USA Update

NETFLIX has released the first look trailer for Liam Payne’s final ever TV show before his tragic death.

Talent contest Building The Band was filmed months before his death last October.

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Netflix has released the first look trailer for Liam Payne’s final ever TV show before his tragic death[/caption]

Netflix

Talent contest Building The Band was filmed months before his death last October.[/caption]

Netflix

The show features pods similar to those in Love is Blind[/caption]

Netflix has released a teasing trailer and release date for its upcoming show Building The Band, which will feature the late Liam Payne as a guest judge.

The programme adopts a Voice format, where singers audition for each other and select their bandmates without laying eyes on them first.

But that’s where the similarity ends because the set looks similar to the pods from the popular reality dating show Love Is Blind.

The trailer shows viewers a glimpse of aspiring musicians entering the pods, with contestant Donzell stealing the spotlight.

The other contestants are left loving his vocals as they try to form their ultimate band based on musical energy, chemistry, and talent.

The footage doesn’t reveal Liam or any of the judges, or explicitly reference his participation in the programme.

Liam is a judge and mentor alongside singers Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland.

Speculation had been rife that the Netflix project would be axed, or Liam’s part would be cut out of respect, following his fatal balcony fall at the age of 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

A source said: “Liam was on great form at filming so everyone’s pleased fans will get to see the ‘real’ him one last time.

“It will be bittersweet when the show is released.

“Netflix have gone out of their way to make sure his family are happy.

“Producers sent them the footage so they are fully aware of what to expect and they have given it their blessing.”

Much like the origins of Liam’s band One Direction, the show, filmed in Manchester, creates a group from strangers.

Host and Backstreet Boys’ star AJ McLean said: “Liam lit up the room any time we were on set.

“We spent pretty much six weeks, 14-hour days locked in a sound stage together, sharing stories.

“We were talking about music, about life, about sobriety.

“He was a light and we are dedicating the show to him.

“I’m glad people get to see this side of him. To remember him this way. Because this is really truly who he is. He’s now in a safer place.”

Meanwhile, two men accused of supplying Liam with cocaine just hours before he fell to his death will face trial, prosecutors have confirmed.

Waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz and ex-hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra have been behind bars since January after they were charged over the One Direction star’s death.

The pair will be put on the stand and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of drugs offences.

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Singers audition for each other and select their bandmates without laying eyes on them first[/caption]

Netflix

The trailers show a glimpse of musicians entering the pods[/caption]

Netflix

Liam is a judge and mentor on the talent show[/caption]

Netflix

Building the Band audition pods[/caption]

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Host and Backstreet Boys’ star AJ McLean said: “Liam lit up the room any time we were on set[/caption]

Building The Band is set to air on Netflix on 9th July.

GETTING through the airport without spending more than you’ve paid for your flights can be a bit of a challenge when you’ve got a young family. 

Here’s my hacks for keeping costs down while not falling foul of security and airline restrictions.

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You can get “free” suncream at the airport[/caption]

Grab a ‘free suncream’ at the airport

We all know suncream can cost a bomb abroad, but if you’re only traveling with hand luggage, you might not be able to carry a big bottle with you. 

When I went through Stansted at Easter, the liquid allowance was still 100ml per bottle, although it’s due to be lifted at some airports this month after new scanners were installed.

But if you plan in advance, you could get a free suncream in the departure lounge once you’re through the security checks.

Before you travel, get the Recycle at Boots app and find five empty health or beauty items that can’t go in your kerbside recycling collection, like electric toothbrush heads or toothpaste tubes.

Take a quick snap of them and upload them to the app. Once they’ve been added, you can bag them up and drop them in the collection point at your nearest participating Boots, before scanning the QR code on the side of the box for a voucher to claim £5 worth of Advantage Card points when you spend £10. 

If you store up your points until you get through airport security, you can spend them on suncream at Boots airside.

I got a bottle of Soltan at Stansted for £6.05, so you’ll need more points than you get in one recycling transaction, but there’s nothing to stop you doing it several times and getting lots of points on your card, ready to spend at the airport.

It’s also handy if you need liquids like Calpol or you’ve forgotten any essentials like toothpaste.

Local drop-off prices or free

Residents who live near Stansted Airport can pay a reduced charge at the express set down at the terminal of either 50p or £1 for up to 15 minutes, depending on whether they live within five miles or 10 miles.

There are similar schemes at other regional airports like Edinburgh and Manchester, which means that if you live near an airport or have family and friends who do, you might be able to avoid paying for airport parking. 

We used the free drop-off and pick-up point in one of the long-term car parks, hopping on the shuttle bus to get us to and from the airport.

Food on flight

It’s worth giving a bit of thought to what you’re going to eat and drink while you’re at the airport and on your flight, as grabbing a quick bite can end up costing a fair bit otherwise. 

I usually pack up a picnic of cut-price sarnies to dole out on the plane, but it would also be easy to bring a pot noodle and ask for some hot water from the cabin crew.

For just 70p a pop at Aldi compared to easyJet or Norse Atlantic Airways prices of £4.50 per pot, my family of five would save almost £20 with this easy hack.

We also like to bring reusable water pouches that pack flat and can be filled up once you’re through security.

There’s a water tap just inside the Wetherspoons at Stansted so you don’t even need to ask at the bar to top up your drinks bottles.

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Most Wetherspoons pubs at the airport have a free tap you can use[/caption]

Cashback cards

If you want to eat something a bit more substantial before your flight, it’s often the case that chains like Pizza Express exclude their airport branches from popular deals and discounts.

But there is a way you can enjoy a meal while saving a bit of money, if you use cashback sites like Quidco.

If you’ve got a bit of cashback saved up on your account, you can withdraw it in the form of an e-giftcard for various restaurants.

Cashing out as a gift card rather than straight into your bank account might mean you’ll get an extra amount on top of what you’re withdrawing.

You can get up to 15 per cent extra on some restaurant giftcards, so if you’re cashing out £10, you’ll end up with £11.50 to spend.

It can take a few days for the gift card to arrive in your inbox, so you’ll need to plan in advance of your travel date.

Luggage which doubles up

I’m not alone in suffering airport anxiety when it comes to making sure I don’t fall foul of luggage restrictions.

But there’s a couple of little tricks you could use to help yourself out if you need just a bit more space for your holiday essentials. 

If you have a neck pillow that you use to sleep on your flight, you can take the inner cushion out and stuff the case with a rolled up towel or nightwear to save space in your bag.

And if you’re traveling with children, some airlines like easyJet allow you to check in extra equipment like booster seats free.

My sons have a booster seat that doubles as a backpack, so we put toys or books in there to make the most of the extra space.

You need to check what your airline says about checking in children’s equipment before you try this though, as you don’t want to end up paying extra once you arrive at the airport!

If you give some of these tips a go, you could end up with a bit more money to enjoy yourself at your destination, instead of splashing the cash before you’ve even set off.

Here are some other airport tips.

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My tips can save you some unnecessary spending[/caption]

CAITLIN CLARK was spotted making a controversial gesture as she cheered on the Indiana Pacers.

The 23-year-old was sat courtside as the Pacers took a 2-1 NBA Finals lead over Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Caitlin Clark hit the choke gesture at the Pacers game[/caption]

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She was spotted courtside as the Pacers won Game 3 versus Oklahoma City Thunder[/caption]

Clark was seen in the front row at Gainbridge Fieldhouse alongside Indiana Fever team-mates Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston.

During the second quarter, the WNBA guard shocked fans by producing the iconic choke gesture.

Clark had a big smile on her face as she put her hands around her neck.

The move was a nod to Reggie Miller, who famously used the taunt towards the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals in 1994.

Miller locked eyes with Knicks superfan and film director Spike Lee when doing the celebration.

The legend had just scored 25 points as Indiana came from behind in the fourth quarter to win the game.

However, the Pacers went on to lose the series.

Tyrese Haliburton then brought back the taunt last month when he thought he had beaten the Knicks 126-125 with a last-gasp three-pointer.

But officials ruled that his toe was on the line, meaning it would count just two and overtime would be needed.

Despite the Pacers going on to win 138-135, fans were concerned Clark’s choke gesture would come back to bite them as it has done in the past.

One said: “This ain’t gonna age well.”

Another added: “If OKC win this…”

A third wrote: “She’s so funny.”

Clark is currently out injured with left quad strain sustained during the Fever’s 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty in May.

Fever head coach Stephanie White revealed on Monday that Clark is “ready to start ramping back up” ahead of a return.

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Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made the gesture against the Knicks last month[/caption]

A POPULAR product sold in several states has been pulled from stores due to fears of deadly contamination.

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The recall traces back to Washington state and Oregon (stock image)[/caption]

The seafood may be laced with listeria, a dangerous bacteria that can kill children, cause miscarriages, and trigger seizures.

Nearly 45,000 pounds of shrimp have been affected, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration.

People with weak immune systems are most at risk for listeriosis, which can lead to fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions.

Pregnant women are also at risk, as listeria can cause a miscarriage or result in premature birth.

Healthy adults, however, will usually suffer from intense stomach issues but ultimately recover.

The frozen bags of ready-to-eat shrimp were sold under the Bornstein Seafoods brand.

The recall traces back to Washington state and Oregon, where a seafood wholesaler has sounded the alarm.

Bornstein is based in Bellingham, Washington, with its main processing facility in Astoria, Oregon.

Officials say the shrimp may have made it to stores in California, Oregon, Washington and even British Columbia.

There’s also a chance the shrimp has been shipped nationwide, the recall notice warned.

Since the shrimp is pre-cooked, -peeled and -frozen, it is a quick and easy dinner staple for many families across the country.

But the convenience of the shrimp may come at a steep health risk.

Listeria monocytogenes was found during routine sampling of the seafood, the company said.

No illnesses have been reported so far, according to the FDA alert which was issued on Tuesday.

The affected product comes in 1- and 5-pound plastic bags labeled as Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat.

Buyers can check for the universal product code 614133200246 printed on packaging.

Lot numbers are printed on the bottom back of each bag.

Shoppers who bought the contaminated shrimp have been urged not to eat it and take the risk.

Instead, they are urged to return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.

Bornstein didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.

Per the company website, their stock of cold water shrimp has completely sold out, likely due to the recall.

Bornstein has prided itself on being one of the largest producers of shrimp in the world.

“We offer unsurpassed product quality and consistency due to continuous investment in top of the line production facilities and equipment,” the website reads.

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Nearly 45,000 pounds of shrimp are affected[/caption]

ANGEL REESE sent a four-word message to Coco Gauff after the French Open champion admitted she was blown away by recent attention.

The 21-year-old tennis ace beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Paris last weekend to secure the second Grand Slam of her career.

Gauff came from a set down to win 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 in a rollercoaster final at Roland Garros last Saturday.

And the Florida native, who became the first American to win it since Serena Williams in 2015, has since been on a press tour in New York to discuss her success.

During her visit to the Big Apple, Gauff stopped by Barclays Center to watch WNBA champions New York Liberty play the Chicago Sky.

Gauff, who netted an impressive $2.84million for her French Open win, revealed she was shocked by her warm welcome at the arena.

In a video on Instagram, she said: “I’m just wrapping up a two-day press tour that I did in New York, and I just came from the Liberty game.

“They announced that I was there, and the whole arena was cheering for me, which I wasn’t expecting. Just because it’s not my sport, you know, I’m at a basketball game.

But Chicago Sky forward Reese saw Gauff’s message and responded with a simple message of support.

Reese commented: “WE LOVE YOU CO”, after scoring 17 points in Sky‘s 85-66 loss to Liberty.

The former US Open champion then replied to Reese: “We love you, queen.”

After her triumph at the French Open, Gauff also revealed a little-known rule as she flew home from Paris.

The Suzanne-Lenglen cup – which has been awarded to the women’s singles champion since 1979 – actually has to remain at Roland Garros.

Instead of boarding her jet back to the United States with the actual trophy, Gauff was given a miniature replica to commemorate her win.

She left fans aghast when she placed the trophy next to a tiny Perrier bottle, which was just a bit smaller than the esteemed title.

The world No.2 said on TikTok: “This is the trophy that you guys see, the one that we take pictures with, do press with and all that.

“But, actually, we don’t get to take this home. This stays with the tournament.”

“But, it’s the memories that matter the most.”

That left Murray, 38, shocked as he took to social media to address the situation.

Murray added the following post: “Surely the tennis majors can do a better job with the replica trophies!? They are tiny.”

The British legend knows all there is about the French Open trophy as he won it himself back in 2016.

MTV VJ Ananda Lewis made a desperate plea in a final video message to her fans, before her tragic death at 52. 

Yesterday, it was revealed that Ananda, the Talk show and 90s MTV host, had died after a long battle with breast cancer.

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MTV VJ Ananda Lewis made a desperate plea in a final video message to her fans, before her tragic death at 52[/caption]

Instagram/iamamandalewis

The star’s plea in a final video message resurfaced, which saw Ananda speaking to fans just over three months ago[/caption]

Her sister Lakshmi announced the news of the 52-year-old’s death in a Facebook post.

She said: “She’s free and in his heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”

In 2020, Ananda revealed she had been diagnosed with stage three cancer.

She said she had not been getting regular mammograms due to a fear of radiation.

In 2024, the late TV host revealed her cancer had reached stage four after she went against medical advice and refused a double mastectomy.

Now, the star’s plea in a final video message has resurfaced, which saw Ananda speaking to fans just over three months ago. 

She could be seen sitting in her pyjamas on her sofa, and told fans in the caption: “Prevention IS the cure If you’re in a healthy body, you’re holding a winning lotto ticket. PLEASE learn how to avoid cancer. Because you still can.”

And then in the video, she can be heard discussing cancer prevention, and says: “It doesn’t matter about the bad things going on with my body right now. 

“What does matter is keeping you out of this club. There are things I wish I did differently 10 years ago to prevent cancer.”

She also encouraged people to grab an issue of Essence, and said: “You could learn something,” before saying: “Prevention is the cure because preserving your health is way easier than fighting to get it back.” 

Ananda rose to fame in the late 90s when she landed a role as one of MTV’s VJ’s where she hosted the likes of Total Request Live and Hot Zone.

In 1999, The New York Times described her as “the hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl.”

She left MTV in 2001 to host her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show.

Ananda grew to be one of MTV’s most popular hosts – interviewing some of Hollywood‘s biggest stars.

Bob Kusbit, then MTV’s senior vice president for production told The New York Times: ”In the past, our talent was sometimes just pretty people who could read cue cards,”

”But when we brought Ananda to MTV, we decided we were going to do a lot more live television, and I was first and foremost interested in her ability to do live TV.”

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In 2020, Ananda revealed she had been diagnosed with stage three cancer[/caption]

SIMONE Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens publicly backed his wife after she was involved in a social media feud.

Biles, 28, exchanged words with former college swimmer Riley Gaines over transgender athletes.

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Jonathan Owens threw his support behind his wife Simone Biles[/caption]

The Mega Agency

Biles was in an online feud with Riley Gaines over trans women[/caption]

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist was annoyed by a tweet Gaines sent Friday.

And that led to an exchange where both accused the other of bullying.

Biles later sent a public apology for her comments and making the feud with Gaines “personal.”

The gymnast is married to Chicago Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens.

The NFL player has been silent on the issue since the feud erupted Friday.

But he showed his support for Biles on his own social media platforms.

Owens didn’t release a statement of his own.

Instead the NFL player shared Biles’ message on his Instagram stories and X.

Her message read, “I wanted to follow up from my last tweets.

“I’ve always believed competitive equity and inclusivity are both essential in sport.

“The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.

“These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.

“I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports.

“My objection is to be singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful.

“Individual athletes — especially kids — should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over.

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Biles is married to NFL star Jonathan Owens, who plays for the Chicago Bears[/caption]

“I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition.

“We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.”

The argument began when Gaines commented on a post about Minnesota high school girl’s softball.

She claimed a celebratory post from a team had the comments turned off because one of the players was transgender.

Biles hit back at Gaines’ message and accused her of being “truly sick.”

But Gaines claimed the Olympic hero was a “truly sick bully by her own standards” after apparently pulling up a historic tweet from Biles.

A MAJOR state is looking to ban a popular kitchen item from grocery stores completely, and it will make washing up much harder.

Legislators have pointed to the serious health risks behind one of the most commonly used kitchen items, and could even cause cancer.

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New York has joined the growing list of states calling for the ban of cookware containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

This is better known by its brand name Teflon.

Teflon coating, which is currently approved by the FDA, is the primary material used to make cookware non-sticky.

So, when you want to fry an egg in the morning, Teflon is the thing that allows the egg to slide round the pan.

But in January, two New York State senators introduced Senate Bill S1767, which would ban the sale of cookware containing Teflon.

The document cites many health issues related to Teflon, which are already known.

The Bill says that the chemicals used in non-stick pans are “within the family of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are known to have severe health effects such as harm to reproductive and bodily functions, developmental effects in youth, increased cancer risk and increased risk for high cholesterol and obesity.”

It does acknowledge that more research is needed to determine the full risk, but states that “we should not leave people vulnerable to the potential negative health effect.”

If this was passed, New York would be joining states like California, Connecticut and Maine.

California has passed a law that says cookware with intentionally added PFAS must have it disclosed on the label.

Connecticut and Maine have banned products with intentionally added PFAS, which goes into effect over the next few years.

TEFLON RISKS

Currently, the advice is a little murky as to how you should approach non-stick cookware.

Some believe that its use for decades speaks for itself, and that we should continue to use it.

Steve Burns of the Cookware Sustainability Alliance, a nonprofit organization, said: “We’ve presented that the nonstick coating material used on cookware is the same exact material used to coat a pacemaker and has been approved for use on both products by the U.S. FDA for over 60 years.

“The coating is a well-studied, completely stable and inert material that has been shown for decades to be safe, non-toxic and most importantly not water-soluble.

“Several other states are following the science for nonstick cookware, and we continue to encourage New York State lawmakers to do the same.”

MORE GUIDANCE

While Bruce Jarnot, PhD, global materials compliance expert and toxicologist, approaches the topic with more nuance.

Jarnot says that PFAS are already likely being exposed to you, but throwing out cookware that uses them is a good way to minimize it.

He explained: “As a toxicologist, I still use Teflon pans.

You’re getting exposure in almost all drinks—water, wine, beer, soda—because it’s in the water these drinks are made from.

“But you need water, you need food. So one of the places you could easily omit exposure is in cookware.”

But he also stressed the risk involved: “So here you have something that’s not metabolizing and that is accumulating in your body, creating aggregate exposure.

“In that case, every bit you add to your exposure cup counts.”

Official guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (PEA) states: “Scientists at EPA, in other federal agencies, and in academia and industry are continuing to conduct and review the growing body of research about PFAS.

“However, health effects associated with exposure to PFAS are difficult to specify for many reasons.”

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In January, two New York State senators introduced Senate Bill S1767, which would ban the sale of cookware containing Teflon[/caption]

FATHER’S Day is just around the corner, and if you’re struggling to think of the perfect gift, keep reading.

And Walmart may have the perfect gift for the men in your life.

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The 70-piece tool kit is the perfect gift for Father’s Day[/caption]

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The Walmart buy will be handy for the whole family[/caption]

The Hyper Tough 20V Max 1.5AH 70-Piece Project Kit with Cordless Drill, Battery & Charger makes the perfect gift and will come in useful around the home.

It’s currently just $54.88, making it a bargain price considering how many accessories are included.

While it has plenty of tips for the drill, it also has a measuring tape, pliers, a screwdriver, a hammer, and a wrench.

To keep it all together and ensure you don’t lose any of the bits, it also comes with a handy carry bag.

Walmart says the kit is the ultimate all-in-one solution for your DIY projects and repairs.

The versatile kit includes a powerful cordless drill with an integrated LED work light for enhanced visibility in dimly lit areas.

With over 70 essential pieces, the kit will help you tackle any DIY job.

Dads will be thrilled by the new tool set to keep in the garage, but the whole family will benefit.

Now they have no excuse not to get around to fixing that shelf or putting that photo up on the wall.

The handy buy is a bargain price too, and will come in time for Father’s Day if you order now.

Those who purchased the tool kit have raved about how easy it is to use and have urged others to give it a go.

One person wrote: “This set is awesome. Great buy and really useful tool kit for the home. Great as a housewarming gift or for their first apartment.”

Another commented: “This is a great overall drill for good value… no problems, charge lasts, good, strong, powerful, not super heavy, easy to use. Would recommend to family and friends.”

“Was doubtful but it turned out to be a very good purchase. Definitely recommend!” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “The tool kit had what I needed plus additional pieces that are nice to have if needed. The price point was excellent.”

“I’ve been enjoying using my project kit drill. Thank you!” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Very good drill and kit, worth every penny.”

ANGEL REESE fought back the tears after being praised for yet another historic achievement.

The WNBA superstar claimed her third-straight BET Sportswoman of the Year award this week, pipping A’ja Wilson, Claressa Shields, Coco Gauff, Dawn Staley, Flau’jae Johnson, Juju Watkins, Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles to the gong.

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Angel Reese scooped her third-straight BET Sportswoman of the Year award this week[/caption]

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But she wasn’t in the mood for celebrating the prestigious gong after the Chicago Sky’s midweek loss to the New York Liberty[/caption]

Reese was quizzed about her latest bagging of the prestigious award after the Chicago Sky‘s 85-66 midweek loss to the New York Liberty.

And she wasn’t in the mood for celebrating, fighting back the tears as she said: “It’s great. Obviously, this is my third one.

“I think it really meant something to other people today because it’s me. I just focus on basketball, I come in every day and I work.

“I don’t complain, I don’t care about anything else. I have bad days, I haven’t been playing well at all.

“And I could just sit here and mope around and point the finger, but it’s been me.

“And I took accountability, I come in every day and I try to get better than the next and better than the last.

“I know my team-mates trust me and I know they have my back. Ariel has my back through everything.

“I love being a part of a team that I know trusts me and trusts my work.

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Defeat to the Liberty saw Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky team-mates fell to 2-6 for the season[/caption]

“Everything else is everything else.

“I’m just here to go to work every day and go home.

“That’s all I want to do, be able to go to work and enjoy my job, that I love.

“People would die and kill to be able to have this job. And being able to play with the best players in the world means a lot to me.”

Reese ended her empassioned speech with a defiant seven-word declaration, insisting: “I put my all into this s**t.”

Defeat to the Liberty has seen the Sky drop to 2-6 for the season.

While Reese and the Sky have been struggling, the same can’t be said of her rival Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, who have won DOUBLE the number of games as Jeff Pagliocca’s side.

Reese and her team-mates will be back in action on Friday night, travelling to the Gateway Center Arena to take on the Atlanta Dream.