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CJ Gunn Wins 3-Point Championship Despite Crowd Booing

  • DePaul senior CJ Gunn won the men’s 3-point shooting contest in his hometown of Indianapolis.
  • The title-clinching shot appeared to be released after the buzzer, leading to boos from the crowd.
  • Gunn, a former Indiana University player, was a late addition to the contest.

INDIANAPOLIS — CJ Gunn wasn’t sure why everyone was so worked up.

The DePaul senior — and proud Indianapolis native — had just won the men’s 3-point shooting contest at the College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. But upon further review, the title-clinching shot was still in his hand at the buzzer.

Boos rained down as the replay ran on the jumbotron and intensified when the feed switched to Gunn, who started his career at Indiana, sporting the champion’s gold chain as he stood by for his post-round interview.

“I’m from Indiana. I don’t know why everybody was booing me like that,” the 2022 Lawrence North graduate laughed afterwards.

That seemed a little harsh for the hometown kid, eh?

“Yeah, yeah. I like it that way, though, man.”

The less-than-welcoming reception to his 3-point title aside — to be clear, Gunn was having fun with it — the 6-foot-7 guard could not have asked for a much better way to close out his college career: Back in his hometown, just a few miles from Lawrence North High School where he was a record-setting Indiana All-Star and led the Wildcats to a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2021.

Gunn was DePaul’s leading scorer in his two seasons and appeared in 54 games (44 starts) as a Blue Devil, averaging 13 points (832 total) on 41.4% shooting.

“This has been an amazing experience. It feels like just yesterday was my first year of college,” Gunn said.

“How much I’ve learned and the basketball player I became; all the lessons from transferring to being at IU my first year, it’s all just a blessing,” he continued. “I’m blessed to be here and to be able to be put in this position.”

Gunn was a late addition to this year’s 3-point contest. He got a late-night call from coach Chris Holtmann a couple nights ago telling him what he would be doing. Gunn said he was already planning to come home to visit family this weekend, so the timing worked out well, and he had a sizable supporter section with friends, family and all his coaches (past and present) in attendance.

“It’s a blessing to be able to come here and have the opportunity to pick up a basketball back in my hometown and put on a show for the crowd,” Gunn smiled. “And also to get to know these guys who are here with me tonight. Man, it’s just been an amazing opportunity.”

“That first round, I was a little nervous,” Gunn said. “That’s why I didn’t shoot it that well. But that first round motivated me to do better.”

Coincidentally, Gunn lost to Kansas’ Elle Evans in the overall championship round on a buzzer beater.

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen. 

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The Rise of Altcoins in 2023

As we navigate through 2023, the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve dramatically. While Bitcoin remains the stalwart of the market, altcoins are emerging rapidly, transforming from mere hype to genuine investment opportunities. This article explores the factors contributing to the rise of altcoins this year and highlights some promising projects gaining traction.

The Shift in Sentiment

The past few years have been a rollercoaster for cryptocurrencies. As the dust settled from the 2022 downturn, investors became more discerning. Instead of investing in any available token, they began to favor projects with strong fundamentals and real-world applications.

Innovations Driving Growth

Several key innovations are driving the interest in altcoins in 2023:

  • DeFi Expansion: Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms have continued to flourish, allowing altcoins to offer unique financial services that challenge traditional banking.
  • NFTs and Gaming: The intersection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and gaming is creating new economic ecosystems, with altcoins serving as currency within these platforms.
  • Sustainability Focus: Many new altcoins are focusing on sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious investors and developers.

Notable Altcoins Gaining Attention

Several altcoins are making headlines in 2023 for their potential and innovative features:

  • Ethereum (ETH): Continued upgrades with Ethereum 2.0 are solidifying its position as the leading smart contract platform.
  • Cardano (ADA): Known for its robust development community, Cardano is making strides with various partnerships.
  • Polkadot (DOT): As an interoperable platform, Polkadot is attracting projects looking to leverage its unique capabilities.
  • Chainlink (LINK): As the go-to oracle network, Chainlink is essential for many smart contracts, driving its demand and utility.

Challenges Ahead

While the prospects for altcoins look promising, challenges remain. Regulatory scrutiny continues to grow, which could impact projects differently. Additionally, the volatility inherent in the cryptocurrency market may deter some investors.

Conclusion

In summary, the rise of altcoins in 2023 is a testament to the maturation of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. As investors shift their focus towards projects with tangible value and innovative solutions, the altcoin landscape promises to be more than just a passing trend; it heralds a new era of digital finance and technology.

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Skiers File Lawsuit Against Major Resorts Over Ticket Pricing

SALT LAKE CITY — The two largest ski resort owners in North America face a class-action lawsuit that claims the companies artificially inflated daily lift ticket prices to “coerce” skiers and snowboarders to buy expensive season passes.

Four skiers, three from Colorado and one from Massachusetts, claim in the lawsuit filed in federal court in Denver that Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company engage in anticompetitive practices that violate antitrust laws.

“For years, skiers have been told that soaring lift ticket prices, reduced ​choice, and overcrowding are simply the new reality,” Greg Asciolla, a lead attorney for the plaintiffs, ​said in a statement, per Reuters. “Our complaint alleges that these outcomes are not the result of healthy competition, but of exclusionary conduct by two companies that dominate access to the most desirable destinations.”

The rise of the mega pass

Vail Resorts fundamentally changed the ski industry when it introduced the Epic Pass in 2008. The multi-mountain season pass provides access to what are now 42 Vail-owned ski areas and another 30 it contracts with around the world. Alterra followed with its Ikon Pass in 2018, for 18 resorts it owns, plus another 70 it has deals with.

In Utah, the Epic Pass is good at Park City Mountain, while the Ikon Pass is good at Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Deer Valley and Snowbasin.

Snowboarders and skiers are pictured at Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Jan. 9. The resort’s owner is facing a lawsuit over daily lift ticket prices. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

For the 2025-26 season, a full Epic Pass sold for $1,051, while a full Ikon Pass went for $1,329. Locals-only season passes run a little cheaper.

After introducing the multi-mountain passes, Vail and Alterra raised daily lift ticket prices sharply, exceeding $350 a day at top-tier ski resorts.

“But this is no accident, or the result of competitive market forces … lift tickets for ski areas within the Epic and Ikon ecosystems are priced in a way to induce (or coerce) customers into buying the mega pass bundles,” according to the lawsuit.

Why daily lift tickets cost so much

Speaking about the advent of the Epic Pass and the increase of daily lift ticket prices across the industry, Vail CEO Rob Katz told The Wall Street Journal that “this was an industrywide, ultimately global transformation that happened that our company absolutely led.

“And part of that was making the season pass the absolute best opportunity you could have and then make the lift ticket more expensive. If you’re going to walk up to a ski resort and buy a lift ticket, you’re not giving the ski resort any advance commitment.”

The pass commits skiers and snowboarders to buy before the season starts, not knowing whether it will be a good snow year or not. It provides resort operators a reliable income stream regardless of the weather.

Vail Resorts, a publicly traded company, sells about 2 million Epic passes a year. The lawsuit estimates that privately held Alterra sells about 1 million Ikon passes annually.

The lawsuit contends that while the season passes generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the companies, they are not good deals for customers.

“Skiers and snowboarders are led to believe they are making a cost-conscious decision in buying the Epic or Ikon mega pass, but in reality, and as a result of Vail Resorts’ and Alterra’s respective anticompetitive schemes involving bundling, they are in fact being forced into buying a mega pass, which is itself maximally (over)-priced up to the point where it looks like a good deal when compared to the overpriced lift ticket. In short, both the lift ticket and the mega pass are overpriced,” according to the complaint.

Construction progresses at Deer Valley Resort in Park City on Nov. 5. The resort's owner is facing a lawsuit over daily lift ticket prices.
Construction progresses at Deer Valley Resort in Park City on Nov. 5. The resort’s owner is facing a lawsuit over daily lift ticket prices. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

What the ski resort companies say about the lawsuit

Vail and Alterra say the claims in the lawsuit are without merit.

“We launched the Epic Pass in 2008 to make skiing and riding more accessible, reducing the price of a season pass by 60%,” according to a Vail spokesperson, adding it’s still one of the best values in the industry, especially following our further 20% price reduction in 2021.

“As we acquired smaller resorts over the years, we also launched new, lower-priced pass products, such as the Epic Day Pass Local and Limited, for guests who only want to ski close to home,” to the spokesperson.

“We will always give the best value to our pass holders who commit ahead of the season —but that said, we have also been intentional to price our lift tickets, sold in season, on a resort-by-resort basis, including numerous new discount opportunities this past season.”

Last month, Vail cut the price of an Epic Pass by 20% for people aged 13 to 30 to attract and retain Gen Z skiers and snowboarders.

An Alterra spokeswoman said the Ikon Pass “provides the best value” with its access to more than 70 ski areas.

“We believe these claims have no merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously,” the spokeswoman said in a statement emailed to the Durango Herald. “It is disappointing that we are forced to defend this baseless claim and divert any attention away from operating our business and delivering incredible experiences.”

The lawsuit contends high lift ticket prices for people who don’t ski often and locals “who lose meaningful choice about where to go” because the season pass model “channels” them to only affiliated resorts.

Vail skier visits, season pass revenue down

Skiers and snowboarders exit Park City Mountain Resort’s Town Lift along Main Street in Park City on Jan. 2. A lawsuit over daily lift ticket prices against the resort's owner comes as the West experiences its lowest snowfall ever.
Skiers and snowboarders exit Park City Mountain Resort’s Town Lift along Main Street in Park City on Jan. 2. A lawsuit over daily lift ticket prices against the resort’s owner comes as the West experiences its lowest snowfall ever. (Photo: Isaac Hale, Deseret News)

Park City Mountain and its five ski areas in Colorado generate the largest share of the company’s revenue, according to the company’s second-quarter fiscal report, released March 9.

Vail had a net income of about $210 million, down from $244.4 million during the same period last year.

Season-to-date total skier visits were down 11.9% at Vail’s North American ski areas compared to the prior year. A skier visit is counted each time a person uses a lift ticket or pass at a resort. Total lift revenue, including season pass revenue, was down 3.6%.

“This has been the most challenging winter across the Rockies that we have ever experienced with the lowest snowfall levels in more than 30 years for our Colorado and Utah resorts, combined with warmer temperatures, resulting in reduced terrain throughout the quarter and into February,” Katz said in the report.

“Given that backdrop, we are pleased with the strength and stability shown by our operating model, as we reported only modest declines in lift revenue in what many would consider a worst-case weather scenario.”

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.

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Powerball Jackpot Soars to $217 Million

Could today be your lucky day when you become the next Powerball millionaire?

The Powerball jackpot is an estimated $217 million with a cash option of $98.6 million for Saturday night’s drawing, according to the Powerball website.

The last jackpot won was March 2, with a single winner in Arkansas winning $251 million.

The Mega Millions jackpot is at $100 million, according to the Mega Millions website.

The Powerball winning numbers for Saturday, April 4, 2026 will be listed here when they’re available. The numbers are in.

Powerball winning numbers for April 4, 2026

The Powerball winning numbers for April 4, 2026 are 13-65-41-6-3. Powerball 1. Power Play 4x.

Did anyone win the April 1 Powerball jackpot?

No.

To find the full list of previous Powerball winners, click the link to the lottery’s website.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

After tonight’s drawing, the next Powerball drawing is Monday, April 6. Powerball drawings are held three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.

How late can you buy a Powerball ticket in New York?

In New York, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 10 p.m. on the night of the draw. In New Jersey the deadline is 9:45 p.m. and in Connecticut the deadline is 10 p.m.

How to play Powerball

Choose five numbers 1 to 69 and one number 1 to 26 to be your Powerball. To win the Powerball jackpot, match the six numbers on your ticket to the drawn six-number combination (five numbers plus the Powerball).

The odds of winning the jackpot prize are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball ticket locations in NY

Powerball tickets cost $2 each. Here’s where to find the closest New York Lottery game retailers near you.

How can I watch Powerball drawing?

The Powerball drawing is broadcast live on the lottery website at 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. You can watch the drawing by clicking here.

The drawing may be broadcast on a local television station in your market as well.

What are the Powerball prizes?

The complete guide to winnings is:

  • Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
  • Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
  • Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
  • Match 4 White Balls: $100
  • Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
  • Match 3 White Balls: $7
  • Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
  • Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
  • Match Powerball: $4
  • Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
  • Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
  • Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
  • Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
  • Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
  • Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
  • Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
  • Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

Top 10 largest Powerball jackpots

Here are the Top 10 jackpots since the Powerball lottery began in 1992:

  1. $2.04 billion, Nov. 7, 2022: Won in California
  2. $1.817 billion, Dec. 24, 2025: Won in Arkansas
  3. $1.787 billion, Sept. 6, 2025: Won in Missouri and Texas
  4. $1.765 billion, Oct. 11, 2023: Won in California
  5. $1.586 billion, Jan. 13, 2016: Three winners in California, Florida, Tennessee
  6. $1.326 billion, April 6, 2024: Won in Oregon
  7. $1.08 billion, July 19, 2023: Won in California
  8. $842.4 million, Jan. 1, 2024: Won in Michigan
  9. $768.4 million, March 27, 2019: Won in Wisconsin
  10. $758.7 million, Aug. 23, 2017: Won in Massachusetts

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

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What Cryptocurrency Can (and Can’t) Do

Cryptocurrency has made waves across the globe, stirring excitement and skepticism in equal measures. As people learn more about this digital asset, several myths have surfaced, often leading to misunderstandings. In this article, we aim to clarify what cryptocurrency can and cannot do.

What Cryptocurrency Can Do

1. Facilitate Peer-to-Peer Transactions

Cryptocurrency allows for direct transactions between individuals without the need for intermediaries like banks. This enables quicker and often cheaper transfers of value.

2. Provide Financial Inclusion

With the ability to access cryptocurrency via a smartphone and the internet, unbanked populations can participate in the global economy, offering financial services to those who have been historically excluded.

3. Enhance Security and Privacy

Cryptocurrency transactions are secured through cryptography and blockchain technology. This ensures that transactions are secure and can be conducted with a level of privacy not typically offered by traditional financial systems.

4. Serve as a Store of Value

Many cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, are considered digital gold. They are limited in supply, which makes them attractive as a hedge against inflation.

What Cryptocurrency Can’t Do

1. Replace Traditional Currencies Overnight

While cryptocurrencies are gaining acceptance, they are not yet widely used as a medium of exchange in everyday transactions. Full integration into global financial systems is a complex challenge.

2. Eliminate Scams and Fraud

Despite the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, scams and fraudulent activities exist. Investors must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to deceitful schemes.

3. Guarantee Instant Wealth

Many people are drawn to cryptocurrencies as a way to quickly amass wealth. However, the market is highly volatile, and investments carry risks just like any other asset class.

4. Ensure Complete Anonymity

While transactions can be conducted with a degree of privacy, cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on a public ledger. Advanced forensic tools can trace transactions and potentially reveal identities.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency embodies a revolutionary technological advancement with the potential to transform economies and financial systems. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. By understanding what cryptocurrency can and cannot do, individuals can make informed decisions in this ever-evolving landscape.

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600 Points in March as Lakers Dominate with 15-2 Record

  • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.

LOS ANGELES — After Luka Doncic scored 42 points with 12 assists in the Lakers127-113 win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday, coach JJ Redick heaped major praise on his superstar for his performance in the month of March.

“I think Luka has had as good of a month as anybody that I can remember in the modern NBA, at least since I’ve been part of it,” Redick said.

It was Doncic’s third straight 40-point game, lifting his March scoring total to 600 points — joining Michael Jordan in 1987 as the only players to reach the mark in March and one of only 10 players to score 600 points in any month.

As dominant as Doncic was, so too were the Lakers, finishing the month with a 15-2 record.

“If you don’t win, it doesn’t really mean anything,” Doncic said when asked about his scoring spree. “So the run we’ve been on, it means a lot.”

For Doncic, who eclipsed 15,000 career points during the game and thoroughly outperformed Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell — who finished with 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting and six assists — it was also another MVP-type performance.

But he once again refrained from being his own advocate for the award.

“I never did that [in the past],” Doncic said. “I’m not the one voting. … But I think I’ve been playing pretty good. We’ve been winning. So that’s it. That’s all I got to say.”

The win over the Cavaliers was notable for more than just Doncic.

It was the 1,229th win (regular season and playoffs) of LeBron James‘ career, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most wins by any player in NBA history.

It was also the 100th win of Redick’s coaching career as he became the first Lakers coach since Phil Jackson to guide the team to 50 wins in back-to-back seasons.

“Don’t deserve to be mentioned along with Phil or Pat [Riley] or any of those guys,” Redick said. “I’ve got a lot left to accomplish, for sure. … I’ve had the same [coaching] staff for the most part both years. I think just we are resilient and we’re resolved.”

And they are almost at the finish line to the regular season, clinching a playoff berth Tuesday with six games remaining. Two of those six games are against the Oklahoma City Thunder, starting Thursday on the road.

Just like Cleveland beat Los Angeles by 30 earlier in the season and this improved version of the Lakers exacted some revenge Tuesday, they will have a chance to make up for two losses to the Thunder this season — including one loss by 29 points.

And as hot as Doncic and the Lakers were in March, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder went 14-1, with the reigning MVP averaging 30.7 points on 56.8% shooting and 6.6 assists for the month.

“Very exciting [matchup],” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said. “Obviously they’re the defending champs. Playing at a high level, obviously one of the best teams in the league, if not the best team. And we have an opportunity to go into OKC and battle them.”

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Are They the Future of Money?

The concept of money has evolved significantly over the centuries, from barter systems to physical coins and notes, and now, we stand on the brink of a new financial revolution with the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). But what are CBDCs, and could they signify the future of money?

What Are Central Bank Digital Currencies?

Central Bank Digital Currencies are a digital form of a country’s fiat currency issued by its central bank. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which operate on decentralized platforms, CBDCs are centralized and governed by monetary authorities. This digital currency aims to provide a stable, secure, and efficient means of transaction.

Advantages of CBDCs

1. Enhanced Payment Efficiency

CBDCs can streamline payment processes, reducing transaction times and costs. Digital currencies can enable real-time settlements, thus improving the efficiency of the financial system.

2. Financial Inclusion

One of the most significant advantages of CBDCs is their potential to bring unbanked populations into the financial system. With a smartphone and internet access, individuals can engage in financial transactions without the need for traditional banking services.

3. Greater Monetary Policy Control

Central banks can utilize CBDCs to implement monetary policy more effectively. By having real-time data on transactions, central banks can respond quickly to changing economic conditions.

Challenges of Implementing CBDCs

1. Security Concerns

As with any digital asset, security is a primary concern. CBDC systems must be robust against hacking and fraud to maintain public trust.

2. Privacy Issues

While CBDCs offer many benefits, they also raise significant privacy concerns. Centralized control could lead to increased surveillance, as transactions could be monitored by the central banks.

3. Impact on Traditional Banking

The implementation of CBDCs may disrupt existing banking systems. Banks could face reduced deposit bases, which might affect their ability to lend and could lead to a reshaping of the financial landscape.

Global Developments in CBDCs

Several countries are either piloting or actively researching CBDCs. The People’s Bank of China is at the forefront, launching trials for its digital yuan. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve are exploring similar initiatives, analyzing their feasibility and potential impact.

Conclusion: The Future of Money?

While the prospects of Central Bank Digital Currencies are promising, they are not without challenges. As the world navigates this transition, the potential benefits in terms of financial inclusion, efficiency, and monetary control need to be weighed against privacy concerns and the implications for traditional banking. Whether CBDCs will become the future of money remains to be seen, but their development is undoubtedly a significant step towards modernizing the financial landscape.

For more information on CBDCs, visit the Bank for International Settlements.

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LAFC vs. Orlando City: 2026 MLS Season Preview

LAFC returns to BMO Stadium following the final international break before the World Cup, hosting Eastern Conference opponents Orlando City SC for an MLS regular-season match presented by SuperFile.

After five MLS matchdays LAFC stands unbeaten and in first place in the Western Conference with a record of 4W-0L-1D (13 points). The Black & Gold has not conceded a goal in MLS play so far, becoming the first club in MLS history to post five straight clean sheets at the start of a season. LAFC owns a 3W-0L-0D record at home this year, including a 3-nil win over Inter Miami at the LA Coliseum, and has won seven straight MLS home matches dating back to last summer.

Forward Son Heung-Min, fresh off international duty with South Korea, leads all MLS players with seven assists across all competitions so far in 2026. Last season’s MLS Golden Boot runner-up, Denis Bouanga, leads LAFC with five goals scored in all competitions. Twenty-year-old Venezuelan sensation David Martínez has contributed four goals, including two in MLS.

The Month in Photos | March 2026

SCOUTING ORLANDO

Orlando City has gotten off to a tough start following its run of six straight appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the longest current streak in MLS.

The Lions have scored five goals in five games and have conceded a league-high 17 times for a goal differential of -12, which ranks last in MLS.

On March 11 the club parted ways with longtime head coach Oscar Pareja, who had served more than five years at the helm. Pareja’s top assistant Martín Perelman was named interim head coach.

Perelman’s tenure got off to a thrilling start when Orlando acquired star French forward Antoine Griezmann from LaLiga’s Atlético Madrid last week. A former teammate of LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris on France’s national team, Griezmann will join the Lions after the World Cup ends in July.

Lloris and Griezmann became World Cup champions together in Russia in 2018, and made the World Cup final again in 2022 in Qatar.

This year’s Lions have been led by 2025 MLS MVP contender Martín Ojeda (16g/15a last year) who currently leads the team in goals scored with two. Winger Iván Angulo has notched a team-best three assists. Marco Pašalić, an MLS All-Star in 2025, provides danger on the other wing.

Midfielder Braian Ojeda has yet to come off the field in 2026 and leads all Orlando players in minutes played (450).

Two former LAFC players, Black & Gold Original Eduard Atuesta and 2022 MLS Cup champion Maxime Crépeau, currently wear Orlando purple, in midfield and in goal, respectively.

“Because they’ve struggled in the beginning of the season, it’s a red alert for us not to bring our guard down,” LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos told the media on Thursday. “To be ready, to push the game, to make sure that we’re aggressive. We showed our guys what they’ve been doing since the beginning of the season but we also were clear with the players that look it might be also a moment where they want to change something during these two weeks [the international break].”

INTERNATIONALS RETURN

LAFC welcomes seven members of its MLS senior roster back into the fold after they represented their countries in international play in late March.

While Son (South Korea) and midfielder Mathieu Choiniére (Canada) were logging minutes for their respective World-Cup-bound national teams, most of LAFC’s roster remained in Los Angeles and logged minutes on the training pitch.

“It is important for us to not only keep the guys that we have here fit, but to slowly integrate the guys that are arriving this week in different periods,” Dos Santos said. “Matt Evans arrived earlier in the week, then David [Martínez] arrived, then last night Amin [Boudri], Chonière, Sonny arrived, so just kind of managing slowly the guys coming back and having an idea of what we want to do against Orlando.”

“It’s good to see the guys again,” LAFC midfielder Mark Delgado said. “They’re slowly getting back into rhythm, coming back from international duty, getting the flights out of their legs, and we’re slowly getting the guys integrated again.”

As for Orlando’s internationals, Pašalić took the field for Croatia—which has also qualified for the World-Cup—contributing the winning assist in a 2-1 win over Colombia in a friendly in Orlando last week. Crépeau joined Choiniére on Team Canada, and Braian Ojeda played for Paraguay, which will open the World Cup against the United States in Los Angeles on June 12.

THE SERIES

LAFC has faced Orlando City five times, with the last four matchups taking place in Orlando. The Black & Gold owns a 3W-0L-2D overall record against the Lions, including a 1-1 draw in the Quarterfinals of the MLS Is Back Tournament in July 2020 which saw Orlando advance on penalty kicks.

In their most recent meeting on June 15, 2024, Bouanga scored two goals in a 3-1 LAFC win at Inter & Co Stadium in central Florida.

LAFC CAN WIN IF

It remains focused on securing three points at home instead of on Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal clash against defending CCC champs Cruz Azul. Just 70 hours after the final whistle against Orlando, LAFC will kick off against the Mexican giants at BMO Stadium, with the second and decisive leg scheduled for the following Tuesday in Puebla, Mexico.

“We can’t look forward too far,” said LAFC midfielder Ryan Raposo. “The staff has been telling us that everyone has to be ready to play. I think from what the coaching staff has said there’s going to be a lot of rotation, a lot of opportunities for guys to prove themselves, and we just need to focus on getting the three points in MLS and then advancing in Champions League.”

ORLANDO CITY CAN WIN IF

LAFC’s early-season evolution hits a snag. The Black & Gold’s defending, and the goalkeeping of Lloris, has carried the club while its playmakers have been working out the kinks, playing through minor injuries, and adapting to new faces and to Dos Santos’ game model. With no defeats through nine total games, LAFC’s imperfect form in the final third has yielded no setbacks thus far.

“I don’t think we’re close to being our best, which is the scary part,” Raposo said. “I think we have a lot more in us. But it’s fine, it’s still early in the year and we’re winning matches. So far it’s OK, but I truly believe that we have another two gears that we can hit, when everyone is at their top form and flying.”

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NHL Playoffs Preview: Bruins and Lightning Set for Intense Battle

Sturm said Thursday’s result was due to taking the two-time defending champions lightly.

“We didn’t respect our opponent tonight,” said Sturm, whose club finished 0-2-1 against Florida. “They had a lot of guys out, and we didn’t do our job. Shame on us today. … With a team like that, I don’t care who is out, they are a good structure team and played hard. We weren’t willing to do it.”

Added Morgan Geekie, who has a club-high 34 goals: “Tonight, it feels like you let everyone down. Had the opportunities.”

Can the Bruins rebound? Here’s the preview:

When: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Where: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa

TV, radio: NESN+, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Tampa Bay -185. O/U: 6.5.

BRUINS

Season record: 43-25-8. vs. spread: 49-27. Over/under: 42-33, 1 push

Last 10 games: 6-2-2. vs. spread: 8-2. Over/under: 7-3

LIGHTNING

Season record: 47-22-6. vs. spread: 38-37. Over/under: 38-32, 5 pushes

Last 10 games: 7-1-2. vs. spread: 6-4. Over/under: 7-2, 1 push

TEAM STATISTICS

Goals scored: Boston 253, Tampa Bay 270

Goals allowed: Boston 232, Tampa Bay 208

Power play: Boston 23.8%, Tampa Bay 21.8%

Penalty minutes: Boston 944, Tampa Bay 1078

Penalty kill: Boston 76.3%, Tampa Bay 82.0%

Faceoffs won: Boston 52.8%, Tampa Bay 47.5%

Stat of the day: David Pastrnak has 96 points (29 goals, 67 assists) and he is trying to tie Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito as the only Boston players to notch four 100-point seasons.

Notes: The Lightning (47-22-6, 100 points) moved back atop the division standings by percentage points over the second-place Buffalo Sabres … Tampa Bay clinched a playoff spot with the Rangers’ win over the Red Wings on Saturday afternoon … Anthony Cirelli clinched the victory with an empty-net goal to secure his second career hat trick … The 28-year-old Cirelli has recorded 23 goals and 29 assists in 67 matches. He slots at a plus-35 in his production … Tampa Bay owns a 24-13-1 mark on home ice and is 4-1-1 on its season-long seven-game homestand … Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (36-13-4, 2.34 goal-against average, .910 save percentage) maintained his league lead in wins over Utah’s Karel Vejmelka (34).

Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.

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Tips for New Investors in a Volatile Landscape

The cryptocurrency market has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, drawing in a wave of new investors. However, the inherent volatility can be daunting. This article offers valuable tips to help new investors navigate the crypto landscape effectively.

Understand the Basics

Before diving into the crypto market, it’s essential to understand the basic concepts:

  • Blockchain Technology: The underlying technology of cryptocurrencies.
  • Types of Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins.
  • Wallets: Digital wallets for storage and transactions.

Do Your Research

Knowledge is power in the crypto market. Here are some tips:

  • Read whitepapers to understand a cryptocurrency’s purpose and technology.
  • Follow reputable news sources and forums for the latest updates.
  • Learn from the experiences of other investors.

Start Small

As a beginner, it’s wise to start with a small investment. This allows you to:

  • Gain experience without risking significant capital.
  • Understand market fluctuations.
  • Adjust your strategy as you learn.

Use Reputable Exchanges

Choose a reputable exchange to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Look for exchanges that:

  • Offer a user-friendly interface.
  • Provide strong security features.
  • Have a solid track record and positive reviews.

Be Mindful of Market Volatility

Cryptocurrencies are known for their price swings. Here are a few strategies to manage volatility:

  • Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Consider dollar-cost averaging to minimize the impact of volatility.
  • Avoid making impulsive decisions based on fear or greed.

Keep Emotions in Check

Emotional trading can lead to significant losses. To maintain a rational approach:

  • Establish a trading plan with clear goals and strategies.
  • Take breaks when feeling overwhelmed.
  • Reflect on your investments regularly.

Stay Updated on Regulations

The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is constantly evolving. New investors should:

  • Familiarize themselves with regulations in their country.
  • Stay informed about potential changes that may affect their investments.

Conclusion

The crypto market can be exciting yet challenging for new investors. By understanding the basics, conducting thorough research, and exercising caution, you can navigate this volatile landscape with greater confidence. Happy investing!

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