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UPCOMING

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GLF--US OPEN-TREE TRENDS

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: GLF--US OPEN-TREE TRENDS

2. DESCRIPTION: OAKMONT, Pa. -- Last month, Scottie Scheffler made mention of a popular trend in golf design that rubs him wrong -- removing trees from the courses. If so, the world’s best player won’t have much love for this week’s stop for the U.S. Open, Oakmont Country Club. That’s the course that started a trend three decades ago when it began removing some 15,000 trees from the course to restore it to its original design. By National Writer Eddie Pells Upcoming: 1,100 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: GLF--US OPEN-TREE TRENDS

5. DESCRIPTION: OAKMONT, Pa. -- Last month, Scottie Scheffler made mention of a popular trend in golf design that rubs him wrong -- removing trees from the courses. If so, the world’s best player won’t have much love for this week’s stop for the U.S. Open, Oakmont Country Club. That’s the course that started a trend three decades ago when it began removing some 15,000 trees from the course to restore it to its original design. Upcoming: 1,100 words, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

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BBO--THIS WEEK IN BASEBALL

DESCRIPTION: A 4-3 defeat at San Francisco dropped the Atlanta Braves to 10 games under .500 and 9 1/2 behind the National League’s final playoff spot. The Braves haven’t missed the postseason since 2017. It’s too early to count them out this year, but they can’t afford to have much more go wrong. Atlanta started the season 0-7, then spent about six weeks clawing its way back to .500. All that work has already been undone after the Braves dropped another seven straight this past week. The last five of those defeats have been by one run. By Baseball Writer Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

7. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS-THUNDER

8. DESCRIPTION: OKLAHOMA CITY -- The moment is clearly not too big for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. These are his first NBA Finals. It’s hard to remember that sometimes. The Oklahoma City Thunder star — and NBA MVP — just had a pair of debut finals games like nobody in league history, with a combined 72 points in his first two appearances in the title series. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos by 6 a.m.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

10. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS

11. DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- The Pacers took a close one in Game 1. The Thunder had control for virtually all of Game 2. The NBA Finals between Indiana and Oklahoma City is even at a game apiece, and now the teams can catch their breath going into Game 3 on Wednesday night. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos by noon.

12. UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT

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US--NCAA SETTLEMENT

DESCRIPTION: Commissioners of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC hold a virtual press conference to discuss the final approval of the House v. NCAA settlement. By Eric Olson. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 11:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--ENERGIZED 49ERS

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The vibes were off from the the start last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Contract disputes provided a cloud over the team throughout the spring and summer, the Super Bowl hangover and a third straight short offseason sapped some energy and a lack of roster turnover led to some staleness around the Niners. Those factors and a bevy of injuries turned a Super Bowl contender into a 6-11 also-ran, leading coach Kyle Shanahan to deliver a blunt message at the end of the season about what needed to change in 2025. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--DIAMONDBACKS-PITCHING-WOES

DESCRIPTION: PHOENIX - The normally budget-conscious Arizona Diamondbacks have been willing to spend big money over the past several years, gambling on the notoriously volatile market that is free agent starting pitching. So far, it’s a $425 million bet that has come up snake eyes. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--CLUB WORLD CUP-SOCCER IN NASHVILLE

DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Once a niche sport in Music City, soccer has exploded in popularity, helping Nashville SC secure a Club World Cup hosting role at GEODIS Park. A look at how a small soccer community grew into a major fan base. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Video, Text

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BBO--BRAVES-BREWERS

DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE - Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale takes the mound attempting to help the Atlanta Braves snap a seven-game skid as they open a three-game series in Milwaukee. Aaron Civale pitches for the Brewers. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 300 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 10:45 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKW--PWHL-EXPANSION DRAFT

DESCRIPTION: After adding five players apiece during last week’s signing period, The PWHL’s two newest teams, Seattle and Vancouver, will each fill seven more spots on their rosters in the expansion draft on Monday night. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Draft begins at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP

DESCRIPTION: SUNRISE, Fla. -- The defending champion Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers face off in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, with the best-of-seven series tied at 1 with each of the first two needing overtime to determine the result. More close games are expected in this rematch of two evenly matched NHL powerhouses. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos, breakouts and notebook on merit.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--DODGERS-PADRES

DESCRIPTION: SAN DIEGO — Nick Pivetta takes the mound for the Padres against Dustin May and the Dodgers in the California archrivals’ first meeting of the season. San Diego trails defending champ Los Angeles by just one game in the NL West standings. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/09/2025 11:55 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--NBA FINALS-OKC SUPPORTING CAST

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets help in Game 2 as Thunder roll past Pacers to even NBA Finals

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got some much-needed assistance from his teammates in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and the Oklahoma City Thunder evened the series against the Indiana Pacers with a 123-107 victory. After scoring 38 points in Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander had 34 points and eight assists in Game 2 — typical performances from the league’s MVP and scoring champion. Co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren played more like their usual selves on Sunday. Veteran reserve Alex Caruso had another strong performance and Aaron Wiggins provided a surprise boost in Oklahoma City’s first Finals win since 2012.

WORDS: 513 - MOVED: 06/09/2025 12:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ab2d6e888f50c8ae3219f07e3e26120&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS-PACERS

Pacers fail to sweep Games 1 and 2 in a series for the first time in these playoffs

SUMMARY: For the Indiana Pacers, a chance at being perfect in Games 1 and 2 of these playoffs went awry. They’ll have to settle for a mere split of the opening two games in the NBA Finals instead. The Pacers’ bid to become the fifth team in NBA history to go 8-0 to open the four playoff rounds — sweeping Games 1 and 2 in all four series — was stopped on Sunday night by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder took control early and won Game 2 of the NBA Finals 123-107, tying the championship matchup at a game apiece.

WORDS: 610 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 11:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ccb402993459c7a8d6124cc180a222f&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS

Game 2: Thunder open another big lead and keep control, topping Pacers 123-107 to even NBA Finals

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, Alex Caruso added 20 off the bench and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night to tie the NBA Finals at one game apiece. Jalen Williams scored 19, Aaron Wiggins had 18 and Chet Holmgren scored 15 for the Thunder. It was the franchise’s first finals game win since the opener of the 2012 series against Miami. Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 for Indiana, which erased a 15-point fourth quarter deficit in Game 1 but never made a push on Sunday.

WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 11:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5aedb7fcfd4878890c08279ffd31f14d&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES

Red Sox hit 5 home runs and overcome 2 by Judge in 11-7 win over Yankees

SUMMARY: Carlos Narváez put Boston ahead with a three-run homer against his former team, and the Red Sox overcame two home runs by Aaron Judge in an 11-7 victory over the New York Yankees. Rafael Devers also went deep as Boston equaled a season high with five longballs to take two of three games at Yankee Stadium in the first series this season between the longtime rivals. Narváez signed with the Yankees in 2015 and broke into the big leagues with them last year, getting into six games before New York traded him to Boston in December. The rookie catcher gave the Red Sox a 5-3 lead in the sixth inning by lifting a fastball from Carlos Rodón into the left-field seats.

WORDS: 464 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 11:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ffc568e18d3ed5fb3c9aacdf8088c2e1&mediaType=text

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GLF--US OPEN

US Open gets a soggy start to the week at Oakmont, with Jordan Spieth among early arrivals

SUMMARY: U.S. Open week is off to a soggy start at Oakmont. Players are starting to arrive equipped with umbrellas and expectations of a typical tough test. Jordan Spieth was among the early arrivals. He played the front nine Saturday and got in 11 holes Sunday. The rough is every bit as deep and thick as advertised. Spieth says it’s one of the few U.S. Open courses that doesn’t need a lot of work to be ready for a major. He says mistakes are bound to happen. The key to Oakmont is not to compound the mistakes.

WORDS: 828 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 9:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2647dfa010f560bbaf69a6102f4c89e2&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS-NELSON AWARD

Hall of Famer Don Nelson selected as this year’s winner of Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award

SUMMARY: Don Nelson has been invited to the NBA Finals countless times in recent years, always declining those opportunities. This time, his peers found a way to ensure he couldn’t say no. Nelson — a Basketball Hall of Famer and three-time NBA coach of the year — was announced Sunday as this year’s recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. It will be formally given out Sunday night, about an hour before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

WORDS: 624 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 7:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:527a7aa1c4685b57910e5e6106f5c850&mediaType=text

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GLF--CANADIAN OPEN

Ryan Fox wins Canadian Open with ‘best shot I’ve ever hit’ in playoff to beat Sam Burns

SUMMARY: Ryan Fox is a PGA Tour winner for the second time in five weeks. He hit what he calls the best shot he’s ever hit to beat Sam Burns on the fourth playoff hole in the Canadian Open. Fox hit 3-wood to 7 feet and only needed two putts for the victory. He shot a 66 by making a birdie putt just inside 18 feet on the 18th hole in regulation. Burns shot 62. He missed a 5-foot birdie putt for the win on the first extra hole. He three-putted from about 55 feet so make it easy on Fox in the end.

WORDS: 788 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 7:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff3cb143c357d64ea4e0209639bc1e44&mediaType=text

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BKN--NELSON-DONCIC TRADE

Don Nelson expresses his disappointment with Luka Doncic trade by wearing the star’s shoes

SUMMARY: Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson was not a fan of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic — and chose his footwear for Game 2 of the NBA Finals accordingly. Nelson arrived for the news conference announcing him as the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award winner, as selected by the National Basketball Coaches Association, wearing a pair of Doncic’s signature Jordan Brand sneaker. The reason: He was showing Doncic — who he calls “my dear friend” — support.

WORDS: 306 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 7:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:30e6ff43e52e4f3e6aef0229f4f9981a&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-MICHIGAN

Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan for his 3rd NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season

SUMMARY: Denny Hamlin outlasted the competition at Michigan, winning his third NASCAR Cup Series race this season and the 57th of his career. Hamlin went low to pass William Byron on the 197th of 200 laps and pulled away from the pack in the No. 11 Toyota. The 44-year-old was prepared to leave to join his fiancée, Jordan Fish, who is due to give birth to their third child, a boy. Hamlin said he would skip next week’s race in Mexico City if necessary to witness the birth. Chris Buescher finished second, followed by Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson.

WORDS: 697 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 7:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:259a98a7e2e1d7f0af1f33f7523bb926&mediaType=text

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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Portugal beats Spain in penalty shootout to win Nations League

SUMMARY: Rúben Neves has scored the winning penalty kick as Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 in a shootout to win the Nations League. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s fourth penalty for Spain, then Neves converted his team’s fifth to seal the win after their match finished 2-2 after extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo had kept Portugal in the game when he equalized in the 61st minute of regular time with his record-extending 138th international goal after Mikel Oyarzabal had given Spain a 2-1 halftime lead. Kylian Mbappé led France to third place earlier Sunday with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart.

WORDS: 471 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 7:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:08edafeeb89d4282849775be49a166c5&mediaType=text

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BOX--HALL OF FAME

Manny Pacquiao enshrined in boxing’s Hall of Fame just as he resumes his record-setting career

SUMMARY: Manny Pacquiao’s fighting days aren’t finished yet, as he’s coming out of retirement at 46 for a shot at another title next month. No matter what happens in the remaining stage, it’s hard to find many better resumes than the one he already assembled in a career that landed him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday. Pacquiao was the headline name in the class of 2025 that was enshrined during a ceremony at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. The eight-division champion will then return to training for his July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC champ Mario Barrios.

WORDS: 551 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 6:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8245343e2dbd17868ed19209e587d16b&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN

Alcaraz produces another major comeback to win French Open final in five-set thriller against Sinner

SUMMARY: Bad starts in Grand Slam finals are nothing new for Carlos Alcaraz and each time it’s happened he has won the tournament anyway. But not in such dramatic style as Sunday’s French Open final. The Spaniard rallied from two sets down and saved three match points to beat Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) for his fifth major title in as many finals. It was his second straight French Open title with a comeback, after trailing 2-1 in sets to Alexander Zverev in last year’s final and a third major title from behind following his five-set win against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final. It was also the longest final in French Open history at 5 hours, 29 minutes.

WORDS: 1062 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 6:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0de8f0c10f4b3e988f31257a3e08a9c&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP

Panthers-Oilers Stanley Cup Final is as tight as can be. Game 3 could tilt the series

SUMMARY: The second consecutive Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers has been about as even as a series can get through two games, with each winning one in overtime. The Panthers have led for more time, the Oilers have gotten more shots on net and a bounce or two here or there could have changed the complexion of where these teams are at. That’s still the case going into Game 3 on Monday night with the chance that small adjustments could tilt the series one way or the other.

WORDS: 946 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 4:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b110c72dcbab875d521cf1ad0f7c5f6&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-GAUFF

Coco Gauff used words and a mirror to persuade herself she could win the French Open

SUMMARY: A little bit of self-persuasion went a very long way for Coco Gauff, whose victory at the French Open gave the 21-year-old American a trophy she has long coveted, and a second major title. Gauff defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 to add to her U.S. Open title two years ago. Sabalenka had been the more in-form player heading into the final. Gauff felt she needed extra motivation and drew inspiration from Gabby Thomas, the women’s Olympic 200-meter champion. Thomas had kept writing down that she would be the Olympic champion so Gauff grabbed a piece of paper and wrote “I will be French Open champion 2025.”

WORDS: 656 - MOVED: 06/08/2025 2:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1c3171407a915f51948f276c7cf14014&mediaType=text