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UPCOMING

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FBN--STEELERS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers remain very much a work in progress through the first month of the season. Yet they’ve found ways to survive during a 3-1 start and showed signs in an emotional victory over Minnesota in Dublin on Sunday that they might be starting to figure things out. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--MEDIA DAY

DESCRIPTION: Victor Wembanyama is back. Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum might be coming back. Tyrese Haliburton knows he’s a year away. Injuries are already a talking point in this new NBA season, but not all the news is bad. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC --ARKANSAS-PETRINO

DESCRIPTION: Arkansas Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek and interim head coach Bobby Petrino meet with the media after the firing of coach Sam Pittman. By Maura Carey. 500 words, file photos. News conference set for 1 p.m. Eastern.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--PISTONS-CUNNINGHAM

DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons are coming off a breakout season. The next step, advancing in the playoffs, will be a challenge for the All-Star point guard and the franchise. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: LIVERPOOL, England - Nuno Espirito Santo takes charge of his first game as West Ham manager in a trip to Everton in the Premier League. UPCOMING: 250 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 5:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--MEDIA DAY-LAKERS

DESCRIPTION: EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James begins his record 23rd NBA season alongside Luka Doncic when the Los Angeles Lakers report to training camp. The leading scorer in NBA history will weigh in on the Lakers’ offseason changes and his belief in their chances of being the championship contender he demands. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Media day starts at 11 a.m. PDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--PACKERS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: After they looked like the best team in the NFL through their first two games of the season, the Green Bay Packers have received a reality check the last couple of weeks. They have plenty of issues they must address in order to contend for a Super Bowl appearance. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 700 words, with photos, expected by 6 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 7:13 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--METS-STEARNS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns addresses the media, one day after a star-laden New York team with baseball’s highest payroll on opening day completed a stunning second-half collapse by missing the playoffs. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick. Developing from 3:30 p.m. ET news conference.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--49ERS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco have little time to dwell on their first loss of the season with a quick turnaround before a division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: BBO--PADRES-CUBS PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — The San Diego Padres went 52-29 at Petco Park this season — and 38-43 on the road. They are back on the road for the first round of the playoffs, taking on Dansby Swanson and the Chicago Cubs in a best-of-three series at Wrigley Field. By Baseball Writer Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BBO--REDS-DODGERS PREVIEW

5. DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers open defense of their World Series championship against the Cincinnati Reds in the NL wild-card series. The Dodgers dominated the Reds this season, winning five of six games while outscoring them 30-15. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 8:30 p.m. ET.

6. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES PREVIEW

8. DESCRIPTION: Two of baseball’s most bitter rivals play a Wild Card Series in the Bronx. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum

9. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: BBO--TIGERS-GUARDIANS PREVIEW

11. DESCRIPTION: CLEVELAND - AL Central rivals Detroit and Cleveland not only meet in the postseason for the second straight season, it will be the third straight week they have seen each other. Cleveland swept a three-game set in Detroit two weeks ago and took two of three to take over the division lead last week. By Joe Reedy. 700 words, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--JETS-DOLPHINS

DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The New York Jets play the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Game starts at 7:15 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--BENGALS-BRONCOS

DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- The Cincinnati Bengals play the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 8:15 p.m. EDT

UPCOMING: By 09/29/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS

Chase Elliott’s stunning Kansas win sparks hope for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR playoffs

SUMMARY: Hendrick Motorsports has struggled in NASCAR’s playoffs, despite starting strong with all four drivers in contention. Alex Bowman was eliminated after the first round. Joe Gibbs Racing dominated the first three races, and Ryan Blaney of Team Penske won the second round opener. Chase Elliott finally secured a win at Kansas Speedway, locking him into the third round. Team officials sees Elliott’s win and William Byron’s comeback as positive momentum. Gordon believes Byron can make a real title run. Kyle Larson is also in the mix.

WORDS: 634 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 1:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff9d4417332d9f5ad1fe2e6de9955135&mediaType=text

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TEN--CHINA OPEN

Swiatek wins 400th career match at China Open. Alcaraz reaches Japan final

SUMMARY: Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has defeated Camila Osorio for her 400th career win, advancing to the fourth round at the China Open. On Monday, Swiatek dismantled her Colombian opponent 6-0 in the first set before Osorio retired in the second. Swiatek, who recently won the Korea Open, next faces American Emma Navarro. In other matches, fourth-seeded Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk secured victories. In the ATP 500 men’s tournament, top-seeded Jannik Sinner reached the semifinals with a win over Fabian Marozsan. Sinner will face Alex de Minaur. In Tokyo, Carlos Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud in the semifinals of the Japan Open for his personal best 66th victory in a season. He faces Taylor Fritz in the final.

WORDS: 417 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 12:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e1634641022e51cdd73f109be5cf736&mediaType=text

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BBO--GIANTS-MELVIN FIRED

Giants fire veteran manager Bob Melvin after two years

SUMMARY: Manager Bob Melvin has been fired by the San Francisco Giants after the club missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season. Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey had shown his confidence in Melvin by exercising the veteran manager’s contract option for the 2026 season on July 1. But Melvin said after Sunday’s 4-0 victory against Colorado to conclude his second season that he had received no assurances about managing in 2026. The Giants finished 81-81 for one more victory than in Melvin’s first year.

WORDS: 655 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 12:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da8601e27e07ffec4713a1f188856480&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-PLAYER-INCIDENT

Irish police not able to substantiate report that Steelers’ Skylar Thompson was assaulted and robbed

SUMMARY: Irish police say a formal complaint has not been filed in connection to reports that Pittsburgh Steelers player Skylar Thompson was assaulted and robbed in Dublin while his team was preparing to play a game in the city. The national police said in a statement Monday it did not have information to substantiate the reports involving Thompson, a reserve quarterback on the Steelers. The Irish Independent newspaper had reported that “a number of males were involved in an assault on Thompson near the Temple Bar area” on Friday night and that his phone was stolen. The Steelers said they were aware of the situation and gathering more information.

WORDS: 281 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 11:57 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:158afa1fb355965e2d2648be94ad81cf&mediaType=text

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SOC--SPORTS-GAMBLING

From prison to social media star: How one man is taking on sports betting at German soccer games

SUMMARY: A man whose gambling addiction landed him in prison has become a social media star in Germany with an unusual campaign against sports betting at soccer stadiums. Thomas Melchior shows up at soccer games wearing the jersey of the home team’s fiercest rival — a move sure to rile the home fans — while holding a sign that says “lost a bet.” He uses the attention to start a conversation about the dangers of sports betting, and posts video clips of the interactions on his social media accounts. A former bank teller, he was sentenced to 5½ years in prison in 2019 for fraud and theft after losing more than 800,000 euros ($936,000 today) on gambling.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 11:57 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb71e02b04f9346556cc9735b3d64672&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-FAKE TUSH PUSH

Eagles send a message to the NFL and the 31 other teams with the fake tush push

SUMMARY: Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles sent a message to the NFL and the 31 other teams in Week 4. The reigning Super Bowl champions don’t need a tush push to win. And for those who consider it a boring play, now there’s a new twist. The fake makes it even more difficult for opponents to stop and more interesting to watch. Facing a team that had their number and one that actually had some success against Philadelphia’s signature play, Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo mixed things up. Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown on a fake tush push and Jalen Hurts tossed an underhanded TD pass on a variation of it in a 31-25 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

WORDS: 759 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 11:34 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b78c0cc572d28cda3c1e654ac4bb41fe&mediaType=text

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BKN--HEAT-ADEBAYO-WILSON

Bam Adebayo shares emotions that came with presenting A’ja Wilson with her fourth WNBA MVP trophy

SUMMARY: Bam Adebayo recently helped present A’ja Wilson with her fourth WNBA MVP trophy. This moment was a highlight for the Miami center. Adebayo spoke about the September 19 event in Las Vegas during the Heat’s media day on Monday. Wilson, the Aces’ star center, was announced as MVP two days after the private ceremony. Adebayo carried the trophy into the gym, surprising Wilson. Overcome with emotion, she dropped to the floor as her teammates cheered. Adebayo and Wilson share a strong bond, often supporting each other at major events and games. Adebayo values Wilson’s perspective and advice.

WORDS: 383 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 11:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b6c1786ae7d80754600048ce05d4d37&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-POSTSEASON-GUIDE

What to watch during MLB’s best-of-three Wild Card Series this week

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s postseason is about to start with some spicy Wild Card Series matchups. The American League features a classic rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, with all games at Yankee Stadium. The Detroit Tigers face the Cleveland Guardians, seeking revenge after losing a big lead in September. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds, and the San Diego Padres take on the Chicago Cubs. The Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies have earned byes to the Division Series.

WORDS: 767 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 10:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:30c3a5a7b2ce585e75499ca1f26ca9c2&mediaType=text

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ENT--SUPER-BOWL-BAD BUNNY

Latin superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

SUMMARY: Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show next year. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that the Grammy winner will perform at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8. This comes after his historic Puerto Rico residency this month, which drew over half a million fans. Bad Bunny is also leading all nominees at the Latin Grammys in November. With three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys, he has become a global ambassador for Latin music. Last year, Kendrick Lamar set a record with 133.5 million viewers for his Super Bowl performance.

WORDS: 461 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 10:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8d39f256c8ff8922871f1d613ba51c3d&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-COWBOYS

Micah Parsons’ hyped return to Dallas ends with Cowboys and Packers in 40-40 tie

SUMMARY: Brandon Aubrey and Brandon McManus traded short field goals in overtime, and Micah Parsons’ highly anticipated return to Dallas ended with the Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in a 40-40 tie. Dak Prescott and Jordan Love had three touchdown passes apiece in regulation, which included seven consecutive lead-changing TDs before McManus’ tying 53-yard field goal as time expired. McManus kicked a 34-yarder as the clock hit 0:00 in overtime, just after Love’s pass into the back of the end zone fell incomplete with just a second remaining.

WORDS: 1039 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 9:43 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:76b3dd484155f95c7761c77b205d111f&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP-EUROPEAN REIGN

Ryder Cup in European hands no matter where they play

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy remembers the tears the last time he fell short in a Ryder Cup. What really stung were the words. The Americans were coming off a 10-point victory and spoke four years ago about changing the course of the Ryder Cup. It’s still on a European path. Team Europe made it closer than it needed to be. It still wound up winning at Bethpage Black. That’s two straight wins since that 10-point American victory. Nothing has changed. If anything, Europe might be getting better. It now has won 11 out of the last 15 times in the Ryder Cup.

WORDS: 1023 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 9:41 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2d9a153f45cc5044834af20c624e71d6&mediaType=text

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HKO--NCAA-NHL PIPELINE

NCAA rule change leads to Canadian Hockey League players making mass exodus to U.S. colleges

SUMMARY: Cale Makar has noticed major changes in college hockey since he left UMass for the NHL five years ago. The introduction of name, image, and likeness deals and the NCAA’s new rules allowing Canadian Hockey League players have transformed the sport. This offseason, many players have committed to Division I programs, including top prospect Gavin McKenna. The shift allows players to play in the CHL before deciding on college. Experts believe this could elevate college hockey, with more CHL talent joining. The debate continues over whether the NCAA will surpass the CHL as the main NHL talent feeder.

WORDS: 1010 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 7:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c1a35aa9cba61ad47b1f5056219c0b1&mediaType=text

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SOC--MBAPPE-BALLON D’OR

Mbappe was meant to succeed Messi and Ronaldo, but Ballon d’Or rankings say he’s going backward

SUMMARY: By the age of 19 Kylian Mbappe had already won the World Cup, become one of the most expensive soccer players ever and was labeled the heir-apparent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Seven years later, and with Messi and Ronaldo long past their peak, Mbappe is still waiting to be officially recognized as the best player on the planet. If anything, he is going backward. By the most recent measure he was ranked seventh. That’s where he placed in this year’s voting for the Ballon d’Or — the sport’s biggest individual prize — which was won by Mbappe’s France teammate Ousmane Dembele.

WORDS: 1230 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 7:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:045ea932063a7f9b793b509976963a31&mediaType=text

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BBO--THIS WEEK IN BASEBALL

The Marlins did it to the Mets again. That’s not the only reason Miami can feel hopeful

SUMMARY: Miami’s 4-0 victory over the Mets in the season finale kept them out of the playoffs — even though New York got the help it needed in the form of a Milwaukee win over Cincinnati. It was deja vu for Mets fans after the Marlins also derailed New York’s postseason hopes in game 162 in 2007 and 2008. In the end, New York only finished four games ahead of Miami in the standings. The Marlins had an over/under of 62 1/2 wins before the season according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Their 16 1/2-win overperformance was the best in baseball.

WORDS: 663 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:96ffa2fd6c03f30ace5fa2eaa09eb659&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-PREVIEW

Champions League sends Real Madrid, Bayern to new places and returns Mourinho to old home Chelsea

SUMMARY: The Champions League sends its top-ranked teams to new places this week. It also revisits the Barcelona-Paris Saint-German rivalry that is among the more storied in its modern era. José Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea for his first Champions League game coaching Benfica. Record 15-time title winner Real Madrid goes to Kazakhstan to play Kairat Almaty. That’s a meeting of No. 151 vs. No. 1 in the UEFA club rankings. No. 2 Bayern Munich has a rare trip to Cyprus to face No. 91 newcomer Pafos. Bodo/Glimt hosts Tottenham inside the Arctic Circle in northern Norway.

WORDS: 840 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 5:56 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:04deb3c668e1ba1aedd5e0f917072bb3&mediaType=text

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CRI--ASIA CUP-TROPHY CONTROVERSY

India’s Asia Cup win over Pakistan marred by trophy presentation snub

SUMMARY: Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified on the cricket field. India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from a top Pakistani official after avoiding handshakes with their rivals for three games. Tilak Varma’s half-century helped India beat Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, claiming their ninth Asia Cup. The presentation ceremony was delayed as India refused the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment, stating the team deserved the trophy. The Pakistan team received its runners-up medals, while India celebrated without the trophy or medals.

WORDS: 1045 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 3:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b49110b81e1e589ac423fa916bfe7442&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-COWBOYS-PARSONS

Micah Parsons gets OT sack but nobody wins in Packers’ visit to Dallas a month after trade

SUMMARY: Micah Parsons finally got a sack for the Green Bay Packers against his former mentor in overtime. But nobody won in the star rusher’s return to Dallas on Sunday night. The Cowboys had to settle for a short field goal on the opening possession in overtime, that kick coming two plays after Parsons tackled a scrambling Dak Prescott from behind at the 4 for a sack. Green Bay then drove the field for a field goal on the final play for a 40-40 tie. Parsons finished with that one solo tackle and sack, along with two assisted tackles and three quarterback hurries. .

WORDS: 901 - MOVED: 09/29/2025 2:31 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:df13e446270b66bee463d56236742904&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW ___

—MLB Wild Card Series

—WNBA playoffs

—HKN--Season Preview