AP Sports Digest

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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OLY--WINTER OLYMPICS

EVENTS COVERAGE

OLY-XXC-Men-50k

TESERO, Italy — Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo’s goes for his record sixth gold medal in the 50-kilometer mass start classic cross-country race. By Brian Melley. Race starts at 11 a.m. local/5 a.m. EST. Text, photos.

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OLY--FRE-Women’s Halfpipe

LIVIGNO, Italy — Eileen Gu takes her last trip down the mountain in ski halfpipe finals Saturday, trying to make it six trips to the medal stand in six Olympic events over her career. By Eddie Pells. Starts at 7:30 p.m./1:30 p.m. EST.

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HKO--Bronze Medal

Slovakia and Finland play for the bronze medal in men’s hockey. Slovakia is four years removed from its first medal of any color in the sport, when Finland won its first gold in Beijing. Text, photos. 300 words.

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OLY--SMO-Mixed Relay

BORMIO, Italy — Ski mountaineering, the newest sport in the Olympic program, will holds its final event, the mixed relay, on Saturday. In this uphill-then-downhill race, each team sends two racers -- a male and a female -- who alternate between completing four laps along the Stelvio course. By Pat Graham. 450 words. Races starts at 1:30 p.m. CET.

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OLY--SPD-Speedskating-Mass Start

Jordan Stolz seeks his third gold -- and fourth medal in all -- of the 2026 Olympics when he competes in the last speedskating event in Milan, the mass start. The semifinals and finals for women and men are held Saturday. By Howard Fendrich. Semifinals start at 3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. EST.

FEATURES COVERAGE

FRE--Celebrating Sarah

The best Olympic pin might be the one being handed out by Canadian freeskiing coaches. It’s a celebration of the late Sarah Burke, the pioneer who helped get halfpipe skiing in the Games. By Eddie Pells. AP Photos.

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OLY--HKO-Gold Medal Preview

It’s the U.S. against Canada for the gold medal at the Olympics, the matchup between the North American rivals the hockey community had been hoping for. The NHL-run 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago reminded players, coaches and everyone else how intense best-on-best international hockey can be. The final at the Olympics is about supremacy in the sport between two global superpowers. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos. Breakouts on merit.

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OLY--HKO-US-Gaudreau Tribute

Johnny Gaudreau almost certainly would have made the U.S. team for the 2026 Winter Olympics. His tragic death alongside his brother, Matthew, who died when they were struck by a driver while riding bicycles on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding in late August 2024 ended that dream. USA Hockey has a tribute to the Gaudreau brothers in its locker room and invited parents Jane and Guy and widow Meredith to Milan. Now they hope to see the U.S. win gold in Johnny’s memory. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

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OLY--HKO-US-Larkin

This is the eighth time Dylan Larkin has represented the U.S. at an international tournament as an adult. He has never won any of them — or a playoff series in his first decade in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings. Now he’s a single victory away from the biggest accomplishment of his career if he and the U.S. beats Canada in the gold-medal game at the Olympics. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

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GLF--LPGA THAILAND

DESCRIPTION: Third-round play Saturday in the LPGA Thailand tournament at the Siam Country Club Old Course.

UPCOMING: By 02/21/2026 5:00 a.m. EST, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-ATLANTA-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: After an exhilarating finish to the Daytona 500, the rest of the NASAR Cup Series season will begin this weekend at Echo Park Speedway, where the most recent winner is home-state favorite Chase Elliott, who is coming off a last-lap heartbreak in the season opener. By Nate Ryan.

UPCOMING: By 02/21/2026 2:28 p.m. EST, Text

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BKC--MICHIGAN-DUKE

DESCRIPTION: No. 1 Michigan plays No. 3 Duke at Capital One Arena. 300 words. NOTE: AP will not be providing photos of this game given access restrictions imposed by Gazelle Group that conflict with AP standards.

UPCOMING: By 02/21/2026 6:30 p.m. EST, Text

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GLF--GENESIS INVITATIONAL

DESCRIPTION: Riviera newcomers Jacob Bridgeman and Marco Penge are tied for the lead going into the third round of the Genesis Invitational, with Rory McIlroy one shot behind. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/21/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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BOX--BARRIOS-GARCIA

DESCRIPTION: Mario Barrios defends his WBC welterweight championship against Ryan Garcia. By Mark Anderson. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/21/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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SOC--MLS-INTER MIAMI CF-LOS ANGELES FC

DESCRIPTION: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami open their defense of their MLS Cup championship against Son Heung-min and Los Angeles FC. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 400 words.

UPCOMING: By 02/21/2026 11:45 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--NUGGETS-TRAIL BLAZERS

Nuggets rout Trail Blazers 157-103 for the most points on the road in franchise history

SUMMARY: Nikola Jokic had 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 29 1/2 minutes and the Denver Nuggets routed Portland 157-103 on Friday night for the most points on the road in franchise history and the most in an NBA game this season. Jamal Murray added 25 points a night after missing the third of three free throws with 0.9 seconds left in a 115-114 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles. Julian Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. each had 19 points. Denver led 82-53 at the half, going 13 for 22 from the 3-point range. The Nuggets pushed the lead to 55 in the second half. Jrue Holiday led Portland with 19 points. Deni Avdija had 15 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds.

WORDS: 232 - MOVED: 02/21/2026 12:49 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9fb1a6ec4510e7360824b742e07877f6&mediaType=text

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BKC--AIR FORCE-SCOTT OUT

Joe Scott is out as Air Force basketball coach. The school was investigating his treatment of cadets

SUMMARY: Air Force has ended its run with basketball coach Joe Scott. The school said it was a mutual decision after an investigation into how he treats cadets. Officials announce the move on Friday. The academy says Scott’s direct style once helped deliver some of the program’s best moments. Athletic director Nathan Pine says the team now needs a new voice and a new approach that fits the school’s mission. Scott spent two stints at Air Force. The team is 3-23 this season, losing its last 19 games.

WORDS: 316 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 11:10 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e4c8680595f6e0a89adade6a27b1e82&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-VCU-SAINT LOUIS-BENCHES CLEAR

Atlantic 10 showdown between No. 18 Saint Louis, VCU ends with shoving, benches clearing

SUMMARY: A showdown for first place in the Atlantic 10 concluded with the benches clearing and multiple ejections in an 88-75 win by No. 18 Saint Louis against VCU. Billikens star Robbie Avila was dribbling out the final seconds when VCU’s Nyk Lewis stole the ball near half court and launched the ball toward the basket. Avila bumped into Lewis, who was knocked over onto a broadcasting table, and Barry Evans then shoved Avila in the back with both hands. Avila’s teammate, Quentin Jones, then shoved Evans in response. Evans and Jones were assessed flagrant fouls and ejected. The officials also disqualified all of the players who left the bench during the confrontation, leaving just enough from each team to finish the game after Lewis shot three free throws.

WORDS: 517 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 10:55 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9fd8c7a14b5d6737b12a96d55957cbb6&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-VCU-SAINT LOUIS

Thames leads second-half rally, No. 18 Saint Louis beats VCU 88-75 as benches empty

SUMMARY: Kellen Thames scored 16 points and No. 18 Saint Louis rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half for an 88-75 win over VCU on Friday night in a game in which both benches emptied in the final seconds. A St. Louis player was dribbling out the final seconds near center court when, with just over three seconds remaining, VCU’s Nyk Lewis stole the ball from behind and threw up a 3-point shot from halfcourt before being bumped into the broadcast table by the Billikens’ Robbie Avila. That prompted members of both teams to charge off their benches and set off a scrum on the court with 1.1 seconds left. Lazar Djokovic scored 19 points and Brandon Jennings contributed 18 for the Rams.

WORDS: 400 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 9:53 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7276edd4be82c4d209516446ba93597c&mediaType=text

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GLF--GENESIS INVITATIONAL

Riviera newcomers Penge and Bridgeman share lead at Genesis with McIlroy on their heels

SUMMARY: Marco Penge and Jacob Bridgeman are playing Riviera for the first time and like what they see. Each shot 64 and share the 36-hole lead in the Genesis Invitational. One shot behind is Rory McIlroy who has made only one bogey through 36 holes. That’s a big difference from last week at Pebble Beach when he made three double bogeys and a triple bogey. Scottie Scheffler is 12 shots behind. But at least he has a tee time Saturday. Scheffler made four birdies on the last 10 holes and make a 7-foot par on the last just to make the cut.

WORDS: 835 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 9:19 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3dbc5650eb985f5d177813db173f2a4b&mediaType=text

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BOX--MAYWEATHER RETURNS

Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather says he will return to pro boxing 9 years after his retirement

SUMMARY: Floyd Mayweather says he is ending his nine-year retirement and returning to competitive boxing this summer. He turns 49 on Tuesday. Mayweather hasn’t fought in a real boxing match since 2017, when he beat Conor McGregor and retired for the third time. The former five-division world champion has still been in the ring regularly throughout his 40s with a series of lucrative exhibition bouts. Mayweather already has announced yet another exhibition coming up this spring against 59-year-old Mike Tyson, although no location or television partner has been confirmed.

WORDS: 414 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 9:06 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:316fa64416b69a4d446b124efd0d25c6&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROBOT UMPIRES

Just over half ball/strike challenges successful on first day of spring training games

SUMMARY: Just over half the ball/strike challenges were successful on the first day of spring training games as Major League Baseball prepared for the first regular-season use of the automated ball-strike system — the so-called robot umpires. Thirteen of 23 calls were overturned during the five games, MLB said, which came to 56.5%. There were an average of 4.6 challenges per game and 2.6 overturned calls per game. Seven challenges were made of plate umpire Alex MacKay’s calls during Arizona’s 3-2 win against Colorado, and six were successful. The Diamondbacks had four of five decisions reversed and the Rockies were 2 for 2 in challenges.

WORDS: 211 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 8:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a605b12d6683332b7fb3b2db1931731e&mediaType=text

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BBO--FIRST GAMES

Murakami shakes off traffic delay ahead of Cactus League debut with the White Sox

SUMMARY: Munetaka Murakami had two hits and two RBIs in his Cactus League debut with the Chicago White Sox. The Japanese slugger was momentarily removed from the starting lineup after he got caught in some traffic on his way to Sloan Park. But he arrived about 20 minutes before the first pitch. Murakami was part of a slate of debuts on the first day of spring training games. Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso and Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado homered for their new teams, and Alex Bregman went 0 for 2 while playing three innings in his first game with the Cubs.

WORDS: 730 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 7:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1dd32113679ec09a1840efb0cea66acf&mediaType=text

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FBC--TENNESSEE-AGUILAR-LAWSUIT

Judge denies Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar’s injunction bid to remain eligible

SUMMARY: A judge in Tennessee has denied Joey Aguilar’s bid for an injunction that would have enabled the quarterback to continue playing for the Volunteers this fall. Aguilar was arguing that he should be allowed a fourth year of playing Divisional I football rather than having the years he spent in junior college count against his eligibility. Knox County Chancery Court judge Christopher D. Heagerty instead dissolved the temporary restraining order he had granted in the case on Feb. 4 and denied Aguilar’s request for an injunction.

WORDS: 607 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 7:50 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a852d63b25c8fe73c9ab9fc0afe6aba&mediaType=text

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GLF--GENESIS-SCHEFFLER

Scheffler has another slow start and was happy to get a weekend at Riviera

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler says he has a weird relationship with Riviera. At least he gets another two rounds to figure it out. Scheffler had four birdies on his last 10 holes to rally with a 68 and make the cut on the number at the Genesis Invitational. This is one of only three signature events that have a 36-hole cut to the top 50 and anyone within 10 shots of the lead. Scheffler was still 12 shots behind but he did enough right to at least finish in the top 50. This is the third straight week he has fallen behind early.

WORDS: 790 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 7:19 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:09e96bf107f8417cad96a01054c12eb3&mediaType=text

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OLY--HKO-SLOVAKIA-US

US sets up gold-medal game against Canada at the Olympics by cruising past Slovakia

SUMMARY: The much-anticipated but never guaranteed U.S.-Canada showdown for gold in men’s hockey at the Olympics is on. Jack Hughes scored two goals, including one with a highlight-reel individual effort, and the Americans rolled into the final by routing Slovakia 6-2 in the semifinals on Friday night. They’ll meet tournament favorite and top-seeded Canada on Sunday for the title, a year since the North American rivals played two memorable games against each other at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

WORDS: 722 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 6:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b87368158edbd8c1ab396e35c76c33d&mediaType=text

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OLY--FRE-HESS-LOSER SIGN

Olympic freeskier Hunter Hess flashes an ‘L’ sign, says he stands by his statement and loves the USA

SUMMARY: American freeskier Hunter Hess got to the end of his successful run in Olympic halfpipe qualifying, then bent his left thumb and forefinger into the shape of an “L.” He lifted it to his forehead and pointed at it with the other hand. The reason, he says, is because apparently, he’s a loser. The 27-year-old, who received that label from U.S. President Donald Trump at the start of the Olympics, says he used the episode as motivation. He qualified for Friday night’s halfpipe finals where he says he’s honored to represent the United States.

WORDS: 640 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 4:53 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b2fb244d2169ca742859a5120eb95831&mediaType=text

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OLY--SPD-SHORT TRACK-SELLIER CRASH

Poland’s Kamila Sellier stretchered off after opponent’s blade slices above her eye in Olympic 1500

SUMMARY: Polish short-track skater Kamila Sellier suffered a scary cut above her left eye after another skater’s blade hit her in the 1,500 meters at the Milan Cortina Olympics. On Friday night, medics put her on a stretcher and wheeled her out as officials stopped the race. A sheet blocked the scene from the crowd and workers cleaned blood from the ice. Sellier gave a thumbs-up as she left. The crash also brought down Italy’s Ariana Fontana and American Kristen Santos-Griswold. Officials penalized Santos-Griswold for an illegal lane pass. Fontana was able to recover and finish second as she tries to win a record 15th medal at a Winter Games.

WORDS: 301 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 4:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dc855ae461bcf661a0748642fa80e338&mediaType=text

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BKC--UCLA-CRONIN

Mick Cronin apologizes to player for ejecting him and say he needs to do better at representing UCLA

SUMMARY: UCLA coach Mick Cronin says he has apologized to Steven Jamerson II after sending him to the locker room during a blowout loss at Michigan State. Cronin says he initially thought Jamerson committed a dirty foul, but he later watched film of the play that occurred late in the 23-point loss and changed his mind. The foul still drew a flagrant-1 ruling, but that wouldn’t have merited Jamerson’s ejection by the referees. Cronin joked that Jamerson asked him for $10,000 more in NIL money. The coach says he needs to be more careful with his public comments.

WORDS: 851 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 4:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c62d0da8abb23c8212ac12bc8a990220&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-NEBRASKA-HOIBERG

Nebraska coach Hoiberg says part of the reason he swiped at fan’s phone is because of his pacemaker

SUMMARY: Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg says there were circumstances surrounding his altercation with a court-storming Iowa fan that people viewing viral social media videos might not fully understand. The videos showed Hoiberg making a swiping motion at a person pointing a camera toward him during the handshake line after his ninth-ranked Cornhuskers lost 57-52 to the Hawkeyes on Wednesday night. In doing so, Hoiberg accidentally struck a member of Iowa’s staff. Hoiberg said Friday he fully relies on a pacemaker. He said his reaction stemmed from awareness that close contact with cell phones can interfere with the heart device.

WORDS: 429 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 4:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e538da244aab487ee80d1fe9cbe7148&mediaType=text

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OLY--CUR-ROUNDUP

Top-ranked Canada heartbroken after upset loss to Sweden in women’s curling at the Olympics

SUMMARY: Canada’s controversial men’s team will have the curling power’s last chance at Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina Games. With Canada already shut out of the mixed team event medals, the country’s top-ranked women were upset by Anna Hasselborg’s Sweden in the semifinals. Sweden will face Switzerland for gold on Sunday. Silvana Tirinzoni’s Switzerland beat the United States and will be aiming for their first women’s gold at the Olympics. Canada will play the U.S. for bronze on Saturday. In the men’s competition Switzerland routed Norway 9-1 for the bronze medal before Canada faces Britain for gold on Saturday.

WORDS: 407 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 3:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:181f0e245d12d96575b958d956580824&mediaType=text

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OLY--HKO-FINLAND-CANADA

Nathan MacKinnon scores late as Canada beats Finland to reach the Olympic gold-medal game

SUMMARY: Nathan MacKinnon scored the go-ahead goal with 35.2 seconds left to help Canada survive another scare at the Olympics, rallying to beat Finland 3-2 in the semifinals and advance to the men’s gold-medal game. Shea Theodore tied it just past the midway point of the third period after Sam Reinhart started the comeback from down two goals. Canada will face either the U.S. or Slovakia in the final on Sunday. Sidney Crosby did not play against Finland, but Canada has not ruled its captain out of returning.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 3:35 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:493a2727c331f2c75b0068beb1746c47&mediaType=text

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BBO--TWINS-LOPEZ

Twins ace Pablo López is set for season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery as expected

SUMMARY: Minnesota right-hander Pablo López will have season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery. The news was expected once the Twins discovered their ace’s torn ulnar collateral ligament. The team says López’s surgery will be next week in Texas. He turns 30 early next month. It will be the second Tommy John surgery for López. He was a minor leaguer the first time and missed the 2014 season. López ended a bullpen session early during the Twins’ first full-squad workout Monday. The UCL tear was announced the next day.

WORDS: 294 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 2:55 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7fa9ac69c7145d0044f1e6338671eb71&mediaType=text

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OLY--SPD-SPEEDSKATING-WOMEN’S 1500

Dutch fans roar for speedskater Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong’s Olympic gold in the 1,500

SUMMARY: Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong of the Netherlands has won her first Olympic gold and sixth career medal by finishing first in speedskating’s 1,500 meters at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Her victory Friday delighted a large and loud crowd of orange-clad Dutch fans. Rijpma-de Jong clocked 1 minute, 54.9 seconds. Her time was was 0.06 faster than silver medalist Ragne Wiklund’s. Valerie Maltais of Canada took the bronze. American Brittany Bowe was fourth Friday — the same spot she was in the 1,000 meters and team pursuit in Milan. Bowe turns 38 next week and has said this would be her last Olympics.

WORDS: 600 - MOVED: 02/20/2026 2:44 p.m. EST

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