American basketball star, Fever guard, World Cup participant
The White House has released a July Fourth report criticizing the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history as biased toward activism. President Trump has issued an executive order directing sidewalk signs outside the Smithsonian and a temporary exhibit to present what he calls accurate information, while Smithsonian leadership defends ongoing scholarship and a fuller account of the nation’s story.
Caitlin Clark has confronted a referee over disputed calls during Indiana Fever’s 88-75 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. She has cited a leg contusion and a pattern of officiating disputes, prompting scrutiny of officiating and Clark’s on-court conduct.
Kelsey Plum has been traded from the Sparks to the Phoenix Mercury in a deal that also involves Monique Akoa Makani and draft picks. The move follows Plum’s injury absence and Sanctioned trade talks as the Sparks adjust at the deadline; Phoenix aims to bolster a playoff push.
USA Basketball has announced its 12-player roster for the Berlin World Cup, led by Breanna Stewart and a mix of veterans and first-time World Cup players. Sabrina Ionescu has been left off the squad, a decision that executives say weighs multiple factors as the team shifts toward a post-Olympic era.
The WNBA is continuing discussions on transgender athlete participation, with a memo from commissioner Engelbert and a task force set to meet. Public responses vary as players and allies voice opinions; two ex-NBA players have signaled interest in WNBA draft consideration. The league states it will approach the topic thoughtfully and in line with its values.
Indiana Fever guard has been involved in a first-quarter skirmish with Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington. Carrington was ejected and later posted a message on social media; Fever players and coaches publicly addressed the incident, stressing it was not about race. Other game events included Caitlin Clark facing a technical foul that was later rescinded.
Engelbert has announced she is stepping down at the end of 2026 after seven years as the WNBA's first commissioner. The league has seen record growth under her leadership, including a historic CBA, a long-term media deal, and expansion plans, though criticism from players on leadership and responses to protests has persisted.
The United States has extended its World Cup winning streak to 35 games, defeating Spain 82-68 to advance to the final in Berlin. France will face the United States after beating Germany to set up a rematch of the 2024 Olympic final. Gabby Williams led the U.S. with 22 points, while Breanna Stewart added 16.
The US has retained the FIBA Women’s World Cup title after a 97-79 win over France, led by Breanna Stewart’s 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The team erased a 14-point deficit and controlled the third quarter to secure a fifth straight title. France’s challenge faded as USA outscored them 30-12 in the third.
Prediction markets expect a strong September jobs figure, with around six-figure gains possible and a 60% chance of more than 90,000 payrolls. August’s rebound supports a higher bar, while the Fed weighs inflation in its policy path. Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics will set the verdict Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Golden State has advanced to the WNBA semifinals after a 77-73 win over Dallas, completing a three-game series comeback. Gabby Williams led a late surge, while A’ja Wilson dropped 36 in the Aces’ win to reach the semis. Both teams eye a title with cross-state playoffs heating up.
Natalie Nakase has led the Golden State Valkyries to a history-making 2025 season and is set to coach Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, after experiencing a medical episode on the court. She finished the game, is undergoing further monitoring, and will coach Sunday as the team pursues the title.