Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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BBO--ATHLETICS-PARALYZED PROSPECT

DESCRIPTION: Alternate headlines: An outfield collision derailed his major league dreams. Now paralyzed, Ryan Lasko hopes to walk again A’s prospect Ryan Lasko works to recover after neck injury and being paralyzed in outfield collision

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Alternate Headlines, Video

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FBN--BUCCANEERS-DANIELS

DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — Jalon Daniels didn’t hear his name called during the NFL draft like 10 other quarterbacks. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--STARS-LONG OFFSEASON

DESCRIPTION: At some point during the long offseason for the Dallas Stars, longtime captain Jamie Benn told his wife he felt as if it was time to get started on a new season. There was still about a month to go. The season opener at home Friday will end the Stars’ longest gap in five years between the end of one season and the start of the next. By Stephen Hawkins. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--SEC-THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Alabama and Mississippi State clash in a battle of undefeated SEC teams, while Florida looks to build on its big win over Ole Miss and several conference stars aim to keep the momentum going. By Maura Carey, 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--RYAN FIELD DEBUT

DESCRIPTION: Northwestern coach David Braun has been looking forward to the first game at the new Ryan Field for a long time. That moment has arrived. The Wildcats host Penn State on Friday night for the highly anticipated debut of their $875 million stadium.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--NARDUZZI VS. FRANKLIN

DESCRIPTION: Pat Narduzzi and James Franklin spent over a decade on opposite sides of the Pitt/Penn State rivalry. The chess match between them moves to Blacksburg, Virginia on Friday when Narduzzi and the unbeaten Panthers (4-0) visit Franklin and unbeaten Virginia Tech (4-0). By Will Graves.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--CHIEFS-RAIDERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Kansas City has played before what amount to a neutral site or even home crowd when visiting Las Vegas, but could that change Sunday when the 3-0 Raiders host the Chiefs?

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--BREWERS-WINNING WITHOUT HOMERS

DESCRIPTION: The NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers produced the best record in Major League Baseball and won a franchise-record 103 games with a statistical profile that hadn’t been seen in over six decades. The Brewers had the second-highest scoring output in the majors despite matching the second-lowest homer total of any team. By Steve Megargee, 1,200 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 3:06 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--PHILLIES-BRAVES

DESCRIPTION: Aaron Nola is expected to start for Philadelphia as the Phillies play the Atlanta Braves in the decisive third game of the National League Wild Card Series on Thursday. By Charles Odum. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT start

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--BRONCOS-49ERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers have been in peak form early this season. The Niners lead the league in yards per play and success rate, have limited negative plays and rank second in the league in scoring to fuel a 3-0 start. That unit will get its toughest test yet on Sunday when the 49ers host the Denver Broncos (2-1) that has been one of the league’s best defenses under coordinator Vance Joseph. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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MMA--UFC 332 PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Top-ranked challenger Natalia Silva faces eighth-ranked challenger Wang Cong for the vacant women’s flyweight title belt at UFC 332.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--STEELERS-BROWNS

DESCRIPTION: Pittsburgh Steelers plays Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES

Fried, Bellinger and García lead Yankees over Red Sox 9-2 for 2-game Wild Card Series sweep

SUMMARY: Max Fried dominated Boston in the playoffs for the second straight year, Cody Bellinger and Luis García Jr. homered, and the New York Yankees romped over the Red Sox 9-2 for a two-game AL Wild Card Series sweep. Clinging to a 2-1 lead after Willson Contreras homered to end Boston’s 26-inning postseason scoreless streak, the Yankees broke the game open with a six-run sixth after Spencer Jones reached on a wild pitch while striking out leading off — with the help of a video review. New York will face AL East champion Tampa Bay in an AL Division Series starting Saturday.

WORDS: 1104 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 1:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e39b4c53a201a1b417d2fecdf9585d86&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-ELIMINATED

Red Sox ace Sonny Gray frustrated by lack of trust from manager during Yankees rout

SUMMARY: With the Boston bats ice cold at Yankee Stadium again, a couple of quick hooks by Red Sox rookie manager Chad Tracy led to an early postseason exit. Same story, different year. And this time, it wasn’t even close. For the second consecutive season, the Red Sox were sent home for the winter by their biggest rivals when the New York Yankees rolled to a 9-2 victory Wednesday night and a two-game sweep of their Wild Card Series. While the Yankees easily advanced to a best-of-five Division Series against AL East champion Tampa Bay, the Red Sox were outscored 18-2 overall and left to lament a miserable finish to this roller-coaster ride of a season.

WORDS: 1054 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 1:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:79f3f4256a97451a94315cbbe2f190b1&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-COWBOYS TRADE

Cowboys acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Steelers for 2 draft picks, AP sources say

SUMMARY: The Dallas Cowboys are acquiring disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers, two people with knowledge of the deal tell The Associated Press. Pittsburgh will receive two draft picks from Dallas, a sixth-rounder in 2027 and a second-rounder in 2028, one of the people told the AP. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday night because the teams hadn’t announced the deal. Porter has been inactive all three games this season for the Steelers. The fourth-year pro has been dealing with a back issue and had also been in the middle of a contract stalemate with Steelers management over a new deal.

WORDS: 312 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 1:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb36fb408d6797f63d969734b4efe2bb&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-PADRES

Gavin Sheets’ pinch-hit homer propels dominant Padres past Cubs 4-1 for 2-game Wild Card sweep

SUMMARY: Pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets blasted a two-run homer, five Padres pitchers combined on a five-hitter, and San Diego swept the Chicago Cubs out of the NL Wild Card Series with a 4-1 victory in Game 2. Xander Bogaerts drove in the first run for the surging Padres, who followed up their 8-0 victory in Tuesday’s opener with another dominant mound performance. The Cubs led the majors in runs and and the NL in homers this year, but they managed just eight hits over 18 innings against San Diego’s inspired staff. The Padres advanced to face the MLB-best Milwaukee Brewers in an NL division series.

WORDS: 568 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 1:11 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed17b9d9e45ff77e8702b65320b2e185&mediaType=text

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BKL--VALKYRIES-WINGS

Ogunbowale scores WNBA playoff-record 45 as Wings win in OT to force deciding game with Valkyries

SUMMARY: Arike Ogunbowale scored a WNBA playoff-record 45 points, including a tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation, and the Dallas Wings beat the Golden State Valkyries 108-100 in an overtime thriller, forcing a deciding Game 3 in their first-round series. Ogunbowale opened the extra period by banking in a 3, then hit another one to put Dallas ahead for good at 103-100 with 1:46 remaining. Gabby Williams scored a career-high 36 points for the Valkyries. The deciding game will be Friday night in San Francisco.

WORDS: 449 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 12:47 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b24ce76ff18156088e77f23057cfbc55&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE

Aaron Judge remains unsure for ALDS after missing Yankees’ first-round win over Red Sox

SUMMARY: Yankees captain Aaron Judge remained unsure of his Division Series status following New York’s Wild Card Series sweep of the Boston Red Sox. Sidelined since Sept. 16 by a strained right calf, Judge went to Somerset, New Jersey, for live batting practice Wednesday as he tries to work his way back from a leg injury to be available later in the postseason. Judge says “Saturday’s a long ways away but I’m doing everything I can, all morning, night, during the game, everything to prepare myself to be ready to go.”

WORDS: 308 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 12:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:252253e50f5dc6d5289de78fbe3a935a&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-ANTHONY

Roman Anthony removed from roster with new hand injury as Red Sox eliminated, might need surgery

SUMMARY: Roman Anthony was removed from Boston’s roster before the Red Sox were eliminated by the New York Yankees in AL Wild Card Series after sustaining a new hand injury during the opener. It is not yet clear whether he will need surgery. Anthony was sidelined from early May to late August with an injury to the same hand. Batting leadoff as Boston’s designated hitter in his playoff debut Tuesday night, Anthony struck out in both of his at-bats against Cam Schlittler, then was removed for a pinch hitter with the Red Sox trailing by two runs in the sixth inning of a 9-0 loss. The Red Sox lost Game 2 by 9-2.

WORDS: 840 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 11:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:90d90fc8d611c573d98407b039e67cf3&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-ASTROS

White Sox pounce early, finish sweep of Astros for first playoff series win since 2005

SUMMARY: The Chicago White Sox used a big first inning and a three-run homer from Chase Meidroth to propel them to a 7-3 win over the Houston Astros to sweep their AL Wild Card Series. It’s the first time Chicago has won a playoff series since beating Houston in the World Series in 2005. Under the direction of second-year skipper Will Venable and with a letter of support from Pope Leo XIV, the White Sox advanced to face AL Central champion Cleveland in the AL Division Series beginning Saturday in Cleveland.

WORDS: 797 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 9:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da4273ef77357553c15d31fe47108879&mediaType=text

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BKL--DREAM-MYSTICS

Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada lead Dream into WNBA semifinals with 93-75 win over Mystics

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Dream are heading to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs. Allisha Gray scored 22 points, and Jordin Canada had 13 of her 19 points in the fourth quarter of a 93-75 victory over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night in Game 2 of their first-round series. Atlanta had lost in the first round in each of the last three seasons. The Dream will host Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday against the eighth-seeded New York Liberty. The Mystics closed within 65-62 early in the fourth quarter, but the Dream responded with a 13-0 run. Sonia Citron scored 25 points for Washington.

WORDS: 314 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 9:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e661362fa2becdc2449805686d3146b&mediaType=text

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SOC--MAN CITY-WHAT NEXT?

Potential sanctions against Man City could range from fines to expulsion from the Premier League

WORDS: 1133 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 8:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5892f34bcba7d4209d2299dee1e5da7b&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-WILD-CARD-ATTENDANCE-WOES

Thin MLB crowds in Atlanta, Houston reflect challenge of selling afternoon Wild Card Series tickets

SUMMARY: There has been a noticeable number of empty seats for MLB’s Wild Card Series games that are played in the afternoon. The Atlanta Braves drew just over 30,000 fans at Truist Park on Tuesday, well short of the stadium’s capacity over 41,000. The Houston Astros had a similar problem, drawing roughly 34,000 fans at Daikin Park, which also holds more than 41,000. Since MLB permanently expanded the playoffs to a 12-team bracket in 2022, attendance at day games during the Wild Card Series has been a problem. The main issue is it’s hard for fans to attend day games during the week because people have to work and children are back in school.

WORDS: 660 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 7:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d336ed2642e388553f113f3334bd244&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS PASS INTERFERENCE

Sean McVay says NFL agrees officials erred on pass interference that swung Rams’ loss to Broncos

SUMMARY: Rams coach Sean McVay says the NFL told him officials made a mistake in calling a late pass-interference penalty that swung Los Angeles’ loss at Denver. Cornerback Josh Wallace was flagged for interfering with Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant, negating his interception and extending the drive, allowing Denver to score a touchdown with 47 seconds remaining to deal the Rams a 30-26 defeat. Replays showed Bryant had grabbed Wallace, not the other way around. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, and McVay believes the star wide receiver is on track to play Sunday at Philadelphia.

WORDS: 570 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 6:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:80a807c0f7bccc5d6a252742667dbbf8&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-BRAVES

Harper atones for outfield gaffe, Bohm homers in 10th as Phillies beat Braves 4-3 to force Game 3

SUMMARY: Alec Bohm put Philadelphia ahead with a two-out home run in the 10th inning and the Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 4-3 to force a decisive third game in their National League Wild Card Series. The Phillies rallied with back-to-back homers from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper after trailing 3-1 in the seventh. Harper’s homer made up for a crucial fielding mistake an inning earlier. Andrew Painter, a starter in the regular season, saved the Phillies’ beleaguered bullpen with three scoreless innings to close things out. Painter stranded two runners in the 10th when he struck out Dominic Smith with a successful ABS challenge.

WORDS: 886 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 6:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a33ea0e1a11d4246f34d409e442a0e4e&mediaType=text

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SOC--PORTUGAL-RONALDO

Ronaldo quits Portugal camp after learning he won’t start game, vows to one day tell truth over exit

SUMMARY: Cristiano Ronaldo has walked out on Portugal’s training camp hours after coach Jorge Jesus said the star forward would not start the game against Denmark in the Nations League on Thursday. The 41-year-old Ronaldo says that “in time” he will “tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons” behind his departure. Jesus had said in the pre-game news conference that he was not planning to start Ronaldo. But he dismissed the notion there was a feud between the pair.

WORDS: 817 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 6:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:451a16ca9bf3db33b2c1af55b1ee2923&mediaType=text

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BKL--FEVER ATTENTION

Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark can’t escape the spotlight, on the court or off

SUMMARY: For better or worse, the Indiana Fever keep finding themselves at the center of attention in the WNBA. Since the arrival of Caitlin Clark three years ago, everything that happens on and off the court involving Indiana gets magnified and scrutinized by fans, the media and even members of Congress. The latest incident involved A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who confronted a fan and shouted at him during her team’s loss at Indiana in Game 2 of the teams’ first-round playoff series. Hours earlier, Clark’s name came up as former Donald Trump prosecutor Jack Smith was questioned during a congressional hearing.

WORDS: 1043 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf0e7f2544a5526e34c9e020f5945b73&mediaType=text

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SOC--MAN CITY-MONEY TRAIL

Investigators say a money trail ultimately exposed Manchester City’s financial schemes

SUMMARY: The alleged scheming that allowed Manchester City to circumvent European soccer’s financial fair-play rules was both sophisticated and, at its core, as simple as it gets. An investigatory panel’s findings Tuesday contend that after buying a 90% stake in City in 2008, an Abu Dhabi-based private investment company “ultimately owned by” a member of the United Arab Emirates’ ruling family wanted to turn it into a powerhouse. Financial rules, though, prevent teams from spending far beyond what they earn, no matter how wealthy their owners are. According to the Premier League, City set up complex schemes to disguise that it was unfairly being bankrolled by its owner from 2009 until 2018. The club denies wrongdoing and has vowed to appeal.

WORDS: 1125 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 3:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29252465f47c3d5232b34c2122c53e02&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA-INFANTINO-SWITZERLAND

Gianni Infantino loses support of his home nation Switzerland for FIFA presidential campaign

SUMMARY: Gianni Infantino has formally lost support from his home nation Switzerland for the FIFA presidential election next year over concerns for the integrity of the world soccer body. European soccer body UEFA has led calls to remove its long-time former employee Infantino either before or at the FIFA election in March. That’s mainly because of his failed proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The Swiss federation also cites concern for the integrity of competitions including FIFA’s decision at the World Cup not to impose a mandatory one-game ban on United States forward Folarin Balogun.

WORDS: 271 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 3:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f70598bb3e6eb2c80878004b19daf01e&mediaType=text

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BKL--ACES-FEVER PREVIEW

Fever and Aces’ star-studded casts ready for yet another decisive playoff game in Las Vegas

SUMMARY: The Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces have gotten well acquainted after playing 13 times over the past two seasons. They understand better than most how to contend with these two star-studded lineups led by four-time league MVP A’ja Wilson and three-time All-Star Caitlin Clark. They expect the two WNBA Coaches of the Year, Becky Hammon and Stephanie White, to make all the right moves for Game 14 when they meet Thursday. And, fittingly in Vegas, it’s it’s a winner-take-all contest for the second straight year.

WORDS: 826 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 2:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:daea679dbb1d7c68601c7d9b5bacfe95&mediaType=text

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FBN--COMMANDERS-LONDON

Daniels has chance to start for Commanders vs. Colts in London despite elbow injury, Quinn says

SUMMARY: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has a shot to start Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in London and would wear a brace on his injured left elbow. Coach Dan Quinn says it’s “too early to call” if Daniels, who dislocated his elbow in Week 2, would return after missing last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Quinn says “as we’re working through the week, he’ll get more reps. ... By Friday we’ll have a definite determination of where we’re at.” Daniels did some light footwork and passing drills wearing a brace at practice. Marcus Mariota started last week and threw three touchdown passes in Washington’s 33-31 win over Seattle.

WORDS: 786 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 2:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29193a3b2007d005d0037965100d6d52&mediaType=text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-BEDNAR EXTENSION

Avalanche agree to terms with coach Jared Bednar on a 4-year extension through 2030-31

SUMMARY: The Colorado Avalanche agreed to terms with Jared Bednar, the head coach with the most wins in franchise history, on a four-year extension Wednesday. His new deal was announced hours before the season opener against the Los Angeles Kings and runs through the 2030-31 season. The team gave Bednar — who led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup title in 2022 — a vote of confidence in the offseason after being swept in the Western Conference final. Bednar said leading into training camp they were in discussions to get a deal completed. His team was the Presidents’ Trophy winner last season with a franchise-best 121 points.

WORDS: 610 - MOVED: 09/30/2026 2:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d3843d49de11ae6f6d97653c0e6a118e&mediaType=text