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UPCOMING

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

DESCRIPTION:The NFL set a record for the fewest punts per game in 2025, with wild-card weekend showcasing bold fourth-down plays. Chicago’s Tory Taylor never punted in the Bears’ comeback win over the Packers. Teams converted 15 of 29 fourth downs, with only 41 punts overall on wild-card weekend Bears coach Ben Johnson was especially aggressive, going for it six times on fourth down, despite setbacks. His strategy paid off with a late touchdown. Johnson defends his approach, emphasizing confidence in his defense. The trend of fewer punts continued, with teams averaging just 3.41 punts per game in the playoffs. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 875 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

DESCRIPTION: Indiana’s Pascal Siakam shines in a thrilling 98-96 victory over Boston. His game-winning shot on Monday night adds to the Pacers’ three-game winning streak, though their record remains the worst in the Eastern Conference. Siakam’s performance bolsters his case for another All-Star selection. Despite the team’s struggles, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle praises Siakam’s leadership and impact. The Pacers have faced challenges, including losing key players, but Siakam remains focused on daily progress. He acknowledges the emotional toll of the season but remains committed to winning and improving. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKC--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Seton Hall is back in the AP Top 25 for the first time in four years. The Pirates entered Monday’s new poll at No. 25. That comes after the Pirates rallied from double-digit second-half deficits in three straight games to win. Seton Hall’s first game with a national ranking comes Tuesday against No. 3 UConn. The schedule includes No. 8 Nebraska and No. 10 Vanderbilt looking to extend their unbeaten seasons. In the ACC, No. 16 Virginia has tough road games at No. 20 Louisville and SMU this week. By Basketball Writer Aaron Beard. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: The Southeastern Conference has both top tier teams as well as depth this season with five schools ranked in the first seven of The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday. Overall nine teams are in the Top 25, tying the Big Ten for the most ever in a single week in the 50-year history of the poll. South Carolina leads the way at No. 2 with Texas fourth, Vanderbilt fifth, LSU sixth and Kentucky seventh. The Gamecocks and Longhorns meet in South Carolina on Thursday in a key conference matchup. Texas coach Vic Schaefer vented his frustrations after his team lost 70-65 at LSU on Sunday. The veteran coach wasn’t happy with the scheduling that his team would have to play both LSU and South Carolina on the road in consecutive games. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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OLY--WINTER OLYMPICS-FUTURE GAMES

DESCRIPTION: Belgian biathlete Maya Cloetens is concerned about the future of winter sports in a warming world. Training in Grenoble, France, in the hopes of competing in next month’s Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, she’s noticed shorter, milder winters with less consistent heavy snow. She’s not alone. This raises questions about which locations can host winter sports as Earth warms. Grenoble, once a Winter Games site, is no longer considered “climate reliable” by experts. The International Olympic Committee is considering rotating the Games among locations with sufficient snow and infrastructure. The reliance on manufactured snow is increasing, but it has limits. The IOC is planning sustainable practices to protect winter sports for future generations. By Jennifer McDermott and Pat Graham. 1,100 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 7:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Video, Text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-KOEPKA

DESCRIPTION: HONOLULU -- Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, a decision that should have surprised no one. What guides new CEO Brian Rolapp is whatever makes the PGA Tour stronger. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 900 words, photos. With Golf Notes and Golf Glance.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 11:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBC--CFP-CRISTOBAL’S MASTERPIECE

DESCRIPTION: Indiana has gotten a lot of attention for its stirring turnaround to reach the national championship game. Mario Cristobal’s work at Miami is just as impressive, a rebuild of a faded champion. By Tim Reynolds. 750 words, photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Text, Audio, Photo, Video, DigitalPlans

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BKN--JAZZ-GEORGE

DESCRIPTION: Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George is making a strong case for Most Improved Player in the NBA. By Matthew Coles. 700 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SKI--WCUP-WOMEN’S SLALOM

DESCRIPTION: FLACHAU, Austria — Mikaela Shiffrin and Camille Rast take their budding slalom rivalry into a night World Cup race. It’s the penultimate race in the discipline before the Milan Cortina Olympics.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 1:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--NFL FIXER-UPPERS

DESCRIPTION: The New England Patriots and Chicago Bears both went from worst to first in their division in 2025, proving anew to NFL fans already looking ahead to next season that a quick fix to that fixer-upper is possible. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--RAVENS-BISCIOTTI SPEAKS

DESCRIPTION: A week after firing longtime coach John Harbaugh, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti holds a news conference with general manager Eric DeCosta. By Noah Trister. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKC--T25-UCONN-SETON HALL

DESCRIPTION: Third-ranked UConn (16-1. 6-0 Big East) visits No. 25 Seton Hall (14-2, 4-1) in a pivotal conference matchup, one day after the Pirates moved into the Top 25 rankings. 300 words

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--CLIPPERS-HARDEN-SCORING LIST

Clippers star James Harden passes Shaquille O’Neal for 9th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list

SUMMARY: James Harden has passed Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The Los Angeles Clippers guard made a 3-pointer early in the third quarter on Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets. That pushed his career total to 28,598 points in his 1,187th regular season game. O’Neal had 28,596 points in 1,207 games over 19 years. Harden, who began the night 14 points behind O’Neal, finished with 32 points in the Clippers’ 117-109 win against the Hornets. He increased his scoring total to 28,614. Harden entered the night averaging 25.6 points per game for his highest average since the 2019-20 season when he won the last of three straight league scoring titles. Wilt Chamberlain is eighth with 31,419 points in 1,045 games over 14 years.

WORDS: 273 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 1:24 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ea657e429801851edf64a5ea798a4e16&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-STEELERS

Texans stifle Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers 30-6 for franchise’s 1st road playoff win

SUMMARY: The Houston Texans have secured their first road playoff win in franchise history, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6. The Texans held Pittsburgh to 175 yards of offense and scored a pair of defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Houston stretched its winning streak to 10 games and advances to play New England in the division round. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud endured a shaky night, turning it over three times, though he did throw a touchdown pass to Christian Kirk. Aaron Rodgers passed for 146 yards and threw a pick-6 on what could be the final throw of his 21-year career.

WORDS: 1041 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 12:44 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:823ad70385c7d680623bfe8ab3993985&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 1 Indiana, No. 10 Miami should be near full strength for national championship game

SUMMARY: No. 10 Miami needs everything at its disposal to slow down top-seeded Indiana’s high-scoring offense in next week’s College Football Playoff championship. The good news is that the Hurricanes defense should be at or near full strength. Coach Mario Cristobal told reporters Monday he expects defensive linemen Ahkeem Mesidor and Ahmad Moten, as well as cornerback OJ Frederique, to be ready to play in next week’s title game. Mesidor and Moten were both injured during last week’s dramatic 31-27 victory, but returned later. Frederique was injured during Miami’s surprising 24-14 Cotton Bowl victory over No. 2 Ohio State and did not play in the Fiesta Bowl. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti had no new additions to his injury list.

WORDS: 944 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 12:22 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0bc7ef89a3ce2bef17fee379ab7fd120&mediaType=text

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US--SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER-ATHLETES

Supreme Court takes up culture war battle over transgender athletes in school sports

SUMMARY: The Supreme Court is hearing arguments over state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. The culture war cases come from Idaho and West Virginia, among the first of the more than two dozen Republican-led states that have banned transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s teams. The justices are evaluating claims of sex discrimination lodged by transgender people versus the need for fair competition for women and girls, the main argument made by the states. Lower courts ruled for the transgender athletes who challenged the state bans, but the conservative-dominated Supreme Court might not follow suit.

WORDS: 737 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 12:08 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0e50014fbf7f3ef5b1d1e9b5e8b662d&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF PICTURE

Texans, Patriots, 49ers, Bills, Bears and Rams advance to NFL’s divisional round

SUMMARY: Houston’s stingy defense knocked Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the NFL playoffs, sending the Texans to the divisional round to complete wild-card weekend. The Texans sacked Rodgers four times, scored two defensive touchdowns and held Pittsburgh to 175 yards in a 30-6 victory on Monday night. It was Houston’s 10th straight win and the franchise’s first on the road in the playoffs. Houston will face New England on the road next Sunday. Buffalo will play at Denver in the other AFC divisional game. In the NFC, Seattle hosts San Francisco and Chicago hosts the Los Angeles Rams.

WORDS: 603 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 11:38 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fcec51bd8cf91133f368051ff60c3cbe&mediaType=text

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FBC--TRANSFER PORTAL ROUNDUP

Dylan Raiola announces transfer from Nebraska to Oregon, Jordan Seaton says Colorado chapter closing

SUMMARY: Quarterback Dylan Raiola has announced on social media he intends to transfer from Nebraska to Oregon. Raiola was the highest-ranked recruit to sign with Nebraska and started 22 games over two seasons. He broke his leg against Southern California on Nov. 1 and missed the Cornhuskers’ last four games. Oregon’s quarterback room for 2026 remains unsettled even with the addition of Raiola as Dante Moore decides whether he will enter the NFL draft. Moore said Friday after a 56-22 loss to No. 1 Indiana in a College Football Playoff semifinal that he was uncertain on his future. On Monday night, Colorado’s left tackle Jordan Seaton announced he was closing the chapter on his time with the Buffaloes.

WORDS: 467 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 11:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe6a1f6faf3bccd2478a69e3d2becf87&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-LOWRY

Former Raptors star Kyle Lowry gets huge ovation in four-quarter cameo as 76ers win in Toronto

SUMMARY: It was a brief cameo at the end of a blowout win, but it meant everything to Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry. The six-time All-Star got a rousing standing ovation when he checked in for the final 1:57 of a 115-102 win at Toronto on Monday night. It could be the final appearance the 39-year-old makes in the city where he spent nine seasons and won the 2019 NBA championship.

WORDS: 325 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 11:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:79b554da6c79dea58af0e86eddbd8149&mediaType=text

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GLF--KOEPKA RETURNS-WHAT TO KNOW

What to know about Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour after 4 years with LIV Golf

SUMMARY: Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour five weeks after leaving LIV Golf. He’s agreed to a $5 million charitable donation. He also will have no access to the PGA Tour’s equity program for five years and cannot get FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026. The tour puts that value at upward of $50 million depending on Koepka’s performance. Koepka plans to return at Torrey Pines in two weeks. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith could also return the way Koepka did. PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp says this isn’t a precedent and might not be available again.

WORDS: 782 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 9:13 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:79b5e6a0dcf426e69504cd6894f8c335&mediaType=text

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FBN--FALCONS-HARBAUGH

Falcons interview John Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel as they continue search to replace Raheem Morris

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed former Baltimore coach John Harbaugh for their head coaching job. The team also interviewed former Miami coach Mike McDaniel on Monday. Harbaugh is considered by many to be the top candidate for multiple teams following his 18-year tenure leading the Ravens. Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Thursday he hoped Harbaugh would be interested in the Falcons. The Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 finish. Atlanta has since hired Matt Ryan as its president of football

WORDS: 414 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 8:53 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:80bcae226e3cae4c9783a982134770c6&mediaType=text

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GLF--KOEPKA RETURNS

Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour under stiff financial penalty just 5 weeks after leaving LIV Golf

SUMMARY: Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour five weeks after leaving LIV Golf. The tour has informed players that Koepka will be allowed to return with a stiff financial penalty. He’s agreed to a $5 million charity donation. He also will have no access to the PGA Tour’s equity program for five years and cannot get FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026. The tour puts that value at upward of $50 million depending on Koepka’s performance. Koepka plans to return at Torrey Pines in two weeks. The program is only available to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith.

WORDS: 879 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 8:05 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4dcd241cfef551e7feca7fe2778ede5e&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA CBA

WNBA, players’ union agree to moratorium, halting initial stages of free agency

SUMMARY: The WNBA and its players union agreed to a moratorium for league business Monday. The moratorium, which was confirmed by the league, was necessary because the sides failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement or an extension of the current one by Friday night’s deadline. The moratorium will halt the initial stages of free agency in which teams would seek to deliver qualifying offers and franchise tag designations to players.

WORDS: 442 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 8:03 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:52a077b664d42bcbcc095a159fc1be5a&mediaType=text

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HKN--BLUE JACKETS-COACHING CHANGE

Columbus Blue Jackets fire coach Dean Evason, hire Rick Bowness to replace him

SUMMARY: The Columbus Blue Jackets have fired coach Dean Evason and named Rick Bowness as his replacement. Evason is the first NHL coach fired this season. General manager Don Waddell announced the abrupt change Monday with his team sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference 45 games in. Bowness turns 71 on Jan. 25. Evason was just past the midway point of his second season in charge of the Blue Jackets. Waddell’s first order of business upon becoming GM was to fire then-coach Pascal Vincent and put Evason behind the bench.

WORDS: 346 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 8:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9c89e2fc876c8e32a0b40b7ff1619bf&mediaType=text

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GLF--KOEPKA’S OUTLOOK

Koepka says he has ‘a lot of work to do’ with PGA Tour players upon his return

SUMMARY: Brooks Koepka is expecting plenty of nerves when he returns to the PGA Tour in two weeks at Torrey Pines. And it’s not just about golf. Koepka says he has work to do with players who are upset by the PGA Tour creating a one-time program that allowed him to return from LIV Golf. Koepka says in an interview with the AP he is prepared to handle any negativity. He says the path back was never supposed to be easy. There’s also the financial side. He has no access to equity. The tour says that could be worth some $50 million.

WORDS: 971 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 6:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c861c65e6001cafa0348a91fc1c234f&mediaType=text

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SOC--REAL MADRID-ALONSO

Real Madrid gets rid of Xabi Alonso and promotes B team manager Álvaro Arbeloa

SUMMARY: Real Madrid has replaced coach Xabi Alonso with B team manager Álvaro Arbeloa to no surprise. They were teammates at Madrid, Liverpool and Spain. Madrid says Alonso left by mutual agreement capping a tumultuous stint that lasted less than eight months. The midfield great arrived in May under high expectations as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement. The announcement comes a day after Madrid lost to Barcelona 3-2 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

WORDS: 593 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 5:31 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:518314f55831c34abb88ec373870a311&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEARS-ANALYSIS

Bears coach Ben Johnson offers no apologies for profane postgame speech

SUMMARY: Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson offered no apologies for his profane postgame comments about the Green Bay Packers. Johnson made his feelings clear in the locker room after the Bears’ wild-card victory when he started his postgame pep talk by repeatedly yelling a profanity directed at the Packers. Johnson’s comments are still getting plenty of attention even as the Bears’ focus shifts toward a home game against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round on Sunday. On Monday, Johnson acknowledged the rivalry between the franchises. He says ”I don’t like that team.”

WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 5:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aef00396ce8069c2717cf3b97a574487&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-PLAYOFF FORMAT

NASCAR’s ‘Chase’ returns: What fans need to know about the 2026 format

SUMMARY: NASCAR has announced a return to its original championship format, known as “The Chase,” starting in 2026. The new system will feature a 10-race format with the top 16 drivers, without eliminations every three races. The driver with the most points at the finale in Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8th will be the champion. This change comes after fan complaints about the current system, which included eliminations and a winner-take-all finale. NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell says the new format aims to reward performance and honor the sport’s history. The focus is on consistency and aggressive racing.

WORDS: 907 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 4:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3dc9d3b6347ae958784ae64687459263&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-PARSONS-KRAFT

Packers’ Micah Parsons says he can recover from torn ACL in time to play early next season

SUMMARY: Green Bay’s Micah Parsons calls his torn anterior cruciate ligament “the most challenging thing that I think I’ve ever faced as a human.” But the All-Pro defensive end believes he can recover in time to play early next season. Parsons says he hopes to be back for the start of the season, but added that a more realistic goal is “probably like Week 3, Week 4.” Parsons and tight end Tucker Kraft both discussed their recoveries from torn ACLs as the Packers packed up their lockers two days after their 31-27 wild-card playoff loss at Chicago.

WORDS: 862 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 4:06 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8080035608665ef62c0b7837d1a4be3c&mediaType=text

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US--NIL DEALS

College watchdog group rejected 500-plus NIL deals worth nearly $15 million, but cleared many more

SUMMARY: The College Sports Commission has rejected nearly $15 million in name, image, likeness agreements since it started evaluating them over the summer, representing more than 10% of the value of all the deals it has analyzed and closed. The CSC says it did not clear 524 deals worth $14.94 million, while clearing 17,321 worth $127.21 million. All the data was current as of Jan. 1. The numbers came against the backdrop of a “reminder” memo the commission sent to athletic directors last week, citing “serious concerns” about contracts being offered to athletes before they had been cleared by the commission through its NIL Go platform.

WORDS: 383 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 2:30 p.m. EST

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