Soccer-Rogers named Europa League player of the season after inspiring Villa victory

Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has been named the Europa League Player of the Season after inspiring his side to a 3-0 victory over German team Freiburg in the final, UEFA said on Thursday.

The 23-year-old England international capped a stellar continental campaign by scoring the third goal and providing an assist in the Istanbul decider on Wednesday, securing the trophy and ending a 30-year wait for silverware for the Premier League club.

Rogers was a cornerstone of Villa’s run to the final, also scoring against Salzburg and Bologna, and recording five assists.

Freiburg forward Johan Manzambi was named the Europa League Revelation of the Season after the 20-year-old Swiss international featured in all 15 matches for the runners-up, scoring twice, including a crucial semi-final strike against Braga, and providing two assists.

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Former City Manager Isaiah Hugley and Councilor Joanne Cogle head to mayoral runoff

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — It will be another month before Columbus residents know who the city’s 71st mayor will be. WRBL's Chuck Williams explained Election night and looks ahead to the mayoral runoff. The Columbus mayoral race has boiled down to a runoff between former City Manager Isaiah Hugley and Councilor Joanne Cogle. That showdown [...]

Warm, humid days continue as rain chances increase for Memorial Day weekend

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) -- Good Thursday morning! We are starting the day on a much cloudier note across the area, with temperatures holding steady around 70 degrees. A few spots have even dipped into the upper 60s early this morning, making for a mild and muggy start to the day. As we move through the [...]

Glenwood secures fourth consecutive State Baseball Championship

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WRBL) — Glenwood has secured their fourth consecutive State Championship on Wednesday afternoon after scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning in Game two of the AHSAA Class 3A State Baseball Championship series. According to officials, Glenwood won two State Championship games in the AISA and two in the AHSAA. [...]

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel highlight first-team All-Rookie squad

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, the NBA Rookie of the Year and No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, highlighted the Kia NBA All-Rookie first team, which was announced Wednesday night after voting from a panel of 100 global media members.

Flagg was joined by Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward.

Flagg, Knueppel and Edgecombe were all unanimous first-team selections, while Harper made 93 first-team ballots and Coward made 29 with 67 second-team ballot appearances.

Flagg narrowly edged Knueppel to be named the Rookie of the Year, receiving 56 first-place votes to Knueppel’s 44.

New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen, Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud, Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears, Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey and Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles comprised the All-Rookie second team.

Flagg, Knueppel and Edgecombe were the top three rookie scorers at 21.0, 18.5 and 16.0 points per game, respectively. Flagg was also second in assists (4.5) while Edgecombe (4.2) was fourth. Knueppel became the first rookie in NBA history to lead the league in made 3-pointers (273).

Harper averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in the regular season for the Spurs. He’s averaging 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals through 12 postseason games (one start).

Coward averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Grizzlies. While the other four first-team rookies were the top four picks in the 2025 Draft, Coward was taken 11th overall out of Washington State. (Reuters)

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Memorial Day Weekend Forecast: Heat, Humidity & Pop-Up Storms Return Across the Region

Memorial Day Weekend Forecast: Heat, Humidity & Pop-Up Storms Return Across the Region

Alyssa Valdez says she will ‘never get tired’ of representing PH

Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez reaffirmed her commitment to representing the Philippines despite uncertainty surrounding the buildup of Alas Pilipinas for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup.

With several key stars expected to skip the tournament, Valdez emerged as one of the veteran figures who could help stabilize the national team ahead of the competition in Candon next month.

“I will never get tired of representing the country. Hopefully, we can all contribute in our own little ways,” Valdez said during a thanksgiving event hosted by Allianz for Creamline, Choco Mucho, and Criss Cross in Makati.

Despite the speculation surrounding her inclusion, Valdez admitted she still has not received official details regarding the final national team lineup from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

The possible return of the longtime Creamline star comes at a critical time for Alas Pilipinas after several major names, including Jia de Guzman, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura, and Alyssa Solomon, reportedly became unavailable for the tournament.

The expected absences forced the PNVF to explore a retooled roster built around collegiate standouts from the UAAP and NCAA alongside select PVL veterans.

Valdez, however, welcomed the opportunity to help guide the younger generation of players if called upon once again.

“It’s inspiring to be surrounded by young, talented players,” she said.

“Hopefully, they continue to grow, and we can all support them.”

The veteran outside hitter previously helped Alas Pilipinas capture a silver medal finish last year before the national team fell short against Vietnam in the championship match. (Rog Nicolas III)

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