The hot dog is a polarizing vessel across the United States. One of the last times I was back home in Chicago was for a Fourth of July cookout that featured juicy smashburgers, succulent chicken thighs and a hot dog bar with all the accoutrements a Chicagoan could ever desire. A red-and-white checkered cloth covered a table stacked with dogs, poppy seed buns, three kinds of mustards, fresh tomatoes, neon sweet relish, chopped onions, pickle spears, sport peppers and shakers of celery salt. Everyone knows I love a spread (get it?). This Friday, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Chi Dog (Midwest) is one of six Wienermobiles set to race in the second annual Oscar Mayer Wienie 500. It joins the New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), Seattle Dog (Northwest), last years winner Slaw Dog (Southeast) and the newest competitor via fan vote, Corn Dog. Race day coverage starts at 2 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One. One of my jobs around these parts is to handicap sporting events, dive inside the odds and give you an educated idea of what to bet. Thing is, not a single American sportsbook is taking wagers on the Wienie 500. Why? "Is that a serious question?" Circa Sports director of operations Jeff Benson texted me earlier this week. "It isnt approved by gaming. You know that." I did know, but Bensons reaction was worth the ask. So we cant bet on it, but I still have a wienie in the race. And you will, too. Odds are good youll root for the hot dog that brings back your best childhood memories. Nostalgia tends to hit home in events like this. If you lathered yours with brown mustard and sauerkraut, youll be pulling for the New York Dog. If you went chili or chili-cheese, you know the drill. If you put cream cheese or slaw on your dog like a monster, God bless. We try not to judge around here. Last year, Slaw Dog sat in second place around the final turn before chasing down Chi Dog with a near 70-mile-per-hour rip to take the checkered flag. "Im knee deep into college baseball right now," one anonymous bettor told me when pressed on this years race. "But I love a good villain. Give me the Slaw Dog to run it back. Itll set up the three-peat for next year." Choose your wienie wisely. Im going Chi Dog with revenge. What about you?

Buffalo Sabres seem to focus on re-signing Alex Tuch, while the Pittsburgh Penguins are still facing trade speculation involving Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

Who replaces fired head coach Jason Kidd with the Dallas Mavericks?

Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks has shared a special message ahead of Aston Villa's Europa League final.In an eight-second clip sent to BBC Radio WM, the Hollywood star and Villa fan said: "This is Tom Hanks in the United States of America, thinking one thing and one thing only, go Villa."The Forrest Gump legend's good wishes came before ardent supporter Prince William also wished the squad luck in Istanbul, saying "Come on Villa!". Wednesday's match will be Villa's first European final since winning the European Cup in 1982, while opponents Freiburg have never been in a major continental showpiece of any kind.Tom Hanks, pictured watching the club in 2024, said he was "thinking one thing and one thing only, go Villa" [PA Media]David Bradley has been watching the team play at Villa Park since 1994 [PA Media]Hanks and the Prince of Wales are not the only famous people to support the club, which also counts actor David Bradley amongst its fans.Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Bradley, who is known for playing Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, recalled the first match he attended in 1994, where the "atmosphere was so amazing"."I was with the Royal Shakespeare Company for many years, but we always had Saturday matinees, that was in those days where all the games played on Saturday."I never got a chance to go to Villa Park, but as soon as my contract finished in 94 I got tickets for a game against Everton," Bradley said.Prince William is a regular at Villa Park [Getty Images]Earlier this month, William was photographed cheering from the stands during Villa's 4-0 semi-final victory against Nottingham Forest.Manager Unai Emery confirmed William joined in with post-match celebrations."He was in the dressing room with the players and with me, and of course, he is so happy as well," Emery said.William, patron of the Football Association, is a passionate Villa supporter and has followed the Midlands club since he was a schoolboy.Come on Villa! Good luck in tonights Europa League final. UTV! W https://t.co/sPmAa8g7MX The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 20, 2026Aston Villa fans have been pictured with former player Alan Hutton in Istanbul ahead of the final [PA Media]Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Tom Hanks' message for Aston Villa ahead of finalJubilant Prince William cheers Villa victoryVilla fans are confident in IstanbulArena to screen Villa Europa League final Related internet links Aston Villa

Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said Wednesday the "very tough decision" to fire coach Jason Kidd was his and his alone.

Colorado defenceman Cale Makar will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against Vegas on Wednesday night with an upper-body injury.

The North America iron casting industry is experiencing strong momentum due to increasing industrial production, infrastructure expansion, and rising demand from automotive and heavy machinery sectors. Iron casting plays an essential role in manufacturing durable and high strength components used across transportation, construction, agriculture, mining, and industrial equipment applications....