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Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Drew Carey's Weight Loss: Inside the Comedian's Health Journey Since His Heart Attack Scare

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

Drew Carey revealed that he lost 80 lbs. in 2010

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The comedian and host of The Price Is Right said he was motivated to lose weight after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, along with a heart attack that took place in 2001
He has relied on a low-carb diet and cardio workouts to sustain his weight loss

Drew Careyhas always been open about his weight loss and health journey, which began more than a decade ago.

"I was sick of being fat on the camera. Really, I just got sick of it,"The Price Is Righthost told PEOPLE in 2010. "Once I started losing weight, again, like once I started dropping a couple pant sizes, then it was easy 'cause once you see the results, then you don't wanna stop."

Though it's been 16 years since the longtime comedian dropped 80 lbs. and went from a size 44 to a size 33, he's been able to keep it off using his tried-and-true method of diet and exercise. Carey does "lots of cardio" and keeps most of his meals carb-free.

During a March 2026 appearance onTed Danson's podcast,Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Carey said he had a heart attack in 2001 but didn't realize what it was at first.

The day after he said his "heart rate went upto something really crazy" during a jog. At first, Carey brushed his symptoms off, but when he went to the hospital the following day, he learned that he'd had a heart attack and felt motivated to work on his health.

Here's everythingThe Price Is Righthost Drew Carey has said about his health and weight loss journey.

He prioritized his health after a diabetes diagnosis

During his first year as host ofThe Price Is Right, Carey told PEOPLE in March 2024 he would go out to a diner after filming and order pasta, a cupcake and an iced tea "with a bunch of lemons." Then he'd go home and eat Doritos, drink "several Pepsis" and take an Ambien before heading to bed.

"It wasmiserable to live like that," he explained, adding that his doctor gave him a wakeup call when he diagnosed him with type 2 diabetes. Carey said his doctor warned him that if he didn't change his lifestyle, his life was "going to be shorter" and that he would have "bad things to look forward to."

The formerWhose Line Is It Anyway?star was also diagnosed with heart disease in 2001 and had to undergo an angioplasty, perParade. He also had a stent inserted into one of his arteries.

He lost 80 lbs. in 2010

Drew Carey attends the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon press conference on Oct. 28, 2011 in Washington, DC.Credit: Kris Connor/Getty

The warning from his doctor gave Carey the push he needed to change his lifestyle. He toldParadethat in November 2009, he had set a goal to go from 262 lbs. to 170 lbs. by the following year — and almost succeeded, losing 80 of the 92 lbs. he wanted to shed.

"I look in the mirror and I feel like I'm in my 20s again," he told the outlet in September 2010. "I feel like I have my whole life back. I could live to be 100 now."

He does cardio workouts multiple times a week

Drew Carey attends the CBS Fall Schedule Celebration on May 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, Calif.Credit: Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Carey also credits his choice of exercise for helping him maintain his weight loss. The comedian told PEOPLE he does 45-minute cardio workouts several times a week. Though those workouts began on the elliptical, he took up running after he lost weight.

"I knew having a running goal or a race coming up would give me a little more motivation," Carey toldRunner's Worldin August 2011. "I actually was worried about the pounding, but I actually love running more than working out on the elliptical. Now if I get on the elliptical, I feel like I'm trapped."

In August 2010, he ran his first 10K in nearly 25 years.

He joked he's lost "1,000 lbs." over his lifetime

Drew Carey hosted the 9,000th episode of

As the host ofThe Price Is Rightcan attest, keeping the weight off year after year is no easy feat. He joked with PEOPLE that he's lost somewhere around "1,000 lbs." over his "whole life."

Though Carey has noted that weight loss left him feeling great, the best reward was the improvement in his health. In addition to shedding the lbs., the comedian reported that he had reversed his type 2 diabetes and no longer needed medication.

"I always thought I was going to die before I was 60," he toldParade."My father died of a heart attack in his 40s. I'm not an idiot. The writing was on the wall."

He said he mostly avoids carbs

Drew Carey visits SiriusXM Studios on Nov. 25, 2019 in New York City.Credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty

As for his nutrition, Carey has kept the weight off by eating "no carbs." The former host ofThe Drew Carey Showtold PEOPLE that he stays away from "starches of any kind" and opts for protein like grilled chicken and snacks like vegetables and fruit.

Per theMayo Clinic, carbohydrates are part of a healthy diet and are needed to provide a source of energy for the body, particularly the brain.

He called his weight loss "freeing"

Drew Carey during the 10,000th episode of

Carey has been able to maintain his 80-lb. weight loss "more or less" for over a decade. For him, the real victory isn't physical, but emotional.

"It's better being like this," he explained to PEOPLE. "I love myself enough now to want that for myself and desire that for myself. It's a whole kind of change of mindset that you have to have about your whole life. ... but once you do, it's so freeing."

Read the original article onPeople

Lindt says weight-loss drugs users are eating more chocolate, not less

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

By John Revill and Danny Callaghan

KILCHBERG, Switzerland March 10 (Reuters) - Chocolate sales are rising faster among U.S. users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs ‌than in the rest of the population, Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Spruengli ‌said on Tuesday, citing data that defied forecasts the drugs would reduce confectionery demand.

The company said an internal study, based on February data from market researcher Circana, found 15% of U.S. households use GLP-1s, representing 17.5% of chocolate sales.

GLP-1s include weight-loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro.

Consumers cutting back on high-calorie ‌intake categories, such as pasta, ⁠pizza and potato chips, are still looking for some kind of indulgence, chief executive Adalbert Lechner told a news conference ⁠on Tuesday.

"They are upgrading to premium products. Less is more – small rewards with moment of bliss rather than mindless munching," said Lechner.

Lindt, which makes chocolate Easter bunnies, said U.S. sales of premium chocolate increased among GLP-1 users by nearly 17% in ‌2025, compared to a 6.5% rise among non-GLP-1 users.

Analysts at Berenberg had expected the introduction of oral GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to have an adverse effect on the food industry, particularly confectionery, over the next few years. They anticipated a drag on sales volumes of 0.9 percentage point for Lindt in 2027.

Lechner ‌added that he does not see GLP-1 drugs as a threat to future business. He expects regulatory approvals in Europe, which are anticipated soon, to have a similar impact on ‌consumer behaviour as in the U.S.

GLP-1 pills are predicted to expand the use of the drugs to patients beyond the users of injectables, including more men and younger patients, as the oral drugs are projected to provide ‌less drastic weight loss than their injectable counterparts.

(Reporting by John Revill in Kilchberg, writing by Danny Callaghan and Bernadette Hogg in GdanskEditing by Bernadette Baum and Andrei Khalip)

Students stage a sit-in at Havana University as Cuba’s energy crisis slashes classes

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

HAVANA (AP) — An impromptu sit-in protest at the steps of Havana University on Monday drew a small group of students concerned about their education amid an energy crisis worsened by aU.S. oil blockade of the island,which has reduced classes and is paralyzing the country.

A car rides past students sitting outside the University of Havana during a protest over an energy crisis that has disrupted classes in Havana, Cuba, Monday, March 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Students gather outside the University of Havana during a sit-in protest over an energy crisis that has disrupted classes in Havana, Cuba, Monday, March 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Students gather outside the University of Havana during a protest over an energy crisis that has disrupted classes in Havana, Cuba, Monday, March 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Cuba Students Protest

Power outages and transportation shutdowns have forced the university to reduce the number of classes or hold them online, though many students are also struggling with slow and unreliable internet.

"We aren't martyrs for any side; we are university students. So, none of us intended to be here, but there has been no other way," said one of protesters, who didn't want to be identified by name due to fear of government reprisals.

The First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Modesto Ricardo Gómez, stepped out to speak to the students. He acknowledged the financial difficulties affecting higher education, and said they have been made worse by the current standoff with the Trump administration.

"Today we have been tremendously affected by the criminal and genocidal blockade of the United States government, which, without a thought for the people or our youth, is truly massacring an entire society," Gomez said.

On the main streets of Havana, many people had to walk to work or go shopping Monday. Gasoline is rationed to 20 liters per car, and getting a fill-up involvesan elaborate appointment processthat can take weeks.

During a summit in Florida with conservative Latin American and Caribbean leaders Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will turn its attention to Cuba after the war with Iran and suggested his administration would cut a deal with Havana underscoring Washington's increasingly aggressive stance against the island's communist leadership.

"Great change will soon be coming to Cuba," Trump said at the summit.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Saturday described the summit as "small, reactionary and neocolonial."

Trump also said there are high-level talks happening between Cuba and the U.S. government.

The Cuban government hasn't confirmed that meetings are happening.

The gathering in Florida, which the White House called the"Shield of the Americas"summit, came just two months after Trump ordered an audacious U.S. military operation to captureVenezuela's then-president, Nicolás Maduro,ending Venezuela's shipment of oil to Cuba.

Following the capture of Maduro, Trump signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, a move that further crippled the island plagued by a deepening energy crisis.

Since then, no oil shipment has arrived in Cuba, which only produces one-third of its own energy needs.

Follow AP's Latin America coverage athttps://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Ranking top 10 coaches in college basketball ahead of conference tournaments

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

College basketballis well into postseason mode with the remaininghigh-major conference tournamentsgetting underway around the country this week.

It's a time of the year that makes or breaks a head coach's career at their respective school. Look at the handful of universitiesthat "part ways"with head coacheseach Marchafter disappointing postseason runs.

But it's also one that can make a name for a young head coach as they lead their respective team on aMarch Madness run. A recent example of this isDusty May,who leveraged aFlorida Atlantic Final Four runinto becoming the head coach at Michigan, which won the outright Big Ten regular season championship this season.

Think you can beat our experts?Join USA TODAY's Bracket Challenge today!

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournamentis expected to be flooded with some of the top coaching talent in the country, both young and experienced. There's Dan Hurley, who's looking for his third national title in the last four yearsat Connecticut. There's also Jon Scheyerat Duke,who is looking to bring the first national championship to Durham, North Carolina since Mike Krzyzewski retired.

There are also veteran coaches such asMichigan State's Tom Izzo,Arkansas' John CalipariandKansas' Bill Self,who have all proven they can rip off a deep run in March at any time. But who are the top coaches in the sport heading into the heart of this year's conference tournaments and March Madness?

Here's a look at the top coaches, ranked, inmen's college basketballheading into March:

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Ranking top 10 coaches in men's college basketball

1. Dan Hurley, UConn

When Hurley took over the program in 2018,the Huskieshad not made the NCAA tournament in back-to-back years since 2011-12. The program lacked the physicality and toughness that it once had under Jim Calhoun. He has since built UConn back into a national powerhouse, famously warning the entire country about thisafter a loss at Villanova in 2020that the Huskies were "coming" after all.

Since then, he led the Huskies to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024 and has his program back to being a national championship contender after not meeting expectations last season with a second-round exit in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

2. Jon Scheyer, Duke

Taking over for the legendary Krzyzewski can be a daunting task. Jon Scheyer, however, has made it look seamless, asthe Blue Devilshave retained their status as one of the top programs (with the help of players such as Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer). He's once again in the mix for national coach of the year with the Blue Devils sitting at 29-2 overall on the season and in line for their second consecutive ACC tournament title.

But Scheyer's resume is still missing a national championship, and that's what has him under Hurley on the list. That title very much could be in store for him this season, though, given how dominant the Blue Devils have been.

3. Tommy Lloyd, Arizona

Speaking of former assistants who have thrived as head coaches, Tommy Lloyd is right up there with Scheyer. The former Gonzaga assistant under Mark Few is 140-35 in his five seasons withArizona, and has passedBrad Stevens for the most winsin the first five seasons.

Lloyd hasn't made it past the Sweet 16, however, and has a first-round loss to No. 15 seed Princeton in 2023.

4. Dusty May, Michigan

Everyone remembers the Owls' Final Four in 2023 that helped May land the Michigan job, and a 19-win improvement in his first season that finished with a trip to the Sweet 16.

He bought into the transfer portal over the offseason tobuild a national championship contenderthat's in line for its fourth NCAA tournament 1-seed in program history. Their NCAA tournament resume features 14 Quad 1 wins — highlighted by their 3-0 record at the Players Era Festival Championship over San Diego State, Auburn and Gonzaga — and five top-25 wins in Big Ten play over Southern California, Nebraska, Purdue, Michigan State and Illinois.

5. Todd Golden, Florida

In Year 3at Floridalast season, Golden, then 39 years old, became theyoungest coach to lead a teamto a national championship since Jim Valvano did so at North Carolina State in 1983. It's a national championship that brought the Gators back into national contention for the first time since the Billy Donovan Era in Gainesville, putting him in the class of elite young coaches in the country.

This season, Golden has done a fantastic job of turning around the Gators' season after they went 5-4 in the first month and 0-3 against top five opponents in Arizona,Dukeand UConn. Since then, the Gators are 19-2 and are knocking at the door of the 1-seed line.

6. Tom Izzo, Michigan State

It's March, so don't count out Izzo. The 71-year-old coach has won 59 games in the NCAA tournament, which he'll be leading theSpartansto for the 28th consecutive season this year. He might not have his best national contending roster this year, but the Spartans can still do some damage in the NCAA tournament.

7. Kelvin Sampson, Houston

Houstonhasn't lost a beat under Kelvin Sampson since they made to the Big 12 in 2023. The Cougars have remained one of the top programs in the country, earning back-to-back No. 1 seeds and making the national championship game last season. The Cougars' likely top-three seeding projection in the NCAA tournament will be their fourth straight under Sampson.

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8. John Calipari, Arkansas

There aren't many active coaches who have a national title and multiple Final Four appearances on their resumes outside of John Calipari. He led the Razorbacks to a Sweet 16 appearance in Year 1 atArkansas, where they nearly made the Elite Eight.

His Xs and Os may not be what they were during the prime of his tenure at Kentucky, but he can still recruit like no other, develop NBA talent and still coach. Any form of Coach Cal is better than no Coach Cal.

9. Bill Self, Kansas

Kansas' 2025-26 season hasn't necessarily gone exactly as planned with a 22-9 record and Darryn Peterson drawing attention for his limited minutes usage. Yet, the Jayhawks still find themselves between the 3- and 5-seed line. It's a true testament to Self's coaching and adaptability.

10. Rick Pitino, St. John's

Rick Pitino ledSt. John'son a magical run last season, where it won its first Big East Tournament crown since 2000 and earned a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Basketball Hall of Fame coach, who won his900th career on-court gameearlier this season, reloaded his roster through the transfer portal and has the Johnnies once again atop the conference with UConn.

The Johnnies sometimes lack production from their front court outside of Zuby Ejiofor, but their defense is what makes them a headache for teams to scout. Just look attheir statement win at Madison Square Garden vs. the Huskies.

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Honorable Mentions

Here's a list, in no particular order, of coaches that just missed the top 10 cut line:

Mark Few, Gonzaga
Matt Painter, Purdue
T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
Brad Underwood, Illinois

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College basketball's top 10 coaches before conference tournaments

March Madness bid stealers: Power 5 teams that can steal NCAA Tournament bids

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

'Tis the season forNCAA tournamentbubble teams.

With the2025-26 men's college basketballregular season in the books, its time now to look to the conference tournaments. In the 68-team field for March Madness, only 31 conference tournament champions can earn auto berths into the NCAA tournament.

REQUIRED READING:March Madness favorites: Ranking top 20 teams based on odds

While some teams on the bubble can secure their bids for the Big Dance by winning their respective conferences, there are not enough of those for each of them all to qualify.

Then there are teams that are not even in the conversation for the NCAA tournament that are potentially in line to steal a bid completely by winning their conference tournaments.

Here's a look at four teams that potentially steal bids from teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble by winning their conference tournaments in the Power Five:

Florida State(17-14, 10-8 ACC)

Florida State has quietlybeen one of the hottest teams in college basketball overthe last couple of months. Following a loss to SMU on Jan. 24, the Seminoles were sitting at a season-worst four games below .500 at 8-12 and just 1-6 in ACC play.

Since that point, FSU has won nine of its 11 games, including three three-game winning streaks in that span. The team has found its footing under first-year coach Luke Loucks, who is following in the footsteps of legendary coach Leonard Hamilton.

Of course, the Seminoles will have their work cut out for themselvesto win the conference tournament. FSU earned the No. 8 seed for the tournament and will take on No. 9 California on Wednesday, March 11. If it wins that, it will face No. 1 Duke on Thursday, March 12.

No. 4 North Carolina could potentially await the Seminoles in the semifinals, while No. 3 Miami and No. 2 Virginia are the two teams favored to get in from the other side of the bracket into the championship game.

REQUIRED READING:March Madness bracketology: Latest NCAA tournament bubble predictions

Oklahoma (17-14, 7-11 SEC)

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardimoved Oklahoma to his "next four teams out"on Sunday, March 8. That's quite a rise for a program that looked poised to fire coach Porter Moser on Feb. 4, when theSoonerssat at 1-9 in conference play amid a nine-game losing skid.

However, Oklahoma closed out the season with six wins in its final eight games, including a four-game winning streak to close out the regular season. The Sooners have found their footing and could make some noise in the SEC Tournament.

For Oklahoma, a couple of wins in the conference tournament could position it to make the NCAA Tournament — but winning it all would guarantee entry. As the No. 11 seed, the Sooners open the tournament against No. 14 South Carolina.

If they beat the Gamecocks, they play No. 6 Texas A&M and, assuming a win vs. the Aggies, No. 3 Arkansas in the quarterfinals. No. 2 Alabama could await them in the semifinals, if they make it that far. That would likely be enough to get into the NCAA Tournament, but a win against Florida in the championship game would not only lock up a spot, but also help in seeding.

REQUIRED READING:March Madness teams rising, falling in NCAA Tournament bracket predictions

Cincinnati(17-14, 9-9 Big 12)

Following a regular season finale loss to TCU on Saturday, March 7, Cincinnati is in the first four teams out according toUSA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology.However, the Bearcats have shown throughout the regular season they can hang with the best teams in the Big 12 and are a threat to go on a run.

Cincinnati has wins over then-No. 2 Iowa State and then No. 2 Arizona on its resume. Baba Miller ― an FSU transfer ― has lived up to the potential he had coming out of Spain, before having to sit out his freshman season by theNCAA for receiving improper benefits.

The Bearcats will open the Big 12 Tournament against No. 16 Utah on Tuesday, March 10, and must face No. 8 UCF if it advances. No. 1 Arizona would await Cincinnati in the quarterfinals if it were to win that one.

According to KenPom,the Bearcats have the 12th-best defense in the country this season. If it can hold up in the Big 12 Tournament, Cincinnati has a real chance to make a deep run.

Marquette (12-19, 7-13 Big East)

Marquette is the biggest reach on this list, as the Golden Eagles have underperformed all season. But could Saturday's 68-62 upset victory over No. 4 UConn could be a sign of things to come?

The victory denied the Huskies the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, but also set up a potential rematch in the second round, if the Golden Eagles can defeat No. 10 seed Xavier in the first round on Wednesday, March 11 to kick off the tournament.

A team seven games below .500 has likely shown us what its true colors are already. But all you need to do in March Madness is get hot at the right time and win games when they count the most.

It helps that Nigel James Jr. has seemed to play his basketball at the right time. He has averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists over his last six games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Power 5 conference teams that can steal NCAA Tournament bids

Team USA's WBC hopes could hinge on relatively untested Nolan McLean

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

He's tucked away on Team USA'sWorld Baseball Classicroster amid Cy Young Award winners and All-Stars.

Yet even asNolan McLean's career is just getting started, he's lined up to take on a significant role for the Americans.

McLean, theNew York Mets' 24-year-old right-hander, has made just eight career major-league starts but might end up getting the ball in the WBC championship game. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has lined up ace Paul Skenes for the semifinal round, to get the Americans to the championship.

From there, it might be McLean's turn.

He's starting Team USA's fourth pool-play game on Tuesday against Italy, which already will be a significant task as both teams enter undefeated in pool play. So how did such a relative newbie earn such esteem so quickly?

United States shortstop Gunnar Henderson (11) celebrates after hitting a two-run double against Great Britain during the fifth inning at Daikin Park on Mar 7, 2026.

Shohei Ohtani of Team Japan is forced out after the grounder of Kensuke Kondo #8 of Team Japan in the seventh inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Australia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Fans celebrate Taiwan's victory after the World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool C game between Taiwan and South Korea at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 8, 2026.

Taiwan players celebrate after winning their game against South Korea on March 8, 2026 at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan.

Taiwan's Shao-Hung Chiang (R) tags out South Korea's Kim Ju-won at home plate during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool C game between Taiwan and South Korea at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 8, 2026.

Fans hold up Korean national flags as they stand for the national anthem prior to the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Chinese Taipei and South Korea at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

United States shortstop Gunnar Henderson (11), right fielder Roman Anthony (3) and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) celebrate after the game against Great Britain at Daikin Park.

Venezuela first baseman Luis Arraez reacts from second base after hitting a double against Israel during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park on March 7, 2026 in Miami.

Bo Gyeong Moon of Team Republic of Korea collides with fence in the seventh inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between South Korea and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 7, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Venezuela center fielder Javier Sanoja reacts from third base against Israel during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park on March 7, 2026 in Miami.

Venezuela first baseman Luis Arraez (2) celebrates with catcher Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run home run against Israel during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park on March 7, 2026 in Miami.

Italy pitcher Gordon Graceffo (44) reacts after getting an out during the seventh inning against Brazil at Daikin Park on March 7, 2026 in Houston.

Dominican Republic center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) celebrates his three-run home run in the eighth inning against Nicaragua with teammates at loanDepot Park on March 6, 2026 in Miami.

Brazil first baseman Dante Bichette Jr. (77) looks on from the dugout during the third inning against the United States at Daikin Park on March 6, 2026 in Houston

Seiya Suzuki #51 of Team Japan celebrates scoring a run by a RBI triple of Masataka Yoshida #34 (not pictured) in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Venezuelan baseball fans show their support for their team against the Netherlands at loanDepot Park on March 6, 2026 in Miami.

Brazil shortstop Vitor Ito (1) throws to first on an infield single by United States shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (not pictured) during the first inning at Daikin Park on March 6 in Houston.

Fans cheer as Mexico center fielder Alek Thomas (5) slides to score a run during the ninth inning against Great Britain at Daikin Park on March 6, 2026 in Houston.

Mexico first baseman Jonathan Aranda (8) celebrates with right fielder Jarren Duran (16) after. hitting a home run during the eighth inning against Great Britain at Daikin Park on March 6, 2026 in Houston.

Robbie Perkins #9 of Team Australia is tagged out at home by Martin Cervenka #55 of Team Czechia in the ninth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Australia and Czechia at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Ronald Acu–a Jr. of Team Venezuela throws hit bat after getting walked during the fifth inning of a 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool D game against Team Kingdom of the Netherlands at loanDepot park on March 6, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

Venezuela outfielder Ronald Acu–a Jr. celebrates scoring a run in the first inning against the Netherlands at loanDepot Park on March 6, 2026 in Miami.

See energy and national pride overflow at World Baseball Classic

Who is Nolan McLean?

It wasn't that long ago that McLean was harboring dreams of following in Shohei Ohtani's footsteps, not Skenes'. The Mets drafted him as a two-way player in the third round out of Oklahoma State in 2023, and he kept the bat in his hands into the 2024 season.

At least until his pitching far out-kicked his hitting.

As McLean's arm got him to Class AA, making contact became a problem: He struck out 74 times in 143 plate appearances at high A and AA. Pitching it was.

On that side of the ball, he averaged a strikeout per inning, a good thing. And in 2025, he needed just five starts to graduate from Class AA Binghamton up to AAA Syracuse - where he was even better.

As McLean stacked dominant starts at Syracuse, posting a 2.78 ERA across 16 appearances the clamor for him to buttress a Mets rotation gasping for air grew louder. He finally arrived Aug. 16 - and became perhaps the most reliable cog on a Mets team that couldn't stop a free-fall.

Lest we forget, McLean was originally a three-way player: He was a highly recruited quarterback out of Garner, North Carolina, and on Oklahoma State's football roster as a freshman. Seems like he picked the best lane.

Nolan McLean stats

Startlingly, his numbers were even better in the National League than the International League. He gave up just 34 hits in 48 innings. Posted a 2.06 ERA, a 57-16 strikeout-walk ratio and 1.04 WHIP.

Oh, and he essentially couldn't lose.

The Mets won seven of his eight starts, his lone setback a 1-0 defeat to the division champion Phillies. Not that Philly got the best of him: He also spun eight shutout innings against the Phillies at Citi Field, giving up just four hits in his third major league start.

Yes, perhaps the WBC won't faze him too much.

Nolan McLean pitch repertoire

It usually takes pitchers the better part of a decade to master a half-dozen pitches, the result of endless tinkering, exposure to a wide swath of teammates and greater self-knowledge.

Yet McLean, at 24, might already be there.

He typically pitches off a four-seam fastball that averages 95 mph and has touched 98, along with a power sinker that most often serves as his putaway pitch. Yet his sweeper and curveball play significant roles as well, and gain greater effectiveness thanks to his trusty No. 1 and his daunting sinker.

McLean also throws a cutter, though that for now remains his perpetual workshop pitch, and a changeup.

No, they're not all perfect weapons. But for a guy to confidently throw that many pitches in a major league setting at such a tender augurs well for when McLean is, say, 30 years old.

Nolan McLean salary

Yep, he's perhaps the biggest value on both the WBC and star-studded Mets squad.

McLean will make $791,500 this season, the slight raise from the major league minimum of $780,000 a nod to his late-season contribution in 2025. He also figures to be a prime candidate for additional earnings through the pre-arbitration bonus pool that was enacted in the most recent collective bargaining agreement.

And while McLean still has six full seasons via free agency, he and other younger players should keep a wary eye on CBA negotiations and any significant changes to arbitration eligibility or free agency. He received a $747,600 signing bonus after getting drafted in 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Nolan McLean could start for Team USA in World Baseball Classic final

Corey Feldman alleges he was snubbed from Oscars Rob Reiner tribute

Sator Tenet March 10, 2026

Corey Feldmanis responding to fan outrage, alleging he was left out of a tribute toRob Reinerat the upcomingAcademy Awards.

The actor, 54, said in aMarch 6 post on Xthat he was "not invited" to Sunday's Oscars ceremony to honor Reiner, who directed him in the 1986 film "Stand By Me."The Daily Mailpreviously reported that Feldman was not asked to participate in a planned tribute to Reiner at the ceremony scheduled for March 15.

Feldman, though, tried to tamp down fan outrage over his alleged lack of an invitation.

"I understand many believe [it's] due 2 being outspoken about the abuse I suffered as a child & the campaign 2 silence me," Feldman wrote in an all-caps X post. "However, this [isn't] about me! [It's] not my moment @ all! [It's] about the tragic loss of [our] friend Rob Reiner & his memory."

Corey Feldman visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on Jan. 12, 2023, in New York City.

Feldman also asked his fans to "please take down any petitions" pushing for him to be invited to the Oscars, adding, "They [don't] need me there." He also said that he will "honor Rob my own way."

USA TODAY has reached out to the Academy for comment.

Feldman starred as Teddy in Reiner's classic coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me" oppositeWil Wheaton,Jerry O'ConnellandRiver Phoenix.

Conan O'Brienbreaks silence on Rob Reiner's killing after his holiday party

Rob Reiner speaks onstage at Collider's Directors On Directing Panel during 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025.