For the first time since 2000, the UFC makes its way back to Iowa for a special showcase of some of the best that the bantamweight division has to offer when Cory Sandhagen battles Deiveson Figueiredo in the headlining bout of UFC Des Moines. Before that, though, Reinier de Ridder looks to extend his UFC win streak to three when he takes on Bo Nickal in the second to last bout of the night.

UFC Des Moines Main Event

Stepping into the cage for the first time since suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Umar Nurmagomedov last August, Sandhagen aims to stake his claim toward a shot at 135-lb gold in Des Moines. Boasting one of the more well-rounded skill sets in the division, the Colorado native has all the tools he needs to record a dominant performance in his fifth main event in a row.

UFC Des Moines Co-Main Event

Since moving up to the bantamweight class in late 2023, Figueiredo has enjoyed much success in the Octagon, winning his first three fights in the weight category over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera. Sadly, that impressive streak would be ended following a close contest with Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night 248. Undeterred from claiming a second belt, the previous two-time flyweight champion will go toe-to-toe with yet another strong contender in the UFC Des Moines co-main event this weekend.

In the not too distant past, de Ridder was on top of the world as a high-profile double title holder in ONE Championship. Aiming to build on his legacy even further, “The Dutch Knight” signed with the UFC in 2024, submitting Gerald Meerschaert in his debut. Netting a first round submission over Kevin Holland at UFC 315 in January, the middleweight standout appears primed to continue his ascent up the rankings in UFC Des Moines.

Emerging as a top blue chip prospect in mixed martial arts, Nickal has looked sterling across his UFC career so far with a perfect 4-0 company record. Handedly defeating Paul Craig at UFC 309, Nickal now has the chance to finally crack the 185-lb top 15 by conquering a once two-division champion from another promotion.

Here’s how to watch UFC Des Moines

Online Streaming: You can catch the entire card on  ESPN+, but you will need to subscribe in order to do so. Right now, the company is offering a monthly or yearly subscription of $11.99 and $119.99 respectively. For those who want to get more bang out of their buck, there is also the monthly Disney Bundle Deal, which offers ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ for $16.99 with included commercials, or $26.99 for no commercials at all.

Start Time and Date: The Preliminaries will begin at 7pm ET, followed by the Main Card at 10pm ET on April 26th.

Bout order for UFC Des Moines

Main Card:
Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight Main Event)
Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal (Middleweight Co-Main Event)
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)
Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos (Bantamweight)
Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey (Bantamweight)
Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones (Lightweight)

Preliminaries:
Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate (Women’s Bantamweight Featured Bout)

Ryan Loder vs. Azamat Bekoev (Middleweight)

Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson (Women’s Strawweight)

Gaston Bolaños vs. Quang Le (Bantamweight)

Thomas Petersen vs. Don’Tale Mayes (Heavyweight)

Juliana Miller vs. Ivana Petrović (Women’s Flyweight)

Is there such a thing as too strong of a nonconference schedule? We may find out with what Arizona is putting together for the 2025-26 season.

College basketball insider Jon Rothstein is reporting that the Wildcats are set to add another powerhouse opponent, finalizing a deal to face Florida in the season opener. The game would be played Nov. 3, the first day of the 2025-26 season, in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena as part of a doubleheader that would also feature BYU and Villanova.

Florida is coming off its third NCAA title, beating Houston in San Antonio last month. The Gators went 36-4 but like most teams have to rebuild their roster thanks to graduation, the NBA Draft and the NCAA transfer portal.

This would be the fifth meeting between Arizona and Florida (the series is tied 2-2) and first since 2012 when the 8th-ranked Wildcats beat the 5th-ranked Gators 65-64 at McKale Center, winning it on Mark Lyons’ basket with seven seconds left.

Florida is the latest in a murderer’s row of nonconference opponents Arizona has lined up for next season. The UA is also set to face UCLA at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Nov. 14, visit UConn on Nov. 19, host Auburn on Dec. 6 and meet Alabama in Birmingham on Dec. 13. That’s in addition to the Big 12 slate.

Don’t Underestimate JDM, Says Gilbert Burns

During an appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Gilbert Burns discussed the upcoming welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. “Durinho” thinks the fight is much closer than the general consensus would lead you to believe.

“People are kind of counting JDM out, but JDM is a problem. … I think Belal is going to struggle a lot in the striking. JDM is not going anywhere. That guy is going to stay there. I was taking Belal as a favorite, but I’m kind of changing. That fight is super, super close. Belal has the speed advantage for sure in the cardio, but JDM is a monster, too. He hits very hard. He’s not going to get finished. He’s not going to get knocked out. His cardio is looking very good. I’m kind of maybe changing. I think it’s going to be a very close fight.”

Maddalena was given a title opportunity after Shavkat Rakhmonov had to be sidelined due to an injury. Many fans and experts feel that Maddalena’s best shot against Muhammad is to keep the fight standing. Muhammad has made great strides with his wrestling over the years, but he insists he will also showcase his striking at UFC 315.

This will be Maddalena’s first crack at UFC gold. He’s riding a 17-fight winning streak and the only losses in his pro MMA career occurred in his first two bouts back in 2016. Muhammad has gone 10-0, 1 NC in his last 11 outings.

Privacy Manager

Mike Molieri, a Menlo-Atherton High School teacher and varsity basketball coach, has taken legal action against the Sequoia Union High School District claiming retaliation and discrimination. Since being placed on administrative leave in August 2024, Molieri has been absent from the classroom and basketball courts while the district investigation continues.

The school district is now involved in at least five lawsuits alleging school administrators engaged in antisemetic practices, wrongful termination and discrimination. 

According to the claim, Molieri believes he was “unlawfully placed on administrative leave in violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act”  after bringing up his concerns about the district’s treatment of students. It also alleges that Molieri was discriminated against for his Latin heritage and his support for students of color.

Molieri worked at M-A as a special education teacher for 21 years and as the boys varsity basketball coach for 12 years. He’s led the basketball team to multiple championship games. 

When his absence was noticed at the start of the school year, students and parents confronted the Board of Trustees during school board meetings asking why he was on leave and when he would return. According to some students, Molieri was known for providing youth with a safe space on campus and acted as a mentor to many students. 

The last basketball season passed without the direction of Molieri who has yet to be interviewed as part of the district administration’s investigation into allegations made against him, according to the claim. Mike Molieri with Menlo-Atherton student Jalen William during the 2023 CCS championship for boys basketball. Courtesy Dan Molieri.The district alleges he violated policies including: failure to notify the district of students he believed needed changes to their special education plan; disclosure of confidential student information to non-district employees; making false statements about students to staff and administrators; and soliciting parents, students and staff to engage in professional services of his brother Dan Molieri, a private investigator for the Law Offices of John Burris. Burris is representing the case involving the arrested M-A student in 2023.

The claim states that Mike Molieri “denies all allegations and denies that any such actions violated any applicable administrative polices or procedures.” It adds that these allegations only arose after he reported his belief that the district was involved in legal violations.

Dan Molieri believes said violations were in relation to sensitive information about the arrest of the M-A student, who was one of Mike Molieri’s students. The student, referred to as K.C. in lawsuits, allegedly had his confidential student records released to the police by an undisclosed person at M-A. 

The claim states that Molieri heard of “an audio tape being shared with people that contained confidential information” regarding K.C. 

According to the suit, Molieri communicated to administrators about his concerns for the student, confidentiality issues and concerns that he was being targeted due to his relationship with his brother and his advocacy for disadvantaged students of color. 

“It was discussed that members of the administration were sharing confidential information that was portraying a minor student in a negative manner and doing so broke the rules of confidentiality as it relates to the Independent Education Program,” said the claim. 

Molieri had intended to file a complaint alleging the district had violated federal policies through this breach of privacy, it added. 

Leading up to his placement on leave, Molieri was involved in other incidents that date back to 2022 involving false accusations against his colleagues and difficulties with the district administrators 

“We strongly believe that this is a case of ongoing harassment, discrimination and most importantly retaliation,” said Molieri’s attorney Harry Stern. 

The claim is asking for more than $70,000 for damages including loss of income, emotional distress and damage to reputation. Molieri is currently seeking treatment for anxiety and stress as a result of being placed on leave, the complaint adds. 

The district was served papers on April 29 and will now have the opportunity to evaluate the claim and decide whether to reject or accept it. If rejected, attorneys will have six months to file a lawsuit against the district.

“My hope is the district will do the right thing and accept responsibility, but we are planning on moving forward with a lawsuit if that is not the case,” Stern said. 

The district did not immediately respond to this news organization about Mike Molieri’s investigation.  

Apple TV+ has taken a quality-over-quantity approach since its inception, and May 2025 is a showcase of that philosophy in action. This month’s lineup is refreshingly diverse—blending cerebral science fiction, adrenaline-pumping adventure, poignant documentaries, charming family tales, and immersive music experiences. Whether you’re into character-driven drama or quirky animated specials, there’s something worth watching.

Long Way Home (May 9)

Genre: Travel Docuseries
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman
The beloved duo returns for their fourth adventure, this time journeying through 17 European countries on vintage motorcycles. Starting in Scotland and wrapping in England, Long Way Home builds on the legacy of Long Way Round, Down, and Up with even more raw, scenic footage, unexpected roadblocks, and cultural encounters. For newcomers, the entire saga is available to stream on Apple TV+, making May a perfect time to binge the full journey.

Murderbot (May 16)

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller/Comedy
Star: Alexander Skarsgård
Based on Martha Wells’ award-winning novels, Murderbot introduces a rogue security android that’s hacked its own governor module to gain autonomy—only to find itself reluctantly drawn into protecting a group of humans. Skarsgård brings both gravitas and wry humor to the role, while the show explores big questions about AI, agency, and what it means to be human—all with a side of soap opera obsession. Episodes will drop weekly on Fridays following a two-episode premiere.

Deaf President Now! (May 16)

Genre: Historical Documentary
This powerful documentary revisits the 1988 Gallaudet University protests, where students demanded the appointment of a Deaf university president. Told from a Deaf perspective, it’s not just a history lesson—it’s a stirring chronicle of activism and representation that still resonates in today’s broader push for inclusivity and equal access. Expect raw archival footage, interviews with student leaders, and a spotlight on a defining civil rights moment.

Fountain of Youth (May 23)

Genre: Action-Adventure Film
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Stanley Tucci
Guy Ritchie directs this globetrotting adventure that follows estranged siblings as they unravel clues to the mythical Fountain of Youth. The film balances sleek action set pieces with humor and emotional beats, leaning into a Da Vinci Code-meets-National Treasure tone. With a cast this stacked and Ritchie’s kinetic visual style, it’s positioned to be one of Apple TV+’s biggest original films of the year.

Bono: Stories of Surrender (May 30)

Genre: Music Documentary
Shot in immersive 180-degree video, this one-man show blends stories from Bono’s memoir with live renditions of U2’s most iconic songs. The film captures performances from his 2023 tour and gives a deeply personal look at the life, activism, and philosophy of the legendary frontman. The immersive version is also available on Apple Vision Pro, pushing the boundaries of traditional concert films.

Lulu Is a Rhinoceros (May 30)

Genre: Animated Family Special
Voice Talent: Auli’i Cravalho
Adapted from the children’s book by Jason and Allison Flom, this animated tale of identity and acceptance features Lulu, a bulldog who believes she’s a rhinoceros. Filled with vibrant animation, original songs, and a message about self-expression, it’s ideal for family movie night. Cravalho’s warm narration adds charm and sincerity to this uplifting special.

New Episodes of Ongoing Favorites

• Your Friends & Neighbors (Drama) – Continues Fridays through May 30
• The Studio (Workplace Comedy) – Episodes 8–10 air on May 7, 14, and 21
• Government Cheese (Surrealist Comedy) – Weekly on Wednesdays; finale on May 28
• Carême (French-language Historical Drama) – New episodes every Wednesday, exploring espionage through the eyes of a culinary genius in Napoleon-era France

What’s Coming Next

Stick (June 4)

Genre: Sports Comedy
Star: Owen Wilson
Looking ahead to early June, Stick lands with Owen Wilson taking on the golf world in a comedic role that blends sports antics with midlife crisis drama. Apple TV+ is clearly betting on Wilson’s charisma and a fresh setting to deliver their next breakout comedy hit.

Key Takeaways

• Apple TV+ is releasing several new shows in March 2025 including “The Studio,” “Dope Thief,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
• Critical favorites like “Severance” and “Mythic Quest” continue to be standout offerings on the streaming platform.
• The service is expanding with diverse content ranging from sports documentaries to drama series to appeal to a broader audience.

New and Upcoming Shows on Apple TV+

May 2025 is a stellar month for Apple TV+ as it flexes its muscles across every genre—from bold sci-fi experiments to emotional documentaries and star-studded adventures. The platform continues to distinguish itself with carefully crafted content rather than content overload, giving each title room to breathe—and more importantly, room to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, think, or escape, Apple TV+ has your next binge covered.

Apple TV+ continues to expand its catalog with exciting new series and the return of fan favorites in 2025. The streaming service is investing heavily in diverse content spanning multiple genres while bringing back some of its most acclaimed shows.

Anticipated Debuts

“Your Friends & Neighbors” is among the most anticipated new shows coming to Apple TV+ this spring. This quirky new series will premiere on April 16, offering subscribers a fresh comedy experience. Another newcomer, “Government Cheese,” follows an ex-con looking to turn over a new leaf while making history.

“The Studio” and “Carême” are also joining the lineup, bringing new storytelling perspectives to the platform. Sports fans will be particularly excited about “F1,” a series that explores the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.

“The Gorge” and “Number One on the Call Sheet” represent Apple’s continued investment in both genre-bending content and documentaries that explore important cultural topics.

Returning Favorites

The biggest news for returning shows is that “Ted Lasso” will come back for a fourth season. This announcement from March 14, 2025, thrilled fans who thought the beloved soccer comedy had ended with season three.

“Severance,” one of Apple’s most critically acclaimed series, is also returning with new episodes that continue its mind-bending workplace drama. “Silo” fans can look forward to more dystopian storytelling in its next season.

“The Morning Show” and “For All Mankind” continue to be flagship series for the platform. “Foundation,” based on Isaac Asimov’s classic sci-fi series, is preparing another visually stunning season that expands on its complex universe.

Expanding Genres and Formats

Apple TV+ is diversifying its content with shows like “Dope Thief,” which blends crime drama with dark comedy. The platform is also branching into more limited series formats that tell complete stories in a single season.

“Bad Sisters” and “Shrinking” showcase Apple’s strength in creating shows that balance humor with deeper emotional themes. “Pachinko,” the beautiful multi-generational drama, continues to demonstrate Apple’s commitment to international storytelling and diverse perspectives.

“Mythic Quest,” the workplace comedy set in a video game company, remains a strong performer in Apple’s comedy lineup. “Slow Horses,” the spy thriller starring Gary Oldman, continues to build its fanbase with each new season.

“Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” highlights Apple’s growing interest in sports documentaries and event coverage.

Apple TV+ Advancements and Collaborations

Apple TV+ continues to expand its influence in the streaming world through strategic partnerships and technological innovations. The platform has secured deals with major industry players while implementing new features to enhance viewer experience.

High-Profile Partnerships

Apple TV+ has forged impressive collaborations with renowned filmmakers and actors. Martin Scorsese has joined forces with the streaming service for exclusive content development, bringing his legendary storytelling expertise to the platform.

David Oyelowo is set to star in “Number One on the Call Sheet,” a documentary series exploring the challenges and triumphs of Black actors in Hollywood. This project highlights Apple’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

The platform has also secured rights to “F1,” a highly anticipated racing series that will compete directly with Netflix’s popular motorsport content. This move signals Apple’s strategy to attract sports enthusiasts.

Other upcoming shows include “The Studio,” “Government Cheese,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors,” reflecting Apple’s investment in varied content genres to broaden its subscriber base.

Innovations in Streaming

Apple TV+ has enhanced its content measurement and audience research tools to better understand viewer preferences. These improvements allow for more targeted content development based on actual watching habits.

The service has implemented advanced security measures to protect user IP addresses while still gathering essential data for personalized advertising. This balances privacy concerns with revenue generation needs.

Subscription options have become more flexible, with new tiers being introduced to compete with other streaming services. The platform now offers both ad-supported and ad-free options at different price points.

Apple’s services development team has created a more intuitive interface for browsing the growing library of Apple Original shows and movies. New releases are now organized in ways that make discovery easier for subscribers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple TV+ has expanded its lineup with several new shows and seasons in 2025. These frequently asked questions cover the latest releases, popular series, and critically acclaimed content available on the streaming platform.

What are the latest original series released on Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ recently released “The Crossing,” a sci-fi thriller starring Emmy winner Regina King. The show explores time travel consequences in a near-future world.

“Legends of Tomorrow” debuted in February 2025, bringing a fresh historical fiction angle to the platform. Each episode features a different legendary figure reimagined for modern audiences.

“The Circuit,” a Formula 1 documentary series, launched in early March 2025 with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to drivers and teams.

Which new shows on Apple TV+ are gaining popularity this year?

“Homestead,” a frontier drama set in Montana, has become one of Apple TV+’s most-watched new series. Its authentic portrayal of rural life has resonated with viewers seeking something different.

“The Algorithm,” a tech thriller about artificial intelligence gone wrong, has generated significant buzz on social media. The show stars Michael Fassbender and Sandra Oh.

“Culinary Masters” has gained a devoted following with its unique competition format that pairs amateur cooks with world-renowned chefs.

What are the top critically acclaimed series on Apple TV+ currently?

“Severance” Season 2 has received universal praise from critics, with many calling it even better than its groundbreaking first season. The psychological thriller continues to explore workplace dystopia.

“Pachinko” continues its critical success with its third season, maintaining a 98% rating on review aggregators. The multi-generational Korean family saga has expanded its storytelling scope.

“Slow Horses” remains a critical darling in its fifth season. The spy drama starring Gary Oldman consistently receives nominations for major television awards.

What are the new Apple TV+ shows available for streaming now?

“The Ambassador,” a political drama set in Washington DC and various global embassies, released its complete first season in January 2025. All eight episodes are available for streaming.

“Boundless,” an adventure reality competition filmed across remote locations worldwide, drops new episodes weekly on Fridays.

“Last Light,” a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence, premiered its first three episodes on March 15, with remaining episodes releasing weekly.

Can you list the latest Apple TV+ series adaptations from books?

“The Silent Patient,” based on Alex Michaelides’ bestselling psychological thriller, premiered in February 2025. The adaptation stars Zendaya in the lead role.

“Project Hail Mary,” adapted from Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel, launched in January 2025. Ryan Gosling leads this space adventure about humanity’s last hope against extinction.

“The Lincoln Highway,” based on Amor Towles’ novel, debuted its eight-episode season in March 2025. The period drama follows four young men on a cross-country journey in 1954.

What is the current lineup of Apple TV+ shows for this season?

“Ted Lasso” is returning for a surprise fourth season in April 2025 after a two-year hiatus. The beloved comedy continues following AFC Richmond’s journey.

“Foundation” Season 3 continues the epic sci-fi saga with new episodes releasing weekly. The adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic series has expanded its scope.

“The Morning Show” will release its fifth and final season in May 2025. The media drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon will conclude its award-winning run.