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UPCOMING

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: By the time Week 3 of the NFL season is complete, there’s a chance that more than one-third of the teams in the NFC will already have turned to their backup quarterbacks. Injuries in Week 2 to Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart are the latest to hit the conference, which could lead to six backups starting for NFC teams this week. That would be the most teams in the same conference to use start multiple quarterbacks in the first three games of a season and one shy of the high for the entire NFL. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEWS

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: HKN--CENTRAL DIVISION PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: Colorado, Dallas and Minnesota again look to be the class of the NHL’s Central Division, a gauntlet at the top with Utah and others knocking on the door. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. Text, photos by 3 p.m. — With Western Conference preview capsules for U.S.-based teams (450 words, photos).

3. UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: HKN--PACIFIC DIVISION PREVIEW

5. DESCRIPTION: After what looked like a down season, the Pacific Division produced the Western Conference champion in Vegas. But the Golden Knights may not be the team to beat in the Pacific this time, with Connor McDavid and Edmonton looking to rebound from a first-round exit and Macklin Celebrini and San Jose on the verge of becoming a contender. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos by 3 p.m. — With Western Conference preview capsules for U.S.-based teams (450 words, photos).

6. UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--RAIDERS-PASS RUSH

DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Raiders are getting to opposing quarterbacks, a big reason they are 2-0.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--ACES-ANOTHER TITLE CHASE

DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Aces will enter the playoffs chasing their fourth WNBA championship in five years, but this one is hardly guaranteed.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--ASTROS-MARINERS

Alvarez hits 41st homer and drives in 3 as Astros blank Mariners 7-0 to tie Rangers atop AL West

SUMMARY: Yordan Alvarez resumed his Triple Crown push with a home run and three RBIs as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 7-0 to pull even with Texas atop the AL West. Houston snapped a three-game skid and tied the Rangers at 78-79 following their 6-3 loss to the New York Mets at home. Both teams have five games remaining, and the Astros hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. Seattle is on the brink of playoff elimination, one season after winning the AL West for the first time in 24 years and coming within one victory of the franchise’s first World Series appearance. Alvarez hit a two-run shot in the eighth inning to tie Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League lead with 41 homers.

WORDS: 395 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 1:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:de4a1ba8423836cdbc4d976c7e835994&mediaType=text

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BKL--LYNX-FEVER

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell help Fever keep home-court hope alive with 96-77 win over Lynx

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark had 27 points and nine assists while Kelsey Mitchell added 20 points to her WNBA single-season scoring record as the Indiana Fever beat the Minnesota Lynx 96-77. Indiana kept alive its faint hopes of earning the No. 4 seed in the playoffs and home-court advantage in the first round for at least one more day. The Lynx still clinched the No. 1 seed thanks to Golden State’s overtime loss to Portland on Tuesday. Mitchell extended her league record to 27 consecutive games. The Lynx played without Olivia Miles because of a calf injury.

WORDS: 397 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 12:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d3f887c364ae21e772b4c31a100d4be5&mediaType=text

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BBO--RAYS CLINCH

Rays clinch 5th AL East title with 6-1 victory at Yankee Stadium in 2nd game of doubleheader

SUMMARY: Playing in perhaps baseball’s toughest division, the Tampa Bay Rays were the class of the field this season. The thrifty Rays clinched their fifth AL East title with a 6-1 victory over the New York Yankees in the second game of a day-night doubleheader as Drew Rasmussen allowed one hit in 6 2/3 innings and Yandy Díaz hit a pair of two-run singles. Tampa Bay took the AL East for the first time since 2021 and surpassed that team by three days with the earliest division clincher in team history. The club also won division crowns in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season along with 2010 and 2008, when it reached the World Series and had the franchise’s first winning season.

WORDS: 801 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 12:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a4245768dc187cf28d4910c496219c74&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROCKIES-100 LOSSES

Rockies become the first team since the Mets from 1962-65 with 4 straight 100-loss seasons

SUMMARY: The Colorado Rockies lost 7-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday. The Rockies became just the fifth club in major league history to lose at least 100 games in four consecutive seasons and the first to do so since the New York Mets in their expansion season of 1962 through 1965. It’s the latest low for a franchise that has made the playoffs just twice since 2010 and hasn’t won a playoff series since a memorable run to the World Series in 2007.

WORDS: 759 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 12:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f1379b8b48a464963c5a349750fc3b02&mediaType=text

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BKL--SPARKS-ACES

A’ja Wilson powers the Aces past the Sparks, clinching at least a No. 3 seed

SUMMARY: Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Aces to an 89-79 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night and clinch at least a No. 3 playoff seed for Las Vegas. The Aces will get home-court advantage of the first round of the playoffs, which begin Sunday. Chelsea Gray scored 17 points of for the Aces, Stephanie Talbot had 14 points and Jackie Young totaled 14 points and 11 assists. Nneka Ogwumike, who was honored before the game, scored 17 points to lead the Sparks. Erica Wheeler added 16 points.

WORDS: 337 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 12:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6bff534e2ac44a9d99ec52995e76dbd7&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Dodgers’ Ohtani set for return Wednesday after IL stint; Roberts says he’s ‘considerably’ better

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Wednesday after recovering from right biceps inflammation and left knee soreness. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is feeling “considerably” better. The Dodgers clinched their 13th NL West title in 14 years without Ohtani, who was in Los Angeles for treatment when the team beat Cincinnati last week. Ohtani is likely to resume his role as leadoff hitter, especially against right-handed pitching. Mookie Betts has been filling that spot, hitting .373 this month.

WORDS: 214 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 10:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d114ab21fcc749640a62cdad42edd830&mediaType=text

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BBO--BRAVES-ACUÑA

Braves’ star Acuña day-to-day after fouling ball off left leg

SUMMARY: Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. left Atlanta’s game against Cincinnati in the third inning after fouling a ball off his left leg. X-rays and a CT scan were negative and Acuña was listed as day-to-day with a contusion. The slugger was able to walk off the field after hobbling away from the battling circle and dropping to his knees in clear pain. The injury comes with the playoffs just a week away for NL East-winning Atlanta. Acuña has been one of the team’s hottest hitters down the stretch, giving him 20 homers and 20 stolen bases for the season.

WORDS: 471 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 10:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6ff1646b550a2143772ec610c499bd3&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-MANAGER

Mets hire interim manager Andy Green for the full-time job, giving him a 3-year contract

SUMMARY: The New York Mets have hired interim manager Andy Green for the full-time job, giving him a three-year contract. The team made the announcement before opening a three-game series in Texas against the Rangers. Green had been running New York’s farm system before taking over as interim manager when Carlos Mendoza was fired in late June. At the time, Green said he wasn’t particularly interested in managing beyond the rest of this year, and president of baseball operations David Stearns said Green would return to a front-office role after the season. The last-place Mets have played better baseball under Green, however, and the club chose not to conduct a search for a new skipper this offseason.

WORDS: 940 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 9:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fa23f59ae71f0155db34cce59ee1a82&mediaType=text

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BKN--HAWKS-HORNETS TRADE

Hornets send Dorian Finney-Smith to Atlanta for Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Hawks have traded guards Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Each team announced the trade. The Hornets acquired Finney-Smith and three second-round draft picks from the Houston Rockets earlier this offseason. Hield played 51 games last season for the Warriors and Hawks and averaged 7.6 points per game. Nembard played in 60 games last season for Mavericks, averaging 6.6 points and 5.3 assists per game. Finney-Smith spent last season with Houston but played sparingly.

WORDS: 120 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 9:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4f20e8bd4b0eeee02e81e1ae39616771&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEARS-QBS

Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent placed in the NFL concussion protocol, AP source says

SUMMARY: Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent has been placed in the NFL concussion protocol, according to a person familiar with the situation, adding another wrinkle to the team’s plans for Monday night’s game against Philadelphia. The person confirmed Bagent’s status to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Bears hadn’t released their first injury report of the week. Bagent was expected to practice with Chicago’s starters after Caleb Williams left Sunday’s 9-3 loss to Minnesota with a right hamstring injury. If Williams and Bagent are unable to play Monday night, the Bears likely would turn to Case Keenum.

WORDS: 407 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 8:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:025e34fe13e1fe33eff2e2cc6c534631&mediaType=text

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HKN--BOARD OF GOVERNORS

No decision made on possible NHL expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, after board discusses it

SUMMARY: The NHL Board of Governors discussed expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, for the first time since beginning an exploration process with a potential ownership group interested in putting a team there. But Commissioner Gary Bettman said no decisions have been made. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said he has gotten a full report from Dan Friedkin’s Pursuit Sports group but did not want to commit to any sort of vote on a 33rd team by the next board meeting in December. Bettman said owners also got briefed on artificial intelligence, while Washington’s Ted Leonsis was voted the new board chairman.

WORDS: 763 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 6:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:37c4e84ba17b3aac76f2f0b8df2bf43a&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLORADO-SANDERS

Deion Sanders dismisses a few players after Colorado’s 1st loss, school says process not finalized

SUMMARY: Deion Sanders said he has dismissed a few players from Colorado’s football team following their first loss at Northwestern. The school says the process isn’t finalized yet and an updated roster will be released later in the week. Sanders, the coach of the Buffaloes, didn’t name the players but cited a pattern of behavior as the reason. He emphasized the importance of team conduct and accountability. Defensive back Ben Finneseth apologized on behalf of the team in regard to negative comments caught on video about Northwestern’s temporary stadium. Sanders expressed frustration with the team’s penalties and turnovers in the loss. He stressed the need for discipline as they prepare for Saturday’s game at Baylor.

WORDS: 732 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 6:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd87adba527411a5fdcf6ab099c8040e&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Man City salvages draw at Bayern Munich in return to the Women’s Champions League. Arsenal wins late

SUMMARY: Manchester City has rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Bayern Munich in its return to the Women’s Champions League at the start of the league phase. Inter Milan, making its debut in the competition proper, edged Häcken 1-0 at home. Two-time European champion Arsenal needed a stoppage-time penalty kick to defeat visiting HB Køge 1-0, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 in the Spanish capital.

WORDS: 888 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 6:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4b1cb1a8c3b115311baf3b87104ec93c&mediaType=text

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HKC--ARIZONA ST-PLAYER COLLAPSES

Arizona State report shows training plan not submitted before hockey player’s collapse

SUMMARY: Arizona State hockey coaches were present when a player collapsed during an outdoor workout, but plans for the training session were not submitted to the school, according to a preliminary issued by the university. Matthew Mayich collapsed during a workout on Aug. 20 and still remains hospitalized with what family attorney Rob Carey said was exertional heat stroke that reduced flow of oxygen to his brain. He is unlikely to recover, Carey said. The Arizona State police department is investigating the incident and a report will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review when complete.

WORDS: 647 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 6:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a458f8a21624a63f5836c4d03f3629f7&mediaType=text

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

Scottie Scheffler is the dominant player in golf. The Cups have been another matter

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler has been dominating golf more than anyone since Tiger Woods. He’s also starting to draw comparisons with Woods in team play. Scheffler has a 6-11-4 record in the four Presidents Cups and Ryder Cups he has played. Some of that he chalks up to the fickle nature of match play. He also wonders if he’s trying too hard. Individual records aren’t a big concern. And U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker is not the least bit worried. He says Scheffler just needs to be comfortable and play like he always does. He also says one player won’t make the difference.

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 6:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ef04cd3a258f4f7bd98ab25fd32515c0&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-TRACY

Red Sox remove interim tag, name Chad Tracy the franchise’s 49th manager after historic turnaround

SUMMARY: The Boston Red Sox have named Chad Tracy as their 49th manager, removing his interim tag. The team announced that Tracy has signed a three-year contract through the 2029 season, with a club option for 2030. The Red Sox also exercised the 2029 and 2030 options on chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Tracy’s promotion follows the Red Sox securing a wild-card playoff spot over the weekend. He took over in April after Alex Cora was fired following a 10-17 start. Tracy has since led the team to a 74-55 record, including a 15-game win streak.

WORDS: 686 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 5:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f30a90ddade46110a47105d96f107779&mediaType=text

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BKN--RAPTORS-LEONARD

Raptors, Kawhi Leonard agree on 2-year, $115 million extension, AP source says

SUMMARY: Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors have agreed on a two-year contract extension potentially worth $115 million. The second year is at Leonard’s option. ESPN first reported the terms, confirmed by The Toronto Star. The 35-year-old Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA title and is coming off his highest-scoring season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He will make just over $50 million this season. The Raptors secured Leonard in a trade with the Clippers in late June. The NBA found the Clippers violated salary cap rules, leading to penalties, including fines and suspensions. Leonard was fined $700,000.

WORDS: 302 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 4:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8d8df17fbdab1971bbb805df901b01ff&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-ANALYSIS

Jaxson Dart’s knee injury is still being evaluated, Giants coach John Harbaugh says

SUMMARY: Jaxson Dart’s injured left knee is being evaluated and no decisions have been made, New York Giants coach John Harbaugh said after the starting quarterback exited the game at Los Angeles on Monday night. Harbaugh on Tuesday refused to confirm an ESPN report that Dart’s injury is worse than the initial diagnosis of a sprained medial collateral ligament. Harbaugh said the team would reveal details and a timeframe in due time after the evaluation is complete. Harbaugh expressed confidence in backup Jameis Winston’s ability to step in for however long Dart is out.

WORDS: 657 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 3:57 p.m. EDT

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BBO—RAYS-YANKEES-GAME 1

Rodón allows three hits in eight sharp innings as Yanks beat Rays 2-0 in doubleheader opener

SUMMARY: Carlos Rodón allowed three hits in eight sharp innings and the New York Yankees prevented the Tampa Bay Rays from clinching the AL East title with a 2-0 victory in the opener of a day-night doubleheader. The Yankees (90-66) moved six games ahead of the Red Sox for the AL’s top wild-card spot. Tampa Bay (95-61) has a magic number of two to clinch the AL East for the fifth time in team history and first since 2021. Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez (15-5) and also started a key double play to end the sixth.

WORDS: 403 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 3:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0bc1693b13eede74bc812591d1fb6184&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-POSTSEASON-GUIDE

Tuesday’s MLB clinching scenarios: Rays can lock up AL East, while Cubs and Padres seek wild cards

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s postseason is rapidly approaching, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a third straight World Series title. It remains to be seen how much some of the game’s biggest stars will be able to participate in the playoffs, though. The Dodgers are once again among the best teams in the big leagues, and they’ll have several challengers in October, including the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. All three teams could finish the regular season with 100 wins or more. Los Angeles is rolling even though four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani’s health is a concern.

WORDS: 862 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 2:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:caf4f50997be16bf6cf962726b6d9016&mediaType=text

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BKL--WINGS-SHEPARD’S SURGE

Jessica Shepard’s breakout season with the Dallas Wings doesn’t surprise her or Paige Bueckers

SUMMARY: Jessica Shepard is having a breakout first season with the Dallas Wings, who are headed to the playoffs. Shepard is tied for the WNBA lead with five triple-doubles. She has doubled her scoring average from her first five seasons. Shepard and Angel Reese are the only two players averaging double figures in points and rebounds. Shepard explored free agency in the offseason and came away believing she could fit in with two elite scorers on the perimeter in Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. She has done more than that and is set to play a leading role when the playoffs start Sunday.

WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 2:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:077330fc99a465105f6f4deddf0138f0&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE

Yankees star Aaron Judge has injection in sore right calf, unlikely to play in the Wild Card Series

SUMMARY: Yankees manager Aaron Boone says slugger Aaron Judge is unlikely to play in the Wild Card Series after having an injection in his sore right calf. Before the Yankees faced the Rays in a day-night doubleheader Tuesday, Boone said Judge had a platelet poor plasma injection during the team’s off-day on Monday following its return from Arizona. The Yankees will most likely play the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the postseason. Judge was put on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained soleus muscle. Boone did not say what grade the strain is but described it as “moderate.”

WORDS: 505 - MOVED: 09/22/2026 2:38 p.m. EDT

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