To see stories that have already moved, please visit AP Newsroom. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan
…
Join our family of readers for as little as $14.99 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already a member? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
To see stories that have already moved, please visit AP Newsroom. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan
—————————----—
PENNSYLVANIA
———----———————
Democrat Josh Shapiro tests political muscle in swing-state Pennsylvania's midterms
SUMMARY: Josh Shapiro may be heavily favored to win reelection as Pennsylvania governor, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot on the line for him this year. He’s urging Democrats in the battleground state to turn out in force as a rebuke to President Donald Trump. He’s trying to persuade voters to give him Democratic control of the state legislature. And he’s pushing his favored congressional candidates in the midterm elections that will determine control of Washington. Shapiro brushes off questions — and Republican criticism — about burnishing his credentials for a potential White House run. He says he's focused on beating his opponent for governor, helping other Democrats get elected and sending a message to Trump.
WORDS: 1159 - MOVED: 04/24/2026 12:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DemocratJoshShapirotestspoliticalmuscleinswingstatePennsylvaniasmidterms/07474793e436b057978da354365a20c1/text——————————
Norfolk Southern's profit fell 27% as it didn't collect big insurance payments for Ohio derailment
SUMMARY: Norfolk Southern railroad’s first-quarter profit fell 27% because it didn’t collect big insurance payments related to the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and its planned merger with Union Pacific added to its costs. The Atlanta-based railroad said Friday that it earned $547 million, or $2.43 per share. That’s down from $750 million, or $3.31 per share, a year ago. The disastrous derailment in the small town on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border has generally boosted earnings in recent quarters as the railroad collected insurance payments, but that wasn’t the case this time, so it combined with planning costs related to the merger, the derailment reduced earnings per share by 22 cents. Without those unusual costs, the railroad’s profit would have beat Wall Street expectations.
WORDS: 368 - MOVED: 04/24/2026 8:54 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/NorfolkSouthernsprofitfellasitdidntcollectbiginsurancepaymentsforOhioderailment/d5e705e61a9d737516d81b65fb8c89fd/text——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
—————————----—
DELAWARE
———----———————
Swanson's hit in 10th gives Cubs 8-7 victory that extends both win streak and Phillies' skid to 9
SUMMARY: Dansby Swanson had his first game-ending hit in five years, and the Chicago Cubs rebounded from a pair of blown leads to beat Philadelphia 8-7 in 10 innings for their ninth straight win and the Phillies’ ninth loss in a row. Chicago led 6-2 before Philadelphia closed with three runs in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa had a tying single off Jacob Webb in the eighth, Seiya Suzuki put Chicago back ahead 7-6 when he homered against Brad Keller in the bottom half and pinch-hitter Adolis García retied the score when he went deep off Caleb Thielbar in the ninth.
WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 5:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SwansonshitinthgivesCubsvictorythatextendsbothwinstreakandPhilliesskidto/982d7fc126ff3cf0045ea3f12ddef901/text——————————
—————————----—
MARYLAND
———----———————
Ritchie allows HR on first big league pitch, then leads Braves over Nats 7-2 for 8th win in 9 games
SUMMARY: JR Ritchie allowed a home run to James Wood on his first major league pitch, then rebounded to allow one more run over seven innings and lead the Atlanta Braves over the Washington Nationals 7-2 for their eighth win in nine games. Ozzie Albies homered and had four RBIs for the Braves, who broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in the seventh. A 22-year-old right-hander selected 35th overall in the 2022 amateur draft, Ritchie struck out seven, walked two and averaged 94.4 mph with 24 fastballs. Wood homered on a fastball over the middle of the strike zone.
WORDS: 458 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 4:22 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RitchieallowsHRonfirstbigleaguepitchthenleadsBravesoverNatsforthwiningames/2d2926193d785f8143d77f9147f8087d/text——————————
Bob Baffert names record $10.5M colt Zedan after it joins his Santa Anita stable
SUMMARY: A colt named Zedan was sold for a record $10.5 million and has joined Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's stable at Santa Anita. Baffert named the colt Zedan after his client Amr Zedan's father. It's the second-highest price ever paid for a 2-year-old thoroughbred in North America. The record is $16 million for The Green Monkey in 2006. Baffert praised Zedan as "a specimen" and highlighted his pedigree. The colt was sired by Flightline, the 2022 Horse of the Year. Zedan will be closely watched leading up to his future racing debut. Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby a record-tying six times and Zedan could be a contender for the 2027 edition.
WORDS: 439 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/BobBaffertnamesrecordMcoltZedanafteritjoinshisSantaAnitastable/95eab999fd06b34abb213cbea783eb72/text——————————
Kona Gold, Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs elected to racing Hall of Fame
SUMMARY: Kona Gold and late trainers Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Kona Gold won the Eclipse Award for champion sprinter in 2000, with 14 wins in 30 career starts. Clement, who died last year, won 2,576 races, including the 2014 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist. Shirreffs, who died this year, trained 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo and Hall of Fame mare Zenyatta. The 2026 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Aug. 7 in Saratoga Springs, New York.
WORDS: 240 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:38 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/KonaGoldChristopheClementandJohnShirreffselectedtoracingHallofFame/81d4fe61356e00c3c03184baf70e16c4/text——————————
Commanders select Ohio State LB Sonny Styles with the 7th pick in the NFL draft
SUMMARY: The Washington Commanders have selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the NFL draft. The addition of Styles is a much-needed one for a Washington defense that finished 27th in points allowed per game (26.5) and 32nd in yards allowed per game (384.0) a season ago. Styles played 55 games (41 starts) over his four years with the Buckeyes. He was a co-captain as a senior in 2025 and led the team in tackles (82) and solo tackles (46). The 21-year-old earned first-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
WORDS: 703 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 9:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/CommandersselectOhioStateLBSonnyStyleswiththethpickintheNFLdraft/733ae359d4d1646d214dc3376550e191/text——————————
Ravens take Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with 14th pick, opting to shore up offensive line
SUMMARY: The Baltimore Ravens took Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th pick in the draft. Ioane fills an obvious need for the Ravens, who had problems in the middle of the offensive line last season and then lost star center Tyler Linderbaum to free agency. There were other possible options. Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was still available. But ultimately Baltimore ended up with a player that was expected to be one of its targets all along. Despite a disappointing season for Penn State, Ioane was a second-team All-American.
WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 9:52 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RavenstakePennStateguardOlaivavegaIoanewiththpickoptingtoshoreupoffensiveline/8f3cc5508b2fbaabc82622125f54e8f3/text——————————
—————————----—
NEW JERSEY
———----———————
Slumping Phillies release high-priced righty Taijuan Walker and recall Nolan Hoffman
SUMMARY: The slumping Philadelphia Phillies released veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and recalled righty Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker exited the Phillies clubhouse a couple of hours before Thursday’s contest. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract. The 33-year-old Walker was an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2021 and peaked with a 15-6 record and 4.38 ERA with Philadelphia in 2023. But he’s slid ever since, starting 2026 at 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA in five games, and has a combined 9-19 record with a 5.67 ERA over the past three seasons.
WORDS: 464 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 1:42 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SlumpingPhilliesreleasehighpricedrightyTaijuanWalkerandrecallNolanHoffman/b95fc5ad1f543341a65339fc7783c705/text——————————
Swanson's hit in 10th gives Cubs 8-7 victory that extends both win streak and Phillies' skid to 9
SUMMARY: Dansby Swanson had his first game-ending hit in five years, and the Chicago Cubs rebounded from a pair of blown leads to beat Philadelphia 8-7 in 10 innings for their ninth straight win and the Phillies’ ninth loss in a row. Chicago led 6-2 before Philadelphia closed with three runs in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa had a tying single off Jacob Webb in the eighth, Seiya Suzuki put Chicago back ahead 7-6 when he homered against Brad Keller in the bottom half and pinch-hitter Adolis García retied the score when he went deep off Caleb Thielbar in the ninth.
WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 5:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SwansonshitinthgivesCubsvictorythatextendsbothwinstreakandPhilliesskidto/982d7fc126ff3cf0045ea3f12ddef901/text——————————
Bob Baffert names record $10.5M colt Zedan after it joins his Santa Anita stable
SUMMARY: A colt named Zedan was sold for a record $10.5 million and has joined Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's stable at Santa Anita. Baffert named the colt Zedan after his client Amr Zedan's father. It's the second-highest price ever paid for a 2-year-old thoroughbred in North America. The record is $16 million for The Green Monkey in 2006. Baffert praised Zedan as "a specimen" and highlighted his pedigree. The colt was sired by Flightline, the 2022 Horse of the Year. Zedan will be closely watched leading up to his future racing debut. Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby a record-tying six times and Zedan could be a contender for the 2027 edition.
WORDS: 439 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/BobBaffertnamesrecordMcoltZedanafteritjoinshisSantaAnitastable/95eab999fd06b34abb213cbea783eb72/text——————————
Kona Gold, Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs elected to racing Hall of Fame
SUMMARY: Kona Gold and late trainers Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Kona Gold won the Eclipse Award for champion sprinter in 2000, with 14 wins in 30 career starts. Clement, who died last year, won 2,576 races, including the 2014 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist. Shirreffs, who died this year, trained 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo and Hall of Fame mare Zenyatta. The 2026 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Aug. 7 in Saratoga Springs, New York.
WORDS: 240 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:38 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/KonaGoldChristopheClementandJohnShirreffselectedtoracingHallofFame/81d4fe61356e00c3c03184baf70e16c4/text——————————
Giants select Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa with 5th and 10th picks in the NFL draft
SUMMARY: The New York Giants selected Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese with the fifth pick in the NFL draft, then took Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, sticking with their stance of going with the best players available rather than filling a need. Reese, the first player drafted with coach John Harbaugh in charge, joins a defense that ranked 30th out of 32 teams in the league last season but already had a wealth of talent at the position with Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and the No. 3 pick a year ago, Abdul Carter. Mauigoa provides young protection for franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart.
WORDS: 779 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 8:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/GiantsselectArvellReeseandFrancisMauigoawiththandthpicksintheNFLdraft/a56db224b5ee66d582d6e5e4f3a5dae0/text——————————
Jets take Texas Tech's Bailey, Oregon's Sadiq and Indiana's Cooper in busy 1st round
SUMMARY: The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft and took Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16. They traded back into the first round Thursday night and took Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30. Bailey provides coach Aaron Glenn with a strong pass-rushing presence for a defense that struggled last season. Sadiq set a school record for tight ends with 51 receptions last season. Cooper was a major playmaker for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza for national champion Indiana.
WORDS: 945 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 8:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JetstakeTexasTechsBaileyOregonsSadiqandIndianasCooperinbusystround/c21f6f5a763224e8759fdf66b6c5cd6b/text——————————
Devin Williams gets the win after the Mets' bullpen mixup
SUMMARY: Already struggling to win games, the New York Mets also had difficulty figuring out which pitcher was supposed to be on the mound. Closer Devin Williams headed to the mound from the bullpen to start the ninth inning after Bo Bichette’s go-ahead, three-run double. And Huascar Brazobán walked back to the mound from the dugout. Because Brazobán crossed the foul line, Williams was prevented from entering
WORDS: 533 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 11:55 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DevinWilliamsgetsthewinaftertheMetsbullpenmixup/540a841f08fbcf15fe99f062ee51d21a/text——————————
QB Fernando Mendoza, edge rusher David Bailey, running back Jeremiyah Love go 1-2-3 in the NFL draft
SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night. Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship. The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami. Mendoza’s selection was expected for months. The intrigue began at No. 2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese. Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick.
WORDS: 1479 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 1:33 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/QBFernandoMendozaedgerusherDavidBaileyrunningbackJeremiyahLovegointheNFLdraft/c69763dbea64665a5806bab697fa27df/text——————————
—————————----—
PENNSYLVANIA
———----———————
Slumping Phillies release high-priced righty Taijuan Walker and recall Nolan Hoffman
SUMMARY: The slumping Philadelphia Phillies released veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and recalled righty Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker exited the Phillies clubhouse a couple of hours before Thursday’s contest. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract. The 33-year-old Walker was an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2021 and peaked with a 15-6 record and 4.38 ERA with Philadelphia in 2023. But he’s slid ever since, starting 2026 at 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA in five games, and has a combined 9-19 record with a 5.67 ERA over the past three seasons.
WORDS: 464 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 1:42 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SlumpingPhilliesreleasehighpricedrightyTaijuanWalkerandrecallNolanHoffman/b95fc5ad1f543341a65339fc7783c705/text——————————
Swanson's hit in 10th gives Cubs 8-7 victory that extends both win streak and Phillies' skid to 9
SUMMARY: Dansby Swanson had his first game-ending hit in five years, and the Chicago Cubs rebounded from a pair of blown leads to beat Philadelphia 8-7 in 10 innings for their ninth straight win and the Phillies’ ninth loss in a row. Chicago led 6-2 before Philadelphia closed with three runs in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa had a tying single off Jacob Webb in the eighth, Seiya Suzuki put Chicago back ahead 7-6 when he homered against Brad Keller in the bottom half and pinch-hitter Adolis García retied the score when he went deep off Caleb Thielbar in the ninth.
WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 5:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SwansonshitinthgivesCubsvictorythatextendsbothwinstreakandPhilliesskidto/982d7fc126ff3cf0045ea3f12ddef901/text——————————
Inside the NFL draft suits: Family photos, sponsor art and a comic book reveal
SUMMARY: Preparing for any big show means dressing up and bringing style to the red carpet. The red carpet for the NFL draft under the bright sunshine of Pittsburgh means sunglasses are a must. So too tailored suits spanning a gamut of color. Embroidery featuring names of loved ones. And don’t forget the chance to show off a sponsorship with artwork or photos on the interior lining of jackets. Jewelry in the form of chains, watches or even bling on the teeth also showed up Thursday. Family also joined the walk along the carpet. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love said he wanted to be ready for the biggest stage of his life.
WORDS: 477 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 7:40 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/InsidetheNFLdraftsuitsFamilyphotossponsorartandacomicbookreveal/64ca54e774ae9ea0128f717a37109ba0/text——————————
Chargers take Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor at No. 22 in NFL draft
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Chargers selected defensive end Akheem Mesidor of Miami with the 22nd pick in the NFL draft. Mesidor, a 6-foot-3 player from Ottawa, Ontario, becomes the first Canadian taken in the first round. He was a first team All-ACC pick last year. He had 125 sacks as a senior, tied for third in the FBS. Mesidor began his college career at West Virginia before transferring to Miami. Despite being injury prone, he helped the Hurricanes reach the national championship game last season. Mesidor could eventually succeed 35-year-old Khalil Mack on the Chargers.
WORDS: 602 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:34 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/ChargerstakeMiamidefensiveendAkheemMesidoratNoinNFLdraft/457bd18054af0af50494af90afd5502a/text——————————
Eagles trade up for USC star Makai Lemon as A.J. Brown looms on the trading block
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles have selected USC receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th pick in the NFL draft. They traded up to secure the Biletnikoff Award winner, adding a new weapon for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles traded their No. 23 pick to the Dallas Cowboys. Star receiver A.J. Brown is likely on the move, with the Patriots as potential contenders. Brown has been a key player for the Eagles, topping 1,000 yards in all four seasons. Philadelphia has also added receivers Dontayvion Wicks, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Elijah Moore this offseason.
WORDS: 806 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:15 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/EaglestradeupforUSCstarMakaiLemonasAJBrownloomsonthetradingblock/50ecfc8d01ec4ff8e782a26c1855330c/text——————————
Buccaneers select edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. No. 15, hoping to bolster inconsistent pass rush
SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick in the NFL draft, addressing a need to bolster a leaky defense that wasn’t as reliable as usual last season. Bain helped Miami to an appearance in the College Football Playoff national championship game in January and remained a top draft prospect, even after published reports recently linked him to a traffic collision in 2024 that resulted in the death of a passenger. Bain was cited for careless driving at the time of the crash, but the charge was later dropped, according to The Read Optional.
WORDS: 569 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:12 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/BuccaneersselectedgerusherRuebenBainJrNohopingtobolsterinconsistentpassrush/60153bf990cec148064b2d1bc62f81ae/text——————————
Ravens take Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with 14th pick, opting to shore up offensive line
SUMMARY: The Baltimore Ravens took Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th pick in the draft. Ioane fills an obvious need for the Ravens, who had problems in the middle of the offensive line last season and then lost star center Tyler Linderbaum to free agency. There were other possible options. Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was still available. But ultimately Baltimore ended up with a player that was expected to be one of its targets all along. Despite a disappointing season for Penn State, Ioane was a second-team All-American.
WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 9:52 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RavenstakePennStateguardOlaivavegaIoanewiththpickoptingtoshoreupoffensiveline/8f3cc5508b2fbaabc82622125f54e8f3/text——————————
Steelers, new coach Mike McCarthy select offensive tackle Max Iheanachor 21st in NFL draft
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in front of their hometown crowd with the No. 21 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night. The Steelers’ offensive line could use some reinforcements after veteran guard Isaac Seumalo left in free agency and left tackle Broderick Jones – their first-round pick in 2023 – recovers from a neck injury that forced him to miss the last seven games of 2025. The 6-foot-5, 321-pound Iheanachor, started 31 games at Arizona State and was a second-team All-Big 12 Conference selection at right tackle. He was born in Nigeria, moved to the United States when he was 13 and started playing football in junior college.
WORDS: 692 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SteelersnewcoachMikeMcCarthyselectoffensivetackleMaxIheanachorstinNFLdraft/a5c077f08265e110c182ff386575973d/text——————————
Rebuilding Dolphins select OT Kadyn Proctor and CB Chris Johnson in 1st round of NFL draft
SUMMARY: The Miami Dolphins selected Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor 12th overall, then traded up to pick San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson at No. 27 on Thursday night in the NFL draft. It was a busy night for the Dolphins, who were originally slated to pick at No. 11 before making a trade with Dallas, which moved up a spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Miami in return received picks 12, 177 and 180. The Dolphins traded up from pick 30 to San Francisco’s turn. Miami also traded pick No. 90 to the 49ers for No. 138.
WORDS: 929 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 9:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RebuildingDolphinsselectOTKadynProctorandCBChrisJohnsoninstroundofNFLdraft/a3d10dcb3d2fbc0e03af906161bcbfab/text——————————
DeGrom has 62nd 10-K game and Carter hits inside-the-park HR as Rangers beat Pirates 6-1
SUMMARY: Jacob deGrom had his 62nd career 10-strikeout game and the Texas Rangers hit two homers in a 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. DeGrom struck out 10 over 5 2/3 innings Thursday night and is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his six starts this season. Evan Carter hit a two-run inside-the-park homer for the Rangers, and Corey Seager hit a three-run homer off Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler. Oneil Cruz hit his eighth homer for the Pirates. Pittsburgh shortstop Konner Griffin, in his last game before turning 20, struck out to end the game against Peyton Gray, a 30-year-old pitcher in his big-league debut.
WORDS: 376 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 10:48 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DeGromhasndKgameandCarterhitsinsidetheparkHRasRangersbeatPirates/66fc7c0afb1868f7ffe27cf29ea4bda5/text——————————
Journeyman Peyton Gray makes MLB debut with Rangers at age 30, gets 1st K against Bucs' Griffin
SUMMARY: Peyton Gray has made his big league debut at age 30 after an eight-year journey through the minors, independent and winter leagues. He pitched a perfect inning for the Texas Rangers to wrap up a 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night. He ended the game with a strikeout of highly touted shortstop Konnor Griffin, playing the night before his 20th birthday. Gray was called up from Triple-A Round Rock earlier Thursday after left-handed reliever Robert Garcia was placed on the injured list. He was the fourth reliever used by the Rangers after two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings.
WORDS: 789 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 7:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JourneymanPeytonGraymakesMLBdebutwithRangersatagegetsstKagainstBucsGriffin/1c54858f3a4e704e257f779babd40359/text——————————
Plenty of high-end talent available for NFL teams on Day 2 of draft after some early surprises
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Rams made a surprise selection of quarterback Ty Simpson from Alabama with the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft. The draft's opening night in Pittsburgh saw other surprises that make for some intriguing prospects available in Round 2 on Friday. Notable prospects for the second round include Tennessee cornerbacks Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The San Francisco 49ers hold the first pick in the second round.
WORDS: 591 - MOVED: 04/24/2026 12:57 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/PlentyofhighendtalentavailableforNFLteamsonDayofdraftaftersomeearlysurprises/c4439f99efdefbcc455887bf1a3ca486/text——————————
QB Fernando Mendoza, edge rusher David Bailey, running back Jeremiyah Love go 1-2-3 in the NFL draft
SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night. Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship. The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami. Mendoza’s selection was expected for months. The intrigue began at No. 2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese. Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick.
WORDS: 1479 - MOVED: 04/23/2026 1:33 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/QBFernandoMendozaedgerusherDavidBaileyrunningbackJeremiyahLovegointheNFLdraft/c69763dbea64665a5806bab697fa27df/text——————————
8 NFL teams are slated to make their first picks of the draft in Round 2 after a flurry of trades
SUMMARY: Eight teams are still waiting to make their first selection of the NFL draft after a chaotic opening round that featured a flurry of trades. Just 16 of the 32 first-round picks chosen Thursday night were made by the original teams that owned them. The 49ers and Bills traded out of the first round, joining the Falcons, Bengals, Packers, Broncos, Jaguars and Colts on the sideline. San Francisco is slated to kick off the second round with the first pick after making two deals to move down from 27 to 30 to 33. Buffalo made three trades, going from 26 to 28 to 31 to 35.
WORDS: 450 - MOVED: 04/24/2026 2:29 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/NFLteamsareslatedtomaketheirfirstpicksofthedraftinRoundafteraflurryoftrades/2be6f426e06e3fe5a28753b74453cda1/text——————————
The NHL playoffs are nearing a record for penalty shots and it's still the first round
SUMMARY: The start of the NHL playoffs has already featured more penalty shots than the last three years combined. Through just 21 games there have been four penalty shots, which is already tied for the third-most in league history. The goaltenders stopped all of them. Two more would tie the record of six for the most in a single postseason, set in 2008. There doesn't seem to be any specific reason for the uptick in referees calling for penalty shots rather than power plays for infractions on breakaways. But they have added a dose of excitement to a competitive first round.
WORDS: 657 - MOVED: 04/24/2026 12:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/TheNHLplayoffsarenearingarecordforpenaltyshotsanditsstillthefirstround/f4d7c2e1f3861241c2e3d6c0ce9faf25/text——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
