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Jessie Holmes refers to the Alaskan Huskies that pull his sled across ice and snow and through howling winds as "Team Can't Stop.''

It's hard to argue with the nickname.

Holmes and his sled dogs won the Iditarod on Tuesday, March 17 for the second year in a row, Holmes becoming only the sixth dog musher to achieve the feat in the 54-year history of the grueling race in Alaska. He is the first to win back-to-back titles since 2016, when Dallas Seavey won his third straight Iditarod.

The mushers competed for a purse of $650,000, with Holmes earning $80,000.

With Holmes at the helm of the sled, "Team Can't Stop'' completed the 1,000-mile Iditarod trail in 9 days, 7 hours, 32 minutes and 51 seconds, with 12 dogs in harness, according to Iditarod.com.

It was challenging conditions. Temperatures plunged as low as 40 degrees below zero and winds gusted as high as 50 mph during portions of a race that started in Willow and ended in Nome, according to Iditarod.com, the official website of the race, and other published reports.

More:Iditarod dog, 4-year-old Charley, dies during 2026 race, officials say

"We've been enduring wind this whole race,'' Holmes said in an interview with KTUU Channel 2 TV as his sled dogs rested before the final run of the race. "We thrive in it. So if there's a challenge, come the weather, we're just going to push through it, seal the deal.''

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Seal it, they did — with attrition.

Heading into the final run, Holmes said his team of 16 dogs (the maximum) was down to 12 dogs in harness. Each year, dozens of dogs are dropped from the race for exhaustion, injury or illness.

Though not as treacherous as the annual sled dog race, Holmes, 43, navigated an unusual path to Iditarod glory.

He was raised in Alabama and left home at 18. He spent three years as a carpenter in Montana, then he headed for Alaska and eventually discovered sled dog racing.

In 2018, Holmes was Iditarod Rookie of the Year when he finished seventh. He became a fixture among the annual mushers and climbed the ranks. In 2022, he finished third, followed up by a fifth-place finish in 2023 and a third-place finish in 2024.

He and "Team Can't Stop'' prevailed in 2025, finishing the race in 10 days, 14 hours and 55 minutes, about three hours ahead of runner-up Matt Hall.

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Iditarod results: Jessie Holmes wins 54th event, back-to-back titles

It doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things that Team USA — the United States ofAmerica,as in the birthplace of baseball and the home to the highest-caliber league on the planet — lost one game against Team Venezuela.

Except to the Venezuelan players and their fans, to whom it means everything. And, after two weeks of some of the most joyous and exuberant baseball that any March has ever seen, that is the beautiful thing about the World Baseball Classic.

When Bryce Harper – with his distinct brand of humorless flamboyance – broke a 12-inning scoreless streak for Team USA with a game-tying, two-out, 432-foot home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, it was the sort of storybook sports moment that makes big games worth staying up late for. It gave American fans and Phillies fans and baseball fans who were promised a power-packed lineup something to leap up off their couches and cheer about.

It also set up an even more dramatic ninth-inning victory for the Venezuelans. When Eugenio Suárez drove in the go-ahead run, it was a moment that mattered more toan entire nation than sports should have to.

It gave the sold-out stadium something to party about, because even here in America, the crowd at loanDepot Park in Miami was overwhelmingly full of Venezuelan fans. For those back home, it was a moment of catharsis for a nation that has been racked by political upheaval, economic uncertainty, isolation on the world stage and increasing emigration to other nations in the Western Hemisphere.

That was surely part of MLB's calculus in deciding to host the latter rounds of the WBC in South Florida, where the heavily Latino population showed up to support Team Venezuela and, through their semifinal elimination, Team Dominican Republic. This is for them. And for the fans in Japan, where practically the entire country tuned in to see some part of Samurai Japan's run to the championship three years ago. And for the small contingent of baseball fans eager to grow the game in Italy andthe new Italian fansthis year's team attracted.

In previous iterations, when Team USA was clearly not as competitive as it could have been given the domestic talent that exists in Major League Baseball, it was not terribly difficult to understand why foreign-born players were more motivated to participate. American players return to their hometowns – or at least the closest major-league city – regularly. They leave extra tickets for family and friends and perhaps the broadcast highlights their local connection.

International players leave behind those familiar people and places to be part of MLB. They travel thousands of miles away from those support systems to give themselves the greatest opportunity, and also to give the game the best possible competition. The WBC doesn't necessarily bring them home, but it connects them to their heritage.

This year, the Americans were more formidable. The roster looked like they might steamroll the whole tournament.

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They didn't, because baseball doesn't always behave like you expect it to in small sample sizes. Take Aaron Judge for example. The American captain was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the championship game, and yet he remains arguably the best hitter anyone alive today has ever seen. Every baseball fan in the world should want him to suit up for the next WBC.

In truth, the USA didn't lose because the team was over confident. Or because of their bloviating military cosplay. Or because, by the end, they started to seem like joyless bad guys in a tournament full of teams having fun playing a kid's game. They lost because they batted a collective .156 with 24 strikeouts over the final two games.

And because Team Venezuela was talented, too.

What will surely be a WBC-record setting audience tuned in to see Team USA's offense choke in the championship game. As the tournament built up momentum over the past two weeks, a line of discourse emerged pitting the WBC against the World Series — which is "better," which would mean more to win?

There have been 121 World Series in baseball history. This was the sixth WBC. It's crazy that they're comparable. But to watch Team Venezuela descend into tearful revelry after the final out is to believe that they are.

MLB can, and should, thank international players and fanbases for giving the tournament such instant legitimacy. It's only because they care as much as they do – and, perhaps, this year, the Venezuelans most of all – that the WBC was so competitive.

By caring so much, Team Venezuela made the American team better. And then they beat them.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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NEW YORK (AP) — TheWNBAand its players' union reached a verbal agreement on a transformational new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday morning.

Basketball WNBA-CBA

The deal is expected to greatly increase player salaries with a good chance for million dollar players — a first for the league entering its 30th season that will start on time. That would increase salary fourfold from last season.

"I just want to say we have aligned on key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement together. We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. "It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. So, we'll share additional details as they become available."

Specifics still need to be finalized over the next few weeks as lawyers on both sides work on the new CBA. A term sheet should be done in the next day or two. It will then need to be voted on by the players and the league's Board of Governors.

"For the first time player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars and raising the standard across facilities, staffing and support," union president Nneka Ogwumike said.

The deal came after the two sides spent the past eight days in intense in-person negotiations that lasted for more than 100 hours. They came to the agreement at about 2:20 a.m. Wednesday after spending more than 10 hours of discussions on Tuesday.

"This is historical for women's sports. I told Cathy it's not just for the players that are entering the league or the players that aren't already here," Ogwumike added. "We're just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We're proud of ourselves."

WNBA leadership and the union met with reporters together in the lobby of a New York hotel shortly before 3 a.m.

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The deal comes 17 months after the players opted out of their previous agreement and five months after the previous deal was initially set to expire, with talks often becoming contentious.

"We opted out because what we were giving to this league and what we were getting back didn't match," union executive committee member Alysha Clark said. "You could feel the growth everywhere, but it wasn't showing up for the players the way it should. So we stayed with it until it did."

Revenue sharing has been the biggest hurdle over the course of the negotiations. Other key issues that were slowing down getting a deal done included housing and franchise tags on players.

"I hope young girls and women see this and feel it, to know their voice matters, their value matters, and they don't have to settle for less than that," said executive committee member Brianna Turner. "Now, we get back to the game. Back to competing, back to that feeling, and back to being out there with our fans."

Now, the league will have a sprint over the next two months to get the season started on time. An expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland needs to take place. Also, teams will need to negotiate with the more than 80% of players who are free agents this offseason.

Training camps would open in late April, and the season would begin on May 8.

AP WNBA:https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Zendayabrought the drama to "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in a Moschino shorts suit layered over a shirt held together by a single button. The "Dune" star is currently on the promotional tour of her upcoming film "The Drama," which also stars Robert Pattinson. She switched into a different outfit for the filming of the talk show episode.

Zendaya adds fun twist to power suits with Moschino shorts and shirt hanging on by a button

Known for delivering showstopping looks on the red carpet,Zendayaarrived at "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in a Moschino suit. The ensemble, specifically Look 45 from the label's Fall/Winter 2026 collection, featured a gray blazer, matching Bermuda shorts, and a white shirt underneath. The collection debuted on the runway during Milan Fashion Week.

The actor wore the oversized, single-breasted blazer open over her shirt, which she left mostly unbuttoned. The shirt's sleeves flared at the wrists with cascading ruffles, adding movement and whimsy to Zendaya's look. One end of its collar also had a similar ruffle detail. The suit distinguished itself from the traditional design by featuring shorts instead of the usual trousers. The cropped hem of the shorts broke up the look without distracting from the suit's interesting design.

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Styled by longtime collaborator Law Roach, the "Challengers" star kept her accessories minimal, including a pair of silver hoop earrings from Effy. Once again, she brought out her trusted Christian Louboutins. This time, she was wearing a pair of Miss Z Pumps. They appeared to be thePearlescent nappa leather- Biancopumps with a 100mm heel, currently retailing for $1,500.

Zendaya's chestnut brown hair was styled in a chic bob with a deep side part. Her hair fell just below the jawline, with the ends tucked slightly inward, creating a rounded, bouncy silhouette that framed her face. She embraced soft glam for her makeup, featuring terracotta blush, long and fluttery lashes, and a creamy nude-mauve lipstick.

Originally reported by Ankita Shaw ontheFashionSpot.

The postZendaya's Moschino Shorts Suit's Shirt Hangs on by a Single Buttonappeared first onReality Tea.

Leonardo DiCaprioandVittoria Cerettihave been keeping a relatively low profile. However, their recent appearance at the 2026 Oscars has reignited interest in their relationship. While the couple did not make a joint red carpet debut, their presence together at one of Hollywood's biggest nights did not go unnoticed. According to a source, there may be more depth to this romance than fans initially assumed. Insiders now suggest that DiCaprio sees something different in Ceretti than he did in his past relationships.

Leonardo DiCaprio's relationship with Vittoria does feel different and more serious,' per source

A source close to the actor has claimed that Leonardo DiCaprio's relationship with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, stands apart from his previous romances. "This relationship with Vittoria does feel different and more serious. He genuinely cares for her," the insider reportedly shared withPEOPLE.

While the source emphasized that the couple may not be rushing toward marriage, they claimed DiCaprio appears more open to the idea of a long-term future than before. That, in itself, marks a notable change for the Oscar-winning actor, who has often kept his personal life guarded.

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Part of what reportedly draws DiCaprio to Ceretti is her independence. According to the same source, the model's ability to maintain her own life and career is something he finds "appealing," especially given his demanding filming schedule. With long days on set and frequent travel, that balance is said to play an important role in their dynamic.

The insider also alleged that DiCaprio's friends have noticed that the actor's behavior in this relationship feels different. He is said to be "more openly affectionate" with Ceretti than he has been in past relationships.

The pair were first linked in August 2023, when they were spotted spending time together in California. Since then, their relationship has gradually become more visible, though still relatively private. Their recentOscars outingmarked a rare public date night. DiCaprio was nominated for Best Actor for his role in the film "One Battle After Another," though the award ultimately went to Michael B. Jordan. Still, the night was a success for the project, which reportedly took home multiple awards, including Best Picture.

The postLeonardo DiCaprio Finds Girlfriend 'Appealing' For This Reason — Sourceappeared first onReality Tea.

When it comes to glamour,Sofia Vergarahas a formula that never fails. A snatched silhouette, intricate textures, and a fearless approach to color. For her latest appearance, the Griselda star proved exactly why she remains a fashion powerhouse. She stepped out in a vibrant, monochromatic look that perfectly balances high-fashion edge with feminine romance.

Sofia Vergara has a co-ord moment in fully sheer Laura Basci corset top and lacy skirt

The centerpiece of Sofia Vergara's outfit is a breathtaking custom creation by Laura Basci. The ensemble features a fully sheer corset top that leans into the "naked dress" trend while maintaining a sophisticated structure. With visible architectural boning and delicate floral embroidery, the corset highlights Vergara's signature hourglass frame. The sheer paneling gives the piece a modern, lightweight feel, making the structured garment appear almost like a second skin.

To complete the co-ord moment, the actress paired the top with a matching lacy skirt. The skirt features layered, tonal lace that provides a beautiful contrast to the rigid lines of the corset. By sticking to a single, bold hue, a striking shade of magenta-pink, the look feels cohesive and intentional. This "all-in-one" color story is a major trend for the 2026 season, and Sofia wears it with effortless confidence.

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The America's Got Talent judge opted for her signature sleek, center-parted hair and a soft, smoky eye that complemented the rich tones of the fabric. A statement necklace with a dark gemstone provided a focal point at the neckline, adding a touch of old-school luxury to the contemporary silhouette.

This outfit is a masterclass in how to wear transparency. By mixing the barely-there aesthetic of the sheer corset with the classic, romantic texture of a lace skirt, the Modern Family star, Sofia Vergara, has created a look that feels both daring and timeless.

Originally reported by Samridhi Goel onTheFashionSpot.com.

The postSofia Vergara Pairs Fully Sheer Laura Basci Corset Top With Lacy Skirtappeared first onReality Tea.

Any attempt by the United States to take control of Cuba would be met with "impregnable resistance," Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Tuesday, as power returned to some parts of the island following anationwide grid collapse.

Successive US administrations have sought to isolate Cuba for more than six decades, Díaz-Canel said in a defiant X post, accusing Washington of now using economic weakness as an "outrageous pretext" to seize it.

"Only in this way can the fierce economic war be explained, which is applied as collective punishment against the entire people," he said. "In the face of the worst scenario, Cuba is accompanied by a certainty: any external aggressor will clash with an impregnable resistance."

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly taunted Cuba's communist leadership with threats of a takeover. After suggesting on Monday that he could do anything he wants with the island, Trump said Tuesday: "We'll be doing something with Cuba very soon."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed up with a blunt assessment from the Oval Office.

Cuba needs "new people in charge," Rubio said Tuesday. "Their economy doesn't work…They're in a lot of trouble, and the people in charge, they don't know how to fix it, so they have to get new people in charge."

Cuba has taken a severe economic hit since the US effectively blocked its oil supply earlier this year, depriving its aging electricity network of its main source of fuel.

Most of the island's 10 million people were without power on Monday, as the first nationwide grid collapse forced residents to cook with gas by torch and candlelight.

School hours were shortened, and major sporting events postponed, as rubbish piled up in some neighborhoods due to a lack of fuel for dump trucks.

By Tuesday afternoon, power had returned to roughly 55% of customers in the capital Havana, and some places in the western and central-eastern regions of the island.

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The outages have compounded increasingly difficult living conditions for Cubans, who for months have endured sporadic power cuts.

Uncertainty over any move by the US to make good on its threats is adding to the anger and anxiety, but Havana resident Marianela Alvarez told Reuters that Cubans don't want war.

"We, as people, as civilians, aren't prepared for a war," she said. "I want Trump to understand, to leave us alone."

Havana resident Luis Enrique Garcia told the news agency that he fears for his country, but held out hope for talks.

"I truly believe that there will be dialogue and understanding, because it is love that should unite human beings, not war, he said.

However, not everyone was so sure.

"I don't trust a dialogue with Trump," Havana local Amed Echenique told Reuters. "I don't trust Trump as a person, even with the little I know about him. And so that's something that doesn't really give me hope."

Díaz-Canel confirmed Friday that Cuban officials had held talks with the US to "identify the bilateral problems that need a solution."

Trump had previously said that Washington was holding talks with Cuba, but it was the first confirmation from Havana.

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