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UPCOMING

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-HEAT WAVE-GRASS COURTS

DESCRIPTION: LONDON — Grass in much of London turned brown last week amid a record heat wave that affected Britain and the rest of Europe. The perfectly manicured lawns of Wimbledon’s famous tennis courts are as green as ever, though, as play at the grass-court Grand Slam got underway this week. Neil Stubley, the All England Club’s head of courts and horticulture, and his team of 31 groundskeepers make sure that Wimbledon is always a picture-perfect spectacle thanks to constant maintenance. By Andrew Dampf.

UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: SOC--WCUP-SPAIN-AUSTRIA

2. DESCRIPTION: INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Lamine Yamal lead Spain in search of its first World Cup knockout-round victory since 2010 when La Roja face Ralf Rangnick’s underdog Austria. By Greg Beacham. 600 words, photos. Match starts at 3 p.m. EDT.

3. UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: SOC--WCUP-PORTUGAL-CROATIA

5. DESCRIPTION: TORONTO — Either Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric will likely have their World Cup career come to an end when Portugal takes on Croatia in the round of 32. 600 words, photos. Match starts at 7 p.m. EDT.

6. UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: SOC--WCUP-ARGENTINA-CAPE VERDE PREVIEW

8. DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- In one corner, there’s Cape Verde, the little team that has turned the World Cup into a soccer coming-out party. In the other, there’s Argentina, the world’s No. 1-ranked team, the reigning World Cup champions and a club led by the greatest goal scorer of all time in Lionel Messi. A true David vs. Goliath matchup awaits in the Round of 32. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

9. UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: SOC--WCUP-SWITZERLAND-ALGERIA

11. DESCRIPTION: VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Switzerland plays Algeria in the round of 32 at the World Cup. By Anne M. Peterson. 600 words, photos. Match starts at 11 p.m. ET.

12. UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 2:00 a.m. EDT

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BKO--USA BASKETBALL-WORLD CUP

DESCRIPTION: Mike James has played pro ball overseas for years. He’s about to do so wearing USA across his chest for the first time. The veteran is playing in his first World Cup qualifiers for the Americans this weekend. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--US SENIOR OPEN

DESCRIPTION: COLUMBUS, Ohio — First-round coverage of the U.S. Senior Open, where Padraig Harrington is the defending champion and Stewart Cink is trying to win his third major this year. By Joe Reedy. 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/02/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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US--WCUP-POLL

What polling shows about Americans’ interest in the World Cup and USMNT

SUMMARY: New polling from Ipsos Sports, provided exclusively to The Associated Press, shows that the World Cup has excited soccer fans and piqued many Americans’ interest, even as the sport continues to face an uphill climb to reach mainstream popularity in the United States. The poll was conducted June 26-28, after the U.S. advanced from the group stage but before they won against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout round. About 6 in 10 soccer fans were “extremely” or “very” excited about the U.S. advancing to the knockout round, much higher than the 25% of Americans overall who said the same. About half of soccer fans say the U.S.’s role in co-hosting the World Cup is going at least “very” well, but there’s less enthusiasm for FIFA’s role.

WORDS: 902 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 1:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4698128b1de4ac4e08d07ceb982f3607&mediaType=text

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US--TIGER WOODS CRASH

Tiger Woods’ hospital records will be handed over to prosecutors in Florida DUI case, judge rules

SUMMARY: A judge has ruled that prosecutors are allowed to review medical records related to Tiger Woods’ March vehicle crash and subsequent arrest in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence. Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement last week between Woods’ defense attorney and the State Attorney’s Office that allows prosecutors to request records from Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where Woods was taken following the March 27 crash. The judge signed off on a similar agreement in May that grants prosecutors access to all prescription medication records for the legendary golfer at a Palm Beach pharmacy from the start of the year through the end of March. Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence.

WORDS: 286 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 1:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d5b3fca278d221555a1292973949e630&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA ALL-STAR STARTERS

Caitlin Clark voted to start third straight WNBA All-Star Game, joined by two Fever teammates

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark was voted to start her third straight WNBA All-Star Game and will be joined by Indiana Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. It’s the second time in four years that three players from the same team were chosen to start the game, with Las Vegas doing it in 2023. Clark wasn’t able to play in last year’s game that the Fever hosted because she was injured right before it. Clark and Mitchell will be joined this year in the backcourt by Paige Bueckers and rookie Olivia Miles. It’s the fourth consecutive year that a rookie was chosen as an All-Star starter. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jessica Shepard, Natasha Howard and Gabby Williams were selected for the frontcourt for the game that will be played in Chicago on July 25.

WORDS: 351 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 1:18 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7e42aeea9be631f3359aae0d09e03d9&mediaType=text

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN

Alex Ovechkin returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Capitals

SUMMARY: Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals. The league’s career goal-scoring record holder inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. Ovechkin turns 41 in September. He has 929 goals after scoring 32 in his 40-year-old season. The Russian superstar broke Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals in April 2025. He had said in recent months he was waiting until the offseason to decide whether to return or retire. Ovechkin in a news release sent out by the Capitals declared, “I’m back.”

WORDS: 239 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 12:57 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f1410cc72e150169fe3b07cc51eb574&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-TILLMAN

Soft-spoken Malik Tillman delivers a loud statement with his bloody sock goal at the World Cup

SUMMARY: Malik Tillman is soft-spoken off the field with his interviews often given at a volume just above a whisper. He spoke loudly with his bloody right foot at one of the biggest moments of the World Cup for the United States. Still feeling the affects of being stomped on by an opponent’s studs, Tillman scored the first free kick goal in a World Cup for the Americans in 32 years to seal a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina that sent the U.S. into the round of 16. Tillman celebrated the biggest moment of his young career with a smile and a scream as he ran to celebrate with his teammates.

WORDS: 713 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 12:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba16684f11fc3cd83f5d65abf694746b&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDYCAR-DIXON

Chip Ganassi Racing says six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon won’t return in 2027

SUMMARY: Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is ending a remarkable run with Chip Ganassi Racing. Owner Chip Ganassi announced Thursday that Dixon recently informed the team he would not return in 2027. Ganassi said he believed the 45-year-old Dixon’s contract gave him an opportunity to end his career with the team. Dixon who won the 2008 Indianapolis 500. He is the defending champion at IndyCar’s next race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Sunday. Dixon is 10th in points this season with one top-five finish.

WORDS: 292 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 12:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d3f49c2edb9f1c37e03ed2aa613f4d77&mediaType=text

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HKN--FREE AGENCY

NHL free agency spills into Day 2 with Patrick Kane among those available

SUMMARY: NHL free agency has some big names still available, including Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko. The first hours of free agency saw more than 50 players changing teams, with contracts totaling more than $360 million. Bowen Byram became the highest-paid defenseman with a $12.5 million average salary beginning in 2027-28 after a trade to Chicago. The salary cap increasing to $104 million led to significant deals but also allowed teams to re-sign top players. On Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Brandon Duhaime to a three-year contract. Forward Nick Foligno and defenseman Zach Bogosian are staying in Minnesota after being re-signed to one-year deals.

WORDS: 638 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 11:45 a.m. EDT.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ac32f817c34ca114df204356faeb16d&mediaType=text

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ATH--PREFONTAINE CLASSIC-LUTKENHAUS

Cooper Lutkenhaus, 17, makes Prefontaine Classic 800 debut with veteran’s poise and youthful energy

SUMMARY: Cooper Lutkenhaus continues to make waves on the track as a 17-year-old 800-meter runner. He’s eclipsing records and beating the best of the best. He recently outsprinted Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi at a Diamond League race. Lutkenhaus doesn’t focus on times or medals; he just wants to beat as many people as possible to the finish line. Last August, he made headlines by breaking the 18-and-under mark at the U.S. championships. That paved the way for him going pro and signing a deal with Nike. This fall, Lutkenhaus will balance training with being a high school senior at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas.

WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 11:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa5ff53f79d2a88034895598fe10271b&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-PRINCESS KATE

Princess Kate greets fans at Wimbledon and sits next to Andy Murray to watch the tennis

SUMMARY: Princess Kate met tennis fans lining up in Wimbledon’s famous Queue and sat next to Andy Murray in a day of rooting on British players at the grass-court Grand Slam. The princess early last year announced her cancer was in remission. She’s the patron of the All England Club. Kate also met with children from a local program that supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Kate last year was at Centre Court on consecutive days to present the winners’ trophies to singles champions Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner.

WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 10:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:993488d4a3d51fc2b812e535b4a93a7c&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-MCLAREN-VERSTAPPEN

Norris says reports Verstappen’s interested in McLaren move are cool, but not serious

SUMMARY: Lando Norris says reports that Max Verstappen has considered a move to McLaren are “a cool thing” to hear but “not a serious thing” as speculation swirls in Formula 1 about a switch which could create a lineup of two champions. Reports from media including Sky Sports indicated last week that Verstappen’s management had requested and held a meeting with McLaren ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. The content of any discussions wasn’t reported and Verstappen has yet to comment.

WORDS: 517 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 10:32 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f95de9cad598a59f1bb72d72769f2638&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-BROWN

Jaylen Brown set to form All-Star trio with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia

SUMMARY: Jaylen Brown is now a Philadelphia 76er after a surprising trade from the Boston Celtics. The deal pairs him with Joel Embiid, despite past tensions between the two. The 76ers, aiming for their first NBA title since 1983, traded Paul George to Boston in exchange for Brown. George’s contract was seen as immovable due to his age and injury history. Brown, a five-time All-Star and recent NBA Finals MVP, joins Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe as key players for the Sixers. The trade positions Philadelphia as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.

WORDS: 995 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d0bbd171e23e4e8a6dfec75752bd99f4&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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SOC--WORLD CUP

Coverage of knockout stage in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.