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NEW JERSEY
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Abuse, neglect common in Michigan nursing homes -- and no one is coming to help
SUMMARY: Nearly three-dozen residents of Michigan nursing homes have died of suspected neglect or abuse in the past four years, according to a Bridge Michigan review of state and federal records and court documents. Bridge’s investigation documented nearly 6,000 cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation or quality of life and care violations among the more than 15,000 total citations for violations ranging from incomplete paperwork to poor care. In all, homes have been fined $21.5 million over the past three years and been denied a total of 6,451 days of Medicaid reimbursements. Michigan lawmakers have failed to pass laws to protect residents, including requiring more per-patient staff time. Families say they aren't informed about death investigations.
WORDS: 2501 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:33 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AbuseneglectcommoninMichigannursinghomesandnooneiscomingtohelp/3aea47fde6f2a23abdd0200f6af1b5ce/text——————————
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PENNSYLVANIA
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4 injured in suburban Philadelphia nursing home explosion file negligence lawsuit
SUMMARY: Four people injured in an explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home two weeks ago are suing the facility and a natural gas utility. The lawsuit filed Monday in Philadelphia claims negligence led to the Dec. 23 blast at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center. The plaintiffs are two nursing home workers, a resident and a contractor. The suit alleges the defendants knew of a gas leak but failed to evacuate the property or fix the problem. The explosion killed a resident and a worker and injured 20 other people. Officials haven't determined the cause.
WORDS: 389 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:15 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/injuredinsuburbanPhiladelphianursinghomeexplosionfilenegligencelawsuit/cf588ae0af39db22cacf0827383507b4/text——————————
Abuse, neglect common in Michigan nursing homes -- and no one is coming to help
SUMMARY: Nearly three-dozen residents of Michigan nursing homes have died of suspected neglect or abuse in the past four years, according to a Bridge Michigan review of state and federal records and court documents. Bridge’s investigation documented nearly 6,000 cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation or quality of life and care violations among the more than 15,000 total citations for violations ranging from incomplete paperwork to poor care. In all, homes have been fined $21.5 million over the past three years and been denied a total of 6,451 days of Medicaid reimbursements. Michigan lawmakers have failed to pass laws to protect residents, including requiring more per-patient staff time. Families say they aren't informed about death investigations.
WORDS: 2501 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:33 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AbuseneglectcommoninMichigannursinghomesandnooneiscomingtohelp/3aea47fde6f2a23abdd0200f6af1b5ce/text——————————
Michael J. Schumacher, author who chronicled lives of Allen Ginsberg and Eric Clapton, dies at 75
SUMMARY: Wisconsin author Michael Schumacher, who produced an array of works ranging from biographies of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and musician Eric Clapton to accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks, has died at age 75. Schumacher's daughter, Emily Schumacher, said her father passed away on Dec. 29. The writer spent most of his adult life in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He wrote dozens of books, including biographies of Coppola, Clapton, basketball great George Mikan and writer Allen Ginsberg. He also produced accounts of the sinking of the cargo ship Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior and a 1913 storm that claimed the lives of more than 250 sailors on the Great Lakes.
WORDS: 376 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:29 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/MichaelJSchumacherauthorwhochronicledlivesofAllenGinsbergandEricClaptondiesat/f735f7c4df2dc1254216cda4fa789f81/text——————————
Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro has $30 million for his reelection bid, a new state record
SUMMARY: Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has set a new campaign finance record in the state with $30 million on hand as he seeks a second term this fall. Pennsylvania is a key presidential battleground state, and Shapiro's strong performance in the 2022 governor's race has raised his profile within the Democratic Party. In the general election, Shapiro is expected to face Stacy Garrity, the state treasurer endorsed by the Republican Party. Shapiro's $30 million surpasses the previous state record for a candidate heading into an election year. He set the previous record with $13.4 million at the start of 2022.
WORDS: 205 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 10:21 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/PennsylvaniaGovShapirohasmillionforhisreelectionbidanewstaterecord/11df5de43ebfb2d796a3f7b34172c26c/text——————————
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SPORTS
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DELAWARE
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Flyers sign Christian Dvorak to a 5-year, $25.75 million contract extension
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Christian Dvorak to a five-year contract extension worth $25.75 million. General manager Daniel Briere announced the deal Monday night. Dvorak will count $5.15 million against the salary cap from when the deal kicks in next NHL season through 2030-31. The 29-year-old has been a great fit halfway through his first season in Philadelphia after signing as a free agent in July. Dvorak is taking a slight pay cut from the $5.4 million he's making this season but gets long-term security with a contract through age 35.
WORDS: 231 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 8:31 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/FlyerssignChristianDvoraktoayearmillioncontractextension/2790670f7aeb002fc3d95dd35f7c0822/text——————————
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MARYLAND
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Jayden Daniels' injuries and the Washington Commanders' poor play led to a big step back
SUMMARY: This season was essentially a write-off for the Washington Commanders and star quarterback Jayden Daniels. He went from AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year to someone who only managed to appear in seven games because of injuries. And the Commanders went from a 12-5 record and a run to the NFC championship game to a 5-12 mark that included an eight-game losing streak. There will be a lot of work to be done for general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn this season, starting with rebuilding the defense and figuring out what to do about their defensive coordinator.
WORDS: 758 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:52 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JaydenDanielsinjuriesandtheWashingtonCommanderspoorplayledtoabigstepback/37a0855b9e4195999243c8e0bc0e314d/text——————————
It's a good time to be Anthony Smith. Two players with that name make AP's all-bowl team
SUMMARY: This was a great bowl season for guys named Anthony Smith. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scored two touchdowns in the Pirates’ 23-17 Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. The Minnesota defensive end with the same name delivered a pair of sacks in the Golden Gophers’ 20-17 Rate Bowl overtime triumph over New Mexico. Both of those Anthony Smiths got selected to the Associated Press all-bowl team. This all-bowl team includes top performers from bowl games that weren't part of the College Football Playoff. An all-playoff team will come out after the national championship game.
WORDS: 1233 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:47 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/ItsagoodtimetobeAnthonySmithTwoplayerswiththatnamemakeAPsallbowlteam/ae047442edc848a978bda8e8b6d4f7fc/text——————————
Strong ground games propel No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon to CFP semifinal matchup at Peach Bowl
SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza spent all season stealing headlines and collecting awards. Indiana running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black were content doing the dirty work in the shadows of their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, propelling the top-ranked Hoosiers into college football’s version of the Final Four. Now, less than a week after dominating Alabama on the ground, the Hoosiers dynamic duo hopes to replicate that performance against No. 5 Oregon in Friday night’s Peach Bowl. Like Indiana, the Ducks have a high-scoring offense, a likely first-round draft pick at quarterback and, yes, the second best rushing attack among the remaining teams.
WORDS: 959 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 5:24 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/StronggroundgamespropelNoIndianaandNoOregontoCFPsemifinalmatchupatPeachBowl/f7e27e45d6bf93b35a4272e29c4ca018/text——————————
Ravens have a lot to ask themselves after a season with Super Bowl hopes ended with an 8-9 record
SUMMARY: From Week 1 at Buffalo — when they blew a 15-point lead in the final four minutes — until Tyler Loop’s missed field goal ended their season Sunday night, the Baltimore Ravens consistently fell short of their lofty expectations. They were fortunate they still had a chance to win the division over the weekend, but even with Lamar Jackson looking like an MVP-caliber quarterback again in the fourth quarter, Baltimore still lost and finished 8-9. John Harbaugh has been Baltimore’s coach for 18 seasons and has a Super Bowl victory to his credit. His future and that of his assistants is unclear.
WORDS: 845 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 7:02 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RavenshavealottoaskthemselvesafteraseasonwithSuperBowlhopesendedwithanrecord/41b33a6877dbbe351a2564bb6681d0b1/text——————————
Justin Sourdif scores his first hat trick to lead the Capitals to a 7-4 win over the Ducks
SUMMARY: Justin Sourdif scored his first NHL hat trick and added two assists and the Washington Capitals beat the Anaheim Ducks 7-4 on Monday night. Alex Ovechkin scored twice, Ryan Leonard had a goal and an assist, John Carlson also scored and Connor McMichael had four assists for the Capitals, who ended a two-game slide. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves in the win. Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn, Jacob Trouba and Beckett Sennecke scored for the Ducks, who have lost six straight. Petr Mrazek stopped 19 of 24 through two periods. He was replaced by Lukas Dostal to start the third. Dostal stopped all three shots he faced.
WORDS: 315 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:11 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JustinSourdifscoreshisfirsthattricktoleadtheCapitalstoawinovertheDucks/51f9aec75da2c3345388946df1a13bb8/text——————————
Season of the kicker unravels with missed field goal sending Ravens home and Steelers to playoffs
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly defeated the Baltimore Ravens after a dramatic ending on Sunday night. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell missed an extra point, leaving the Steelers with a slim 26-24 lead. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson then set up rookie kicker Tyler Loop for a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal. Despite a perfect setup, Loop missed the kick, pushing it to the right. Ravens coach John Harbaugh defended the decision to attempt the kick from that distance. The game highlighted the increasing accuracy and expectations for NFL kickers, who have been making longer field goals more frequently.
WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 3:22 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SeasonofthekickerunravelswithmissedfieldgoalsendingRavenshomeandSteelerstoplayoffs/945ab56e51702545e81a324054193113/text——————————
Nationals hire Jason Sinnarajah from Royals as their president of business operations
SUMMARY: The Washington Nationals have hired Jason Sinnarajah from the Kansas City Royals to become their president of business operations. Sinnarajah will oversee all business-related aspects of the Nationals in his new role. He had been working as the Royals’ senior vice president and chief operating officer. Sinnarajah is the latest new hire in a Nationals front office that recently added Paul Toboni as president of baseball operations and Anirudh Kilambi as general manager.
WORDS: 211 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 10:53 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/NationalshireJasonSinnarajahfromRoyalsastheirpresidentofbusinessoperations/d62bd424dca715acc8210563fd786409/text——————————
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NEW JERSEY
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Four NFL head coach firings increase the total of openings to six
SUMMARY: The number of NFL head coach firings stands at six. The coaches fired on Black Monday are Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals, Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders and Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns. Raheem Morris was fired by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Two other coaches were fired during the season. They were Brian Daboll of the New York Giants and Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans.
WORDS: 459 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:14 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/FourNFLheadcoachfiringsincreasethetotalofopeningstosix/746ba76e6f68d162e756b947963fd9b0/text——————————
Joe Schoen is returning as New York Giants general manager
SUMMARY: Joe Schoen is returning as general manager of the New York Giants. Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch announced their decision Monday. They gave Schoen a vote of confidence in November when firing coach Brian Daboll midway through the regime’s fourth season in charge. The Giants were 2-8 at that time and lost five of their final seven games to finish with a 4-13 record. Assembling talent by drafting receiver Malik Nabers, running back Cam Skattebo and potential franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart paved the way for Schoen to keep his job and oversee the search for the team’s next coach.
WORDS: 1388 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:42 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JoeSchoenisreturningasNewYorkGiantsgeneralmanager/534edb01c1411e948ea7435f153df190/text——————————
Aaron Glenn and Jets eager to put disastrous season behind them and continue to build for the future
SUMMARY: Aaron Glenn's first season as head coach of the New York Jets was disappointing with the team finishing 3-14. Glenn was the first coach in franchise history to start with seven consecutive losses. Despite this, owner Woody Johnson continued to support him. Fans are frustrated by a 15-year playoff drought. Glenn's players remain optimistic about his leadership. The Jets have the No. 2 overall draft pick and are focused on finding a new quarterback. They also need a defensive coordinator after firing Steve Wilks. The offseason will be crucial for rebuilding and making key decisions.
WORDS: 963 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:44 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AaronGlennandJetseagertoputdisastrousseasonbehindthemandcontinuetobuildforthefuture/02f9e4bd6ac81bf6d105806162cec1cb/text——————————
Dolan not expecting any big moves for Knicks, says Thibodeau was 'mildly surprised' by firing
SUMMARY: Knicks owner James Dolan said Monday he wasn’t aware of any trade discussions last summer involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and doesn’t expect any big moves this season. Speaking to WFAN Radio, Dolan also said he believed Tom Thibodeau was “mildly surprised” when the Knicks fired him last summer despite leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. ESPN reported later in the summer that the Bucks and New York Knicks engaged in trade talks regarding Antetokounmpo in August but never gained traction on a potential deal. Dolan says he wasn't aware of any truth to that report.
WORDS: 380 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 7:00 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DolannotexpectinganybigmovesforKnickssaysThibodeauwasmildlysurprisedbyfiring/b01b183b5f0e3a59f4a50f6df89788b2/text——————————
Flyers sign Christian Dvorak to a 5-year, $25.75 million contract extension
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Christian Dvorak to a five-year contract extension worth $25.75 million. General manager Daniel Briere announced the deal Monday night. Dvorak will count $5.15 million against the salary cap from when the deal kicks in next NHL season through 2030-31. The 29-year-old has been a great fit halfway through his first season in Philadelphia after signing as a free agent in July. Dvorak is taking a slight pay cut from the $5.4 million he's making this season but gets long-term security with a contract through age 35.
WORDS: 231 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 8:31 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/FlyerssignChristianDvoraktoayearmillioncontractextension/2790670f7aeb002fc3d95dd35f7c0822/text——————————
Offense? Defense? NFL experience? Giants to cast a wide net in their coaching search
SUMMARY: The New York Giants expect to cast a wide net in the search for their next coach. General manager Joe Schoen said the organization would not limit candidates to offensive or defensive expertise or require previous NFL head coaching experience. While ownership will make the final decision, Schoen has spent the past eight weeks since Brian Daboll was fired doing research on potential replacements. Franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart wants someone who can match his intensity, while other players cited leadership and an ability to handle the pressure of the New York market as qualities they'd like to see.
WORDS: 904 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:05 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/OffenseDefenseNFLexperienceGiantstocastawidenetintheircoachingsearch/493d9fcb475212403570ce7e55ca7a39/text——————————
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PENNSYLVANIA
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Phillies hire Don Mattingly as bench coach, reuniting him with GM son Preston
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Phillies have hired Don Mattingly as a bench coach on Rob Thomson's staff. Mattingly reunites with his son, Preston, who is Philadelphia's general manager. He has spent the last 22 seasons on major league staffs, including three years with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mattingly, a former Yankees first baseman, was a six-time All-Star and 1985 AL MVP. He managed the Dodgers and Marlins, earning NL Manager of the Year in 2020. Mattingly replaces Mike Calitri, now the major league field coordinator.
WORDS: 691 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:09 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/PhillieshireDonMattinglyasbenchcoachreunitinghimwithGMsonPreston/e39c61b430fc4282b75930017621da27/text——————————
It's a good time to be Anthony Smith. Two players with that name make AP's all-bowl team
SUMMARY: This was a great bowl season for guys named Anthony Smith. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scored two touchdowns in the Pirates’ 23-17 Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. The Minnesota defensive end with the same name delivered a pair of sacks in the Golden Gophers’ 20-17 Rate Bowl overtime triumph over New Mexico. Both of those Anthony Smiths got selected to the Associated Press all-bowl team. This all-bowl team includes top performers from bowl games that weren't part of the College Football Playoff. An all-playoff team will come out after the national championship game.
WORDS: 1233 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:47 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/ItsagoodtimetobeAnthonySmithTwoplayerswiththatnamemakeAPsallbowlteam/ae047442edc848a978bda8e8b6d4f7fc/text——————————
Pittsburgh WR DK Metcalf relieved to be in the playoffs after Steelers rally during his suspension
SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is back at work following a two-game suspension for initiating contact with a fan. Metcalf says he's relieved the Steelers were able to win the AFC North during his absence, freeing him up to return for a first-round playoff matchup with Houston. The Steelers clinched their first division title in five years with a thrilling 26-24 win over Baltimore on Sunday night. Metcalf watched from afar as the game had four fourth-quarter lead changes. He said it was like riding a roller coaster and is eager to help the Steelers try to win a playoff game for the first time since 2016.
WORDS: 493 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:27 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/PittsburghWRDKMetcalfrelievedtobeintheplayoffsafterSteelersrallyduringhissuspension/5b0b1c8e361726f4e99cebb11a4c605f/text——————————
Details of Zach Pop's $900,000, 1-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
SUMMARY: Details of Zach Pop’s $900,000, one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
WORDS: 36 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 5:23 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DetailsofZachPopsyearcontractwiththePhiladelphiaPhillies/c8ebf9e5985dfd7ec1688e4954793546/text——————————
Steelers endured a roller coaster of a season to reach the playoffs. Now anything's possible
SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't dwelling on "what-ifs" after his team edged Baltimore to win the AFC North title for the first time in five years. While Tomlin is aware Pittsburgh's margin of error is razor thin, he's not going to apologize after the Steelers reached the playoffs when Baltimore's Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field-goal attempt on the final play. The Steelers face the streaking Houston Texans in the first round. Oddsmakers have made Houston an early favorite. Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers is optimistic, saying the thrilling victory over Ravens should give the Steelers an added confidence boost.
WORDS: 1006 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:26 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SteelersenduredarollercoasterofaseasontoreachtheplayoffsNowanythingspossible/5b8b0bbbd62f70786668d79397fb05bc/text——————————
Eagles ready for the 49ers after losing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for the playoffs despite losing the No. 2 seed after resting starters in a game against Washington. Coach Nick Sirianni's decision led to a loss, costing them home-field advantage. The Eagles, known for their big-game experience, face the 49ers on Sunday. A win could mean road games in Chicago and Seattle. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both topped 1,000 yards receiving for the reason, but the Eagles might struggle if they rely on backups. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo faces criticism for the team's struggles. Lane Johnson might return from injury, boosting their chances.
WORDS: 916 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:50 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/EaglesreadyfortheersafterlosingtheNoseedintheNFCplayoffs/7449067f735f10bbc093d106d0cc9ccf/text——————————
Flyers sign Christian Dvorak to a 5-year, $25.75 million contract extension
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Christian Dvorak to a five-year contract extension worth $25.75 million. General manager Daniel Briere announced the deal Monday night. Dvorak will count $5.15 million against the salary cap from when the deal kicks in next NHL season through 2030-31. The 29-year-old has been a great fit halfway through his first season in Philadelphia after signing as a free agent in July. Dvorak is taking a slight pay cut from the $5.4 million he's making this season but gets long-term security with a contract through age 35.
WORDS: 231 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 8:31 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/FlyerssignChristianDvoraktoayearmillioncontractextension/2790670f7aeb002fc3d95dd35f7c0822/text——————————
Audit of fired SafeSport investigator leads to reopening of 3 out of 114 cases
SUMMARY: An external audit of cases handled by a former U.S. Center for SafeSport investigator accused of sex crimes he allegedly committed at his previous job as a vice officer led to the reopening of three of the 114 cases he handled while working at the watchdog agency. The audit also found that while Jason Krasley largely acted professionally with people he interviewed, some said he “utilized an informal interview style that felt ‘overly familiar.’”
WORDS: 659 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 8:56 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AuditoffiredSafeSportinvestigatorleadstoreopeningofoutofcases/c74e65acdc91fb9a7a9b70afb03f25be/text——————————
Brown's goaltended layup in OT lifts short-handed Nuggets over 76ers 125-124
SUMMARY: Bruce Brown scores 19 points, including the winning bucket in overtime, to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 125-124 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Jalen Pickett adds 29 points for the short-handed Nuggets, who play without several key players, including Nikola Jokic. Joel Embiid is called for goaltending on Brown's layup with 5.3 seconds left, sealing the win for Denver. Embiid scores 32 points, and Tyrese Maxey adds 28 for the Sixers. Despite their depleted roster, the Nuggets refuse to back down, securing a hard-fought win. Denver faces Boston next, while the 76ers host Washington.
WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 11:30 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/BrownsgoaltendedlayupinOTliftsshorthandedNuggetsoverers/0eb98074f2fb48310994e420d81bcd46/text——————————
QB Rocco Becht following Matt Campbell to Penn State with Grunkemeyer reportedly heading to Va. Tech
SUMMARY: Rocco Becht has announced he will follow coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State, giving the Nittany Lions a veteran quarterback to replace Ethan Grunkemeyer. Becht stated his decision in a social media post late Sunday. Multiple media outlets report Grunkemeyer will reunite with James Franklin at Virginia Tech. Grunkemeyer started seven games after Drew Allar was injured. Those transfers follow Drew Mestemaker’s weekend decision to join Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.
WORDS: 660 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 11:44 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/QBRoccoBechtfollowingMattCampbelltoPennStatewithGrunkemeyerreportedlyheadingtoVaTech/9f0031d8b14ebd1449ed9473636825a3/text——————————
Season of the kicker unravels with missed field goal sending Ravens home and Steelers to playoffs
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly defeated the Baltimore Ravens after a dramatic ending on Sunday night. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell missed an extra point, leaving the Steelers with a slim 26-24 lead. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson then set up rookie kicker Tyler Loop for a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal. Despite a perfect setup, Loop missed the kick, pushing it to the right. Ravens coach John Harbaugh defended the decision to attempt the kick from that distance. The game highlighted the increasing accuracy and expectations for NFL kickers, who have been making longer field goals more frequently.
WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 3:22 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/SeasonofthekickerunravelswithmissedfieldgoalsendingRavenshomeandSteelerstoplayoffs/945ab56e51702545e81a324054193113/text——————————
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