Dethroned

Farah Diba, the former empress of Iran and widow of the deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has marked her 88th birthday. Spanish media are revisiting her life story, from the glamour of her coronation to the family's exile after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, describing the fate of the dethroned empress as a broken dream. She remains the last empress consort of Iran and lives abroad.

The Los Angeles Rams are no longer the betting favorites to win the 2026 Super Bowl, marking the first time this season they have lost the top spot in the odds. FOX Sports reports the shift as oddsmakers move another team to the front of the championship market heading into the season's next stretch.

Bookmakers have installed San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as the early favorite for the 2026 NBA MVP award, ahead of reigning winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City and Lakers guard Luka Dončić. The odds, published by FOX Sports ahead of the new season, reflect the growing expectation that the French big man will take the next step into the league's top individual honor.

A new ranking says America's favorite convenience store is not Buc-ee's, Wawa, or Sheetz, the three chains most often named in the perennial battle over the country's best roadside stop. Buc-ee's, the Texas-based chain famous for its massive travel centers, brisket and beaver mascot, has a devoted following, so any list passing it over is drawing attention and debate among fans of the competing brands.

Sportsbooks have released early odds for the 2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, with Victor Wembanyama installed as the favorite. The betting market lists Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves as the main challengers to the San Antonio Spurs star, prompting discussion over whether anyone can dethrone the young French big man.

Alba Berlin defeated the reigning champions Bamberg Baskets in a rematch of last season's BBL Pokal final, dethroning the German Cup winners. Elsewhere in the Basketball Bundesliga, Bayern Munich cruised to a win, Vechta staged a remarkable comeback from 20 points down, and Chemnitz brought back Mikesell. The roundup of German basketball results is drawing attention from fans following the league season.

Real Rebel Radio is playing "Dethroned" by the American thrash metal band Death Angel, sharing the track with listeners through its online stream. The station flagged the song as currently on air, giving fans of the veteran Bay Area group a chance to tune in live to the heavier end of its playlist.