intertwined with his college success, in fact, that this month AT&T placed him in not one but two ads playing throughout the NCAA Tournament.

In 1985, however, the pathway to the NBA was far more limited than it is four decades later. With only a few exceptions, being eligible for the draft then required a player to be at least three years out of high school, and international players often had to be at least 21. Of the 24 players taken in that year's first round, just three were international; last year, international players accounted for more than a third of the first round.

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A record 135 foreign-born players were on NBA rosters at the start of this season, many of whom never played collegiately. That has meant more competition for a few roster spots.

"When I played, there was a few guys from Europe that was in the league or from Africa with Hakeem and Dikembe [Mutombo] and those guys. But now it's a lot larger pot," Ewing said.

And many foreign players, he said, are the "cream of the crop" — such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who have combined to win the Most Valuable Player award in five of the last seven NBA seasons. They never played a second in college.

It isn't that players are leaving college worse than in previous eras, said a high-ranking NBA team executive who has helped oversee college scouting. Younger players now have access to better technology, equipment and health care. But the difficulty of sticking in the NBA for even decorated college players has increased as eligibility rules have changed and, as a result, so have the draft preferences of NBA teams. Since 2006, draft-eligible prospects must be 19 and a year removed from high school.

"The thought is always you get these younger guys in your [NBA or G-League] program and they don't have to worry about school and you can really develop their bodies and games and make them better players," an NBA team executive said. "The old-school mentality was 'I just want ready-made players who can win games,' and that's changed in the NBA. We're spending more time developing guys than winning right off the bat with them."

In theory, a younger prospect arrives with fewer bad habits and can play longer.

"I think they definitely want younger guys," said Walter Clayton Jr., who was 22 when he won the 2025 tournament's Most Outstanding Player with Florida. Clayton was drafted 18th overall and now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Walter Clayton holds a trophy over his head while flanked by two teammates. (Jamie Schwaberow / NCAA Photos via Getty Images file)

There's another major difference, too.

The fact that "the game is so different is the first hurdle," the executive said.

Translating what worked in college to the NBA used to be easier, because the styles at both levels were similar. But the college and pro game have diverged. A decade ago, college teams averaged 18.6 3-pointers per game and NBA teams 24.1. This season, the college average crept to a record average of23.2; pros, meanwhile, aretaking 37.

Adjusting to the NBA means getting used to more skilled opponents and roles that can be wildly different from the responsibilities college stars were used to, Clayton said. But certain aspects of playing well under the pressure and spotlight of a Final Four do carry over to the pros, he said.

"Being able to stay calm in high-pressure situations, it definitely helped me," he said. "Some teams view that as a characteristic or an intangible."

As the latest tournament began in late March, the Grizzlies set up televisions showing March Madness action around the arena for players to watch. Florida players on last year's national championship team began pinging messages back and forth in a group chat, Clayton said. The memories were nice. But now, he has a job to do — sticking in the NBA, which is not given.

"The award is the award," Clayton said. "I'm appreciative of it, but it's kind of in the past. Just gotta get adjusted at this level and make things happen here."

You're the best player in the NCAA Tournament. It doesn't mean you'll have an NBA future.

The award for the most outstanding player of the NCAA Tournament's Final Four comes with prestige. Past winners form ...
'Wheel of Fortune' star Pat Sajak gives rare glimpse into retirement in viral social media spotlight

Pat Sajak isn't solving puzzles anymore — he's stealing the spotlight on social media.

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The former "Wheel of Fortune" host is offering a glimpse into retirement, popping up alongside his daughter, Maggie Sajak, in a series of playful videos that quickly gained traction online.

During a recent outing, Maggie jokingly tried to bargain her way out of paying for dinner, offering her father "two lipliners and a piece of gum" in a cheekysocial media video.

"POV: you're out to dinner with your parents," the social media text said.

Vanna White Marries John Donaldson In Secret Ceremony After More Than A Decade Together

A photo of Pat Sajak

"It's OK," he lip-synced. "It's on the house."

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Fans were quick to comment on theviral video.

"Yes. Even the vowels are on the house. Hi Pat! I like thesefather and daughter skitsyou both do," one user wrote.

"I love how much you spend with your parents, especially your father. Its hard to find these days.." another added.

'Wheel Of Fortune's' First Millionaire Says $1M Prize Didn't Go As Far As Fans Think

The lighthearted exchange is just the latest example of Pat embracing a more relaxed chapter of life after stepping away from television.

pat sajak maggie sajak on wheel of fortune

Last month, Pat and Maggie teamed up again — this time on a bigger stage — serving as guest announcers at the Grand Ole Opry inNashville, Tennessee. The appearance marked a full-circle moment for Pat, who landed his first TV job in the same city at WSM-TV (now WSMV).

Backstage, the father-daughter duo appeared to be with country music stars including Brad Paisley. At one point, Pat even got"roped"into dancing with the Opry Square Dancers — a very different moment from his decades behind the puzzle board.

Fans once again chimed in.

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Maggie Sajak and Pat Sajak

"Miss seeing your dad on The Wheel it's not the same," one commenter wrote.

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"Love that you and your Dad are so close and he goes along with stuff. He's a cool Dad!" another shared.

In February, Pat appeared in another clip, strutting down a hallway while lip-syncing to K-Pop star Jennie's remix of the artist Tame Impala's "Dracula."

In a moment that quickly made the rounds online, he covered his mouth just as the track dropped an F-bomb — a move fans saw asclassic, polished Pat.

"The perfect censoring with the hands. That's a seasoned TV man!" one TikTok user wrote.

"Pat's looking healthy and rested," another commented.

Side by side photos of Ryan Seacrest and Ryan Seacrest with Vanna White and Pat Sajak on the Wheel of Fortune set

"Man, do we miss Pat. No shade to Ryan [Seacrest] though," another added.

"Hope he's enjoying his retirement!" a fan shared.

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Another "Wheel of Fortune" fan echoed the sentiment: "He's looking so happy as always! I was on the show 15 years ago and he was such a pleasure in person to meet!"

Other comments read, "I miss Pat on my TV!"

Pat Sajak stands on the set of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, smiling as he hosts the game show.

Pat announced in June 2023 that he would step down from hosting "Wheel of Fortune," closing the book on a four-decade run that made him one of the most recognizable faces on television.

Weeks later, Ryan Seacrest was named his successor, ushering in a new era for the long-running game show.

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Meanwhile, co-host Vanna White signed a contract extension that will keep her on the show through the 2025–2026 season, maintaining a familiar presence for longtime viewers.

"Wheel of Fortune" first premiered in 1975, with Pat taking over hosting duties in 1981. White joined the following year, cementing a partnership that would span decades.

Original article source:'Wheel of Fortune' star Pat Sajak gives rare glimpse into retirement in viral social media spotlight

'Wheel of Fortune' star Pat Sajak gives rare glimpse into retirement in viral social media spotlight

Pat Sajak isn't solving puzzles anymore — he's stealing the spotlight on social media. The former ...
Takeaways from Trump's speech on Iran

By Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk

Reuters A customer watches U.S. President Donald Trump address the nation on the Iran crisis from the White House in Washington, D.C., on screen at Brooklyn Diner in Times Square, New York, U.S., April 1, 2026. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado President Donald Trump pauses as he finishes speaking about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS Journalists at the White House listen as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation about the Iran war, in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 1, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci Journalists at the White House listen as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation about the Iran war, in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 1, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation on the Iran crisis

WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump staunchly defended his handling of the month-old, U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in a prime-time address on Wednesday, saying the U.S. military was nearing completion of its mission while also reinforcing his threats to bomb the Islamic Republic back to the Stone Age.

He delivered his 19-minute ‌speech against a backdrop of high global oil prices and his own low approval ratings.

Here are some key takeaways:

LOOKING FOR AN EXIT - BUT NOT QUITE YET

Trump, facing a war-wary American public ‌and sliding poll numbers, said the U.S. had destroyed Iran's navy and air force, crippled its ballistic missile and nuclear program and would continue to hit them "extremely hard" over the next two to three weeks.

But beyond that, even while saying the U.S. ​military was on track to complete its objectives "very shortly," he stopped short of offering a firm timeline for an end to hostilities.

Trump's use of his speech to reiterate threats and send mixed messages may do little to calm jittery financial markets and ease the concerns of an American public that has shown little support for the country's biggest military operation since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The often conflicting signals that Trump has issued throughout the course of the conflict have only added to confusion, with the president one moment calling for a diplomatic settlement and in the next threatening to rain further destruction on Iran amid a continuing U.S. military ‌buildup in the region.

THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Trump's comments on Wednesday were not ⁠clear about whether U.S. military operations could end even before Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway on which it has a chokehold that has created the worst global energy shock in history.

He instead repeated his calls for countries that rely on Gulf oil to take on the burden of reopening ⁠and securing the waterway, not the U.S., which he said does not need energy supplies from the region. Western allies, however, have resisted joining a war that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started without consulting them.

The risk, analysts say, is that Iran would essentially be left with significant leverage over the strait, the passageway for a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas shipments.

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Washington's Gulf allies may also resent a hasty U.S. exit, given ​that ​they could be left with a wounded, hostile neighbor.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?

Trump touted the U.S. military's successes in the conflict but ​questions remain about whether he has truly achieved the main goal he laid out ‌at the start of the war: Closing off Iran's path to a nuclear weapon.

More than a month later, Iran still has a stockpile of highly enriched uranium that could be processed to bomb grade, but it is believed to be mostly buried underground by U.S.-Israeli bombing in June.

Trump, in a sudden reversal from his demands that Iran turn over the enriched uranium, told Reuters earlier on Wednesday that he no longer cared about the material because it was "so far underground" and U.S. satellites could keep an eye on the area. Iran has always denied seeking a nuclear bomb.

Despite Trump's claims of having destroyed Iran's conventional military capabilities, it has demonstrated that its remaining missiles and drones can still be used to target Israel as well as U.S. Gulf allies and American military installations housed on their land.

And Trump's earlier ‌calls for the overthrow of Iran's theocratic rulers have gone unfulfilled. U.S.-Israeli air strikes killed many of the top ​leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but they have been replaced by even more hard-line successors, including Khamenei's son. U.S. ​intelligence has deemed the Iranian government largely intact.

DOMESTIC POLITICS

Trump's speech, his first prime-time address since ​the war started on February 28, was originally seen as being aimed at easing Americans' concerns about the interventionist tendencies of a president who campaigned for his second term ‌on a promise to keep the U.S. out of "stupid" military interventions.

But Trump, whose ​advisers have pressed him to show the public that ​he considers kitchen-table issues a priority, gave only a nod to Americans' anxieties and appeared to dismiss their economic pain as temporary and sure to ease once the war is over.

"Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home," he said. "This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks ​against commercial oil tankers of neighboring countries that have nothing to do ‌with the conflict."

While Trump's MAGA movement has mostly stood with him, his grip on his political base could weaken if the economic impact, including high gas prices, persists with ​his Republican Party scrambling to keep control of Congress in November's midterm elections.

Trump's overall approval rating has fallen to 36%, the lowest since his return to the White House, ​a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday found.

(Reporting By Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Don Durfee and Thomas Derpinghaus)

Takeaways from Trump's speech on Iran

By Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation on the Iran crisis W...
Australia cracks down on gambling advertising, bans celebrity promotions

SYDNEY, April 2 (Reuters) - Australia is introducing a raft of measures to curb gambling advertising, including banning promotions by ‌celebrities and sports stars, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ‌on Thursday.

Reuters

Albanese called the changes "the most significant reform on gambling that has ever been ​implemented" in the world's biggest gambling nation, which also has the highest per-capita betting losses.

"The government is taking decisive action to tackle the community and public health concerns associated with gambling," he said.

The ‌government will implement new ⁠rules from 2027 with a focus on minimising children's exposure to gambling harm in particular by stopping ⁠the "deluge of advertisements" they faced, Albanese said.

Gambling advertisements on broadcast TV would be capped to three per hour between 6 a.m. and 8:30 ​p.m., ​with a complete ban during live ​sports broadcasts within those ‌hours.

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Advertisements would be banned on the radio during school drop-off and pick-up times, while online adverts would be restricted to logged-in users over 18, who will be able to opt out.

The use of celebrities and sports stars in gambling promotions would also be prohibited, ‌and gambling branding would be banned ​from sports venues and from the ​uniforms of both players and ​officials.

The ban is likely to affect online gaming ‌companies like London-listed Flutter Entertainment PLC - ​owner of the ​most popular betting app in Australia, Sportsbet - and Entain PLC, owner of third-ranked app Ladbrokes.

Shares in No. 2 gambling ​company Tabcorp Holdings were down ‌2.4% in afternoon trading, steeper than the benchmark ASX200 ​index's 0.8% decline.

(Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing ​by Himani Sarkar and Kevin Buckland)

Australia cracks down on gambling advertising, bans celebrity promotions

SYDNEY, April 2 (Reuters) - Australia is introducing a raft of measures to curb gambling advertising, including banning p...
Plane crash in Northeast Philly injures two; what we know

PHILADELPHIA - A small plane crashed in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon, injuring two people and prompting emergency response, The Philadelphia Fire Department said.The crash was the result of an emergency landing and occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. in Fluehr Park.The department said in its release that both people on board were taken to the hospital in serious condition after being extricated from the structure.The incident was placed "under control" at approximately 4:06 p.m., and there was no fire to extinguishofficials said, directing further questions to the Legacy Flight School.

USA TODAY

According to publicly available flight tracking websites, the Piper Cherokee took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport shortly after 3 p.m.

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The park where the plane went down is a little more than two miles southeast of the airport.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fluehr+Park,+4800+Grant+Ave,+Philadelphia,+PA+19114/@40.0540802,-74.989468,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c6b4a1b5e85b41:0x81eb55429e16a86d!8m2!3d40.0550821!4d-74.9902807!16s%2Fg%2F11b8tf55rn!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Northeast Philly plane crash injures two; what we know now

Plane crash in Northeast Philly injures two; what we know

PHILADELPHIA - A small plane crashed in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon, injuring two people a...
Pirates' Paul Skenes limits Reds' offense and gets his 1st win of 2026

CINCINNATI (AP) — Paul Skenes quicklyshrugged off the shortest startof his dominant major league career.

Associated Press Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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Pirates fans shouldn't worry either after Skenes returned to form on Wednesday.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner allowed one run in five innings and struck out five in thePirates' 8-3 winover the Cincinnati Reds.

"I'm pretty insulated from a lot of stuff that's out there. The stuff that I do see or hear, I don't really care anyway because it doesn't have anything to do with the play. I'm just thinking about getting back to execution and executing my pitches," Skenes said. "Nothing matters except for the game and the pitches."

Skenes walked Cincinnati's TJ Friedl, then retired eight straight, including three strikeouts. He walked Friedl twice in three innings before Elly De La Cruz singled for the Reds' first hit. Two batters later, Nathaniel Lowe doubled in De La Cruz, ending Skenes' 31-inning scoreless streak against Cincinnati.

Skenes' scoreless run was the fourth-longest by a Pirates pitcher against an opponent since 1961. Vernon Law holds the mark, blanking the Mets for 40 innings during 1965-66.

The right-hander retired four of the last five batters he faced and departed after throwing 77 pitches, including 51 strikes.

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"Definitely progress. Nice to get some volume and be out there for more than two-thirds," said Skenes, who improved to 5-0 with a 0.53 ERA in six career starts against the Reds. He has 45 strikeouts and only four walks while holding Cincinnati to a .197 batting average.

Further helping Skenes, the Pirates gave strong run support, scoring three in the first on Oneil Cruz's homer to right.

"With Skenes on the mound, you hate to give them anything early because you know you're going to have to fight to get anything you can get," Reds manager Terry Francona said.

Manager Don Kelly said he wanted to avoid overworking Skenes early, especially after his 37-pitch, two-thirds-inning start in the Mets' opening day win on Thursday. Skenes allowed five runs, tying a career high, with two walks and a strikeout in the 11-7 loss.

"When you're going off one outing and 37 pitches, we had targeted 80 for him," Kelly said. "It was something that we need Paul for the long haul, and he did a great job getting through five. As we go, he's going to be throwing more than five (innings) and 77 (pitches)."

Skenes has a 2.10 ERA through his first 57 starts, the fourth-best mark by any pitcher since 1920. It is also the lowest mark by a Pittsburgh hurler in any span of 57 starts since Babe Adams had a 2.06 ERA between 1918 and '20.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Pirates' Paul Skenes limits Reds' offense and gets his 1st win of 2026

CINCINNATI (AP) — Paul Skenes quicklyshrugged off the shortest startof his dominant major league career. Pira...

 

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