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"During spring break, the district met with the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA), and Trades labor partners, successfully reaching an agreement with Trades," a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) spokesperson toldFox News DigitalFriday.

"The District has made extensive efforts to responsibly respond to labor partners’ proposals, and its offers remain among the most generous in the state."

But the three unions are clearly not satisfied with the proposals as they gear up to go on strike Tuesday.

La United School District Scandal Leads To Charges As $22M Scheme Allegedly Drained Funds Meant For Students

LAUSD, comprising hundreds of K-12 schools and more than half a million students, has until Tuesday to come to an agreement. Otherwise, a strike will proceed.According to a local Fox affiliate, district officials launched a website Friday to assist families with food distribution and mental health services in case schools are closed.

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"We don’t want to strike," Charmell Lee, a special education assistant and a member of Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, told the Los Angeles Times Thursday. "But we will if that’s what it takes to ensure our families can survive and our students have all the support they need — inside and outside the classroom."

"There is no question that schools will be closed if any two of the three unions walk out, district officials have confirmed,"the LA Times reported.

The frustrated union members believe the district is holding on to billions in reserves.

"With over 5 BILLION dollars in reserves, we know that LAUSD can absolutely provide all of its employees with a fair contract," said incoming UTLA Vice President Jessica Rodarte.

A district spokesperson told Fox News Digital "all available reserve dollars are currently being allocated for ongoing expenditures."

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Fbi Raid Involving La Schools Superintendent Possibly Tied To Failed $6M Ai Deal, Potential Conflict

"Current estimates place this year’s ending balance in June 2026 at $3.8 billion, and this includes funds that are restricted by law and must be used for specific purposes," a district spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added, "Los Angeles Unified is engaged in deficit spending, which means we are spending more money than we bring in. At the current rate of spending, we will have depleted all remaining unrestricted reserves within two years."

The three unions, which have different priorities and separate contracts, represent about 70,000 of the district’s 83,000 employees across a range of positions from food workers to principals, the Times noted.

"The district continues meeting with labor partners this week and remains available to meet until agreements are reached with all groups. For the latest updates, families and staff are encouraged to visit the district’s labor updates webpage," the district spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Fbi Raids Home And Offices Of Major Los Angeles School District Superintendent

None of the unions responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The threat of a strike comes as the district faces a$191 million deficitand declining enrollment that prompted LAUSD officials to warn about layoffs and staff reductions.

The budget woes come while the Trump administration isthreatening California education fundingover issues related to parental notification policies that are intended to disclose a student’s gender identity and transgender athlete policies.

Most recently, LAUSD hasbeen under federal scrutinyfor a policy allowing staff to hide students’ gender identity from parents.

"The district remains committed to reaching agreements that support employees while also protecting the long-term financial stability of the district," the district spokesperson said.

"Avoiding a strike will require all parties to continue engaging in good-faith negotiations and working toward a solution that is fair and sustainable. To date, the district has reached agreements with five of its eight labor partners and is prepared to work around the clock to reach agreements with teachers, administrators and service workers."

Teachers and San Francisco school district staffwent on strike in Februaryfor the first time in nearly 50 years, demanding better wages and health benefits.

Original article source:Los Angeles schools may close as nearly 85% of district’s workers plan to strike

Withfree agencyinto its seventh day, teams have started signing players to their new, much larger deals. Many big name players signed on Saturday with Satou Sabally going to the New York Liberty, Skylar Diggins to the Chicago Sky and Monique Billings to the Indiana Fever.

Sophie Cunningham has also agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Indiana Fever.

As free agency continues, it can be hard to keep up with all the movement. USA TODAY has you covered with the latest news, rumors, updates and more.

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA
- After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G, TCU
- Minnesota doesn't struggle to move the ball, but adding Miles into the mix gives the Lynx the ability to take their offensive movement up a level. The TCU guard has a high basketball IQ, which should help her with the rookie learning curve on a team with championship aspirations. Head coach Cheryl Reeve can also bring out the best in Miles defensive skills as she adjusts to WNBA play.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn
- Fudd had a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament aside from her second round game against Syracuse. The slump won't stop her from being drafted. The UConn guard's shot is still the purest in college basketball, and her ability to be an offensive threat at any moment is something you don't see as often at the rookie level. Fudd also rarely wastes a movement or a shot, making her a prime candidate to draft.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA
- Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Toronto Tempo: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU
- Johnson has a score-first mentality, and she does it in a variety of ways: midrange, downhill in the paint and from the 3-point line. She's one of the top defensive guards in the 2026 class, and if she can improve her defensive awareness at the pro level, she can become an elite two-way guard. Head coach Sandy Brondello should also be a tremendous asset to Johnson's growth.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Portland Fire: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina
- Latson's NCAA Tournament run was a mixed bag. That shouldn't hurt her WNBA draft stock, but it wasn't hard to notice as the level of competition rose (with games against TCU, UConn and UCLA), she struggled to find her shot or ways to contribute. At the pro level, she'll be asked to do more, and she'll need to lean into her aggressiveness to have success.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA
- If a team gives her any space, Jaquez will make them pay. The guard can do it all, with assists, 3-pointers, in the paint, on the boards or by creating a steal. She should fit well within Golden State's "hard hat and lunch pail" culture, where they pride themselves on having energy on both sides of the ball.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina
- While Johnson has proven she can score when needed, it's her facilitation skills and defense that will make her a top 10 pick. The South Carolina guard does a great job of feeding her bigs and spreading the offense out to find the best shot. She is also a lockdown defender who leaves little room for error and isn't afraid of anyone on a court, regardless of size.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA
- Kneepkens ended her college career shooting nearly 50-40-90, which is impressive and rare in today's college landscape. The UCLA guard's game isn't flashy, but it's often timely. Kneepkens knows how to step into the big moments, as she did in the national championship when she delivered two massive 3-point baskets during an extended Bruins' run.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina
- Atlanta needs depth. Adding Okot would help the Dream with their post presence and perimeter shooting. The South Carolina big can score from multiple levels and will crash the glass. If Atlanta brings veteran center Brittney Griner back, Okot would learn from one of the best in league history at the position.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU
- Suarez's NCAA Tournament run wasn't great, but she did have a breakout game against Virginia during the Sweet 16, which included a career high 33 points plus 10 rebounds. The outing was a glimpse of Suarez at her best, which could entice Seattle to add Suarez as depth now and starter later.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss
- McMahon would work well in a young core of players like Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Aaliyah Edwards and Aneesah Morrow. The Ole Miss forward is a utility piece that the Sun could utilize to its advantage. She does most of her damage in the paint ― Connecticut's specialty ― and could also help facilitate, if needed. Once McMahon gets crisper as a defender, she'll be dynamite at the next level.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft:1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA- After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

DiJonai Carrington joins the Chicago Sky

The Minnesota Lynx lost free agent guard DiJonai Carrington to Chicago on Sunday. Carrington was traded to Minnesota last season after a brief stint with the Dallas Wings.

“We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”

Carrington played 31 games last season, averaging 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals. In September 2025, the Lynx announced Carrington would miss the rest of the regular season with a " significant mid-foot sprain." The former Minnesota guard also missed the postseason with the injury.

Natasha Howard to re-join Lynx after Fever stint

ESPN reports that veteran forward Natasha Howard plans to jointhe Minnesota Lynx on a two-year, $1.4 million deal.

Howard spent two seasons with Minnesota, winning a championship with the franchise in 2017. She moves on to the Lynx after playing just one season with the Indiana Fever. Howard finished 2025 averaging 11.4 points on 55.2%, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a game.

Kayla McBride reportedly re-signs with Lynx

Kayla McBride agreed on two-year deal with the Minnesota Lynx,ESPN reported. She averaged 14.2 points and 3.5 assists for the Lynx last season.

Ezi Magbegor re-signs with Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm Ezi Magbegor has re-signed. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“From the start, it was a priority for us to bring Ezi back to Seattle. She means a great deal to this organization and to our city,” Storm GM Talisa Rhea said. “On the court, she has a real impact on the defensive end with her ability to cover ground, protect the rim and disrupt plays. She anchors us.”

Chicago Sky re-sign point guard Courtney Vandersloot

The Sky announced Courtney Vandersloot will return after appearing in seven games last season after suffering her ACL injury in June.

"I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back," Vandersloot said in a statement. "Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I'm eager to be back on the court."

Gabby Williams to the Golden State Valkyries

TheGolden State Valkyriesannounced they have signed All-Star forward Gabby Williams to a multiyear deal. An All-Defensive team pick last season, Williams averaged 11.6 points and 4.2 assists last season. She led the league in steals with 99, one shy of the season record set by Teresa Weatherspoon.

Courtney Williams reportedly back to Minnesota Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx have re-signed one half of the StudBudz. Courtney Williams has agreed to a two-year max deal to return to the Minnesota Lynx,ESPN reported. The contract will pay $2.4 million.

Natisha Hiedeman, Williams' "twin," has agreed to a two-year deal with the Seattle Storm.

LA Sparks trade Rickea Jackson to Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Sparks traded forward Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for guard Ariel Atkins. Atkins was moved after being cored by Chicago earlier this week.

“It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” Sky general Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”

Plum reportedly returning to Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks are signing Kelsey Plum to a one-year $999,999,ESPN reported. Plum started her career with the Las Vegas Aces before playing for the Sparks last year.

Sophie Cunningham returning to Indiana Fever

Sophie Cunningham has signed a one-year deal to play with the Fever. She joined to team last season after playing her first six seasons in Phoenix. Cunningham averaged 8.6 points before a season-ending right knee injury in August.

Alana Smith signs multi-year deal with Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings signed Alanna Smith to a multi-year deal. Smith was the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year last season with the Minnesota Lynx, sharing the award with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.

Bridget Carleton signs max deal with Portland Fire

Bridget Carleton, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft, has signed a three-year max deal.

Veronica Burton re-signs with Golden State

The Golden State Valkyries announced Veronica Burton has signed a multiyear deal to return. She was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player, averaging 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds a game for the expansion Valkyries.

Rhyne Howard re-signs with Atlanta Dream

The Atlanta Dream have announced they've re-signed Rhyne Howard, who averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals last season.

Skylar Diggins signs deal with Chicago Sky

Seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins agreed tow a two-year deal with the the Chicago Sky,ESPN reported. Diggins started her career with the Tulsa Shock, who became the Dallas Wings, before playing with Phoenix and Seattle.

Dearica Hamby will re-sign with Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks have re-signed Dearica Hamby to a three-year deal for close to $3.5 million,ESPN reported. Hamby averaged 18.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals last season in LA, where she has spent the past three seasons.Erica Wheeler will also come back to the Sparks, where she played in 2021.

Satou Sabally, Jonquel Jones reportedly to New York Liberty

One of the most sought after players in free agency, Satou Sabally, will sign a multiyear deal with the New York Liberty,ESPN reported. She averaged 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds a game last season when she helped the Phoenix Mercury the WNBA Finals.

The Liberty also re-signed Jonquel Jones, ESPN reported.  She averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game last season. Jones has played for three season for the Liberty after six seasons with the Connecticut Sun.

Jacy Sheldon traded to Chicago Sky

The Washington Mystics traded Jacy Sheldon to the Chicago Sky in exchange for their 2028 first-round pick,ESPN reported.

Monique Billings, Lexie Hull to Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever are signing Monique Billings, who spent last season with the Golden State Valkyries,the IndyStar, part of the USA Today Network, reported. Billings is the first unrestricted free agent to sign with the Fever in 2026.

The Indiana Fever will re-sign restricted free agent Lexie Hull, she announced in a TikTok video with teammate Caitlin Clark. The guard averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season. Hull was drafted by Indiana No. 6 overall in 2022.

Azurá Stevens reportedly to re-sign with Chicago Sky

The Chicago Sky have agreed to a three-year deal to keep Azurá Stevens, ESPN reported. The 6-foot-6 averaged 12.8 points and 2.1 assists per game last season.

Brittney Griner to sign with Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun and Brittney Griner are reportedly finalizing a deal, according toCBS Sports.The Sun would mark Griner’s third team in as many seasons. The 10-time WNBA All-Star and WNBA champion spent last season in Atlanta after playing 11 seasons in Phoenix.

Chelsea Gray reportedly finalizing deal with Aces

The Las Vegas Aces are expected to bring back their big three. Veteran guard Chelsea Gray is finalizing a three-year, multi-million dollar deal to return to the Aces, according to theLas Vegas Review-Journal.TheAces plan to sign A'ja Wilsonto a supermax contract and are reportedly finalizing a deal with Jackie Young to lock down the core that led Las Vegas to three WNBA championships in four years.

Elizabeth Williams to re-sign with Chicago Sky

The Chicago Sky will reportedly re-sign Elizabeth Williams for $1.2 million over two years,according to ESPN.She is a two-time All-Defensive Team pick and was named the league's most improved player in 2016.

Jessica Shepard to sign with Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings will reportedly sign Jessica Shepard, who spent the first five years of her career with the Minnesota Lynx, to a multi-year deal,according to ESPN.

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StudBudz breaking up

Natisha Hiedeman, one half of the StudBudz who played with the Minnesota Lynx last season, has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Seattle, according to several outlets. Lynx point guard Courtney Williams wished her friend well on social media, replying "🥹 Go Be Great 2 🔒💕" to an Instagram post by Hiedeman.

Arike Ogunbowale re-signing with Dallas Wings

Arike Ogunbowale is reportedly signing a million dollar multiyear deal with the Dallas Wings,according to ESPN.

The guard was given a core qualifying offer earlier this week, making her eligible for the $1.4 million supermax in 2026. ESPN reports she is taking less to give the team more money to build around her.

Atlanta Dream re-signing Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon

Guards Allisha Gray and Naz Hillmon are nearing a three-year deals to re-sign with the Atlanta Dream, according to ESPN. Brionna Jones is also re-signing as the trio will welcome Angel Reese to an already veteran roster.

Kelsey Mitchell signs supermax deal with Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever have re-signed Kelsey Mitchella league source confirmed to IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Indiana designated Mitchell as a core player on Monday, giving her a one-year supermax contract of $1.4 million in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights. She will be the Fever's first $1 million player.

Jewell Loyd re-signing with Las Vegas Aces

Jewell Loyd, who won a title with the Aces last season, will return on the three-year deal,according to ESPN.

Alyssa Thomas returns to Phoenix Mercury

Alyssa Thomasfell just short of winning the first WNBA championship of her career in her first season with thePhoenix Mercury, but Thomas is ready to run it back with coach Nate Tibbetts & Co.

A person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports the 33-year-old who led the WNBA in assists last season is working on a contract to remain with the Mercury. Like many star players this offseason, Thomas had been an unrestricted free agent.

Thomas was acquired by the Mercury in a four-team trade in February 2025 following 11 seasons in Connecticut, where she led the Sun to eight consecutive playoff appearances and two WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022. The six-time All-Star told USA TODAY Sports last year she "gave everything I had to Connecticut" and ultimately decided to depart in hopes of winning a title.

Satou Sabally landing spots

Satou Sabally is set to join her third team in as many seasons, but where will the 2023 Most Improved Player land?USA TODAY Sports rounded up the best destinations for Saballyas WNBA free agency continues:

Toronto Tempo agree to a pair of max deals

Guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes have both agreed to two-year max contracts, according to agent Marcus Crenshaw of The FAM Sports Agency andfirst reported by ESPN.

Atlanta Dream reportedly re-signing Brionna Jones

The Atlanta Dream are bringing back Brionna Jones, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The forward averaged 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds a game last season. Jones and the rest of the Dream could be buoyed by the arrival of Angel Reese in a trade with the Chicago Sky.

Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with LA Sparks

There was speculation that Ogwumike might join the Lynx after a Minnesota-based balloon company shared anow-deleted videothat showed a "Welcome Nneka" marquee letter and a balloon arrangement on a Lynx basketball court. But Ogwumike officially deflated those rumors with another pair of letters — the iconic Hollywood sign.

Ogwumike announced her intention to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks, the franchise she brought a WNBA title to in 2016 during her 12-year stint in the City of Angels. Ogwumike made the announcement on social media Friday, captioning avideo montageof her Sparks highlights, "It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon."

Her announcement video starts off with the Hollywood sign morphing into "Nneka x LA."

Nneka Ogwumike says goodbye to Seattle

Nneka Ogwumike'stime in Seattlehas come to an endafter two seasons. Ogwumike confirmed her departure from theSeattle Stormon Thursday as2026 WNBA Free Agencystretched into its fourth day. The 14-year veteranshareda social media post that read, "Thank You Seattle." Ogwumike captioned the photo collage filled with memories of her time in Seattle with green and yellow hearts.

Jackie Young reportedly finalizing new deal with Las Vegas

Aces superstar A'ja Wilsonsaid she's staying in Las Vegas. The same can be said about Jackie Young. Young is expected to return to Las Vegas on a one-year maximum contract worth $1.19 million,ESPN reportedThursday.

Las Vegas Aces re-signs Kierstan Bell

On Thursday, the Aces announced they are re-signing defending champion Kierstan Bell. Bell averaged 4.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game in 35 games (16 starts) last season.

"Vegasssss!! Super excited to get back to work and compete for another championship!" Bell said in a statement. "The love doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m blessed to be a part of something so special! Let’s rock."

Satou Sabally confirms Phoenix Mercury departure

On Wednesday, free agent forwardSatou Sabally confirmedshe isn't returning to Phoenix after one year with the franchise. Sabally shared a photo gallery on Instagram with the caption "Best year yet. Thank you, Phoenix."

Free agents with core designations or core qualifying offers

Any player who receives a core qualifying offer (or core designation) is essential to a team's overall success and identity. Any player given a core tag would no longer be an unrestricted free agent, and the team owns the exclusive rights to that player. Per theWNBA CBA, the player will be offered a one-yearsupermax contract(worth $1.4 million), but different terms can be negotiated with the team. Also, if the two sides reach an impasse, they can partner to negotiate a sign-and-trade agreement.

Here are the players who were cored by their respective teams:

• Atlanta Dream: G Allisha Gray

• Chicago Sky: G Ariel Atkins

• Dallas Wings: G Arike Ogunbowale

• Indiana Kelsey: G Kelsey Mitchell

• Los Angeles Sparks: G Kelsey Plum

• Minnesota Lynx: G Napheesa Collier

• New York Liberty: G Sabrina Ionescu

• Portland Fire: F Bridget Carleton

• Seattle Storm: F/C Ezi Magbegor

• Toronto Tempo: G Marina Mabrey

Free agents with reserve or restricted offers

Reserve offer: Player with three years of service or less, who receives an offer; the team has exclusive negotiation rights.

Restricted: Player with four years of service, whose team extends an offer. The player can negotiate with other teams, but the previous team has the first right of refusal. The team can match other offers.

• Los Angeles Sparks: F Rae Burrell (Reserved)

• Las Vegas Aces: F NaLyssa Smith (Restricted)

• Washington Mystics: C Shakira Austin (Restricted)

• Connecticut Sun: F Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Restricted)

• Atlanta Dream: G Rhyne Howard (Restricted), F Naz Hillmon (Restricted)

• Golden State Valkyries: G Veronica Burton (Restricted), F Janelle Salaün (Reserved)

• Phoenix Mercury: F Natasha Mack (Reserved), G Monique Akoa Makani (Reserved)

Trade: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream

Background:After a tumultuous second season with Sky that included asuspension for comments Reese made about the team and her teammates, Reese said she planned to play in Chicago for a third season. "I'm under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky,"the forward said in December. Now,she moves on to Atlantain a trade for picks.

Expected Contract:Reese is still on her rookie contract. When drafted by Chicago in 2024, the former Sky forward signed afour-year, $324,383 contract, including an average annual salary of $81,096. In 2026, Reese will earn a base salary of $350,692, while carrying a cap hit of $350,692.

Trade: Dallas trades Diamond Miller to Connecticut

On Thursday, the Dallas Wings traded forward Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for center/forward Rayah Marshall.

Signing: F Breanna Stewart

Type of free agent:Unrestricted free agent

Background:Breanna Stewart made it clear there is no other place she would rather play than New York. "I will be staying in New York. I’m not planning on taking any free agency meetings, even though I am an unrestricted free agent,"Stewart said on a recent episode of her podcast.

Teamplayer signed with: New York Liberty (unofficially)

Expected Contract: TBD

Signing: C A'ja Wilson

Type of free agent:Unrestricted free agent

Background:After winning her third championship with the Las Vegas Aces,Wilson has zero desire to movefrom the franchise. "I'm not leaving Vegas," Wilson said on April 3.

Teamplayer signed with: Las Vegas Aces (unofficially)

Expected Contract: Wilson is expected to re-sign with the team on aWNBA supermax salary of $1.4 million

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news —Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:WNBA free agency continues as teams' identities start coming in focus

Israel Iran War

Jerusalem’s police said on Wednesday that they would liftrestrictions on all holy sitesand deploy hundreds of officers and volunteers in the city.

Access had been prohibited altogether, or restricted to a few dozen faithful at a time, at Christian, Jewish and Muslim sites during the now-paused conflict, when missile attacks from Iran often sent Jerusalem residents into shelters.

The restrictions subduedLent,PassoverandRamadancelebrations for many in some of the holiest sites for adherents of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, closed for much of the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reopened with dawn prayer Thursday, according to Jerusalem’s Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian religious authority that administers the compound. At the adjacent Western Wall in the Old City — the holiest site in the world where Jews can pray — dozens of men and women were seen bowing their heads in prayer.

The lifting of the restrictions comes just in time for Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Easter on Sunday, a week after Catholic and Protestant observances and before the centuries-old ceremony known as the Holy Fire that is associated with it.

On Saturday, thousands of Christians will gather in the cavernous Church of the Holy Sepulchre holding unlit candles as they pack into thesprawling 12th-century basilicabuilt on the site where, according to tradition, Jesus was crucified and buried. The Greek patriarch will light candles and then the flame is passed from one candle to the next.

The restrictions sparked backlash last month when Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate a private Mass on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday for the first time in centuries. That set off a wave of criticism from the United States and others.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was no “malicious intent” and thatCardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballawas prevented from accessing the church because of safety concerns. He was later allowed to enter on Easter Sunday.

On Thursday, worshippers reveled as they entered Al-Aqsa for the first time in weeks.

“It is as if human beings are reborn,” said Mohammed Al-Qassas. Being unable to pray during this period is like “feeling hungry all the time,” he said.

“It’s impossible to describe this feeling ... It was one of the most happiest moments in my life," said Biljana Vaslic, a tourist from Serbia who, until now, hadn't been able to enter the church.

Still, others accused Israel of using the war as an excuse to restrict access. "This is a grace from God after 40 days of using the war as a pretext, but God has granted steadfastness in this mosque," said Omar al-Kiswani, director of the mosque.

Even before the war, there were already heightened restrictions on people being able to access Al-Aqsa.

During Ramadan prayers on Friday in early February, Israel restricted the number of Palestinians allowed to enter from the West Bank to 10,000, and only allowed men over 55 and women over 50 as well as children up to 12. It has imposed similar restrictions in the past, citing security concerns.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Officials, including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, said Wednesday evening that search and rescue operations would proceed after the structure was stabilized, though a timeline was not clear.

The missing had not been found as of early Thursday evening.

Here's what we know about how the structure collapsed.

How did the Grays Ferry parking garage collapse?

According to an incident report summary delivered by Parker Wednesday night, all seven levels of the structure's stair system failed on the 30th Street side stairwell.

Subcontractors were in the process of installing precast concrete floor decking and roof segments, when a precast roof segment failed, falling to the level below and "literally triggering a progressive collapse of connected sections across all seven levels," Parker said.

The precast sections had been manufactured off site and installed by the manufacturer, officials said.

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What is precast concrete?

Precast concrete is concrete that has already been molded and cured before being transported and assembled.

How tall is the Grays Ferry parking garage?

The under-construction garage is seven stories.

Officials confirmed that the project was a non-accessory parking garage with ground floor retail space.

Who owns the Grays Ferry parking garage that collapsed?

The structure is owned by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and was intended for use by roughly 1,000 hospital employees.

Who was building the Grays Ferry parking garage? Who contracted the Grays Ferry garage?

The project was under the operation of general contracting firm HSC Builders and Construction Managers.

The firm is based out of Exton, Pennsylvania and services areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:How did the Grays Ferry parking garage collapse? What happened

WASHINGTON, April 8 (Reuters) - A U.S. Army veteran was charged on Wednesday with providing classified information to a journalist for a book that alleged drug trafficking, murder and corruption at a military ‌base where she had worked, the Department of Justice said.

Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram, North Carolina, was ‌indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to "her alleged transmission of classified national defense information to individuals not authorized to receive it, ​including a journalist," the Justice Department said in a statement. Prosecutors alleged Williams violated a provision of the U.S. Espionage Act.

The case comes as free-speech advocates have raised concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive posture toward media leaks from government employees upset with U.S. policies and actions.

Williams worked from 2010 to 2016 for a special military unit at the U.S. Army base in Fort ‌Bragg, North Carolina, and held a "Top Secret/Sensitive ⁠Compartmented Information security clearance," the Justice Department said.

Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and 2025, Williams repeatedly communicated by phone and text message with a journalist who was seeking information for an ⁠article and book about the unit. Williams and the journalist spent more than 10 hours on phone calls and exchanged more than 180 messages, the department said.

While court filings did not identify the reporter, journalist Seth Harp wrote a book published last year titled "The Fort ​Bragg ​Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces" and an ​accompanying article that named Williams as a source ‌and attributed specific statements to her.

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The Justice Department alleged that some of those statements contained "classified national defense information." Prosecutors also said Williams made what they called unauthorized disclosures of national defense information through her social media accounts.

A representative for Williams could not immediately be reached for comment.

Harp said after the indictment that Williams was a "courageous whistleblower who exposed rampant gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the U.S. Army's Delta Force." He also said Williams wanted to be quoted by name ‌in his work and cast the charges against her as "vague and ​weak."

The Justice Department cited messages from Williams to the journalist from the ​time of the book's release in which she expressed ​concerns "about the amount of classified information being disclosed." She also messaged another person the department ‌did not identify expressing fear that she might get ​arrested for the disclosure, prosecutors ​said.

Williams signed a classified information non-disclosure agreement when she joined the special military unit in 2010 and again when she left that job, according to the complaint filed against her.

Prior U.S. administrations have on rare occasions also ​pursued legal cases against sources of leaks ‌to the media that have aimed to expose government wrongdoing, dating as far back as the "Pentagon Papers" ​from the Vietnam War and as recently as the Iraq war logs in this century.

(Reporting by Kanishka ​Singh in Washington; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Lincoln Feast.)