The big picture: Ivan Kuliak won the bronze medal in the parallel bars at a World Cup competition while Ukraine's Illia Kovtun won gold. Kuliak wore a 'Z' symbol taped to his leotard on the podium next to Kovtun.
The U.S. Soccer Federation reached a historic collective bargaining agreement on Wednesday to pay all national players equally, including at World Cups.
Why it matters: The U.S. women's national soccer team engaged in a yearslong fight with the federation for equal pay. In February, their gender-based pay discrimination lawsuit was settled for $24 million, with the federation promising to equalize pay between men's and women's teams in all competitions.
Watching the Walmart Joe Martin Stage Race is like watching a chess match moving 45 mph on two wheels. But you don't have to be Garry Kasparov to be thrilled by it.
Driving the news: The 45-year-old event — the oldest multi-day cycling stage race in North America — is being held in Fayetteville Thursday through Sunday.
Why it matters: One study estimated all cycling activity in NWA led to an economic benefit of more than $137 million in 2017, before some major events like the Cyclo-cross World Championship and U.S. Pro Cup were added to the area's calendar.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) this week signed into law a bill that bans transgender athletes from playing on public school and college sports teams that align with their gender identity.
Why it matters: South Carolina is the latest state to enact a law targeting transgender people, following similar legislation enacted in other GOP-led states, including Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, a State Department spokesperson confirmed to Axios Tuesday.
The big picture: Blinken told Cherelle Griner the case is a top priority for the State Department and that she should reach out if there is anything she is not getting, per CNN.
The U.S. has been chosen to host the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup.
Why it matters: This is the first time that either event will be held in North or South America, so expect to see lots of rugby initiatives this decade as the U.S. prepares for such a pivotal moment.
