Latest news with #American-born
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Cooper Flagg is a white guy' — Peter Rosenberg's ESPN remark sparks debate over race and rising NBA stars
Cooper Flagg made headlines the moment he was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6'8" and coming off a dominant season at Duke, his talent is undeniable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But it wasn't just his skills that caught attention. An ESPN commentator's remark 'Cooper Flagg is a white guy' quickly turned the spotlight toward something bigger than basketball: a renewed discussion around race in sports. Cooper Flagg becomes the first American born white No 1 NBA pick since Kent Benson in 1977 Cooper Flagg was picked first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. This made him the first American-born white player to be drafted No. 1 since Kent Benson back in 1977. During his 37 games at Duke, Flagg put up impressive stats with an average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals and blocks per game, shooting 48% overall and 38.5% from beyond the arc. He also racked up several prestigious awards, including the Wooden Award, Naismith, Oscar Robertson, and ACC Player of the Year. On ESPN's First Take June 27, syndicated host Peter Rosenberg declared — 'Cooper Flagg is a white guy, maybe the best white American prospect since Larry Bird. Let's not act as if we don't live in America and we're not seeing what's happening with Caitlin Clark in the WNBA... if he's nearly as good as people expect... no one's going to be more intriguing or get more eyeballs than what Cooper Flagg's doing in Dallas..'. He tied this observation to Caitlin Clark's swift rise, suggesting that race is a major factor in media intrigue. According to Rosenberg, if Flagg meets the expectations, the racial narrative could elevate him to a "cultural phenomenon" and pull in a huge audience. Still, some critics have taken issue with this viewpoint, calling it simplistic—or perhaps even racially charged. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many contend that Flagg's acclaim is due to his exceptional play on the court, not just his ethnicity. One comment on The Shadow League put it very straightforwardly — 'Caitlin Clark is popular because she's a historically great player, not because she's white, and the same is true for Cooper Flagg'. Also Read: This conversation mirrors the situation with Clark. Last year, Rosenberg sparked debate by dubbing her the "face of white fragility," accusing the media of having a bias in racial storytelling. Additionally, Flagg's entry comes as the Mavericks part ways with Luka Doncic and seek to redefine their identity nationally—and racially—as a new American star emerges.
Observer
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Omani flavours captivate Mark Wiens
It began with a brief visit in 2016, but something about Oman lingered in the memory of Mark Wiens, the world-renowned travel and food vlogger and a full time travel eater. Known for his passionate reactions, on-the-ground street food adventures and a deep respect for culinary traditions, the American-born YouTuber has documented food cultures from across the globe. Years later, it was Muscat-based foodie and culture enthusiast Ahmed al Lawati who convinced Mark to return — this time, for an immersive gastronomic journey that would spotlight the heart and soul of Oman. 'Oman has incredible natural beauty, but remains one of the Gulf's best-kept secrets,' said Ahmed, who personally curated the itinerary. 'I wanted to show Mark the side of Oman that's not about luxury hotels, but about wadis, hidden villages and food that tells a story.' Mark Wiens helping to make Omani halwa in Nizwa Their journey took them from Salalah's green landscapes in the south to the golden deserts of Dhofar and all the way back to the bustle of Muscat's traditional eateries. Along the way, they sampled shuwa — a festive, slow-cooked lamb delicacy buried underground and cooked for hours — as well as madhbi, rice and grilled meat served hot off stones. Mark was visibly moved. 'The word that comes to mind is 'genuine',' he said. 'Omani people are genuinely friendly and hospitable. And the food? It's incredible.' Known for drawing millions of views per video, Mark captures more than just food — he tells stories. And in Oman, he found one worth sharing. Guided by Ahmed's local insight, he participated in age-old cooking traditions, joined villagers in preparation rituals and tasted spice-rich dishes influenced by centuries of trade and heritage. 'Food is food,' said Ahmed. 'But the preparation journey, the story behind it, is what makes Omani cuisine unforgettable.' One of the most unforgettable moments was preparing shuwa outdoors in the desert. 'It's not just a dish — it's a celebration,' said Mark. 'The variations of shuwa across Oman are astounding. Each has a unique flavour profile, yet all carry the essence of togetherness.' They also explored lesser-known dishes like paplo, a comforting rice-and-meat blend and maleh salad, made from dried, marinated fish. 'Paplo deserves international recognition,' Ahmed remarked. 'It's simple yet layered with flavour.' Mark, who has tasted everything from Thai street food to Tanzanian nyama choma, was especially impressed by Omani ingredients like dried lemons and date syrup. 'Dried lemons are my favourite. They perfume the dish in a way nothing else does,' he said. 'And Omani halwa — its complexity and craftsmanship blew me away.' The trip wasn't just about food — it was a cultural exchange. At every stop, Omanis recognised Mark, stopping him for selfies and thanking him for spotlighting their country. 'It showed us how powerful storytelling can be in promoting tourism and culture,' Ahmed noted. Global food blogger Mark Wiens and Ahmed al Lawati with freshly caught kingfish at Muttrah fish market Their collaboration aligns naturally with Oman's tourism vision: showcasing the Sultanate of Oman not just as a scenic escape, but as a living, breathing archive of traditions, tastes and tales. 'Videos like these are not only visual treats but tools for education and cultural exchange,' said Ahmed. Back in Bangkok, Mark reflects on the journey with warmth. 'You travel for food, but it's really about the people you meet along the way,' he said. 'Sharing meals, stories and laughter — that's the real journey.' And Oman? 'I brought back dates and halwa,' he smiled, 'but I'm already planning my return. There's so much more to discover.'
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
US supreme court limits judges' power on nationwide injunctions in apparent win for Trump
The US supreme court has supported Donald Trump's attempt to limit district judges' power to block his orders on a nationwide basis, in an emergency appeal related to the birthright citizenship case but with wide implications for the executive branch's power. The court's opinion on the constitutionality of whether some American-born children can be deprived of citizenship remains undecided and the fate of the US president's order to overturn birthright citizenship rights was left unclear. The decision on Friday morning, however, decided six votes to three by the nine-member supreme court bench, sides with the Trump administration in a historic case that boosts tested presidential power and judicial oversight in the second Trump administration. The conservative majority wrote that 'universal injunctions likely exceed the equitable authority that Congress has given to federal courts', granting 'the government's applications for a partial stay of the injunctions entered below, but only to the extent that the injunctions are broader than necessary to provide complete relief to each plaintiff with standing to sue'. The ruling, written by conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not let Trump's policy seeking a ban on birthright citizenship go into effect immediately and did not address the policy's legality. The fate of the policy remains imprecise With the court's conservatives in the majority and its liberals dissenting, the ruling specified that Trump's executive order cannot take effect until 30 days after Friday's ruling. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson delivered a scathing dissent, writing: 'The court's decision to permit the executive to violate the constitution with respect to anyone who has not yet sued is an existential threat to the rule of law. Given the critical role of the judiciary in maintaining the rule of law ... it is odd, to say the least, that the court would grant the executive's wish to be freed from the constraints of law by prohibiting district courts from ordering complete compliance with the constitution.' Barrett delivered a particularly sharp rebuke directed at Jackson in the majority opinion, writing: 'We will not dwell on Justice Jackson's argument, which is at odds with more than two centuries' worth of precedent, not to mention the constitution itself.' Speaking from the bench, liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the court's majority decision 'a travesty for the rule of law'. The court's ruling in Trump v CASA, Inc will boost Trump's potential to enforce citizenship restrictions, in this and other cases in future, in states where courts had not specifically blocked them, creating a chaotic patchwork. Trump's January executive order sought to deny birthright citizenship to babies born on US soil if their parents lack legal immigration status – defying the 14th amendment's guarantee that 'all persons born or naturalized in the United States' are citizens – and made justices wary during the hearing. The real fight in Trump v CASA Inc, wasn't about immigration but judicial power. Trump's lawyers demanded that nationwide injunctions blocking presidential orders be scrapped, arguing judges should only protect specific plaintiffs who sue – not the entire country. Three judges blocked Trump's order nationwide after he signed it on inauguration day, which would enforce citizenship restrictions in states where courts hadn't specifically blocked them. The policy targeted children of both undocumented immigrants and legal visa holders, demanding that at least one parent be a lawful permanent resident or US citizen. The 14th amendment to the US constitution's citizenship clause overturned the 1857 Dred Scott ruling that denied citizenship to Black Americans. The principle has stood since 1898, when the supreme court granted citizenship to Wong Kim Ark, born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents who could not naturalize. Reuters contributed reporting.
Dominion Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Best Virginia awarded No. 3 seed in Charleston Regional for 2025 TBT
MORGANTOWN — Making its sixth appearance in the $1 million winner-take-all The Basketball Tournament (TBT), Best Virginia was awarded the No. 3 seed Tuesday in the eight-team Charleston Regional. The regional runs from July 18-22, at the Charleston Coliseum. Best Virginia, representing a WVU alumni team, will face DuBois Dream, a minor-league organization based out of Pennsylvania, at 8 p.m. on July 18. The two teams also met in the first round in 2023, with Erik Stevenson hitting a game-winning 3-pointer for a 70-68 victory in Wheeling. Stevenson is signed to play with Best Virginia again, as are former WVU players Kedrian Johnson, Jermaine Haley and Wes Harris. Former WVU standout Jarrod West returns for his second stint as the head coach with former WVU assistant Ron Everhart joining the team as an assistant coach. John Flowers, a forward from the 2010 Final Four team, is the general manager for Best Virginia. West's son, Jarrod, a former standout at Marshall and Louisville, will also be playing for Best Virginia. Marshall's alumni team, Herd That, is the No. 2 seed in the same region. If both teams win in the first round, they would meet at 5 p.m. on July 20. Herd That won the most recent meeting between the two teams, 74-61, in Wheeling. Elite Nation, a collection of American-born professionals playing overseas, was awarded the No. 1 seed in the Charleston Regional. TBT is a single-elimination tournament, much like the NCAA tournament. It features the Elam Ending, which creates a target score at the first stoppage of play with four minutes left in the game. The TBT winner splits the $1 million prize. The tournament was first created in 2014, and Best Virginia entered play in 2019. It's played in the tournament every season, except for 2020, due to COVID-19. Best Virginia is 8-5 all-time in TBT.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kinew hires dual citizen who spent decade as reporter in Washington as province's U.S. trade representative
Premier Wab Kinew has hired a former Washington, D.C. news correspondent as Manitoba's trade representative to the United States. Richard Madan is taking on a new role in the U.S. capital after reporting on Washington politics for nearly a decade, first for CTV and then CBC. The American-born, Alberta-raised journalist arrived in Winnipeg Monday and officially begins his job Tuesday with the title of Manitoba senior representative to the U.S. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Richard Madan, a long-time news correspondent in Washington, will be Manitoba's trade representative to the United States. 'This is the most exciting opportunity I've ever had,' Madan said in an interview late Monday. 'This is an opportunity of a lifetime just to represent a province that I love and where my career started and really try to advocate for it in the United States.' Madan said he's here this week to meet with the provincial government and business, labour and Indigenous leaders. Although he was happy with his reporting job, the trade rep position felt like a chance to use his skills, background and experience to do 'the right thing.' 'I'm an American. I'm also Canadian, and this sounds corny, but you just kind of want to help,' he said. Kinew — who was a TV journalist before he was a politician — announced in December that the province would hire a U.S. trade envoy early in the new year to represent Manitoba's interests. Madan was covering the premiers' visit to Washington during the winter and heard that Manitoba was looking to hire a trade representative to work in the U.S. capital alongside other provinces, including Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. 'I'm an American. I'm also Canadian, and this sounds corny, but you just kind of want to help.'–Richard Madan 'I said, 'I'm glad you guys are doing it because this should have been done decades ago. Let me know how I can help',' he said. 'I just left it at that. Then, a few months later, I received a call asking if I would be interested.' He said he thought long and hard about it. 'I feel I'm made for this,' said Madan, who is married, in his early 50s and holds dual citizenship. 'I was born in Athens, Georgia, lived a lot of my life in Canada, and I thought, you know, we're at this very critical, important time…. I understand this country. I know how to talk to these guys. I know how to connect with them. I think that that's really needed right now.' Madan said he contacted Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman earlier in the day to let her know he was taking the position. He didn't know Monday if he was going to have an office in the Canadian Embassy. Some business leaders said they were surprised that a former journalist got the job. 'I think it's an interesting choice,' said Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Chuck Davidson. 'It's typically been someone that may have been a former MP or an elected official or someone from the business community.' 'I understand this country. I know how to talk to these guys. I know how to connect with them. I think that that's really needed right now.'–Richard Madan Davidson said Madan's connection to Winnipeg and Manitoba, combined with his journalism background, should serve him well in the position. Madan worked as a CBC TV reporter in Winnipeg from 2000 to 2004, reported on politics for CityTV in Toronto from 2004 to 2010, worked for CTV as a parliamentary correspondent in Ottawa from 2010 until 2016, when he moved to its bureau in Washington D.C. In 2023, Madan was let go by CTV as part of major layoffs at the network. Later that year, CBC hired him as one of its Washington correspondents. Madan was in Washington when U.S. President Donald Trump was elected to his first term in 2016. Kinew announced the plan to hire a Manitoba trade rep under the looming threat of U.S. tariffs last December, several weeks before Trump's second inauguration. 'It's obviously going to be a new role for him, someone coming from the media going into a role like this — sort of an advocacy position. It'll be interesting. I'm sure that Richard will get the support of the business community and government to move forward and be successful in this role, hopefully,' Davidson said. Bram Strain, president and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba, said he was surprised initially by Madan's selection, but it made sense when he thought about it. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. 'Obviously, being a reporter, he knows lots of people. He knows how (Washington) works, he knows how that government works,' Strain said. 'What you're accessing is the network — as opposed to someone who knows business first, but doesn't know the way the town works. That's very important.' Strain heads the business council made up of more than 100 leading business presidents and CEOs who've committed to Manitoba's economic growth and community development. He said the trade envoy needs to listen to businesses to learn what the province needs and then represent it. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. 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