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UPCOMING

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BKL--WNBA SPRINT TO FINISH

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — The WNBA is set to resume it season Thursday after taking a nearly three-week break for the women’s FIBA World Cup. It will be a sprint to the finish with each team having four games left. While the playoffs teams are set, their positioning is still up from grabs. With over 50 players competing in the World Cup teams were left without many of their stars as they prepared for the final seven days of the regular season. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKW--BLUDER-LAPCHICK AWARD

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Lisa Bluder first met Billie Jean King many years ago at a function. The tennis icon signed a piece of paper for Bluder saying: “pressure is a priviledge, go Iowa basketball.” Bluder put that up in the Hawkeyes’ locker room as a constant reminder to her teams. The two reconnected years later when King started following the Hawkeyes run with Caitlin Clark and became friends. When she retired, Bluder joined King’s management agency. King will present the former Iowa coach Friday as Bluder is honored with the Joe Lapchick Character Award. Bluder will be given the award along with Mike Brey, James Jones and Ernie Johnson. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--BIG TEN THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Longtime rivals Michigan State and No. 3 Notre Dame face off for the first time since 2017 in this week’s most notable game featuring a Big Ten team. New Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald produced upset victories at Notre Dame as a Northwestern player in 1995 and as a Northwestern coach in 2014.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--SEC-THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: No. 7 LSU visits No. 8 Ole Miss on Saturday in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford and one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season. Auburn hosts Florida as both teams seek 1-0 conference records. Plus, three top players to watch in Southeastern Conference play this weekend. By Maura Carey, 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--US ROSTER

DESCRIPTION: U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino announces the first roster of his second cycle heading the American team. By Ronald Blum. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--HURRICANES-CAMP OPENS

DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes open training camp Thursday, roughly three months after winning the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history. By Aaron Beard. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN

DESCRIPTION: Alex Ovechkin is expected to speak at media day for the Capitals, shortly after an ad he appeared in for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party came to light this week. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--TRADE DEMANDS

DESCRIPTION: Brady Tkachuk asked for a trade out of Ottawa and wound up in Florida. Connor Hellebuyck could soon be joining him after requesting a trade from Winnipeg. Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski also asked for a trade in recent months. It is somewhat of a coincidence that all of them won Olympic gold with the U.S. and now want a change of scenery, though they understand what especially wanting out of Canada looks like from the outside. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--RED WINGS-LARKIN

DESCRIPTION: The Detroit Red Wings open training camp and Dylan Larkin is the hot topic. By Hockey Writer Larry Lage. 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--ARIZONA-GODFREY’S WAIT

DESCRIPTION: TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona’s RJ Godfrey is one of dozens of athletes challenging the NCAA’s new eligibility rules. Though he’s been practicing with his new team since August, the big man is still not eligible as he waits for the case to play out in the courts. By Basketball Writer John Marshall. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: The remaining nine games in the opening round of matches in Europe’s second-tier Europa League. The games include Bournemouth making a European debut at Spain’s Real Sociedad and Italian giant Juventus facing Dutch side Nijmegen.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--VIKINGS-JEFFERSON

DESCRIPTION: Justin Jefferson took a big step forward from a frustrating 2025 season with a two-touchdown performance in the opener for the Minnesota Vikings. By Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-MORE CHANGE

DESCRIPTION: The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off a surprising Stanley Cup Final run, they just signed captain Mark Stone to a contract extension and enter the season with high expectations. But the volatile if successful approach by the franchise also means Vegas is getting used to another new coach.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--LIONS-BILLS

DESCRIPTION: Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills put the grass turf in their new stadium to the test by hosting the Detroit Lions in their regular-season home-opener on Thursday night. By John Wawrow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/17/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--CROW-ARMSTRONG-MAKES-MVP-CASE

With 2 more homers, the Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong makes his MVP case

SUMMARY: As Pete Crow-Armstrong came up with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, the Wrigley Field crowd chanted “M-V-Pete! M-V-Pete!” — and not for the first time Wednesday night. The fans serenaded the Chicago star after his first home run, his 43rd to break Billy Williams’ Cubs record for left-handed hitters. They made their feelings known after his RBI triple and after his 44th home run. Even when Crow-Armstrong struck out on five pitches in the eighth, he still received a standing ovation on his way back to the dugout at the end of a 3 for 4 night with three RBIs and three runs in an 8-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves, his seventh multi-home-run game of the season.

WORDS: 476 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 11:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e778cbbb12002eb594b13cb4cb3d014&mediaType=text

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BBO--ORIOLES-ALONSO HOMERS

Pete Alonso gets another ovation from Mets fans after hitting latest homer in return to Citi Field

SUMMARY: Pete Alonso hit another home run against his former team Wednesday night — and received another ovation from New York Mets fans still smarting over his departure for the Baltimore Orioles last December. Alonso, who launched his 300th career homer Tuesday night to tie that game in the ninth inning, went deep in the first this time off emergency starter Xzavion Curry. The crowd at Citi Field stood and applauded prior to the Polar Bear’s at-bat and chanted “Pete Alonso!” before he drove a 74 mph curveball 410 feet into the second deck in left. Fans continued cheering as the slugger rounded the bases, though the reception wasn’t nearly as raucous as Tuesday, when Alonso took a rare curtain call on the road.

WORDS: 815 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 11:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8915ba6de252b0bd6b6964697afaaf5c&mediaType=text

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SOC--CAMPEONES-CUP

Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal as Miami beats Cruz Azul 2-0

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi scored the 100th goal of his Inter Miami career and Casemiro added another as Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday night to win the Campeones Cup.Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a cross from Luis Suárez for his 100th goal in 115 appearances across all competitions with Miami. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a cross from Luis Suárez for his 100th goal in 115 appearances across all competitions with Miami. The milestone came against the same club Messi scored his first Inter Miami goal against.

WORDS: 210 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 10:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b126afd2b7c7a47de1b566063edc45d3&mediaType=text

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HKN--JETS-HELLEBUYCK SUSPENDED

Jets suspend goalie Connor Hellebuyck for failing to report to training camp

SUMMARY: The Winnipeg Jets suspended goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on Wednesday night for failing to report to training camp. The team said general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff would address the media Thursday morning. It did not specify the length of the suspension for the U.S. Olympic star. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2025 Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP, publicly requested a trade from the team on Aug. 27. In a statement posted on X by his agent, Ray Petkau, Hellebuyck said he had privately requested a trade “several months ago” and that he gave the organization time to address it “queitly and respectfully.”

WORDS: 212 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 9:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb96a9914e1e3baae0d539ace1ea5cd2&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-WESTERN MICHIGAN-MICHIGAN-APPEAL

NCAA admits replay errors, reiterates it cannot change result of Western Michigan-Michigan game

SUMMARY: Western Michigan and its conference have insisted Michigan should not have been given an extra second in its dramatic win over the Broncos two weeks ago. The NCAA agrees, but said it can’t do anything about it. The NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee announced Wednesday that proper replay protocols weren’t followed in Michigan’s Hail Mary win, altering the outcome of the game. The committee also reiterated it doesn’t have the authority to overturn the result. Michigan won the Sept. 5 game 13-12 on a Hail Mary pass after the replay official had put 1 second back on the clock when Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s first try was incomplete.

WORDS: 318 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 9:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:604941f3b42f6e6c38feba2df54bcf9a&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

College football picks: LSU defense will be difference against Ole Miss in weekend’s showcase game

WORDS: 1129 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 7:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9bef3ec8691661bdd63a15feae0d6397&mediaType=text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

Raphinha hat trick sparks Barcelona’s 7-2 rout of Racing in La Liga, Man United upset in League Cup

SUMMARY: Raphinha has scored a hat trick to help Barcelona earn yet another big win by routing Racing Santander 7-2 for its best-ever start to a season. Lamine Yamal also found the net for Barcelona which has scored at least five goals in five of its seven matches across all competitions this season. Manchester United was stunned 3-2 by Brighton after squandering a two-goal lead as it crashed out of the English League Cup. Benfica beat AC Milan 2-0 on the road in the first round of the league stage of the Europa League.

WORDS: 741 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 7:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:189d8e5e605b25e57170bad4d50ff150&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE

Yankees pull Aaron Judge for a pinch hitter in the 6th against Twins because of lower leg tightness

SUMMARY: New York Yankees star right fielder Aaron Judge was pulled for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning against Minnesota because of tightness in his lower right leg. Judge struck out in both of his at-bats Wednesday against Twins starter Zebby Matthews before being lifted for Heliot Ramos. The three-time AL MVP was on the bench Tuesday for planned rest. Judge is 4 for 26 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in seven games since returning last week from a broken rib. He homered Monday at Minnesota as the Yankees clinched a postseason berth.

WORDS: 408 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff8b841bd85d3395544a6e3400727ba3&mediaType=text

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BBO--AL CENTRAL RACE

A late-season rally flips the AL Central race as the Guardians edge ahead of White Sox

SUMMARY: The Cleveland Guardians have taken sole possession of first place in the AL Central. They rallied to win the last two games of a series against the visiting White Sox, putting them one-half game ahead of Chicago. Cleveland is off Thursday before starting a three-game series against the Athletics. Manager Stephen Vogt says the team still has work to do with nine games left. The Guardians have a strong September record, and their road to a playoff spot is easier compared to last year’s historic comeback, when they made up an 11-game deficit in September.

WORDS: 676 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:201abe231693680deda624c54d80cecd&mediaType=text

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FBC-T25--MISSISSIPPI-LSU PLAYERS-LAWSUIT

LSU sack leader Princewill Umanmielen served in $550K lawsuit filed by Ole Miss

SUMMARY: LSU sack leader Princewill Umanmielen has been served legal papers related to a July lawsuit filed by the University of Mississippi which alleges that the former Rebels edge rusher owes Ole Miss $550,000 in revenue sharing money. Records filed in Lafayette County Circuit Court in Mississippi show papers were served Tuesday, five days before No. 7 LSU visits No. 8 Ole Miss in a game immersed in hype stemming from coach Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave Mississippi for LSU last fall. A person familiar with the situation says Umanmielen was served outside LSU’s football operations complex. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because university officials have not commented publicly on the lawsuit.

WORDS: 567 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 6:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:261f20aa3ee7766b598868dbd8727bba&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Carrick’s woes continue as Man United stunned by Brighton in League Cup

SUMMARY: Manchester United has blown a two-goal lead to crash out of the English League Cup after a 3-2 loss to Brighton. Boos rang around Old Trafford at the final whistle as United fell to its third defeat of the season. It was also a second in as many games following Sunday’s loss to Manchester City. United led 2-0 after 10 minutes against Brighton through quickfire goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount. But the visitor launched a stunning comeback. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back before halftime and Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper secured victory after the break.

WORDS: 693 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 6:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f08b263cacb8525822a525a91d66f1f6&mediaType=text

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SOC--ELVERSBERG-CAMPBELL

Cole Campbell is the latest American soccer star making waves in Europe and he credits his mom

SUMMARY: The breakout American star of the soccer season so far in Germany, Cole Campbell, has help from an experienced training partner — his mom. Rakel Karvelsson was a pro player in the U.S. and played internationally for Iceland. Two decades on, she’s a “soccer mom” like few others, still helping Campbell develop his game as he makes waves in the German Bundesliga with spectacularly overachieving small-town team Elversberg. Campbell scored on his league debut for Elversberg which is shaking up the league with a fearless style of play.

WORDS: 732 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 4:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0cc122c19cf9cdbc6a82187e009bf18&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-GUARDIANS

Petey Halpin’s 3-run homer propels Guardians past White Sox and into 1st place in AL Central

SUMMARY: Petey Halpin hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning, Parker Messick struck out eight and the Cleveland Guardians moved into first place in the AL Central with a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Cleveland (78-75) has a half-game lead over Chicago (77-75) after taking two of three. It is the first time since July 3 the Guardians have had sole possession of the top spot as they go for their third straight division title. Chicago has dropped seven of nine and 12 of 17 as its run of 74 straight days in first ended.

WORDS: 346 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 4:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf7cfa860ef4bf9672852fc16ec36d4e&mediaType=text

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HKN--TRAINING CAMPS-WHAT TO KNOW

NHL teams begin a sprint to the regular season with shorter training camps

SUMMARY: Training camps open this week around the NHL right about the same time a year they usually do. Only this time, there are less than two weeks until the start of the season. Shorter camps, fewer exhibition games and no mandatory fitness testing are part of the new normal. Even some of the most experienced players are not sure what to expect with a much shorter runway than usual. The biggest losers are likely the young players and those on professional tryouts fighting to earn a roster spot, along with teams with new coaches trying to get ramped up quickly.

WORDS: 863 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 3:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e5eb6ab0a68c38e2aff9aa103b4548ec&mediaType=text

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FBC—T25-NOTRE DAME-TALICH

From walk-on to starter, Luke Talich’s leap of faith pays off for him and No. 3 Notre Dame

SUMMARY: Luke Talich became a Notre Dame fan because the Fighting Irish wore the same blue-and-gold colors as his beloved Cody High School Broncs. He joined the program to challenge himself. Now the 6-foot-4, 222-pound Wyoming native has turned his 1,376-mile football journey into a made-for-Hollywood script. The two-way high school star turned down scholarship offers from three Pac-12 schools, Wyoming and Colorado State so he could become a preferred walk-on with the Irish. He earned a scholarship as a freshman and now, in his fourth college season, finds himself as a starting safety for the nation’s No. 3 team.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 09/16/2026 2:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9cf900496bdf37df4ee9770caf33ca9e&mediaType=text