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UPCOMING

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

DESCRIPTION: 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. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 625 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN—GIANTS-COACHING SEARCH

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — 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. By Stephen Whyno. 850 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--COACH SEARCH-EXPLAINER

DESCRIPTION: The coaching carousel is in full swing with at least six openings already. The NFL has strict rules on when — and how long — assistant coaches on playoff teams can interview for head coaching jobs while their seasons are still alive. Here’s a look at some of the protocols in place for the coaching searches. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

DESCRIPTION: The Boston Celtics have surprised many by maintaining their strong performance despite major lineup changes. Jaylen Brown is the only starter remaining from last year, with Jayson Tatum out due to injury and others traded. As of Monday, the Celtics are 23-12 and second in the Eastern Conference. Coach Joe Mazzulla credits the team’s understanding and execution of their roles. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons lead the East with a 27-9 record, surprising some but not their coach, J.B. Bickerstaff. Other surprises include the Phoenix Suns’ resilience and struggles for teams like Milwaukee and Atlanta. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKC--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Fred Hoiberg’s patience with Nebraska’s basketball program is finally paying off. The Huskers, once struggling under his leadership, are now one of six unbeaten teams in Division I men’s college basketball. They reached 10th in the AP Top 25 poll on Monday, their highest since 1966. This follows a win over Michigan State, pushing their record to 14-0. Nebraska faces tough competition in the Big Ten, with six teams in the Top 25. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is also making waves in the SEC, holding the best ranking in the conference with a 14-0 start. By Basketball Writer Dave Skretta. 630 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Vanderbilt and Kentucky’s entrance to the top 10 on Monday was historic as it gave the Southeastern Conference five of the first seven teams in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll. It’s the first time that’s happened in the poll’s 50-year history. The seventh-ranked Commodores pulled off their first win over a top five program since the 2008-09 season when they edged then-No. 5 LSU on Sunday. Texas is second, South Carolina third and Oklahoma is fifth. Kentucky moved up to six on Monday. It may be tough for the conference to keep all those high rankings as many of those teams will face each other over the next few weeks. Sixth-ranked Kentucky hosts No. 5 Oklahoma on Sunday. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKL—UNRIVALED-SEASON TWO

DESCRIPTION: Napheesa Collier sat on the bench at Sephora Arena laughing with her Unrivaled teammate Skylar Diggins moments before tipoff between the Lunar Owls and Rose BC. It was a tiny glimpse of what Unrivaled provided star WNBA players in Year 1: high-level competition and camaraderie while offering an arena for players to sharpen their skills ahead of the WNBA season. Unrivaled’s second season began on Monday. Now the league is providing a central gathering place for players to strategize and build solidarity as players negotiate a new collecitve bargaining agreement. By Alanis Thames. 560 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-2026

DESCRIPTION: There’s a lot of moving parts on the PGA Tour going into a new year and still one central figure — Scottie Scheffler — whose latest run at No. 1 in the world began two weeks before the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with the Saudis. Both seem a long longer ago. A look at six key topics going into 2026. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 1,100 words, photos. With GLF--Golf Notes.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 11:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: This year’s NFL playoffs could represent a shift to a new generation of winning players — particularly at quarterback. The top two seeds in both the AFC and NFC are led by a quartet of young or unheralded quarterbacks, including Bo Nix, Drake Maye, Sam Darnold and Caleb Williams. Here’s more to watch as the postseason begins on Saturday. By David Brandt. 450 words, photos by 1 p.m. MST.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

DESCRIPTION: The NFL regular season has ended and the MVP debate continues. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-FIESTA BOWL PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Fiesta Bowl will be a College Football Playoff like no other. Instead of the usual suspects of power programs, No. 6 seed Ole Miss will No. 10 Miami with a trip to the national championship game on the line. by John Marshall. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-LANNING VS CIGNETTI

DESCRIPTION: Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti look like exact opposites. Lanning is the flashy, budding star who wins by defying conventional wisdom. The blunt-spoken Cignetti takes a decidedly old-school approach. Now the two former Alabama assistants will soon find themselves back in SEC country, sharing mutual admiration for their very different styles as they chase one goal — reaching the national championship game. By Mike Marot and Anne Peterson. 900 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-SPYTEK-BRADY

DESCRIPTION: Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek will work together on the coaching search and other team matters. What does that mean? By Mark Anderson. 600 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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HKN--DEVILS-ISLANDERS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Rookie of the year frontrunner Matthew Schaefer and the New York Islanders host Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBC--FCS CHAMPIONSHIP

Montana State beats Illinois State 35-34 in OT thriller for 1st national title since 1984

SUMMARY: Myles Sansted kicked the extra point in overtime as Montana State won its first national championship since 1984, beating Illinois State 35-34 Monday night in the Football Championship Subdivision title game. The Bobcats found a way to top a season that featured two wins over in-state rival Montana over a four-week span. Montana State found a way to top that with a thrilling finish in the first overtime in the 48 years of this title game. Justin Lamson tied with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Taco Dowler on fourth-and-10. Hunter Parsons blocked the extra point attempt after Tommy Rittenhouse threw a 10-yard TD pass to Dylan Lord to give Illinois State its only lead at 34-28 to open overtime.

WORDS: 878 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 1:26 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4fc1f093d6b677c768a35c3efb06ac64&mediaType=text

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HKO--WORLD JUNIOR

Sweden beats Czechia 4-2 for its 3rd world junior hockey title

SUMMARY: Casper Juustovaara and Viktor Eklund scored first-period goals and Sweden won its third world junior hockey title, beating Czechia 4-2 on Monday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the first all-European final since 2016. Sweden also won in 1981 and 2012. Czechia won its lone titles in 2000 and 2001. Sascha Boumedienne gave Sweden a 3-0 lead at 3:47 of the third. Adam Jiricek and Matej Kubiesa scored for Czechia, with Kubiesa striking with 24 seconds left. Ivar Stenberg capped the scoring with an empty-netter with eight seconds left. In the third-place game, Sam O’Reilly scored twice, Gavin McKenna and Michael Hage each had four points to help Canada beat Finland 6-3.

WORDS: 273 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:44 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48d02f2bd4afb288491147db0e9f3482&mediaType=text

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BKN--ROCKETS-DURANT

Durant admits game-winner over Suns meant more because he was ‘kicked out’

SUMMARY: Houston’s Kevin Durant said hitting the game-winner Monday night against the Phoenix Suns meant more because it came against his former team that he felt kicked him out. Durant scored 26 points and his 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds to go lifted the Rockets to the 100-97 victory. Asked if it meant more because it came against the the Suns, the 15-time All-Star didn’t hold back. “Most definitely,” he said. “A place that I didn’t want to leave. My first time — I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will — to be kicked out of a place.”

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:07 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:479ff7173d39c17d712fd88274f74084&mediaType=text

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BKN--HORNETS-THUNDER

NBA-leading Thunder humbled in 124-97 home loss to struggling Hornets

SUMMARY: Brandon Miller scored 28 points as the Charlotte Hornets stunned the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 on Monday night. Kon Knueppel added 23 points for the Hornets, who had lost three of four before handing Oklahoma City its worst loss of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points for his 108th straight game with at least 20, the second-longest streak in NBA history. Oklahoma City took its second straight loss and second home defeat of the season.

WORDS: 339 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a6e0c6ed39ea78f65e385c847656a28&mediaType=text

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HKN--RANGERS-SHESTERKIN

Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin leaves game against the Mammoth because of injury

SUMMARY: New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin left his team’s game against Utah midway through the first period with an apparent left leg injury. He did not return. Shesterkin’s leg bent awkwardly with his skate on the ice as he attempted to avoid contact with Mammoth forward JJ Peterka, who was on the edge of the crease. Peterka did not appear to make contact with Shesterkin, who lay down in the net in pain while he was attended to by a trainer. Shesterkin was helped off the ice by the trainer and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and did not put any weight on his left foot.

WORDS: 224 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7808835666f723dddc64fc995d8e79c&mediaType=text

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FBC--MISSISSIPPI-CHAMBLISS RETURNING

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss plans to return, pending NCAA ruling on eligibility

SUMMARY: Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss plans to return to school next season if the NCAA approves his request for an additional year of eligibility. Chambliss announced his decision three days before the Rebels play Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Chambliss took a redshirt his first season at Ferris State and another due to medical reasons his second season there. Ole Miss filed a waiver request with the NCAA in November. Chambliss threw for over 3,600 yards and 21 touchdowns after taking over as the Rebel’s starter the third game of the season. Ole Miss plays Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, which doubles as a College Football Playoff semifinal.

WORDS: 305 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:18 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b99db53ee14950183788c1a6c1d60220&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-MICHIGAN-UNDERWOOD

Bryce Underwood staying at Michigan for sophomore season under 1st-year coach Kyle Whittingham

SUMMARY: Bryce Underwood is staying at Michigan for his sophomore season to play for first-year coach Kyle Whittingham. Underwood announced his decision Monday night. As the nation’s top-rated recruit, Underwood signed with the Wolverines under former coach Sherrone Moore and became the fourth true freshman to start at quarterback for Michigan. Underwood completed 60% of his throws for 2,428 yards with nine passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions, including three in the last 18 minutes of a 41-27 loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl. He ran for 392 yards and six touchdowns, including 77 yards and a score against the Longhorns.

WORDS: 154 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 9:56 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:686c23072d45d235cd5d9a6f2ed69002&mediaType=text

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HKN--OBIT-PULFORD

Hockey Hall of Fame player and longtime Blackhawks executive Bob Pulford dies at 89

SUMMARY: Bob Pulford, a Hockey Hall of Fame player who went on to a lengthy career as a coach and general manager, has died. He was 89. A spokesperson for the NHL Alumni Association said the organization learned of Pulford’s death from his family. Pulford helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup four times during his 14-year stretch with them from 1956-70. He spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings in the early ‘70s before coaching them for the following five years. Pulford then ran the Chicago Blackhawks’ front office as general manager or senior vice president of hockey operations for three decades from 1977-2007.

WORDS: 408 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 7:08 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9fd04330b16e1fab0160ef469f6ee9a&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAIDERS-CARROLL FIRED

Raiders fire Pete Carroll after 3-14 season and will look for a new coach for third straight year

SUMMARY: The Las Vegas Raiders fired coach Pete Carroll on Monday after just one year. The team went 3-14, ending with a win over Kansas City on Sunday. General manager John Spytek took responsibility for the poor season. Owner Mark Davis said in a statement that Spytek will work with minority owner Tom Brady to find a new coach. The Raiders have the first pick in this year’s draft and significant cap space. Spytek sees this as a massive opportunity to set the franchise on a successful path. The team could seek an offensive-minded coach to work with a young quarterback.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:04 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c44b16de6922ba557f0a5f4ccb4a4417&mediaType=text

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TEN--DJOKOVIC-ADELAIDE-WITHDRAWAL

Novak Djokovic withdraws from the Australian Open tuneup tournament in Adelaide

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Australian Open tuneup tournament in Adelaide. He said Monday that he isn’t prepared to return to competition ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam event and called the withdrawal personally disappointing. The 38-year-old with a men’s-record 24 major singles championships has not played an official match in nearly two full months. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the Hellenic Championship in Athens on Nov. 8, then announced he would be pulling out of the ATP Finals for the second year in a row, citing a shoulder injury. Main-draw play at Melbourne Park begins on Jan. 18.

WORDS: 357 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 4:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6808155ee3e3bc37ad6e8973bda888b0&mediaType=text

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FBC--ALL-BOWL TEAM

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/home/search?query=itemid:ae047442edc848a978bda8e8b6d4f7fc&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS

A deadly plane crash, a burning home and a tense trial add up in NASCAR’s offseason of heartbreak

SUMMARY: The NASCAR community is reeling after a series of tragic events. A memorial service was held Sunday for Emma Biffle, the 14-year-old daughter of driver Greg Biffle, who died in a plane crash with six others, including her family. The crash occurred in December. This tragedy followed a difficult offseason, including a legal battle involving NASCAR and a devastating fire that killed Denny Hamlin’s father. Despite these challenges, the community remains tight-knit, supporting each other through crises. A public memorial for the crash victims is planned for Jan. 16.

WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:16 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15459823de05b8f484bae2dccb053408&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL COACH FIRINGS ROUNDUP

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/home/search?query=itemid:746ba76e6f68d162e756b947963fd9b0&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-PEREZ

Perez says being Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull was ‘the worst job in F1’

SUMMARY: Sergio “Checo” Pérez says being a teammate of Max Verstappen was “the worst job there is in Formula 1.” Pérez was beside Verstappen for four years at Red Bull before being dropped at the end of 2024 with two years left in his contract. Pérez is returning to F1 this year with new team Cadillac. In a podcast posted on Sunday he said the atmosphere at Red Bull was tense. Issues arose whether he was faster or slower than Verstappen. Perez had his best season in 2023 when he was runner-up to Verstappen in the drivers’ championship. His new teammate at Cadillac will be Valtteri Bottas.

WORDS: 267 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:13 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8707838fe6c433b553223442dd40cae4&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-MATTINGLY

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 1:56 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e39c61b430fc4282b75930017621da27&mediaType=text