&x27;Tyrants.&x27; Pope blasts &x27;those who manipulate religion&x27; as Trump feud escalates Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY Thu, April 16, 2026 at 2:44 PM UTC 1.2K 'Tyrants.' Pope blasts 'those who manipulate religion' as Trump feud escalates Pope Leo XIV said the world is "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants" and decried world leaders who "manipulate" religion and the name of God for military gain in a speech in Cameroon on April 16, as President Donald Trump has continued sparring with the pontiff.

'Tyrants.' Pope blasts 'those who manipulate religion' as Trump feud escalates

Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY Thu, April 16, 2026 at 2:44 PM UTC

1.2K

'Tyrants.' Pope blasts 'those who manipulate religion' as Trump feud escalates

Pope Leo XIV said the world is "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants" and decried world leaders who "manipulate" religion and the name of God for military gain in a speech in Cameroon on April 16, as President Donald Trump has continued sparring with the pontiff.

"Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," Leo said during his four-country tour of Africa. "It is a world turned upside down, an exploitation of God’s creation that must be denounced and rejected by every honest conscience."

The pope's remarks come after Trump's attacks on social media, where the president has shared AI-generated images depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure and other religious imagery. Trump called Leo "WEAK on Crime" on April 12 and called him out in another post on April 14 with a defense of his war in Iran.

Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born head of the Catholic Church, has been highly critical of armed conflict, and repeated his stance on April 16: "The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild."

1 / 0Look back as Pope Leo marks his first year as pontiffWhite smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel indicating that the College of Cardinals have elected a new Pope during their fourth vote on the second day of their secret conclave on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. White smoke was seen over the Vatican early this evening as the Conclave of Cardinals took just two days to elect Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo (Leone) XIV, as the 267th Supreme Pontiff after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Earlier in the week, Leo said he had "no fear with neither the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel."

Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, have both doubled down on criticism of the pope, prompting backlash from conservative Catholics in the United States.

Internationally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, threw her support behind the pope on April 16, urging Anglicans to follow his lead. Mullally plans to visit Rome later in April to meet with Leo.

"I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace," said Mullally, who in October was named the first woman Archbishop to lead the Church of England.

"As innocent people are killed and displaced, families torn apart, and futures destroyed, the human cost of war is incalculable. It is the calling of every Christian – and of all people of faith and goodwill – to work and pray for peace. We must also urge all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict."

This story has been to add new information.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Leo-Trump feud escalates as pontiff decries 'tyrants'

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'Tyrants.' Pope blasts 'those who manipulate religion' as Trump feud escalates

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The Dodgers shattered MLB&x27;s spending record at $515 million in 2025, 7 times the lowest payroll RONALD BLUM Thu, April 16, 2026 at 1:02 PM UTC 3 1 / 0Rangers Dodgers BaseballLos Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani smiles during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Los Angeles, Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The Dodgers shattered MLB's spending record at $515 million in 2025, 7 times the lowest payroll

RONALD BLUM Thu, April 16, 2026 at 1:02 PM UTC

1 / 0Rangers Dodgers BaseballLos Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani smiles during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Los Angeles, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong) ()

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dodgers shattered Major League Baseball's spending record with a combined $515 million in payroll and luxury tax last year en route to their second straight World Series title, according to final figures compiled by the commissioner's office, and Los Angeles is projected for the highest total again in 2026.

Los Angeles' 2025 spending included records for payroll at $345.3 million and tax of $169.4 million for a total of $514.6 million. Despite several contracts discounted to reflect deferred payments, the Dodgers' total was seven times the $68.7 million payroll of the Miami Marlins, the lowest-spending team, and more than the payrolls of the bottom six clubs combined.

Spending by the Dodgers last year topped the previous high of $430.4 million by the 2024 New York Mets — and Los Angeles' total didn't include the $6.5 million signing bonus given pitcher Roki Sasaki as part of a minor league contract.

The Mets and Dodgers combined to spend $948.3 million. The ratio of the five highest spenders to the five lowest increased from 3.6 in 2021 to a record-high 4.7 last year.

The Dodgers in 2025 ended the Mets' three-year streak as the top payroll, boosted by $8.5 million in earned bonuses by retiring ace Clayton Kershaw.

Los Angeles' total would have been about $71 million higher but for the use of deferred money for seven players that resulted in discounting for their payroll calculations. Shohei Ohtani counts at $28.2 million because $68 million of his $70 million salary last year isn't due until 2035.

The Mets finished second in payroll at $342.1 million and with tax had a total spend of $433.7 million.

In the first five seasons after owner Steve Cohen bought the team, the Mets spent $1.44 billion without winning a title: $1.11 billion in payroll and $320 million in tax.

Both the Mets and Dodgers exceeded the previous record-high payroll set by the 2024 Mets at $333.3 million.

Lois Angeles is projected as of MLB’s opening-day figures to lead in 2026 spending with a $323.3 million payroll for its 40-man roster and a $163.7 million tax for a $487.1 million total. The Mets began with a record payroll at $358.4 million and have a projected tax of $124.1 million for a $482.5 million spend.

Cleveland has the lowest opening day 40-man payroll this year at $75.5 million.

Total spending, based on regular payrolls, rose 3.1% to $5.32 billion last year from $5.16 billion in 2024 and has increased 31.3% in four seasons under the current labor contract from $4.05 billion in 2021.

Those figures do not include the $50 million annual pre-arbitration bonus pool that began in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement or allocations for benefits, which are included in MLB's luxury tax payrolls.

Among luxury tax payrolls, eight teams began 2026 over the $244 million tax threshold. The Dodgers ($415.2 million), Mets ($379.2 million) and New York Yankees ($339.6 million) were followed by Toronto ($319.5 million), Philadelphia ($315.2 million), Boston ($263.7 million), San Diego ($260.1 million) and Atlanta ($247.9 million).

The Chicago Cubs started $25,000 under and Detroit $2.5 million below. Payrolls increase and decrease during the season due to trades and roster moves.

The Yankees finished 2025 with the third-highest regular payroll at $301.5 million, followed by Philadelphia ($291.9 million), AL champion Toronto ($253.1 million), Houston ($236.4 million) and Texas ($229.9 million).

Four of the top five spenders reached the playoffs, except the Mets, along with teams whose payrolls ranked ninth, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th.

The Dodgers boosted payroll the most in 2025 at $74.4 million. Other teams with big 2025 increases were Detroit ($61.9 million), Baltimore ($60.2 million to $165.6 million), San Diego ($45.6 million to $217.6 million), Philadelphia ($42.8 million) and Toronto ($34.7 million).

Fifteen teams cut payroll from 2024 to 2025, led by the Chicago White Sox (by $66.1 million to $87.9 million), St. Louis ($39.3 million to $139.1 million), Miami ($29.4 million to $68.8 million) and San Francisco (by $28 million to $182.9 million). The Cardinals have further slashed payroll to $102.3 million on opening day this year, and that includes about $47.4 million attributable to trades involving three players no longer with the Cardinals: Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.

The Yankees cut payroll by $9.4 million from 2024 to 2025 and have raised it to $302.8 million this year.

Eleven teams topped $200 million in 2025, matching the record set in 2023. Five teams were below $100 million, one more than the record-low in 2024.

Regular payrolls for last year are based on 2025 salaries, earned bonuses and prorated shares of signing bonuses and non-cash compensation for 40-man rosters. Deferred salaries and bonus payments are discounted to present-day values, and termination pay, option buyouts and cash transactions among clubs are accounted for.

MLB calculated the average salary as of Aug. 31, the last day before active rosters expanded to 26, at $4,611,595. The players' association, using a slightly different methodology, arrived at $4,721,393,

Luxury tax is based on payrolls with average annual values that include benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. The players' association doesn't think tax payments should be used in measuring disparity because half the tax money goes to a commissioner’s discretionary fund distributed among teams eligible to receive revenue-sharing money which have grown their non-media local revenue.

___

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The Dodgers shattered MLB's spending record at $515 million in 2025, 7 times the lowest payroll

The Dodgers shattered MLB&x27;s spending record at $515 million in 2025, 7 times the lowest payroll RONALD BLUM Thu, April 1...

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic surges into playoffs after a scary knee injury and historic season PAT GRAHAM Thu, April 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM UTC 0 1 / 0Nuggets Spurs BasketballDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) runs up court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) () DENVER (AP) — Around playoff time, Nikola Jokic always looks to make a big splash — on the court, obviously, but also in the water.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic surges into playoffs after a scary knee injury and historic season

PAT GRAHAM Thu, April 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM UTC

1 / 0Nuggets Spurs BasketballDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) runs up court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) ()

DENVER (AP) — Around playoff time, Nikola Jokic always looks to make a big splash — on the court, obviously, but also in the water.

The Denver Nuggets do-it-all center typically opens his swimming pool at this point of the year — weather permitting — for he and his kids to have some fun. Turns out, floating around in between lofting floaters is the perfect way for him to take a break from the pressure of leading the team on a title chase.

Jokic and the Nuggets earned the No. 3 seed with a 54-win season and will face a familiar foe in Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves during a first-round series that starts Saturday.

Statistically and physically, this has been a season unlike any other for Jokic.

On the numbers side, Jokic became the first player to lead the league in both rebounds and assists per game since 1969-70, when leaders were crowned through per-game averages. Wilt Chamberlain was tops in both categories in 1967-68, back when leaders were determined by totals.

On the health side, the three-time MVP endured the first major injury of his NBA career. He missed 16 games in late December/January with a hyperextended left knee. The team went 10-6 in his absence.

“It’s not a difficult year, but an inconsistent year, with the injuries, with the lineups, with everything,” explained Jokic, who averaged a triple-double (27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists) for a second straight season. “We still managed to be one of the top teams. That’s something telling about this team, and the group that we have in the locker room. We definitely show ourselves that we can answer to anything, and hopefully we’re going find a way and in the playoffs when the moment is big.”

The Nuggets enter with a wave of confidence, too, riding a 12-game winning streak. Ask him about it and his humor shines through.

“It's definitely better than a 12-game losing streak,” Jokic said. “When you’re playing well, everybody’s feeling good.”

A point guard at center

Jokic notched 34 triple-doubles in 65 games this season. That includes a memorable performance on Christmas Day against the Timberwolves, when he erupted for 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists in a 142-138 overtime win.

“It’ll probably take a little bit of everything," Timberwolves forward Julius Randle said of guarding Jokic. “Probably got to call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors. ... He’s an incredible player. He does so much on the floor for that team.”

The 6-foot-11, 284-pound Jokic sees the floor through the prism of a point guard, with low-post moves few can stop and range extending past the 3-point line.

“He’s a joy to watch," said San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson, whose team could face the Nuggets in the second round. “He’s just so unique in so many ways.”

His teammates insist they don't take Jokic's production night in and night out for granted. Jokic's 198 career triple-doubles trail only former teammate Russell Westbrook (209). Jokic's 21 postseason triple-doubles are behind only Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).

“Nothing has shocked me this year,” said teammate Christian Braun, who was a rookie when the Nuggets won the franchise's first NBA title in 2023. “But that’s probably not the right way to say it. Everything (Jokic) does shocks me. Every time I watch him, he shocks me."

Close call

The Nuggets exhaled in relief when they found out Jokic would only miss a few weeks after being hurt in Miami on Dec. 29. It was a scary scene: Jokic falling to the floor and grabbing at his knee after stepping on Spencer Jones’ foot.

Since his return on Jan. 30, he's missed one game. That run of good health allowed him to reach the 65-game threshold and become eligible for awards.

“He’s in a great place," Nuggets coach David Adelman said, "physically and mentally.”

Getting everyone involved

Jokic's hallmark is getting everyone involved. It might be a pass to Cam Johnson on the wing or setting picks to spring Jamal Murray for a drive or finding Aaron Gordon for an open look.

“We need everybody,” Jokic explained. “Everybody needs to step up.”

Adelman remains perplexed as to why Jokic doesn't receive more MVP buzz. The current odds favor Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win again.

“I would say what stands out to me is how much he has not been talked about,” Adelman said. “I think it’s absolutely insane. I have no idea what the narrative is and why."

Jokic has certainly earned the respect of Minnesota big man Rudy Gobert.

“Whatever he does, he plays to win. He’s selfless," Gobert said. "He’s just here to show up, help his team win and go home. I like that. I respect that.”

___

AP Sports Writer Dave Campbell in Minneapolis and freelance writer Raul Dominguez in San Antonio contributed to this report.

___

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Nuggets center Nikola Jokic surges into playoffs after a scary knee injury and historic season

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic surges into playoffs after a scary knee injury and historic season PAT GRAHAM Thu, April 16, 20...

New Photo - Tom Morello remembers Rage Against the Machine fighting with SNL staff before being kicked off show

The rock band scuffled with &34;SNL&34; stagehands and the Secret Service 30 years ago. Tom Morello remembers Rage Against the Machine fighting with SNL staff before being kicked off show The rock band scuffled with &34;SNL&34; stagehands and the Secret Service 30 years ago. By Sharareh Drury April 13, 2026 6:35 p.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/rageagainstthemachine889041320264aaa3c0a87324383900a07c9505469bc.

The rock band scuffled with "SNL" stagehands and the Secret Service 30 years ago.

Tom Morello remembers Rage Against the Machine fighting with SNL staff before being kicked off show

The rock band scuffled with "SNL" stagehands and the Secret Service 30 years ago.

By Sharareh Drury

April 13, 2026 6:35 p.m. ET

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Tim Commerford, Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine perform at Madison Square Garden on August 12, 2022 in New York City.

Astrida Valigorsky/Getty

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello is looking back on one of the band's most iconic moments — being booted from* **Saturday Night Live*.

On April 13, 1996, Rage Against the Machine appeared on the iconic sketch show to promote their sophomore album, *Evil Empire*. But the band was only able to perform one of their songs, "Bulls on Parade," before they were ultimately kicked out of New York's 30 Rock building.

"Today’s the 30th anniversary of RATM’S um, 'memorable' performance on SNL," Morello wrote on social media. "There was a fight onstage between our crew and *SNL* stage hands moments before our performance, wrestling over some upside down American flags which adorned our amps."

The scuffle before their performance wasn't the final straw though. It was when Tim Commerford, bassist for the anti-authoritarian rock band, then "attacked host/billionarie/presidential candidate Steve Forbes’ family in the dressing room with a wadded up flag."

Forbes, editor-in-chief of *Forbes *magazine, had just concluded a run for the Republican nomination for president.

"Secret Service flooded the hallways. *SNL* cut (censored?) our second song and kicked us out onto the sidewalk," Morello said at the end of his post, also noting that their second album *Evil Empire *made it to the top of the Billboard Album Chart after the on-air clash.

Speaking with NME in 2025, Morello said their dressing room was right across the hall from Forbes. So, when an *SNL* representative told them their second number, “Bullet in the Head," would be cut because "the show's running a little long," the guitarist explained it was a "mistake" to then leave the band alone.

"Timmy [Commerford] doesn’t like things like that," Morello explained. "And he expresses himself. So, what he did was he took one of the American flags and he tore it up and he knotted it into a ball. You might call it a weapon. And he entered Steve Forbes’ dressing room across the way to attack him."

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Though Forbes was not in the dressing room at the time, his family was. "So Timmy launches his American flag ball rocket at aunts, cousins, wives, children. Fortunately, the kind of solid integrity of it is not so great. So … it flaps apart, hurting no one," Morello said.

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello accidentally tackled by security during show

Tom Morello

Rage Against the Machine ‘will not be touring or playing live again,’ says drummer Brad Wilk

Musicians Tim Commerford, Zack De La Rocha and Brad Wilk from the band "Rage Against the Machine" perform during day 3 of the Coachella Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on April 29, 2007 in Indio, California.

Even with no one being physically hurt, Morello says that was enough for the band to get "escorted out and put on the sidewalk a 30 Rock."**

Rage Against the Machine, which features vocalist Zack de la Rocha, drummer Brad Wilk as well as Commerford and Morello, has melded metal, rap, punk rock, and funk to produce anti-capitalist and revolutionary music.

As of 2024, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have stated there are no future plans to play together. Wilk shared in an Instagram post that despite previous plans for a reunion tour, Rage Against the Machine would not be performing again.

tom morrello snl

Rage Agains the Machine's Tom Morello performing with the band on 'SNL' in 1996.

"I don’t want to string people or myself along any further. So while there has been some communication that this may be happening in the future… I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will not be touring or playing live again. I’m sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this to happen," Wilk wrote.

The group had previously announced a worldwide reunion tour that was slated to take place in 2020; however, the pandemic forced the group to postpone all their upcoming shows multiple times. In July 2022, Rage Against the Machine finally took the stage together for the first time since 2011; however, they were only able to play a small mix of shows between July and August before de la Rocha tore his Achilles tendon.**

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