Battleground States

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NCAA

Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron has made the Golden Spikes Midseason Watch List, recognizing the top amateur baseball players. The sophomore is already having an impressive season, with 13 home runs in just 30 games—surpassing last year’s total. He’s batting .342 and leads the nation with 53 RBIs. Lebron’s range and arm strength are top-tier, making him one of the 45 players selected for the prestigious list. Alabama’s Dave Magadan, who won the Golden Spikes in 1983, is the only Crimson Tide player to ever win the award, a year when the team made it to the College World Series.

Detroit Lions

The recent expansion of tariffs is expected to cost automakers like Ford billions, but the Detroit Lions, owned by the Ford family, won’t feel the financial pinch. Lions president Rod Wood stated this week that any losses faced by Ford Motor Company won’t affect the team’s operations or its owner, Sheila Ford Hamp. While some of the Lions’ sponsors and partners have expressed concern about the impact on the auto industry, Wood reassured that it shouldn’t be a major issue for the team. The Fords have no plans to sell a minority stake in the Lions either. So, despite any challenges Ford might face, the Lions are in the clear.

MLB

The Giants’ offensive line is shaping up well ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, with key players like Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal leading the charge. General Manager Joe Schoen is optimistic about the starting lineup from last season, which included some strong performances when healthy. They’ve also added experienced players like Greg Van Roten to boost leadership.

NCAA

Indiana women’s basketball is adding another key player to its roster. Chloe Spreen, the 2024 Indiana Miss Basketball from Bedford North Lawrence, is transferring from Alabama after her freshman season. She averaged 1.2 points per game and will have three years of eligibility left with the Hoosiers.