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As the Pittsburgh Steelers are hitting their stride in training camp, the team has released one rookie defender to make room for a key signing with ties to head coach Mike McCarthy.On Thursday, the Steelers announced the release of undrafted cornerback Ahmari Harvey to make room for the signing of former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Israel Mukuamu.We have signed DB Israel Mukuamu to a one-year contract and released CB Ahmari Harvey. @BordasLawhttps://t.co/oXpF894cmJ— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 6, 2026Playing for Auburn (2021) and Georgia Tech (2022-2025), Harvey recorded four interceptions, 12 passes defended, and 121 combined tackles in his collegiate career.Harvey signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft but was waived by the team on June 18. The Steelers signed Harvey one week later on June 25.We at Steelers Wire wish Harvey the very best as he looks for his next NFL opportunity, which could arrive quickly for the young cornerback with preseason here.For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any training camp news and updates, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers cut ties with rookie defender at training camp

A patient at a Hudson Valley, New York, physical therapy office recorded staff and other patients laughing at offensive gay jokes and using anti-gay slurs. The recording, shared with Hudson Valley’s News 12 by the 20-year-old patient’s mother, captures nearly 40 seconds of the conversation, which reportedly took place in an adjacent treatment room at Access Physical Therapy and Wellness in Orange County on July 30. Related Hair salon forced into anti-discrimination training after horrific anti-LGBTQ+ Facebook rant In the clip, several voices can be heard making and laughing at anti-gay comments. One voice can be heard saying, “Literally every person I call fa***t…” Other comments include: “We used to say ‘you’re gay a s**t…” and “My favorite is ‘you’re gayer than AIDS.” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today “That’s horrible!” another voice responds while others laugh. Another voice can be heard asking, “What does gay stand for?” and then responding, “Got AIDS yet?” The 20-year-old patient said the conversation involved two physical therapists and three patients, but as News 12 notes, it’s unclear who is speaking in the recording. EXCLUSIVE: Access Physical Therapy and Wellness in Chester says it’s investigating an alleged incident of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct after a patient says she recorded anti-gay commentary involving staff and patients during an appointment last week. pic.twitter.com/turFWwr1JN— Blaise Gomez (@BlaiseGomez12) August 6, 2026 In a statement, Access Physical Therapy and Wellness told the station it is investigating the allegations and is taking them “very seriously.” While it declined to comment further, citing patient confidentiality and personnel matters, the company said it is “reviewing the matter and taking appropriate actions based on findings.” Access Physical Therapy and Wellness went on to insist that it “does not tolerate discriminatory or offensive behavior” and that conduct that makes others unsafe or unwelcome is inconsistent with its values and standard of care, according to News 12. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In this image provided by the U.S. Army, Covenant Industries' Anthem missile is tested Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at the Multidomain Training Area range complex, a component of the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center, in Morocco. (U.S. Army via AP)2026-08-07T16:41:56Z CAMP GRAYLING, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Army said Friday that it is opening up test ranges to private companies developing missiles, drones and other weapons in hopes of buying them more quickly for use on the battlefield. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told reporters at a military testing range in Michigan that the effort will cut months and sometimes years of the red tape that typically stifles military contractors. He pledged to grant companies access to ranges in the U.S. or belonging to allies abroad within 30 days of them making a request through an online marketplace that went live Friday.“It can take 12 to 18 months for a company that wants to go test the thing that can make a soldier’s life better, that can increase their lethality and that can keep them safer,” Driscoll said. “That is not sufficient.”The announcement comes as warfare rapidly changes around the globe, from the swarms of Shahed drones that Iran launched against American forces in the Middle East to Ukraine’s innovations in drone technology while defending against Russia’s invasion. But the Army is also opening its ranges as the Pentagon grapples with the costs of the Iran war, which has diminished the nation’s stockpiles of advanced weapons that sometimes cost millions of dollars for a single missile or interceptor. Pentagon leaders have been trying to increase the tempo of production by incentivizing smaller companies to enter the market to build cheap and effective weapons. Driscoll said the Army aims to “break down every single barrier that we have put up over the last 20 or 30 years.”“We are inviting industry to get in the mud with our soldiers, to innovate, to invest behind them,” Driscoll said. “And then our commitment as an Army is we will purchase the things that will make our soldiers more lethal, more safe, and keep our country safer.” The first company to take advantage of the new program has tested a new cruise missile at the Army’s missile test range in Morocco. Read More Abby Denburg, an executive with Covenant Industries, said the company “demonstrated not only the performance of the Anthem missile but also a repeatable pathway now available to every company.” The program allows drone and missile companies to use five Army ranges to test new rockets, drones and anti-drone weapons even if that company does not have a military contract.The effort to get weapons faster to the battlefield comes as a recent think tank analysis found that the conflict with Iran has used up more of the U.S. military’s already diminished stockpiles of advanced interceptors such as Patriot and THAAD missiles that are used to defend against air threats such as missiles and drones. The analysis, conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, also noted that this shortfall could force the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies to take more risks to conserve those air defenses.President Donald Trump has pushed back on media coverage about the issue, telling reporters Thursday that “we need more all the time.” He claimed that certain kinds of munitions are in “virtually unlimited supply” and others are “a little bit tighter.” He didn’t offer more specifics.Driscoll deflected questions about the nation’s munitions stockpiles. He said that “we have a larger arsenal than any nation in the history of the world, and we will have an even larger arsenal with new and different and layered defenses.” ___Associated Press writer Ben Finley in Washington contributed to this report.

A woman prays during a candlelight vigil Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to honor the victims of a recent shooting at a local In-N-Out Burger. (AP Photo/Andrew Eakin)2026-08-07T16:33:05Z TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Surveillance video released Friday shows a gunman at an Idaho In-N-Out Burger killing one of three victims last week by firing through a drive-up window.Police in Twin Falls said at a news conference Friday that they still don’t have a motive for the shooting last Saturday. Seven people were wounded. The gunman, Chad Williams, 24, killed himself.Video shows Williams walking up to the drive-thru window four times to fire shots. Two people died after being shot outside the restaurant and in a parking lot.“What happened here was violent, frightening and deeply traumatic,” Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said.The In-N-Out had opened in July as part of the chain’s expansion into Idaho. Among the three people killed were a worker at the chain and a man who dedicated his life to helping others get sober.Police identified those killed as Ashley Garibay, 23, of Stockton, California; Dale Schultz, 66, of Salt Lake City; and Christopher Claunch, 59, of Hagerman, Idaho. 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks to reporters during the NFL football team's training camp, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)2026-08-07T02:49:21Z LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams are still waiting on Aaron Donald’s comeback decision as they wrap up their training camp at Loyola Marymount University.After the Rams held their final practice of camp Thursday, McVay said Donald’s formal workout with the team went well at their regular training complex in Woodland Hills on Wednesday.“He looked great, and he’s still continuing to go through his process,” McVay said. “No new news on that front. ... We’ve had a plan in place for a while, and the workout was one of those things. (Calling it an official workout) was kind of semantical to be able to use the equipment and things like that under the (rules) of the CBA. He’s very deliberate and intentional about what this looks like. I’m careful to say things are going in the right direction. He’s feeling good, but we’re not to where we’re able to say he is or isn’t ready to do it. But he’s doing great, and he looked outstanding, as I think all of us would expect.” McVay reiterated that the Rams will wait indefinitely for Donald’s decision on whether to end his 2 1/2-year retirement. McVay also wouldn’t speculate on whether Donald would entertain the notion of returning to the Rams later in the regular season.“He has earned the right to be able to say how he feels,” McVay said. “I saw (video of) the workout. I’ve been seeing the things that he’s been doing. He and I probably talk every day, so it’s one of those deals that if he wants to do it, we’d be excited about the possibility. And I think it’s really important to acknowledge that if he doesn’t, this guy gave this organization everything he had for 10 years. So if he is going to do it, he’s going to do it the right way.” Donald only began to entertain the notion of a comeback in early June after the Rams traded for Myles Garrett, and he has been working to get in football shape for several weeks. He has worked out at the Rams’ complex and at home while the team went through the past two weeks of training camp, which formally ends Friday. Read More ___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL GREG BEACHAM Beacham is a sports writer in California.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks to reporters during the NFL football team's training camp, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)2026-08-07T16:15:15Z The Top 20 Global Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows Worldwide. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers.TOP 20 GLOBAL CONCERT TOURS1Chris Brown / Usher$7,841,414 43,541$180.092Bad Bunny$7,566,909 57,597$131.383Noah Kahan$6,567,501 40,143$163.604Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band$5,079,008 19,344$262.565Iron Maiden$4,123,862 35,398$116.506Bon Jovi$3,489,821 14,006$249.167Max Pezzali$3,465,525 45,662$75.898Kenny Chesney$3,153,540 15,989$197.239No Doubt$3,140,261 15,960$196.7510Backstreet Boys$2,967,416 16,592$178.8411J. Cole$2,170,375 14,651$148.1312Rüfüs Du Sol$2,033,322 20,418$99.5813Guns N’ Roses$1,945,539 13,230$147.0514Pitbull$1,902,089 18,018$105.5615Forrest Frank$1,502,657 17,706$84.8716Ne-Yo / Akon$1,450,598 14,529$99.8417Def Leppard$1,366,078 12,282$111.2318Ricardo Arjona$1,355,937 9,096$149.0619Romeo Santos / Prince Royce$1,352,333 10,392$130.1220Don Toliver$1,230,558 13,449$91.49For free upcoming tour information, go to www.pollstar.com_____TOP 20 GLOBAL CONCERT TOURS1Chris Brown / Usher$7,841,414 43,541$180.092Bad Bunny$7,566,909 57,597$131.383Noah Kahan$6,567,501 40,143$163.604Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band$5,079,008 19,344$262.565Iron Maiden$4,123,862 35,398$116.506Bon Jovi$3,489,821 14,006$249.167Max Pezzali$3,465,525 45,662$75.898Kenny Chesney$3,153,540 15,989$197.239No Doubt$3,140,261 15,960$196.7510Backstreet Boys$2,967,416 16,592$178.8411J. Cole$2,170,375 14,651$148.1312Rüfüs Du Sol$2,033,322 20,418$99.5813Guns N’ Roses$1,945,539 13,230$147.0514Pitbull$1,902,089 18,018$105.5615Forrest Frank$1,502,657 17,706$84.8716Ne-Yo / Akon$1,450,598 14,529$99.8417Def Leppard$1,366,078 12,282$111.2318Ricardo Arjona$1,355,937 9,096$149.0619Romeo Santos / Prince Royce$1,352,333 10,392$130.1220Don Toliver$1,230,558 13,449$91.49

Henrik Refsnes Mørtvedt was on a school field trip when he found the roughly 1,200-year-old weapon. The single-edged blade will now be preserved at an Oslo museum

The skeletons of nomadic families unearthed in Siberia harbor "Yersinia pestis" bacteria, which challenges theories about conditions needed for the disease to spread

The legendary bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor is said to have used the massive tree as a hideout while running from the sheriff of Nottingham

The Hooks brothers documented life and joy in Memphis during the 20th century. Their images will be put on public view when the Memphis Art Museum opens

The James Webb Space Telescope observed 13-billion-year-old light, using a closer galactic cluster like a magnifying glass. The work helps experts understand the universe’s earliest stars and mysterious ultra-faint dwarf galaxies

Lawyers for the former CNN anchor asked a judge to throw out the case, saying prosecutors had “acted on the president’s animus by filing unprecedented charges against a journalist for doing his job.”

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Former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck earned his first taste of NFL action in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday, Aug. 6. The quarterback started for the Arizona Cardinals, and overall, he played well in the 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Beck looked like he belongs in the NFL. Beck completed 15 of his 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. He had a strong 78.9 completion percentage, 9.9 yards per attempt, and a 125.4 passer rating. He was subbed out after the Cardinals' first drive of the third quarter for Kedon Slovis, who finished the game.Beck had some great throws that showed why some considered him a potential No. 1 pick back in 2024. He had a 35-yard completion to Jalen Brooks in the first quarter and a great 49-yard strike to Jalen Brooks in the second. He would throw his only touchdown pass, a five-yard fade to Simi Fehoko, on the same drive as the 49-yard bomb.The game was a throwback to the Georgia-Georgia Tech eight-overtime showdown in 2024, with Beck dueling with former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King. However, instead of Beck winning, it was King who would have the last laugh this time.King completed 21 of his 34 passes for 180 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 95.2 passer rating. His most important play came with two seconds left in the fourth quarter, when he scampered into the end zone from five yards out to win 33-30.However, with Beck's performance, he showed that he has a chance at earning a starting opportunity for the Cardinals, who drafted him in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft. Arizona is expected to start Jacoby Brissett, a journeyman bridge quarterback, but if Beck keeps performing well in the preseason, he could take the backup role and be in line to start should Brissett struggle or suffer an injury.Beck finished with 7,912 yards (No. 6 in Georgia history), 58 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions in his five-season tenure at Georgia. He won two national championships as a backup to Stetson Bennett.However, he transferred to the Miami Hurricanes for his final season in 2025, throwing for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He led them to the national championship against Indiana, but he threw the game-losing interception for his final collegiate pass, losing 27-21. Overall, he finished with 11,725 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in his collegiate career.Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: How quarterback Carson Beck performed in his NFL debut

Conor McGregor, reclining shirtless in the sun, provided the latest post-surgery update near palm trees and the beach and with his right knee in what appeared to be a brace.The UFC star said he had surgery this week on an injured ACL and meniscus that he apparently injured during his comeback fight July 11.“What's up folks? The Mac is back,’’ McGregor said during a video posted on social media. “My knee is repaired. Surgery was a success and I'm on the road to recovery.“That should tell you all you need to know about my mindset. Straight into surgery, knee repaired and on the road. Let's go."McGregor, 38, has said he hopes to return to the octagon by next summer and finish his UFC contract that has one fight left.In the video, he said he wanted to give a “shout out’’ to Dominic Cruz, the retired UFC fighter who returned from multiple ACL tears and reclaimed the bantamweight title. He also mentioned former UFC star George St. Pierre and Tom Brady, other athletes who recovered from knee injuries similar to McGregor’s.“These are my motivation here, especially the fighting boys,’’ McGregor said. “You, Cruz. Unstoppable, baby. My mindset is unstoppable, unbreakable.’’McGregor appeared to injure himself when he opened the right with a flying kick in his first fight in five years. The referee stopped the fight 69 seconds after it started and Holloway won by TKO.The right knee wasn’t his only focus in the video update.“I want to do something about this hair,’’ McGregor said, still sporting the mohawk he wore into the Octagon for his comeback fight. ”I'm not sure just what yet. Stay tuned folks.’’This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Conor McGregor says 'mindset is unbreakable' after undergoing surgery

San Diego (60-56) and Houston (59-57) prepare for a three-game weekend series that will conclude on Peacock Sunday. Both the Padres and Astros are two of the hottest teams in the second half of the season and the past two weeks.After starting the second half of the year 0-3, Houston went on a 12-3 stretch. The Astros are hot and in the past 15 days, Houston has scored the fifth-most runs (65) and the third-best batting average (.284). To start August, the pitching staff has allowed a .186 OBA (4th) and the best WHIP (0.89). The Astros are 1.5 games up on the Rangers for the AL West lead and 3.0 ahead of the Mariners.San Diego has now won four-straight games following a loss as the Padres continue to stay hot. The Padres are 10-3 in the past 13 games. The pitching staff has a 3.60 ERA in that 13-game span, and the 2nd-best batting average at .286Fernando Tatis’ bat has been hot the last 6-8 weeks, while Manny Machado is coming off his best month in July with 7 home runs and 19 RBI on a .292 batting average. San Diego is 1.0 game back of the Diamondbacks for the final Wild Card spot and 2.0 of the Phillies entering this series.Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.Game details & how to watch Astros at PadresDate: Friday, August 7, 2026Time: 9:40 PM ESTSite: Petco Park City: San Diego, CANetwork/Streaming: MLB TVNever miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.Odds for the Astros at the PadresThe latest odds as of Friday:Moneyline: San Diego Padres (-117), Houston Astros (+109)Spread: Astros +1.5 (-193), Padres -1.5 (+159)Total: 8.0Probable starting pitchers for Astros at Padres Friday's pitching matchup (August 7): Robbie Ray vs Ronel Blanco Padres: Robbie Ray 2026 stats: 122.2 IP, 10-6, 3.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 107 K, 57 BBAstros: Ronel Blanco 2026 Stats: 14.2 IP, 0-1, 7.36 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 16 K, 8 BBWho’s Hot? Who’s NotFernando Tatis Jr is hitting .150 in August (3/20)Jackson Merrill is hitting .375 in August (9/24)Manny Machado hit .292 in July with seven home runs on 28 hitsYordan Alvarez is hitting .421 in August (8/19)Jose Altuve is hitting .450 in August (9/20) with zero strikeoutsRotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Astros at PadresSan Diego is 63-53 ATS, ranking fourth-bestArizona is 62-54 ATS, ranking tied for eighth-bestSan Diego is 62-53-1 to the Under, ranking 10th-bestArizona is 61-49-6 to the Under, ranking fifth-bestSan Diego is 30-27 ATS at homeArizona is 31-28 ATS on the roadExpert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Padres and the AstrosRotoworld Bet Best BetPlease bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Padres and the Astros:Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Padres on the Moneyline.Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Padres at -1.5.Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 8.5Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

In the month of April, Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. committed at least two backcourt turnovers late in close games.One occurred in a narrow regular-season victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks, while the second came in Houston’s third playoff game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. That Game 3 turnover ignited a sequence in which the Rockets blew a six-point lead with under 35 seconds to play, and they went on to lose in overtime.To say the least, that devastating home collapse proved pivotal in what became a 4-2 series loss in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.In both cases, with Houston leading by six points, the turnover occurred because Smith attempted to pass the ball prematurely or unnecessarily. Ime Udoka, head coach of the Rockets, noted that simply holding or keeping the ball was an option.Smith is a good free-throw shooter, so it’s not as if he was trying to avoid being fouled. Instead, it seemed that he didn’t want to face a pressing defender and risk having the ball stolen.Lakers/Rockets game 3 final thoughts:-Marcus Smart might get his jersey retired in LA-LeBron has to be running on fumes, idk how he keeps doing it-This turnover from Jabari is an all-time blunder. The Lakers weren't even fouling. Brutal for the Rocketspic.twitter.com/Jd0wO0FTMS— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) April 25, 2026With that in mind, Smith’s offseason focal point shouldn’t come as a surprise. On ESPN’s Chiney Today podcast, Smith said of his ongoing work:I definitely want to get better and more comfortable at handling the ball this year. Being able to handle and relieve that pressure from Fred (VanVleet) and the other guards who have to handle the ball the whole game.I’m trying to improve every aspect (of my game), but I feel like ball-handling is the area where I can take the biggest jump.I’m trying to just get stronger with the ball. Not necessarily doing a million moves, but being strong with it. and being able to get to my spots. I think that’ll open my game up a lot.The complete episode can be viewed below.Smith is just 23 years old, so there is certainly still time for him to improve at this apparent deficiency and become more confident as a ball-handler.Considering that Smith remains one of Houston’s most important defensive rebounders, it would be a useful skill to acquire. Should an opponent miss a clutch-time shot, Smith’s rebounding proficiency means that he’s likely to initially hold the ball on Houston’s ensuing possession. Ideally, he wouldn’t always feel the need to immediately pass it away, thereby risking a turnover.And in the frontcourt, late-game defenses will often try to overplay versus a strong ball-handler, such as VanVleet or Marcus Smart, or a dynamic scorer like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun. In turn, that can make it more likely for a supporting piece — like Smith — to have the ball funneled his way.The hope is that in the 2026-27 season, the Auburn product will be better equipped to handle those types of scenarios. As Smith pointed out, better ball-handling could also help him get to his preferred shooting spots more frequently throughout each game, which could lead to superior halfcourt efficiency.Jabari Smith on coach Ime Udoka, new podcast: "He allows everybody to be free. He allows everybody to do different things. And I think that's what I love about him most. He's a players coach. Very encouraging, very uplifting." #Rocketshttps://t.co/NRV1JjZxQU— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) August 7, 2026Training camp begins for Smith and the Rockets in late September. Houston is coming off consecutive seasons with a 52-30 record before losing in the first round of the playoffs, and the Rockets are hoping to move at least one step further in the upcoming campaign.Smith is coming off a year in which he averaged a career-high 15.8 points (45.0% FG, 36.3% on 3-pointers) and 6.9 rebounds per game, and he is expected to again start at power forward while remaining a key part of Houston’s winning formula.More: ‘Horrendous mistakes’: Rockets choke Game 3 vs. Lakers in epic fashionThis article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. turns offseason focus to ball handling

India vs Bangladesh series: Exploring why the proposed white ball tour is yet to be cleared originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:India-Bangladesh white-ball series still in doubt despite positive talks.Sheikh Hasina's Delhi press conference sparks diplomatic tension between the nations.Tamim Iqbal pushes for tour; India's Afghanistan series backup plan.Why India's white-ball tour of Bangladesh remains uncertainIndia's proposed tour of Bangladesh is reportedly moving in a positive direction, with conversations now taking place at senior government levels on both sides.The six-match white-ball series, originally planned for August 2025, was pushed back to September 2026 after mutual agreement between the two boards, largely due to strained political relations between the neighbouring countries.According to a report from RevSportz, officials from both governments are actively engaging on whether the series can proceed as planned. Should everything fall into place, India would travel to Bangladesh for a brief white-ball tour, though the final call ultimately rests with government authorities on both sides rather than the cricket boards alone.“There’s a good chance of the series happening,” said a source quoted by Revsportz. “Cricket can be used to normalise relations between the two countries and there’s a positive approach from both sides. The decision will be taken at the highest government level and if all is well, then the tour might happen sooner rather than later.”There are signs of improving ties betwen the two countries under Bangladesh's new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. India has resumed granting tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens, while Dinesh Trivedi, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, has been elevated to Cabinet rank.MORE: Steve Waugh's classy gesture after infamous 'Bangladesh don't deserve Test cricket' remark recalled 23 years later BCCI/Creimas Will Sheikh Hasina's press conference derail the India-Bangladesh cricket series?Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, held a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, which was not taken lightly by the Rahman government in Dhaka. They responded furiously and expressed their outrage over what it described as hostile remarks directed at the Bangladeshi state during the briefing.“Bangladesh is outraged that the absconding convicted genocider Sheikh Hasina was allowed this evening to engage in live interaction with the media in New Delhi where she and her henchmen launched venomous vitriol against the State of Bangladesh and her people," a statement read. “Dhaka deeply regrets that in spite of concerns conveyed a priori to the Government of India about the likely ramifications of this event on the reset of our bilateral relations, this public event was permitted to be held.”India's Ministry of External Affairs, however, clarified that the government had no involvement in organising the event, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating it had been arranged by a "private media entity".However, the report mentions that when the source was asked whether this incident could jeopardise the cricket series, the source dismissed the concern outright.MORE: India vs Bangladesh series put in doubt after latest BCB media rights delayBCB president Tamim Iqbal pushes to salvage the India-Bangladesh seriesDespite the complications, discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board continue, and board president Tamim Iqbal is reportedly working hard to keep the tour alive. Time, however, is running short. Tamim's recent visit to India, which included a tour of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and informal conversations with board officials, briefly reignited optimism around the series proceeding as planned.Under the original schedule, India's squad was expected to depart for Dhaka on August 28, leaving both boards with a race against the clock to finalise a decision.The proposed series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, would mark the first bilateral engagement between the two nations since Bangladesh declined to tour India and pulled out of the T20 World Cup earlier this year, citing security concerns.India last toured Bangladesh in 2022, while Bangladesh's most recent bilateral series against India came in late 2024. Should the tour ultimately fall through, India is expected to instead host Afghanistan for a three-match limited-overs series in New Delhi. For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Out gay Olympian and silver medalist freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy announced his engagement to fashion executive Andrew Rigby on Tuesday via Instagram, with pics showing the couple embracing on lla de sa Torre, an archipelago off the southwest coast of the Spanish Mediterranean island of Mallorca. The couple had dated for the last two years after meeting a decade ago. “I told Andrew I was taking him on a little adventure. Once we got to the island, we climbed off the dinghy and hiked up to the top of the cliffs,” the 34-year-old four-time Olympic competitor told People magazine. “I organized for a picnic blanket to be waiting for us with a pitcher of margaritas — extra sweet because that’s how Andrew orders them.” Related Staying out of the trans sports debate is no longer an option The couple had already visited Berlin Pride and then Amsterdam for World Pride before visiting Mallorca. The couple now wears Cartier engagement rings, with Kenworthy’s in gold and Rigby’s in platinum. After the proposal, Kenworthy said, the couple took a chartered boat where six of their friends surprised Andrew and celebrated with the couple. “We’ve talked about this a lot obviously, but I thought this was just a relaxing vacation,” Rigby told the magazine. “To say I was shocked was an understatement. And then to see our friends there immediately after Gus proposed? Wow.” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The couple met in Sydney, Australia, about a decade ago but started dating two years ago after they met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Guadalajara, Mexico, in March 2024. They dated long-distance between Los Angeles and Sydney until last year, when the couple moved together to New York. They’ve been sharing images of their relationship together on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Rigby (@ariggers) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Rigby (@ariggers) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Rigby (@ariggers) Kenworthy came out in 2015, after winning silver at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Outsports noted. He has competed for both the USA and Great Britain across four Olympics, was one of only two out gay men on Team USA during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, and made history by kissing his boyfriend at the time on live TV. Kenworthy was also the recipient of the Queerties’ “Sports Hero” Award last March, in recognition of his inspiring public influence. He received the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in 2017 for his outspoken presence in professional sports. He served as one of six grand marshals at Montreal Pride in 2018 and raised $249,745 to fight HIV during the 2019 AIDS/LifeCycle. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

2026-08-07T17:13:58Z BOSTON (AP) — A former U.S. Marine held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges is gravely ill and at risk of dying, his family and advocates said Friday.Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old teacher detained since 2022, has been in “a dissociative stupor” for 47 days due to the abuse he has suffered in prison, said Eric ‌Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach, an advocacy group representing the family. Since Tuesday, Gilman has had a high fever and high blood pressure. Lebson said he has been moved from a prison to a civilian hospital, where he is hooked up to a feeding tube and handcuffed to a bed. His mother flew to Russia a couple of weeks ago in an attempt to see him, Lebson said, but hospital officials denied the visit.“I am more afraid for my brother than I have been since this horrible nightmare started,” Lexie Hudson, Gilman’s sister, said in a statement. “I’m worried that I ⁠may never see him again if the Russians don’t release him. I’m worried that he could die.” U.S. Sen. Edward Markey called on Russia and the U.S. to work together to get the Massachusetts resident released. Gilman is one of at least 8 Americans who remain in Russian custody after a series of high-profile prisoner exchanges with the U.S. in recent years.“I am very worried that, if urgent action is not taken to release Robert so he can receive urgent medical care in the United States, his condition could become permanent, or he could die in Russian custody,” Markey said in a statement Thursday. “I implore the United States and Russian governments to find a solution before we find ourselves in a situation that will further complicate an already difficult relationship.” A spokesperson for the State Department said it was “deeply concerned about Robert Gilman’s health and continued detention in Russia.” Read More “Given these health concerns, the U.S. government has raised his case repeatedly with the Russian government and has requested his release on humanitarian grounds,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We take our commitment to assist Americans abroad seriously and will continue to track closely Mr. Gilman’s case.”The Russian authorities have not publicly commented on his case. The family on its website detailed how Gilman’s troubles started when he became violently ill on his way back to Moscow. Police allegedly tried to restrain him and he was then detained after his leg brushed against one of the officers. From there, the family said a “series of vague and escalating charges” were lodged and, in prison, he has been “goaded” into additional actions and related charges “through forced drugging, provocations, and torture.” Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Gilman was initially handed a 3 1/2-year sentence in 2022 when he was convicted of beating a police officer after being taken off a train for causing a disturbance. He later was convicted of attacking a prison inspector during a cell check, beating an investigator and assaulting a guard, and he was sentenced in October 2024 to eight years and one month. His sentence was extended last year to 10 years after he was found guilty of assaulting prison guards. The business daily Kommersant reported that Gilman pleaded guilty to the charges and apologized to the guards he was charged with assaulting. The newspaper said he explained his actions by saying he wanted to stay in the prison where he was serving his sentence and avoid being moved to another penitentiary. MICHAEL CASEY Casey writes about the environment, housing and inequality for The Associated Press. He lives in Boston. twitter mailto

James Harden arrives before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)2026-08-07T16:53:29Z A misdemeanor gun charge against All-Star Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden in Texas has been dismissed after he completed an alternative resolution program allowing him to avoid a criminal record, court records show.Harris County Criminal Court Judge Alex Salgado in Houston dismissed the criminal charge Thursday at the request of the Harris County district attorney’s office following Harden’s completion of an alternative resolution program. Such programs allow defendants to avoid a criminal conviction by doing community service. Court documents don’t detail the terms of Harden’s agreement.Harden was arrested June 13 in Houston after police found that he had a handgun in his vehicle. Texas law makes it a misdemeanor to have a gun “in plain view” in a vehicle without a license, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Neither the district attorney’s office nor Harden’s attorney in Houston immediately responded to email and phone messages Friday seeking comment. The Cavaliers also did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.Harden, 36, finished his 17th NBA season in May when the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks swept the Cavs in four games in the Eastern Conference finals. He averaged 23.6 points per game during the regular season, playing in 70 of 82 games.He has said he’d like to remain with the Cavaliers, but he declined to exercise a $42.3 million option to return next season in favor of a longer contract. A deal has not been finalized. Harden is an 11-time All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA selection. He earned MVP honors in the 2017-18 season while playing for the Houston Rockets, averaging 30.4 points per game while the Rockets won the Eastern Conference championship but lost to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals. Read More ___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba JOHN HANNA Hanna covers U.S. news, including politics and state government. He’s worked for AP in Topeka, Kansas, since 1986 and is a member of the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame. mailto

Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs works out during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)2026-08-07T17:02:26Z ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — For the first decade of his NFL career, Stefon Diggs always felt like he had something to prove when going up against Washington.“That’s my hometown team, them and the Baltimore Ravens,” Diggs said Friday. “I always played with a chip on my shoulder, but the chip got really big when I’d go home because I felt like they passed up on me, didn’t give me a chance, and I was right in their backyard.”Washington, and every NFL franchise, passed on Diggs multiple times in the 2015 draft before Minnesota selected him in the fifth round. After stints with the Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and New England Patriots, and four Pro Bowl selections later, Diggs signed with his hometown Commanders earlier this week.It’s a full-circle moment for Diggs, a Gaithersburg, Maryland, native who played for youth programs in the area growing up. A five-star recruit with scholarship offers practically anywhere in the country, Diggs chose to stay home and play for the University of Maryland. “I can’t write a better story,” Diggs said. “At this point in my career, being healthy, coming off an ACL (injury), having success, going to your hometown team and wanting to shine for them. ... I want to put on for my city.”His homecoming is more than just a feel-good story. The Commanders entered training camp with a massive hole at No. 2 wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, and Diggs figures to fill it as an instant upgrade. Stylistically, Diggs is an excellent fit opposite McLaurin, who is a more traditional “X” receiver. Diggs has experience playing on the perimeter and in the slot and was one of the league’s best chain-movers in 2025 — 51 of his 85 receptions went for first downs. Read More “When you see him work inside as a slot player, he’s got great feel,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s a great competitor. … He’s somebody certainly that can move the chains, and you know how important that is — to have somebody that has the detail of option routes and specifics.”Diggs said he didn’t have a personal relationship with McLaurin before his arrival, but admired his new teammate’s game and intensity from afar and called it “real similar to myself.” Diggs praised the rest of the Commanders’ receivers, specifically rookie Antonio Williams, who he said “can hoop a little bit.” Quinn said the plan for Diggs was to ramp up over the next two days, but the 32-year-old arrived in great shape and participated in individual and team drills on Friday. His immediate focus is in the classroom, hoping to learn new offensive coordinator David Blough’s system quickly.Throughout his career, Diggs has earned the reputation of helping elevate young quarterbacks. After a so-so rookie year, New England’s Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting last season with Diggs as his top target. Josh Allen took a major step forward in 2020, Diggs’ first year in Buffalo.“Quarterbacks got a lot on their plate, so I bring it down a notch and talk to them brother to brother,” Diggs said. “With young quarterbacks, making plays for them gives them confidence. That puts a battery in their back to feel like, ‘Man, I can do anything out here.’ That’s how I try to help them: just by playing well.”With Washington, Diggs joins Jayden Daniels, who proved himself as AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. The duo started building their chemistry on Friday. “They got a great young quarterback,” Diggs said. “He’s a star. He’s a superstar. I’m excited for him, excited for this team.”In Buffalo and Houston, Diggs was selected as a team captain. Quinn said the receiver’s leadership skills have already stood out in their brief time together.For now, Diggs’ goal is to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches through his play and experience.“I always try to push the guys around me to be the best version of themselves,” Diggs said. “At the same time, more show than tell. I can say a bunch of hoopla, but I’d rather just go out there and hoop and show you why I did what I did or communicate through the actions.”___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws during practice at the team’s NFL football training camp in Florham Park, N.J., Thursday, July 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)2026-08-07T17:11:38Z FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Frank Reich had to think for a second while raving — again — about Geno Smith, pondering the New York Jets quarterback’s age.“I don’t know how old he is. Isn’t he past 35?,” the offensive coordinator asked Friday before being told Smith is actually 35. “It feels like he’s 28. I’m telling you, it feels like physically, I see no ... like, he is in his prime, physically.”Not bad for a quarterback entering his 14th NFL season, a journey that began as a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2013 and has included several ups and downs on the field along the way.“Like his arm, the way he moves, his feet in the pocket, he’s physically in his prime,” said Reich, in his first season running the Jets’ offense. “So he takes great care of himself and that’s going to help this team.”New York certainly hopes so. The Jets acquired Smith in the offseason from Las Vegas to add a veteran quarterback to an offense that struggled mightily during a 3-14 season. The Jets ranked last or near the bottom in several offensive categories as the likes of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook took turns calling the signals for then-coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Their 8 yards per completion was the lowest mark in the NFL, and that’s something that’s expected to improve significantly. Smith has always been able to stretch the field, especially during three straight seasons of at least 3,500 yards passing in Seattle from 2022-24. He threw for 3,025 last year in a down season with Las Vegas that included an NFL-leading 17 interceptions.Back with the Jets, Smith has had a mostly good training camp. And he has thoroughly impressed Reich, who said during minicamp that the quarterback has an “elite” football mind. Reich was back gushing about Smith on Friday. “Geno’s the leader,” Reich said. “He’s the leader of the offense, make no mistake about it, in every way, shape and form. And to me, what has become crystal clear in this early time in training camp, the attribute that sticks out to me is his laser focus. This man is laser focused like people don’t understand. Like, he comes to work and he is locked in. Read More “And I feel like the whole offense plays off of that. That’s a really big deal.” Reich has seen what leadership looks like from a quarterback. He was a longtime backup to Jim Kelly as a player and has coached Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan.The offensive coordinator also knows what good quarterback play looks like. And he sees all of that in Smith, granted, still in the protected, no-contact confines of training camp. “I remember when he was coming out (of college), I had a high grade on him,” Reich said. “His throwing mechanics, if I’m just talking pure upper-body mechanics, they’re pure. There’s only a couple guys in the league that I would say are pure. Geno’s one of them.”Smith has also been drawing positive reviews from his teammates, who have praised his leadership since re-joining the Jets.“Geno is a legend to guys like me,” fifth-year tight end Jelani Woods said. “He’s been in the league for a long time. You look up to him, just the professionalism he has, it’s something that you look into and he’s one of those guys that you go up to and talk to him at any time. He sits with you at the lunch table, he sits with anybody at the lunch table and you just have a simple conversation with him and just talk about life outside of football. “And, you know, stuff like that goes a long way.”— AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl DENNIS WASZAK JR. Waszak is an NFL writer for The Associated Press who has covered the New York Jets as the beat writer since 2006. He also is an editor on the AP’s national sports desk and has worked in AP Sports since 1996. twitter mailto

Born into slavery around 1800, David Drake was a skilled ceramicist. His work will be on display at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston as the institution marks America's 250th birthday

The major veins of Chinese money plant leaves form what's called a Voronoi diagram. It might be caused by a plant-growth hormone that emanates in waves from developing leaves' pores

If lined up end to end, the thin, tubular threads that make up the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal networks in Earth’s topsoil could stretch between our planet and the sun almost one billion times

Researchers discovered gun parts, musket balls and other artifacts in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood

Bones, bottles and pottery were found at the New Hall School, which was once Henry VIII's Palace of Beaulieu. Before that, Anne Boleyn's father owned the estate

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A split among protest groups has led to dueling rides, which combine nudity and cycling in the name of change.

As President Trump struggles to extricate the United States from the war in Iran, his promises to protesters in the country have fallen by the wayside.

Until recently, attacking civilian energy infrastructure was unacceptable. The dynamics of modern war have changed that.

Aug. 7—College football training camps might have kicked into gear across the country this week, but it's always basketball season. That's not just a feeling I hold either. The folks at ESPN decided this week was the week to for the 2026-27 season.Myron Medcalf has Illinois third in the Big Ten behind Michigan State and Michigan. If you recall my top 25 from a week or so ago, I had Illinois, Michigan State and Michigan in that order for my top three. Medcalf put the Illini's floor as a second-round exit in the NCAA tournament and ceiling at another Final Four appearance.That part isn't necessarily unfair. At minimum, Illinois should make it into the expanded NCAA tournament and take care of business in the first round. The second round can be tricky, of course. Just ask Florida how it felt losing to Iowa in the second round last season.A Final Four ceiling? Might be underselling Brad Underwood and Co. This is a team that can (could? should?) compete for a national championship. Stringing that number of wins together in the NCAA tournament isn't easy, but Illinois got pretty close four months ago and returns a decent chunk of that team."For three straight seasons, Brad Underwood's group has finished top 15 in adjusted offensive efficiency on KenPom," Medcalf wrote. "Based on that recent history, the team will again boast one of the nation's most imposing offensive units, especially with three of last season's top five scorers returning. That's the positive."The obstacles: It's also never easy to replace a leader such as lottery pick Keaton Wagler, who averaged 18.0 points in the NCAA tournament and carried the Illini to the Final Four. Plus, David Mirkovic (13.3 PPG, 38% from beyond the arc), who was ready for a starring role this season, underwent surgery on his foot this week. If he can return to 100% early enough, this team's ceiling is raised significantly."

Aug. 7—➜ , the Rimington Trophy committee unveiled on Thursday. The Mokena native is in his seventh season of college football after previous stints at Cincinnati and Wisconsin.➜ this season, BTN announced on Thursday.➜ . First up: the Sahalee Players Championship on Sept. 12-13 in Sammamish, Wash.pitches Bismarck-Henning graduate has thrown in his three relief appearances this week with the Atlanta Braves. The 28-year-old left-hander only allowed two hits and no runs in 2 2/3 innings to go along with two strikeouts and no walks in those appearances. Dodd is 3-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 35 1/3 innings pitched before Friday night's series opener against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.➜ . The White Sox sit in first place in the AL Central, but have to be leery of the Guardians lurking. First pitch of this three-game series is at 6:40 p.m. on Friday from Rate Field in Chicago.➜ . Former Illini and the last-place Royals will try to slow down the red-hot Cubs. Good luck as the three-game series opens at 7:10 p.m. on Friday from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.➜ . Perhaps Champaign native gets to throw out of the bullpen for the Rockies. The weekend series from Busch Stadium begins at 7:15 p.m. Friday.➜ Montana Fouts, Michael Jordan and Anthony Rizzo.➜ "NCIS."➜ people interrupting me.

Aug. 7—CHAMPAIGN — Xavier Scott didn't love his vantage point of Illinois football home games last season. An awkward landing late in Illinois' Week 3 win against Western Michigan turned into a need for season-ending surgery on his right foot. Scott was still present at Gies Memorial Stadium the rest of the season, but needed a knee walker to get around on game day.Scott would typically spend part of pregame on the field watching his teammates warm up before heading back inside the Fighting Illini Center for Excellence and watch games from beyond the north end zone."I definitely didn't like being inside freaking FICE with all the family members," Scott said. "Watching the game, I was literally sweating. I just wanted to be out there with my cleats on the ground."Scott has that opportunity again now that training camp has started for Illinois.The 5-foot-11, 195-pound fifth-year defensive back was held out of spring practices as a precaution, but went through the full summer workout program with his team and is back in his spot in the secondary and "knocking the rust off" with camp underway to make sure he's "as sharp as possible when the season comes."The Illinois secondary is arguably the strongest position group in new coordinator Bobby Hauck's 3-3-5 defense. That's particularly true with both Scott and fifth-year safety Matthew Bailey healthy. The latter missed the Music City Bowl and spring practices after early December shoulder surgery."They were here this summer, and we had some on-field time with them, so it's not completely new," Hauck said about working Scott and Bailey into his defense. "It was fun to watch those guys. They're some of the historically better players on the defense, and it showed up (Monday). They looked good."Part of coaching is getting guys in the right positions. We're trying to get those guys in position to do what they do best. They're smart players. They can do a lot of different things. They're talented."Scott isn't too concerned with learning a new defense. The differences between what Hauck runs now and what former coordinators Aaron Henry and Ryan Walters ran the past four seasons aren't all that drastic. Particularly in the secondary, which will mostly run five defensive backs.Hauck concurred with Scott's assertion about the similarities, particularly coverage-wise, between the systems. The application might be a bit different — especially with Hauck incorporating more pre-snap checking to change coverages — but the base concepts are familiar."Defense is defense regardless how you play it," Scott said. "People just kind of dress it up a little bit different, but, at the end of the day, we're doing the same type of things — man or zone. It's not too much of a difference in that fact. Just different dressing, but same kind of thing."It's a different defense, (but) same goal. Play fast. See ball. Get ball. The defense last year was a little different, but a little change is always great. When I get to the next level, there's going to be change up there. I'm just trying to embrace it."Scott still has NFL aspirations. Legitimate ones.The timeframe to see them through simply changed after last year's injury, which gave him a different perspective on the game after being a stalwart in the Illinois secondary since 2022 with 28 starts in 39 games played."I need all 12 games," Scott said about his draft stock being tied to his fifth and final season at Illinois. "Just being more consistent. I mean, you can never be too consistent. You can always get better and just doing everything right. You're going to have mistakes here and there, but it's being that guy that teams could depend on and teams could do anything and put you in different positions."Scott will have the platform to put his skill set on display this season in the Illinois secondary. The Riviera Beach, Fla., native should slot in as the Illini's nickel back alongside Bailey and likely Mac Resetich at safety and Juice Clarke and probably Jakwon Morris at cornerback.That's a group with plenty of experience. And expectations."We still have to make plays," Scott said. "What we did in the past won't help us this year, and it's a new defense. We've got to learn it and make sure we're all on the same page when game day comes."I feel like every defense I play in, I play a big role. It's just the way I play football, the aggressive role I like to play. I try to make plays. I'm always going to do my job and do what's best for the team and what I'm supposed to do and what the coaches are asking. I'm always ready for the opportunity."

FCB enjoy friendly wins, record reach and closeness to fansSix highly intensive days ended with a triumphant Bayern victory and the first trophy of the season: FC Bayern defeated Europa League winners Aston Villa 2-1 in Hong Kong in their hardest season of pre-season so far. In front of a crowd of 38,176 enthusiastic spectators at the high-tech and air-conditioned Kai Tak Stadium, the German double winners dominated the play in the Audi Football Summit against the Premier League, moving the ball around as well as they could on the difficult surface and creating chances. Two of these were converted, first by Minjae Kim with a header (37’) and then by Luis Díaz (73’) with a sublime strike, which rang down the curtain on the match and on a hugely successful 10th Audi Summer Tour. João Gomes’ goal back for Villa proved too late as Manuel Neuer produced a sensational relfex save from Tammy Abraham’s header shortly before the end.The week’s tour of Asia had already impressively demonstrated how FC Bayern combines sport, closeness to fans and social responsibility. The trip served to "thrill local fans, forge and deepen connections, and showcase FC Bayern and everything that matters to us," said Herbert Hainer at the final press conference. The FC Bayern president particularly highlighted the fact that players signed autographs and posed for selfies after open training sessions in Asia – "no other club did that," Hainer noted. The same applied after the pre-season match against Aston Villa, immediately before the flight home to Munich. "We want to be approachable, not just images on television. We want to be felt, not just seen,” added Hainer.Huge digital reachAt the same time, FC Bayern leveraged and further expanded the massive digital reach of its own media channels: over 1,000 pieces of content in ten languages ​​were published during the tour, 20 player-focused productions were created, and the content reached a total of 150 million people, generating 70 million video views alone. In Korea, the club gained over a million new followers in just three days. Rouven Kasper, board member for marketing and sales, put these figures into perspective: "We have 560 million followers in Asia alone – eight million in Korea and over 140 million in China. We have fan community managers based in these countries – no other club does that. It creates a completely different level of fan engagement." Kasper also emphasised: "We really delivered something special together, not just in terms of the sheer number of events, but also how we executed them: keeping them close to the fans and making them a tangible experience. That is what set us apart from all other clubs."Kompany gives positive assessmentHead coach Vincent Kompany was also pleased with how the Audi Summer Tour has gone. “I’m impressed,” he stated after the match against Villa. “We know who’s here and who isn’t. We always want to demonstrate what Bayern are about. When I look at how the young players have performed, that pleases me a lot. Overall all the players did very well.”Vincent Kompany: 'It's nice to get a reward'In its activities, Bayern has put an emphasis on local authenticity and creative collaborations – from the Hypebeast collaboration for the special shirt designs, which completely sold out and generated record sales, to campaigns with K-pop artists, Korean YouTubers, TV hosts and local artists, as well as Kompany’s visit to a traditional Jeju tangarine farm. “The way we engage with people across cultures – no other club does that, which makes us proud," Kasper summarised. FC Bayern also fostered a special sense of closeness in Hong Kong – for instance, by being the only club to communicate with locals in Cantonese on the Threads platform.Foundation built in AsiaBoard member for sport Max Eberl highlighted that they’d also successfully managed the balancing act between an intensive tour and sporting preparation. “The matches and the training are the fundamental elements for us,” he said. “The sport should always be on an equal footing with the other goals we have, which we’ve achieved.” His summary: “You feel it in the whole club: there’s a great togetherness. Ultimately that’s what defines a club, it’s the only way to be successful. That’s why trips like this are hugely important in strengthening the bond between the team and everyone around.”There were similar words a year ago, when the trip to the USA for the Club World Cup formed the basis of an extremely strong season. FC Bayern want to build on that momentum again – this time from Asia.All the info on the Audi Summer Tour 2026

Joao Cancelo rejoins Al Hilal training as Barcelona return remains unresolvedIt has been taken for granted throughout the summer transfer window that Barcelona would eventually get a deal over the line for Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal.The Portuguese defender spent the second half of last season on loan at the Catalan club, impressing one and all with his versatility.He played at an incredibly high level, displacing Alejandro Balde as the starting left-back by the end of the season.Barça understandably wanted to keep him on a permanent basis after his loan spell and have been in negotiations all summer to reach an agreement with the Saudi club.Cancelo back at work at Al HilalDespite Al Hilal not having Cancelo in their plans and being willing to let him leave with just one year left on his contract, Barça have not managed to reach an agreement.Now, as revealed by the SPL club’s official handle, the veteran Portuguese defender has rejoined Al Hilal’s pre-season preparations while negotiations over his hoped-for return to Barcelona remain unfinished.Cancelo continues to prioritise a move back to Camp Nou, but until Barcelona and Al Hilal reach a final agreement, he must continue fulfilling his obligations with the Saudi club.His return should not necessarily be interpreted as a change of heart but rather as a reflection of his professionalism.For now, he remains an Al Hilal player, and he wants to be respectful of that.Barcelona deal still aliveBarcelona have remained confident they can complete Cancelo’s signing before the transfer window closes.Cancelo’s stance gives Barcelona some leverage because the 32-year-old has made his preference clear, but Al Hilal are under no obligation to accept terms that do not satisfy them.That explains why the operation has moved more slowly than Hansi Flick would ideally have wanted.Still waiting for Barcelona transfer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Cancelo’s return remains attractive because of the tactical flexibility he would provide. He can operate on either flank, move into midfield during possession and offer another creative outlet against teams defending deep.Barça know exactly what he brings to the table and how he can adapt to Hansi Flick’s system, making this a low-risk signing.His arrival would also provide important competition to Alejandro Balde, who is facing an important season at the Catalan club.Barcelona still have time on their side, but they will be keen to get the Cancelo deal over the line, and it remains to be seen how long it takes.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduces Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, during a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on the nomination Lunday for Commandant of the Coast Guard, Nov. 19, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)2026-08-07T17:25:21Z WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate overwhelmingly approved a punishing Russian sanctions package Friday, the result of a year-long campaign by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham to reinforce U.S. support for Ukraine and try to force President Vladimir Putin’s hand as the grinding war drags on. The bipartisan legislation, which passed the Senate 86-11, would penalize countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and other exports seeking to deprive Putin of revenues fueling the war. It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Capitol hours after Graham’s funeral, met with senators from both parties and watched from the gallery as the Senate took the first procedural votes last week on the sweeping legislation. “Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine — and Putin is watching from Moscow,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who had worked with the late South Carolina senator on the package. “I would like to think Lindsey Graham is watching, too,” he said. “Today we say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. And today we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine.”The sweeping show of force from the Senate is the most substantial move yet during President Donald Trump’s second term to shift the dynamic of the more than four-year war, which has now churned longer than World War I. Congress has struggled to ensure U.S. funding and munitions flows to Ukraine, but Trump has given a nod to the sanctions package, putting pressure for the House to take it up for a vote and send it to the White House for his signature. Graham and Blumenthal had announced a deal with the White House on the sanctions legislation on July 10 after more than a year of negotiations with the White House. Graham, who had just returned from Ukraine, died suddenly the next day, likely from an aortic tear. Read More The bipartisan package that carries Graham’s name allows the president to impose tariffs on the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, including China and India. It provides exceptions for countries that import less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and are taking steps to reduce those imports.The legislation also includes sanctions on Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, Russian financial institutions and Russian energy projects. It would expand U.S. sanctions to target older, reflagged oil tankers that Russia uses to circumvent existing U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and energy revenues. Democrats and some Republicans have been wary of giving Trump broad authority to slap tariffs on imports that have spiked prices for goods, worried about inflation and high costs of living for Americans. Those voting against the final package were mostly progressive Democrats. The negotiated bill also includes waiver authority for the president, allowing the White House to waive sanctions or restrictions if the president certifies to Congress that the waiver is in the national interest.Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who was appointed by the state’s governor to fill her brother’s seat, said he was determined to bring an end to the Ukraine war, and she was honored to carry on his work. “This legislation hits Putin where it hurts,” she said. Bill sends ‘a moral signal’ to Ukraine and its alliesZelenskyy told senators during last week’s private meeting at the Capitol that Ukraine is making gains in the war, but still needs more help from the U.S. He publicly thanked them for the sanctions package and said it would send a “big signal” to Ukraine and its allies of U.S. support.Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, who attended the meeting, said the sanctions legislation “is important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own.”New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said advancing the legislation now, ahead of Russia’s own elections, will put pressure on Putin to seriously revisit prospects for a peace deal. And she warned that every time the U.S. backs away from tough actions, Russia ramps up its attacks.“If we can’t shut down the funding for the war machine that Russia is using against Ukraine, then they’re going to keep at it,” she said. Some say the bill would give Trump too much tariff power The Senate defeated an amendment by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon that would have removed the new tariff authority for Trump. Paul says it would be too costly for taxpayers, while Wyden and other Democrats say they don’t want to give Trump any new authority to impose tariffs. “We’ve got folks who are walking an economic tightrope here in America,” Wyden said.Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who had held up passage of the package over the tariff authority, said he received a written commitment from the Trump administration through U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that ensures guardrails. The tariffs would be lifted once the countries are no longer on the lists of those purchasing Russian oil and gas, or helping to evade sanctions, he said.“We should not have to choose between putting a check on Putin’s aggression and putting a check on this president’s tariffs regime,” Warnock said. If Trump “oversteps his power, we will see him in court.” Other Democrats say that while they are wary of giving Trump any new powers, they don’t want to jeopardize the help for Ukraine. “Weighing that against the boost for Ukraine, I think it’s important to support Ukraine right now,” said Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. Package next goes to the House The momentum from the Senate is expected to press the House to act swiftly on the Russia sanctions package when lawmakers return to session at the end of the month.The House had already passed a separate measure in June that would provide security and reconstruction aid to Ukraine and sanction key segments of the Russian economy. That package pushed by Democrats drew bipartisan support from Republicans, overriding objections from GOP leaders who warned the bill would undermine negotiations designed to achieve a comparable but stronger result.

The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II, center, blesses people in Vagharshapat, Armenia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Anthony Pizzoferrato)2026-08-07T17:25:01Z YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — The head of the influential Armenian Apostolic Church appeared in court Friday for a trial on criminal charges as part of its latest confrontation with the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.Catholicos Karekin II and six other senior clergymen are accused of defying a court order to reinstate a defrocked bishop. The case is widely seen as a part of long-simmering tensions between Pashinyan, who was reelected earlier this year, and the church, which has called for his ouster.If convicted, Karekin and the other clerics could face up to two years in prison.Relations between the powerful church and Pashinyan’s government have deteriorated rapidly since 2024, when tens of thousands of demonstrators, led by a high-ranking cleric, called for his ouster. They were angered by Armenia’s agreement to hand over control of several border villages to Azerbaijan and normalize relations with its neighbor after being locked for decades in territorial disputes.Many clergy bitterly opposed the handover of the villages and criticized Pashinyan, who came to power in the South Caucasus nation amid a wave of hopeful, pro-democracy protests that swept Armenia in 2018. Some senior clerics have since faced a crackdown by the government. The judge in the trial recuses himselfThe first court hearing took place Friday in the central city of Vagharshapat, also known as Etchmiadzin, which is Armenia’s spiritual capital and the headquarters of the church.Shortly after the hearing, Karekin’s lawyer Ara Zograbyan told reporters the judge in the case has recused himself.“I welcome this move by the judge, because in effect he refused to become a part of this shameful proceeding,”Zograbyan said, adding that the case will be assigned to a new judge. Hundreds of Karekin’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Vagharshapat, which is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. Members of opposition parties, clergy leaders and representatives of nongovernmental organizations also came for the hearing. Samvel Karapetyan, head of the pro-Russian opposition party Strong Armenia, called the case against Karekin a “national disgrace.”“It seemed that maybe the authorities would come to their senses and stop their attacks on the church, but they’re keeping at it,” local media quoted him as saying. Read More The case of a defrocked bishop led to the chargesThe charges arose after the church in January defrocked Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who had previously called for Karekin’s ouster. The church accused Saroyan of abuse of power. Saroyan contested the move in court, which sided with him and ordered his reinstatement.The church refused, and Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s office launched the case against Karekin and the other clerics in February, accusing them of defying a court order and barring them from leaving the country. Two other top clergymen were arrested last year. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan was convicted of calling for the overthrow of the government, and Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who led the anti-government protests in 2024, is currently under house arrest awaiting trial on charges of attempting a coup, fomenting mass unrest and preparing a terrorist attack.Earlier this year, an appellate court overturned Ajapahyan’s conviction and ordered a new trial. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Clerics denounce the case as an assault on church autonomyDuring an evening service at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Karekin denounced the case against him.“These days the authorities take steps to undermine the church’s authority, restrict its autonomy and subjugate it to their will,” he said, adding that the institution’s autonomy is at the core of Armenia’s prosperity. Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan, head of the Department of External Relations and Protocol of the church and one of the defendants, said the church is not an entity that can be “nationalized, expropriated and have a manager appointed.” —-Karmanau reported from Tallinn, Estonia. YURAS KARMANAU Karmanau is an Associated Press journalist covering Belarus and the CIS countries. He has worked in Belarus and Ukraine, as well as other countries in the region, for more than 20 years. He is part of the team that covers the Russia-Ukraine war. mailto

The creature belongs to a unique group of sharks whose members can use their strong pectoral fins like legs to get around

The objects were discovered on Liberty Hill, the place where many Continental Army soldiers heard the text of the Declaration of Independence for the first time

The capsule was created and filled at the direction of Congress, through the America250 commission. It will be interred beneath an original sculpture on July 4

Even rural birds prefer human-made objects, such as colored glass and wire, when given the choice between them and natural decorations, like leaves and shells, according to a new study

Chemotherapy comes with debilitating side effects, including brain fog, nausea and nerve damage. New research suggests that many people with a common type of breast cancer need just radiation and hormone therapy to prevent recurrence

Health experts are trying to understand how the food-borne parasite can cause symptoms that come and go, sometimes for weeks.

The legislation was championed by Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican whose sudden death last month helped spur quick action on it.

The injuries won't stop coming for the Denver Broncos.Almost one year after he ruptured his Achilles on Aug. 8 in 2025, defensive lineman Matt Henningsen was carted off the field during Friday's practice. The severity of Henningsen's injury is not yet known, but it's brutal to see him carted off after working his way back from last summer's injury.Toward the end of practice, wide receiver Marvin Mims tossed his helmet after pulling up on a deep route. Mims, who was also looked at by trainers toward the end of yesterday's practice, then went into the locker room with tight end Nate Adkins (unknown). There is good news elsewhere on the injury front for Denver. Star outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (undisclosed) was back at practice, and receiver Jaylen Waddle (strain) was spotted jogging before practice. Waddle still isn't practicing, but it's a good sign that he's moving around better than yesterday. Broncos coach Sean Payton said on Aug. 6 that he expects Waddle to be sidelined for 4-5 days.Fellow receiver Courtland Sutton was back in action Friday after three veteran rest days. Denver gave rest days to left tackle Garett Bolles, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, nose tackle D.J. Jones and linebacker Alex Singleton on Friday. In addition to Waddle, five other players did not practice: center Luke Wattenberg (undisclosed), cornerback Jaden Robinson (undisclosed), outside linebacker Dasan McCullough (undisclosed), cornerback Sean Fresch (undisclosed) and tight endCaleb Lohner (knee).Broncos injury reportCarted off field: DL Matt Henningsen (unknown) Left practice: WR Marvin Mims (unknown) Left practice: TE Nate Adkins (unknown)DNP: WR Jaylen Waddle (muscle tightness)DNP: C Luke Wattenberg (undisclosed)DNP: CB Jaden Robinson (undisclosed)DNP: CB Sean Fresch (undisclosed)DNP: OLB Dasan McCullough (undisclosed)DNP: TE Caleb Lohner (knee)PUP: OL Nick Gargiulo (knee)NFI: LB Jordan Turner (unknown)Additionally, Nick Gargiulo (knee) is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and linebacker Jordan Turner (unknown) is on the non-football injury (NFI) list. They still count against the 91-player roster limit.Denver has one more practice this week scheduled for Saturday before a day off on Sunday. Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos injuries: Good news for Nik Bonitto; Jaylen Waddle progress

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - JULY 29: General manager Brandon Beane of the Buffalo Bills addresses the media following practice during training camp at St. John Fisher University on July 29, 2026 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Buffalo Bills extending right guard O’Cyrus Torrence as they finished training camp at St. John Fisher University got me thinking… how have Brandon Beane’s draft-and-develop contract extensions fared in his tenure as the team’s GM? In 2025, Beane signed Greg Rousseau, Khalil Shakir, Christian Benford, Terrel Bernard, and James Cook to second contracts, and now Torrence enters that growing list of homegrown talents secured long term by the organization. Let’s take a full scale look at how the deals have ultimately fared to create a barometer of sorts for Beane and Co. on these financial decisions. Due to my love of the NFL Draft, I’ll run through each player based on draft year. And I’ll label each outcome as “successful, OK, and bad.” Josh Allen No lengthy description needed, and he’s gotten multiple long-term deals in Buffalo. He’s worth every penny. And then some.Verdict: SuccessfulTaron Johnson Johnson’s initial extension in Buffalo was a three-year, $24 million pact in October 2021, and the super pesky nickel corner rewarded the Bills with durable play that culminated in a second-team All-Pro distinction in 2023. The more recent three-year, $30M extension with $17.8M guaranteed wasn’t nearly as fruitful, but Beane’s original decision to lock up Johnson in 2021 was very prudent. Verdict: SuccessfulEd OliverBecause Oliver was a first-round pick, the Bills had time to take a little longer with this decision thanks to the fifth-year option being secured the year before. However, after his fourth NFL season, the defensive tackle signed a four-year, $68M with $45M in total guarantees, a deal on which he’s still playing. When healthy, Oliver has become one of the Bills best defensive players, even if he’s never reached true routine game-wrecker status. It’s not a slam dunk of a verdict here, but I’m going with this as a successful extension, as the $24.5M guaranteed at signing in Oliver’s extension now ranks as the 22nd-most among defensive tackles. Verdict: SuccessfulDawson Knox Knox signed a four-year, $53.6M extension in early September 2022 after a nine-touchdown third season with the Bills. His 49 receptions during the regular season in 2021 remain a career high. While Knox has become a consummate three-down pro at tight end, a fantastic mentor for Dalton Kincaid, and one of the key camaraderie pieces on the team, the $31M in total guarantees he received in the initial extension would’ve ranked fifth among all tight ends today (!)… had he not agreed to renegotiate his deal after 2024. The three year, $20M extension Knox signed in 2026 is more commensurate with his production. Verdict: OK / BadGreg Rousseau While the $80M total price tag on the four-year Rousseau extension may have seemed lofty, one year later his $38.7M fully-guaranteed-at-signing figure is now the 13th-highest among edge rushers. Rousseau has been developed very well — albeit not unbelievably — by the Bills since he was the club’s first-round pick in 2021 after opting out of his final season at the University of Miami due to COVID and entering the league at 21 years old. Has he regularly been a menace? Not really. He’s another consummate three-down player from the McDermott era who’s absolutely a good player and at times a great player but has yet to become a genuine star or superstar. Verdict: Successful / OKSpencer BrownBrown signed his September 2024 contract worth a grand total of $72M across four new years. And while that $72M is still the sixth-most among right tackles, the $19.8M guaranteed at signing is 17th-highest at the position. Brown has become one of the best young right tackles in the NFL and core piece of Buffalo’s sturdy offensive line. This is an extension Beane is likely thrilled he got ahead of.Verdict: SuccessJames CookSpeaking of that, given what we’ve seen recently with new money for Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Bills front office probably can’t be more relieved the Cook extension got done when it did, in August 2025. The $15.2M Cook received in his four-year, $46M deal is now the 17th-highest among running backs. Robinson, Taylor, and Gibbs got $37.5M, $19.3M, and $17.8M fully guaranteed at signing respectively. Oh yeah, and Cook led the NFL in rushing in 2026 and has yet to reached 1,000 career touches in the NFL. Verdict: SuccessTerrel Bernard I’ll keep this one short because, when healthy, Bernard has been a quarterback of the defense and one of the better, splash-play creating coverage linebackers in football. His 2025 was plagued by injury, as has sizable chunks of the past few seasons. It’s not necessarily fair to Beane nor Bernard, but that is the nature of the beast in the NFL. The four-year, $42M deal Bernard signed in 2025 featured $14.1M guaranteed at signing, which is the 24th-most at the position. It’s hardly an expensive deal, relatively speaking. If Bernard can stay healthy in 2026, this verdict could jump all the way to the successful label.Verdict: BadKhalil Shakir I’ve loved Shakir since his time as a prospect coming out of Boise State, and he’s developed into an elite-level YAC receiver with reliable hands as a professional. Shakir’s four-year, $60.2M extension seems sizable, yet the $18.1M guaranteed at signing is now the 43rd-highest (!) among all receivers. Massive win here. Verdict: SuccessfulChristian BenfordBenford deserves more love as one of the better outside cornerbacks in football, and Beane likely loves he got ahead of the eruption at the cornerback market.Benford’s four-year, $69M deal includes a mere $18.8M fully guaranteed, which is now the 31st-most at the cornerback spot. Crazy, right? And Benford will only turn 26 in September. He’s not nearly as flashy as other top corners, doesn’t have an early-round draft pedigree, and didn’t play at a Power 4 school. But he has seven interceptions and 29 pass breakups in the regular season in his first four years in the NFL and is a tackling machine on the outside.Verdict: SuccessfulTotal TallySuccesful: 7Succesful / OK: 1 OK / Bad: 1Bad: 1What do you think about Beane’s track record of contract extensions?

Florida football kicker Patrick Durkin has been named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list, given annually to college football's top kicker.A transfer from Tulane, Durkin connected on 25-of-28 field goal attempts (89.3%) for the Gree Wave last season and 41-of-42 extra points.Durkin’s 89.3% field goal accuracy is the second best among returnees who made at least 20 field goals is the FBS last season. His 25 field goals is tied for second most among returning FBS kickers.Durkin connected on three field goals during the Florida Gators spring game at The Swamp last April but missed a 49-yard attempt as time expired."He’s just getting comfortable and had a great season last year," Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante said. "He transitions now to a whole new town, a whole new city, a whole new environment, higher level. And he did well. He finished better than he started spring ball and in the position he’s in right now, I’m very excited where he’s at."The Lou Groza Award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.Accomplishments are tabulated throughout the season and the Groza Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on Nov. 17. From that list, a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers select the top three finalists for the award, announced on Nov. 24. That same group then selects the national winner, who will be announced on Dec. 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.Florida football C Harrison Moore named to Rimington Watch listFloridajunior center Harrison Moore has been named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, an award given to college football's top center.A transfer from Georgia Tech, the 6-foot-4, 293-pound Moore appeared in 11 games and made eight starts for the Yellow Jackets in 2025. Moore helped anchor an offensive line that allowed just nine sacks (0.69 per game) during the season.Moore is projected to replace former UF center Jake Slaughter, a two-time All-American and two-time Rimington Award finalist in 2024 and 2025. Slaughter was taken in the second round by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2026 NFL draft.Florida football RB Jadan Baugh named to Maxwell Award listFlorida footbll running back Jadan Baugh was named as one of 81 players on the Maxwell Award preseason watch list.The award is given to the most outstanding player in college football. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Maxwell Award in 2025.The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Baugh is vying to become the SEC's leading rusher this season after ranking third in the conference with 1,170 yards rushing and 8 TDs for the Florida Gators last season. He also added 21 catches for 185 yards and two receiving TDs for UF in 2025.In UF's 2025 season finale against Florida State, Baugh ran for 266 yards, the second-most in a game in program history behind only Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, who rushed for 316 yards and 3 TDs against New Mexico on Oct. 21, 1989. With the performance against FSU, Baugh became the 10th UF running back to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season and first since Kelvin Taylor in 2015.The Maxwell Award list will narrow down to a group of semifinalists on Nov. 10, and then the three finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 24. The winner will be announced on the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1.This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football preseason awards tracker, transfer K makes Groza Award list

Tommy McClelland made a remark that typically would have amounted to little attention outside of Indiana, but at his introductory news conference as Purdue athletic director made a comment that went nationwide.McClelland continued his media rounds Friday with local and national radio shows. He joined 107.5 The Fan and Jake Query, who asked about his comments on championships and what was meant to be a slight to IU."Off the cuff," is how McClelland described his comments made Thursday about Indiana. In the presence of local boosters and media, the newly appointed athletic director described his words as an "in-state joke that didn't land well."Later on "The Pat McAfee Show" McClelland added, "I knew it the second it left my mouth."Insider: New athletic director Tommy McClelland has creative plan to generate revenue Purdue desiredMcClelland was announced as the fifth Purdue athletic director Wednesday, then spoke publicly Thursday. In front of university personnel, boosters and assembled media, he said: "Every recruit, every current student-athlete will hear this message repeatedly, we are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana."This comes seven months after the Indiana football program defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. In the same season, the Boilermakers finished 2-10 (0-9, Big Ten) during Barry Odom's first year at the helm and lost to the Hoosiers 56-3. Indiana has won 25 national championships across all sports to Purdue's 3.'Why on Earth would you say this?' Social media reacts to Purdue AD's championships message to IUMcClelland also expressed his vision for Purdue's athletes, placing a priority on graduation and academic success."We want to develop champions, period," mentioning academics and career aspirations as key pillars, to go alongside athletics.Shortly after his appearance with local radio, McClelland continued his media tour and made an appearance on Friday's episode of "The Pat McAfee Show." Hee echoed the same sentiment to the national contingent on his comments about Indiana — this time with a playful reference to golf."Every now and then, you line it up on the first tee and you're really excited, about that round; and I put it right in the water," McClelland said with a smile. "I got 18 more holes to play."Posts by PatMcAfeeShowMcClelland makes the move to West Lafayette after spending the last three years at Rice. Previously, McClelland also spent time at Vanderbilt, Louisiana Tech, and McNeese State.Money matters: Here's what new Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland will make, salary, buyout info, moreNathan Baird and Sam King have the best Purdue sports coverage, and sign up for IndyStar's Boilermakers newsletter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue AD Tommy McClelland 'knew it the second' he made IU championships joke it didn't land