Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova originally appeared on The Spun.

In 2023, Amanda Anisimova took a break from professional tennis to focus on her mental health. Fast forward to this Tuesday, and she picked up the biggest win of her career.

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On Tuesday afternoon, Anisimova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6 (9) to become a 2025 Wimbledon semifinalist. This is the first time in her career that she has reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament. Additionally, she became the youngest American Wimbledon semifinalist since Serena Williams in 2004.

At 23 years old, Anisimova has proven she’s a legit threat to become a Grand Slam champion.

“I mean, its been an extraordinary year for me. So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way,” Anisimova said following her win over Pavlyuchenkova. “Even times like today, when you’re not sure you’re going to cross the finish line, I keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment.”

Over the past few hours, tennis fans in the United States have celebrated Anisimova’s incredible comeback.

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“What an accomplishment. Congrats,” one person said following Anisimova’s win.

“Mental health breaks aren’t failures – they’re strategic resets. Amanda stepped away to rebuild her foundation, not her ranking. That’s championship thinking,” a second person wrote.

“From rock bottom to Centre Court. Amanda Anisimova just turned a comeback into a statement. Rankings don’t measure heart,” another fan said.

“I love this! It’s so essential for everyone to take mental health seriously, even if you’re an athlete. Great job, Amanda,” a fourth person commented.

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Next up for Anisimova is a showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. They faced off in the French Open in June. Sabalenka won that match 7-5, 6-3.

We’ll see if Anisimova continues her magical run at Wimbledon and books a spot in the final.

Related: Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Turns Heads In Stunning Vacation Photos

Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova first appeared on The Spun on Jul 9, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

ATLANTA (Atlanta News First/Gray News) – The Venezuelan man convicted of killing a former University of Georgia student and whose trial set off a national immigration debate during a presidential election year has been ordered to undergo a mental health examination.

Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard, who oversaw Jose Ibarra’s bench trial and sentenced him to life in prison, has ordered the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to conduct the exam using a certified Spanish interpreter.

This past November, Ibarra was found guilty in the February 2024 murder of Laken Riley, whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus after she went missing following a morning run.

Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University at the time of her death.

Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of malice murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole on one kidnapping charge, 20 years on one count of aggravated assault, 12 months in a county jail on one count of hindering an emergency telephone call, 12 months in a county jail on one count of tampering with evidence and five years in prison on one count of Peeping Tom.

The Venezuelan immigrant who entered the United States illegally had waived his right to a jury trial, meaning Haggard heard and decided the case.

Haggard’s order, filed July 3, in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County, instructs the department to determine if Ibarra was “capable of understanding the nature and object of pretrial proceedings, including waiver of jury trial rights.”

Less than a month after their client’s conviction, Ibarra’s attorneys filed a motion for a new trial. In their motion, Ibarra’s legal counsel said the verdict was “contrary to law” and “contrary to evidence.”

Copyright 2025 WANF via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

HELENA, Mont. – Peyton Nelson, a former Capitol High Bruin, is returning to Montana after a year away to join the Montana State track team.

“It’s amazing. It’s been a lifelong dream for me,” Nelson said. “My mom ran track there. She also went to Capitol. Graduated in ’97. So, I think it’s pretty cool to follow in her footsteps.”

Nelson previously ran track at the Division II level with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. There, he achieved success as a national qualifier and conference champion in the 4×400 meter relay.

Nelson has embraced the mindset of betting on himself, a philosophy he carries with him literally. “I actually have that tattooed on me. I have, bet on yourself on my forearm,” he said. 

For Nelson, track is a family affair. His mother ran at Montana State in the late 90s, and his younger brother Cooper recently broke the Capital High 100-meter record.

HAMPTON AND NORTH CAROLINA A&T SELECTED TO PLAY IN 2026 NBA HBCU CLASSIC PRESENTED BY AT&T DURING NBA ALL-STAR 2026

7/8/2025 12:00:00 PM

Dylan Smith

RICHMOND, Va. – The Coastal Athletic Association, Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University have announced that the two storied institutions will compete in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic, presented by AT&T, as part of NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles.
 
In conjunction with the NBA, the date, tip-off time, location and broadcast information will be announced at a later date. For those interested in receiving ticket information about the CAA matchup between these two prominent universities at NBA All-Star 2026, please click the following link.
 
“The CAA is excited to partner with the NBA in showcasing the Hampton and North Carolina A&T men’s basketball programs in a conference matchup set to take place in the NBA HBCU Classic,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “The NBA has been a consistent supporter in bringing elevated exposure to HBCUs. The ability to work with the world’s premier organization for basketball is an incredible opportunity that aligns with the core values of the Conference and its membership in maintaining the importance of being ‘United in Excellence’.  We are eager to see two of our institutions shine at NBA All-Star 2026 in February.”

The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T is a continuation of the NBA’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs.

“We are incredibly honored and excited for Hampton Men’s Basketball to participate in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles” said Hampton University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “This is not only a tremendous opportunity for two historic institutions to showcase the talent, tradition, and excellence of our student-athletes on a national stage, but also a celebration of the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Thank you to the NBA and the CAA for this unbelievable opportunity as we look forward to bringing Pirate pride to the West Coast and providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”
 
“North Carolina A&T State University looks forward to taking our wonderful college basketball rivalry with Hampton University, steeped with rich history of both historically black institutions, and showcase it to the world at the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles,” said North Carolina A&T Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Earl M. Hilton III. “Both schools have produced quality student-athletes from Al Attles to Rick Mahorn and have shaped American history with such prominent figures as the A&T Four and Booker T. Washington. Therefore, it will be an honor to share this international stage with Hampton University. The NBA and the CAA have provided us with a wonderful opportunity, and Coach Ross and our student-athletes will be sure to bring Aggie Pride to LA.”
 
# # #
 
About the CAA
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the CAA has 13 full members located along the East Coast from Boston to Charleston, S.C. The conference sponsors 24 sports and has produced 17 national team champions in four different sports, 33 individual national champions, 15 national players of the year, 15 national coaches of the year, and 13 winners of the Honda Award. For more information, visit www.caasports.com or follow CAASports on X, Instagram and Facebook.
 
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.  NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness. 
 
About Hampton University Athletics
The primary focus of Hampton University athletics is to enhance the overall student-athlete experience, improve facilities, and foster a culture of excellence. The department of athletics has expanded support services, including academic resources, mental health initiatives, sports medicine, and sports performance programs. The University is also working to enhance our facilities for all 17 sports programs, improve locker rooms, and upgrade our weight training and medical treatment areas.
 
Academic success remains at the forefront. Hampton University has bolstered its academic support services, including tutoring, mentorship programs, and career development workshops. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) plays a critical role in fostering academic excellence. Hampton University student-athletes are held to high academic standards and take pride in their accomplishments in the classroom.
 
Enhancing the student-athlete experience has been a major priority. The University has expanded resources related to health and wellness, nutrition, and mental health support. Hampton University has provided more leadership development opportunities and strengthened the alumni network to help with career placements. Additionally, the department of athletics continually works to improve the overall team resources to ensure our athletes have what they need to succeed.
 
About North Carolina A&T State Athletics
Consistent with the mission statement of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the North Carolina A&T Department of Intercollegiate Athletics looks to provide an intellectual environment where students develop a sense of identification, belonging, responsibility, and achievement that prepares them for leadership and service in regional, national and global communities. The Department of Athletics provides a comprehensive program of intercollegiate competition as an integral part of the total educational experience for all students by supporting 17 varsity teams.
 
Embracing the principles of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, diversity, ethical conduct, and amateurism while facilitating the academic objectives of the student-athletes, the department complies with all conference and association rules and regulations and ensures equal opportunity and access for all students and staff who desire to associate with intercollegiate athletics without regard for race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or religion.
 
Media Contacts:
CAA: Dylan Smith, dsmith@caasports.com
NBA: Brandon Gassaway, bgassaway@nba.com, Karel Calcote, kcalcote@nba.com
Hampton University: Mike Ballweg, michael.ballweg@hamptonu.edu
North Carolina A&T State: Brian Holloway, bmhollow@ncat.edu
 
 
 
 

Last weekend, in the shadow of the Star-Spangled Banner, thousands of visitors—families with fanny packs, retired teachers from Ohio, Gen Z road-trippers from Nevada, newlyweds, veterans, toddlers, tourists from India—arrived at the museum’s pop-up Civic Pavilion, part of the national effort known as Civic Season. Every summer since 2021, museums across the country host events and gatherings between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, inviting younger generations to learn about and connect with the nation’s past.

In the Civic Pavilion, a colorful mural, created by Gen Z artist Katie Costa, shows portals to 10, 50, and 100 years in the future, with a simple prompt: “What’s your wish for U.S.?”

In three weeks, nearly 10,000 people picked up a marker and made a wish for their country to be archived in a time capsule opened in 50 years. And online, at OnOur250th.org, The New York Historical invited even wider digital participation with the same prompt, should you wish to explore on your own—or add your voice to the collection.

These wishes tell us a lot about the current state of the American people—and our future.

A 12-year-old from Illinois wanted to “stop animal abuse.” A 22-year-old from New York wrote, “Say no to AI.”

Some had specific visions: “Every city should have a nonviolent emergency response team.” “Better support for veterans.” “Term limits for Congress.”

Others made personal, existential wishes: “That my grandchildren will be safe at school.” “That cancer takes no more lives.” “Protect life.”

Dozens called for unity, kindness, respect, and getting along. Others offered a single, aching word: “Peace.”

And funny wishes, especially from children: “Dear 58-year-old me, you should be eating cookies.” “Never be rude.”

The wishes brought to life our national motto: e pluribus unum, out of many, one. The wild diversity of ideas—from people who want stronger borders or more open ones, bigger government or smaller—that’s the “many” part. The “one” showed up in our shared desires, repeated on thousands of colorful cards: safety, fairness, dignity, a better life.

There’s something sacred and grounding about the moment when there’s no camera rolling, no one to judge or grade you, it’s just you, a long timeline, and a blank piece of paper.

  Photo by Caroline Klibanoff

For many, the next thought is a math calculation.

A 23-year-old student paused for a full minute after a volunteer asked him how old he will be when the time capsule is opened. “Seventy-three,” he said slowly, unbelievingly. Visitors stared at the portal to 2075, their minds temporarily transported to an imagined future. Older folks wrote wishes for future generations, realizing they won’t be here to see the outcome. A young dad from Texas guided his daughter, trailing off at the end of the sentence: “You’ll be fifty…six…wow. Huh.”

This is what happens when we ask people to imagine the long arc of time—not as spectators of history but as authors of it. Like it or not, you’re in the ring. The time will pass. What will we do with it?

We often talk about “America” as if it’s happening to us. Something beyond our control. But this project reminded me—and every visitor who stood in front of that wall—that America isn’t only leaders or policy or government. It’s a living story, and the ending is not yet written.

America is us. A nation of people with ideas and the will to act on them. We are the inheritors of one of the most radical experiments in self-government in human history—a wish made reality.

If we want a stronger democracy, a more compassionate country, a livable planet—those things don’t start in Washington. They start with us. In museums, classrooms, dinner tables, and church basements. On a 5-by-7 index card, where someone who didn’t think they had anything to say realizes they’re part of the story, too.

No one can say exactly what America will look like when that time capsule opens in 2075. But the wishes give us a clue. “This is the old heartening, energizing promise the past makes to us,” wrote Robert Penn Warren in 1974, two years before America’s Bicentennial. “We, too, in our own flicker of time, can earn a place in the story. How? By creating the future.”

Those of us here in our flicker of time, one year to go until the country’s 250th birthday, stand in the doorway of America’s next chapter, armed with a freedom to imagine and build that feels quintessentially American. My bet is on another 250 years. Not because we agree on everything, but because we believe tomorrow can be better than today—and we know it’s up to us to make it so.

Caroline Klibanoff is Executive Director of Made By Us, the organization behind Civic Season; an Eisenhower USA Fellow and a Senior Fellow at New America.