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The tech giant is investing in the natural-gas-burning power plant as part of a huge data center in Texas, even as it pledges to honor climate commitments.

The Carabao Cup will welcome Chelsea, Tottenham and other Premier League teams into the competition in the second round after the competition kicks off over the weekend.The Blues are the headline act entering the fold after their failure to qualify for Europe last term, with Xabi Alonso hoping to set the tone in his bid for debut-season silverware. After only just avoiding relegation in 2025/26, London rivals Spurs are also in the draw.Before the draw, 68 EFL sides will seek to come through the first round unscathed - though it isn’t the maiden Carabao Cup outing of the season for all, with Rochdale and Crawley Town already having to go through a preliminary round to reach this opening stage.Featured ties of the first round, taking place from Thursday to Monday, include West Ham’s meeting with Portsmouth, a Devon derby between Plymouth and Exeter, while a battle of Championship promotion-chasers will go down at the Riverside Stadium when Middlesbrough host Wrexham.The second round will remain regionalised with the draw split into southern and northern sections.Here’s everything you need to know about the Carabao Cup second-round draw: When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw? The Carabao Cup second-round draw will take place on Monday 10 August live on Sky Sports Main Event, during the broadcast of Plymouth vs Exeter - the last game of the first round.It will take place during the build-up of the match at approximately 7:20pm BST.Which Premier League sides enter the competition?There are eight top-flight teams entering the Carabao Cup in the second round:BrentfordChelseaFulhamNewcastleEvertonLeedsNottingham ForestTottenhamWho came through the first round?Middlesbrough WalsallStevenageWolvesCambridgeMillwallWimbledonBarnsleyBradfordPeterboroughReadingBurnleyBlackburnCardiffCreweLincolnFleetwoodLutonBlackpoolLeicesterLeyton OrientNorwichPrestonShrewsburySheffield WednesdayDoncaster RoversStokeBirminghamWatfordWest HamCheltenham/CharltonColchester/SouthamptonRotherham/West BromMansfield/Sheffield UnitedPlymouth/ExeterWhat are the ball numbers?Ball numbers have not been confirmed and will be revealed in due course.When are the Carabao Cup fixtures being played? The round dates for the Carabao Cup have been confirmed as the following:Round One: Weekend of 7-9 August 2026 Round Two: w/c 24 August 2026 Round Three: w/c 7 September and w/c 14 September 2026 Round Four: w/c 26 October 2026 Round Five: w/c 14 December 2026 Semi-Final first leg: w/c 11 January 2027 Semi-Final second leg: w/c 1 February 2027 Final: Sunday 21 March 2027

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced they signed veteran offensive lineman Geron Christian and placed offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio on the reserved/injured list.Christian joins the team as the injury bug has caught hold of Jacksonville's offensive line. The team placed Cole Van Lanen on the Physically Unable to Perform along with DiGiorgio prior to the start of training camp.In the intersquad scrimmage on Aug. 7, Walker Little limped off the field and was held out for the remainder of competition. He was not visibly present at the Aug. 8 walkthrough on the next day. Head coach Liam Coen did not have an update on Little's injury status after the game concluded.Second-year lineman Wyatt Milum was given tackle reps in the scrimmage after spending last season as a guard, but he didn't look fully comfortable in those reps. So the team has turned to Christian to add depth as a veteran lineman with 63 games played and 25 starts in his career.24 of those starts came at left tackle, a position the team currently has Anton Harrison at. The team has shuffled the offensive line quite a bit in Coen's two seasons, attempting to find the best group of five. Several players have flexibility to play guard and tackle with Chuma Edoga likely being the next-man-up if Little's injury is serious. Van Lanen's injury timeline has not been updated, but he's been present throughout training camp as he works with the staff doing rehab on the sideline. The Jaguars will return to the practice field on Aug. 9 before a rest day to start their first preseason game week. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars sign OL Gerod Christian as offensive line injuries rise

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is in the process of establishing a culture in his first year at the helm. That comes with a standard he wants everyone to meet — he made it clear Saturday that there are no exceptions.“We have very clear expectations on how we want to practice and how we want to go about our business, and we violated that yesterday,” Kubiak told reporters, according to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden.Because of the scuffle Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby got into on Friday, the team’s first-string quarterback and star pass rusher were both held out of practice on Saturday.Kubiak said they will participate again on Monday, per McFadden.#Raiders HC Klint Kubiak said Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby violated team rules by fighting yesterday so they were held out of practice today.Kubiak said both players will participate on Monday. “We have very clear expectations on how we want to practice and how we want to go…— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) August 8, 2026This story is being updated.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley has never been one to hold back his opinions, and he spoke out about the recent flurry of transfer portal action and signings after a Colorado court granted an injunction to allow athletes from the 2022 high school class to play a fifth year.Hurley is not a fan of the programs that have signed players at this late point on the calendar."If you're a coach and the sport has given you a lot, it's like doing things to hurt the sport so that you can win a little bit more," Hurley said to ESPN with regard to fifth-year players taking away opportunities from 17- and 18-year-old freshmen. "I think you've got to be able to look in the mirror on that, especially if the sport has given you a lot already."NEW: UConn's Dan Hurley calls out coaches for taking players who gained a fifth year through recent lawsuits:"At some point, you’ve got to care about the sport. Especially if the sport has given you a lot. Doing things to hurt the sport so that you can win a little bit more,… https://t.co/gD4oYRDu49pic.twitter.com/HG1cNXhMJv— On3 (@On3) August 7, 2026Hurley said he will not be adding any players in this unexpected August transfer window, and spoke about the chaos that the ruling has caused."You put together the best team you can," Hurley said. "You start practicing for the summer, and now let's unleash 80 players into the sport in the first week of August. I mean, we can't go on like this."Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: UConn's Dan Hurley blasts late signings after court ruling

A second Jones-Drew running back is headed to the UCLA Bruins. Two decades after Maurice Jones-Drew was named an All-American with the school, his son Duece Jones-Drew is here to continue the legacy.Deuce Jones-Drew committed to UCLA back in May of this year but the three-star back for the Class of 2027 didn’t end up committing to the Bruins because of his old man. Even though Maurice Jones-Drew was a star in Westwood, the former All-Pro didn’t want to force his son to follow the same path.The three-time Pro Bowler spoke with Connor Dullinger of the Los Angeles Times, expressing how he took the back seat in his son’s recruiting process.“I wanted to push him away from UCLA as much as possible because I wanted him to go there because he wanted to go there,” Maurice Jones-Drew told the Los Angeles Times. “I wasn’t really involved in the recruitment as much because I wanted him to enjoy and go through this process like I did. I wanted him to go to a school that he wanted to go to because it’s his football career. It’s his life. It’s going to be his journey.”Deuce Jones-Drew will wrap up his high school football career this year at De La Salle High School in Concord, California before heading south to Los Angeles and the Bruins. His father set a high standard, racking up over 3,300 yards from scrimmage over three seasons with the Bruins but the legacy will continue with Duece Jones-Drew coming to UCLA.This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Maurice Jones-Drew was hands off in his son's recruitment to UCLA

“No man can put a chain about the ankle of another man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.” These poignant words from Frederick Douglass, a man who escaped enslavement and became a social activist for the cause of liberation and freedom, were delivered October 22, 1883, at a civil rights mass rally in Washington, D.C. to protest the US Supreme Court’s regressive action of overturning the Civil Rights Act of 1875. Related I grew up gay, pre-Stonewall. Things have changed so much. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands out more prominently in the public consciousness today, it was, in fact, not the first law in the United States to ensure the people’s rights to equality and, unfortunately, not the first one struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Passed by the Congress a decade after the great Civil War, this historic federal legislation guaranteed protection under the terms of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution to equal public access to accommodations, public transportation, and jury service irrespective of race. The law specifically targeted racial discrimination in hotels and inns, theaters, and other public places of amusement and entertainment. Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts (R) drafted the bill to ensure the equal rights of people formerly enslaved. President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law on March 1, 1875. Unfortunately, as a congressional “compromise,” lawmakers removed several of its protections, such as the desegregation of public schools. State legislators persist in gerrymandering state districts, eliminating mail-in voting, reducing polling sites and drop-off boxes, demanding multiple forms of official pictured ID cards, and other restrictive policies. The United States Supreme Court, in an 8–1 decision, after considering a consolidated case known as The Civil Rights Cases, ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment only prohibits discrimination by state and local governments, and not by private individuals and organizations, and, therefore, determined the law unconstitutional. The Court held, subsequently, that the federal government lacked the authority to ban racial discrimination in privately owned public accommodations such as hotels, theaters, and transportation. This essentially stripped African Americans of these federal protections. It would take Congress another 81 years to pass the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Supreme Court has not overturned the 1964 law primarily because it was not based on the Fourteenth Amendment as was the Civil Rights Law of 1875. Instead, the Civil Rights Law of 1964 had its foundation on the Commerce Clause, which regulates private businesses. Found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution, the Commerce Clause grants power in the Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with First Nations tribes. This gives the federal government power to determine the rules for private businesses that operate across state lines. Though the two civil rights laws included similar provisions — with an expanded scope of coverage for the latter law (including the desegregation of public schools) — they were based on differing statutes in the Constitution. Chicago, Illinois / USA – June 19 2020. Large Crowd at a peaceful protest rally in Daley Plaza in the Loop of Downtown Chicago over George Floyd death’s on Juneteenth. | Shutterstock While the U.S. Supreme Court has not overturned the Civil Rights Law of 1964, it has, on the other hand, essentially destroyed the provisions of the Voting Rights Law of 1965 on the grounds that it is no longer necessary. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 enlarged protections in voting for those previously disenfranchised, until the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) gutted the key provision of Section 5, the heart of the 1965 law that required pre-clearance for any new voting changes. Later cases like Brnovich v. DNC (2021) and Louisiana v. Callais(2026) further weakened Section 2 of the law, making it harder to challenge discriminatory voting laws and politically gerrymandered maps. So, this supposed “unalienable” and “natural” right of enfranchisement in a “free democratic” system of government continues to face severe restrictions and regulations as state legislators persist in gerrymandering state districts, eliminating mail-in voting, reducing polling sites and drop-off boxes, demanding multiple forms of official pictured ID cards, and other restrictive policies. Would-be King Donald from the House of Fraud has ordered Congressional Republicans not to pass any legislation “with the crazy, country destroying, radical Left, communist Democrats unless and until they vote with Republicans to pass ‘THE SAVE AMERICA ACT’” which codifies on a national level the reversals on voting rights either passed or proposed in red states. When we investigate the complete rulings of the US Supreme Court from its first session commencing on February 2, 1790, at the Royal Exchange Building in New York City, through its 2026 term, we the people can serve as judges to assess which decisions truly serve our best interests to ensure justice and liberty for all, and which ones miss the mark. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A library board in Tennessee voted on Monday to fire library director Luanne James for refusing to shield over 100 books – many with LGBTQ+ content – from young readers. The following day, her supporters began a crowdfunding campaign that has since raised nearly $100,000 to support her and her family. James, the director of the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS), plainly stated, “I will not comply” in a letter to the board, calling its directive “a clear act of viewpoint discrimination” and a violation of the First Amendment. Related Republicans slammed for “cruel” one-word response to the Trans Day of Visibility The emergency meeting that ended in James’s firing was reportedly quite heated, with James’s supporters chanting, “We stand with Luanne!” and holding signs and wearing t-shirts expressing their support for the freedom to read. According to Fox 17, at least a dozen people spoke during the meeting. Deputies then escorted James out after the board voted to let her go. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today “I stand by my decision. I will not change my mind,” James declared as the board deliberated. Earlier this month, the board voted 8-3 to relocate the children’s books to the adult section – the result of a statewide “age-appropriateness review” ordered last year by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R). At the contentious meeting where the board voted to move the books, board chair Cory York declared, “I would argue that gender confusion [is] the idea of telling someone that boys aren’t really boys, they can be girls, and girls aren’t really girls, they can be boys, and that you should advocate for [or] encourage the dismembering of healthy sex organs. I don’t think that that’s appropriate for children.” York said in a statement to WSMV at the time that James’s refusal to comply “constitutes insubordination.” “The Board has the authority and responsibility to establish policy for the library system,” York continued. “When a Director refuses to carry out a duly adopted Board decision, it undermines the governance of the institution and cannot be ignored.” Community leaders, however, stood staunchly with James. “Luanne James is the epitome of a true American Patriot,” said Keri Lambert, Vice President of the Rutherford County Library Alliance (RCLA), an organization fighting for “intellectual freedom and unrestricted access to information within the public library system of Rutherford County, Tennessee.” “She is demonstrating to the world the importance of professional librarians in our communities. The bravery to stand up and say, ‘No, I will not violate my ethics and go against the Constitution of the United States,’ is the kind of leadership we need to see more of. She is an inspiration to all, and I could not be more thankful that she is a member of our community.” RCLA communications director Tatiana Silvas called James “incredible.” “This courageous leadership is exactly what Rutherford County is looking for and all of us at RCLA couldn’t be more proud of her,” Silvas said. “She’s a hero, there’s no other way to describe her.” A GoFundMe launched by a community member the day after her firing reached over $97,000 of its $100,000 goal by Friday evening, with donations going “directly toward supporting her family’s basic living expenses during this time,” the crowdfunding campaign’s webpage said. “Luanne has dedicated nearly her entire adult life to public libraries, working tirelessly to expand free access to information, technology, and essential services for library patrons and local communities. She has 25 years of combined experience as a library director and grant writer, during which she secured approximately $6 million dollars in grant funding,” the webpage noted. “These funds made it possible to create and expand public programs, improve computer access and connectivity, renovate and repair existing facilities, construct a new library building, and the purchase of a bookmobile and wheelchair accessible Sprinter van for community outreach,” it continued. The board also voted at the meeting to cut ties with the American Library Association and thus is no longer adhering to its code of ethics, which includes directives like, “We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources” and “We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.” After the news of James’s firing broke, Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, told Advocate that “her story will echo from the courthouse in Murfreesboro, Tenn., across the country as emblematic of the fight against censorship and suppression.” Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Philadelphia Eagles' Lane Johnson speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)2026-08-08T17:07:45Z PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson said Saturday that his 14th season would “probably” be his last.Johnson missed four days of training camp this week for personal reasons before he returned Friday.The 36-year-old Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2022. He earned second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024.Johnson took a leave of absence during the 2021 season as he battled anxiety and depression and has since shared his story at mental health clinics in the area.He said his latest leave had more to do with family issues, specifically taking care of his parents, and that his priorities had shifted more toward life outside football.“I’m looking potentially this is probably going to be my last year,” Johnson said after Saturday’s practice. “Just because I am getting to that point of, those priorities away from football are starting to merge. Not that I don’t enjoy (it), I love everything about this game, preparing for it, but it’s kind of where I’m at in my career.” Johnson has been a pillar at right tackle and won a pair of Super Bowls with the Eagles.“I still feel like I can be a premier tackle in this league,” Johnson said. “My movement and everything feels good.” Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, said his potential retirement came into focus last season after conversations with his family and an injury-plagued season. He missed Philadelphia’s final seven regular-season games and the wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.Johnson was suspended for 10 games by the NFL in 2016 for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He was also suspended the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the policy. Read More He said his teammates already knew he was considering ending his career.“I feel like planning on having a really good last year,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to soak in these last six months, seven months.”___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The Iran war has depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles, resulting in a significant erosion of firepower. A more drawn-out Iran conflict benefits Moscow and Beijing, some analysts say.

Time and again, Todd Blanche has made it clear that he believes President Trump possesses a nearly limitless right to directly control the actions of the Justice Department.

Senator Darline Graham, who took her brother’s place after his death and is now seeking to succeed him, has mostly declined to answer questions from reporters at the Capitol.

Florida football dropped one spot to No. 8 in the 2027 ESPN team recruiting rankings on Thursday.The movement is a result of Miami landing No. 25 overall recruit and top-ranked athlete A'Mir Sears. The Hurricanes jumped three spots from No. 8 to No. 5, pushing the Gators, Oklahoma Sooners (No. 6) and Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 7) down one spot each.Almost every other team in the top 10 stayed put, with Texas A&M and Notre Dame at the top of the list. Oregon and Texas flipped spots to Nos. 3 and 4, respectively, while Auburn and Texas Tech held steady at Nos. 9 and 10.There isn't a ton of room for further movement over the next few months. All but four of the recruits ranked on the ESPN 300 are committed. Florida only has an offer to one of them: four-star running back Caden Waye out of Ola High School in McDonough, Georgia.Waye included Florida in his top 12 back in December, but interest in him has dropped for several national programs. His only official visit of the summer was to UCF, and his list now includes Texas State, UTEP, Louisiana Tech and Missouri State. He may no longer be a take for the Gators with four-star running back Andrew Beard committed from the class. Still, adding him to the commitment list could improve Florida's standing on ESPN's ranking moving forward.Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Why Florida dropped in ESPN's team recruiting rankings

Is Joe Mazzulla in Danger of Losing Head Coach Position With Celtics After 2026-27 Season? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.In the modern-day NBA, head coaches are often given a short window to show what they are capable of, and even when they seem to succeed, front offices don't see it as enough.We've seen a handful of coaches fired in recent months, including notable names like Billy Donovan, Jason Kidd and Doc Rivers.Each coach has at some point been a part of a contending team, but things can change quickly, as we saw with the recent firings of these coaches.Could Joe Mazzulla be next despite having recent success? Let's discuss.Is Joe Mazzulla in Danger of Losing Head Coach Position With Celtics After 2026-27 Season?Mazzulla's tenure with the Celtics has been filled with many highs. In fact, Mazzulla technically has the highest winning percentage for a head coach in NBA history (72.6%).He led the Celtics to the ECF in 2023, his first year as head coach, and won the title with Boston the following season.MORE: 3 Celtics With Most to Prove in 2026-27 SeasonHowever, despite quality regular-season runs the last two years, the Celtics were eliminated in the second round in 2025 and didn't make it out of the first round this past postseason (the first time Boston hasn't won a playoff series since 2021).'Mazzulla ball' is a phrase we've heard a lot through the years, as the Celtics run an offense that's centered heavily on the three-point shot.The system worked like a well-oiled machine in Mazzulla's first couple of years as head coach, but it's been less effective/consistent in the last couple of seasons.SeasonTeam 3P%League RankPostseason Result2022-2337.7 3P%6thLost in ECF2023-2438.8 3P%2ndWon NBA Finals2024-2536.9 3P%10thLost in ECSF2025-2636.7 3P%8thLost in ECQFThe drop-off statistically as a team hasn't been massive, but in the big moments when the three-point shot has failed them, it's cost them key games against the Knicks last postseason and against the 76ers this past postseason.MORE:Paul George Named One of NBA's Most Overpaid PlayersBoston was 14-15 this past regular season when they made fewer than 14 3P in a game. In their wins last season, they averaged 16.7 3P and in losses averaged 12.8 3P.They were dead last in the NBA last season with the lowest 3P% in losses, at 30.9 3P%. There's a clear correlation between the Celtics winning games and shooting well from beyond the arc, and vice versa with losses.That might not be a crazy discovery, but the issue seems to be that they don't adjust well on nights when they don't shoot the three-point shot well.This could be cleaned up this year, and the Celtics have a new rotation they'll be running, so it's something to keep an eye on.MORE: This Simple Mitchell Robinson Play Shows How Celtics' New Center Breaks TeamsIf this system fails again, that's when conversations could start about Mazzulla as a head coach, despite winning the title in 2024, and winning COTY last season.The Celtics are certainly not as strong a favorite to finish at the top in the East as they've been entering past seasons, but there's still pressure to meet the expectations Boston as a city has for its teams, and to also take advantage of the years left in Jayson Tatum's prime.If the season ends similarly to how it did the past two years, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Celtics explore potential options for a new head coach, but that's only relevant if things go downhill this season.More CelticsLatest Celtics newsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Celtics championships

Alexis Mac Allister Return Date Set As Liverpool Squad Nearly WholeAlexis Mac Allister Set for Liverpool Return as Andoni Iraola Gets Full Squad BoostLiverpool will have Alexis Mac Allister back in training on Monday. That is the headline, and for Andoni Iraola it matters. Pre-season has been fragmented, the squad has been split by summer commitments, and any new coach wants bodies on the grass, quickly, consistently and without drama.Mac Allister has been the final absentee after a long 2025/26 campaign that stretched into the World Cup with Argentina. He played a major role in that run, starting almost every game as Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain after extra time. By the time that ended, Liverpool were already deep into pre-season work.Iraola confirmed the timetable clearly, saying: “We now have virtually our entire squad together, which of course will be very important in the coming days and weeks.“Victor Munoz, our new signing, joined us at AXA this week having been part of the Spain squad which won the FIFA World Cup last month, as did Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson Becker.“Alexis Mac Allister, the last of our World Cup players, will link up with us on Monday, also.”Mac Allister return ends waiting gameThat closes the loop on Liverpool’s delayed returns. Aside from injured players, Mac Allister was the only senior figure still outstanding. In practical terms, that gives Iraola what he has badly needed, a near-complete group before the final stretch of pre-season and before competitive football begins.Liverpool’s summer so far has involved a US tour, three friendlies, and plenty of minutes for a mixed group of senior players and academy prospects. That has value, but it is not ideal preparation for a coach trying to establish authority, shape and rhythm. A player like Mac Allister helps with all three. He is reliable in possession, tactically disciplined, and experienced enough to accelerate work around him.Andoni Iraola needs midfield clarityThe timing matters beyond simple availability. There has been background noise over Mac Allister’s future, largely because he is into the final two years of his Liverpool contract. That sort of situation invites speculation, and pre-season absences, even justified ones, tend to feed it.Photo: IMAGODominik Szoboszlai had already moved to shut down one small flare-up after his wording created confusion. He later clarified the situation bluntly, saying: “That’s my English, guys. It’s not ‘if’ – it’s ‘when’ he comes back,” Szoboszlai claimed. “So now I make it clear. He’s coming back, and he’s going to be part of the team as much as I know.”That should have ended the debate. Iraola’s update certainly does.Liverpool midfield boost before season startThe next question is condition, not commitment. Mac Allister will need to be assessed, reintegrated and built up properly after his extended summer. Liverpool will not want to force the issue. Even so, there is a realistic chance he features in the final pre-season game against Como, assuming he comes through the first days of training well.For Iraola, this is simple. Better players available means better preparation. Mac Allister finished last season strongly, then carried that level into the World Cup. If he returns sharp, Liverpool’s midfield immediately looks more coherent, more competitive and far easier to trust heading into the new campaign.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms up during practice at the team's NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher)2026-08-08T17:36:52Z HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby were suspended from team drills at practice Saturday following their fight the day before, giving rookie QB Fernando Mendoza his first opportunity in training camp to run the starting offense.“We have very clear expectations about how we want to practice, how you go about our business,” coach Klint Kubiak said in a statement. “We violated that yesterday, so we held those guys out. That’s all I’m going to say about it. We addressed it with the team and we’re moving on.”Cousins and Crosby had to be separated by teammates after the fight. The 37-year-old quarterback appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass, forcing an incompletion, and then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end, who is three inches taller and 42 pounds heavier.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

OXFORD — Ole Miss football great Archie Manning will be getting a statue outside the Manning Center.An Ole Miss spokesperson confirmed the news to the Clarion Ledger on Aug. 8, and said the school will have more information in the coming days.Manning, 77, is one of the most revered figures in the history of the Ole Miss program. He was the star quarterback for Ole Miss from 1968-70 under coach Johnny Vaught. Manning also played baseball at Ole Miss.Manning ended his Ole Miss career with 56 touchdowns, which was a school record, and 5,576 yards of total offense. He finished No. 3 in Heisman Trophy voting in 1970. He was a 1989 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame and was drafted No. 2 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1971 NFL Draft.Additionally, Manning is the father of NFL greats Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Eli played for Ole Miss from 2000-03 and was third in Heisman Trophy voting in 2003. Archie Manning now runs the Manning Passing Academy with his sons. Archie's grandson, Arch, is the quarterback for Texas and considered a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.The Manning patriarch has already been honored on the Ole Miss campus in other ways. Speed limit signs on campus are 18 miles per hour, which is a nod to Archie's number for the Rebels. Ole Miss football practices in the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center.Manning is the second Ole Miss football player to be honored with a statue. Chucky Mullins has a movable bust that is prominently featured on football game days in the Ole Miss tunnel. Mullins was paralyzed in a 1989 game and died in 1991 due to complications from the injury.Vaught, Coolidge Ball and Tim Elko are other Ole Miss athletic statues on campus.Vaught is Ole Miss' winningest football coach with 190 victories, and his statue was dedicated in 2008. Ball was the first Black athlete at Ole Miss, playing basketball from 1971-74. His statue was unveiled in 2021.Elko was a star player on the 2022 Ole Miss baseball team that won the College World Series. Elko's statue was unveiled in 2024.Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football legend Archie Manning will get statue on campus

Barcelona winger attracting interest from Bundesliga as summer exit loomsAs Barcelona gear up for the final stretch of the pre-season, Roony Bardghji will simply be a bystander, having been excluded from the team to play in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup.Hansi Flick has sent a clear message to the young Swede that he no longer has any future at Camp Nou and that his departure must be completed.As such, Bardghji will become one of many players set to leave the club this summer.Bardghji’s departure has been confirmedAccording to Florian Plettenberg, Bardghji is now on the verge of leaving Barcelona, with the plan having been in place for weeks.Bardghji has no future at Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)The report states that there are multiple enquiries for the winger, with talks ongoing, and that a resolution is edging closer. Bundesliga clubs, in particular, are keen on securing his services.Both the player and the club have long accepted that a move is the best solution, given how far down the pecking order he has slipped.The arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, added to a squad already boasting Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, have effectively ended any hope of regular minutes for Bardghji, who will leave in the final weeks of the window.Barcelona are keen to retain some control over the youngster’s future. The Catalans would prefer a permanent sale that includes a buy-back clause.This would allow them to bring him back should he fulfil his potential, rather than a straightforward loan, which is the player’s own preference.Bundesliga among potential destinationsBardghji’s exit will be finalised soon. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)As mentioned earlier, several Bundesliga clubs said to be keen on the forward’s services.Earlier in the summer, Borussia Dortmund were keen on the services of Bardghji, although it remains unlikely the club would want to pursue the Swede, having already roped in Konstantinos Karetsas.Beyond Germany, the Swede has attracted attention from across Europe. Ajax could enter the race should Mika Godts complete his expected move to PSG, while Porto, Brighton, Marseille and various Premier League clubs have all made enquiries.Barcelona, who signed him from Copenhagen for around €2.5 million last summer, value the winger at more than €15 million and are confident of securing a profitable deal. With just over three weeks left in the window, the Catalans will now look to accelerate his exit, one of several they hope to finalise before deadline day.

Mourinho to act as a ‘father figure’ to key Real Madrid superstar after fresh extensionReal Madrid put an end to Vinicius Jr.’s long-running transfer saga by extending his contract until 2032.The Brazilian has signed a lucrative contract that should seal his long-term future at Santiago Bernabeu and it is evident the club want to keep him happy.Vinicius has been an asset for Los Blancos over the years and Real Madrid are working hard to make sure the player feels at home, despite having made so many signings this summer.Jose Mourinho to act as a father figureAccording toEl Larguero, Jose Mourinho is set to take Vinicius under his wing and act as a father figure to the Brazilian going forward.Mourinho will back Vinicius at every turn. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)The report suggests Mourinho intends to be by Vinicius’ side at all times, aware that the winger is a good but highly emotional character whose temperament has occasionally led him into trouble. The Portuguese understands that, and believes his guidance can help the player channel his emotions more effectively.Having previously held out for a package worth close to €30 million, the Brazilian ultimately accepted a €24 million base salary, boosted by significant bonuses, effectively choosing glory over money by turning down Arsenal’s ambitious interest.Mourinho’s crucial role in the renewalThat father-figure relationship is no surprise given the part Mourinho reportedly played in getting the deal over the line.Vinicius expected to play a key role at Real Madrid next season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)The Portuguese was absolutely key to the renewal, directly intervening to ensure the player stayed. Mourinho is said to have called Vinicius multiple times during the holidays to sell him on his project and open his mind to accepting Real Madrid’s offer, with the pair also speaking regularly after training.The two now share a strong relationship despite the fallout from last season’s Champions League tie against Benfica, when Mourinho appeared to criticise the winger.With the renewal secured, Vinicius will now look to justify the faith placed in him and rediscover his best form.The immediate priority, however, will be improving his chemistry with Kylian Mbappe, which was surprisingly poor last season.

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has vascular dementia.The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Presented by former teammate Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and hugs from the many Hall of Famers on stage.Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis, saying his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career.“The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”Symptoms of vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: confusion; trouble finding the right words; difficulty paying attention; trouble organizing thoughts or actions; difficulty planning and following through with plans; slowed thinking; uncertainty about what to do next; and memory issues.“Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.“I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.”Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig become one of the most versatile players in league history.He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the 49ers win three of their five Super Bowls.In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.“When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since.“What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”Craig was selected from the seniors category and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

‘Like prime Modrić’ – Under-fire Real Madrid star hailed during friendly clashSupporters of La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have moved to lavish praise on a long-criticised member of the club’s midfield ranks on Saturday evening.This comes owing to his exploits in the club’s latest outing. Los Blancos are currently locked in action in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Amid ongoing preparations for the new campaign, the Spanish side have travelled for a pre-season clash with Ferencváros.José Mourinho picked an XI full of recognisable faces for the fixture, with the likes of Denzel Dumfries, Federico Valverde, Arda Güler and Endrick in from the off.It is another member of Real’s line-up, though, who has turned heads with the level of his performance in Budapest…After being singled out for widespread criticism for his latest friendly showing against Fiorentina last time out, Eduardo Camavinga has looked a completely different player to this point in proceedings on Saturday.Calm, composed and purposeful, the Frenchman has dominated the battle in the middle of the park, providing a timely reminder of his unquestionable talents.So much so that Real Madrid’s fanbase, so often so quick to take aim at Camavinga for his shortcomings, have moved to hail their side’s engine room dynamo:Conor Laird – GSFN

Confirmed: Barcelona starting lineup to face Nottingham Forest – Fermin, Raphinha inFC Barcelona landed in Italy today for pre-season triangular tournament featuring Udinese and Nottingham Forest.In their first game of the evening, the La Liga champions face off against the Premier League, with the starting lineup for the match now being announced.Adeyemi startsFor the second game in a row, summer signing Karim Adeyemi has been named in the starting lineup by manager Hansi Flick.The German international starts as part of the attacking unit that also features teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored twice against Birmingham City in the last friendly. Meanwhile, one of the captains, Raphinha, also starts, having successfully recovered fully from the injury he sustained during the World Cup with Brazil.Fermin Lopez, who has also recovered from his foot injury and trained normally for a week, also gets the nod to start in the No. 10 position.Marc Bernal and Brian Farinas feature in the double pivot, completing an all La Masia midfield unit.In defence, academy talents Xavi Espart and Jordi Pesquer take up the full-back positions while Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin slot in as the centre-backs. Wojciech Szczesny features in goal for the Catalans.

Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images WELCOME TO BLUENERGY STADIUM!!! The beautiful home of Udinese in Udine, Italy is the site of Barcelona’s next preseason assignment as the Catalans face off against the hosts as well as Nottingham Forest of the Premier League in the Friuli Venezia Giulia triangular tournamentBarça will play two 45-minute halves, one against each team. Barça’s first game starts at 9pm CET against Forest, with the second game against Udinese scheduled for 10pm CET. It’s a peculiar but fun format (more info here), and Hansi Flick will once again give minutes to La Masia youngsters and first team reserves. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!Editor’s note: this will be the single live thread for both games. We will start with coverage of Barça-Forest, then update the thread with the lineups and match info for the Barça-Udinese clash. Once the first game ends, you can simply stay here to follow and comment the second.LINEUPSBARCELONAStarting XI: Szczesny; Espart, Christensen, Martín, Pesquer; Fariñas, Bernal; Adeyemi, Fermín, Raphinha; Hamza (4-2-3-1)Substitutes: Yaakobishvili (GK), Rodríguez (GK), Fort, Cortés, Balde, Tommy, Guille, Goren, Toni, Tunkara, Bisiwu, KluivertNOTTINGHAM FORESTTBAMATCH INFOCompetition/Round: 2026 Friuli Venezia Giulia Triangular TournamentDate/Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Sunday)Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, ItalyHOW TO WATCHOn TV: TV3 (Spain), Unite8 Sports 1 (India), othersOnline: FC Barcelona/YouTube (Worldwide, requires subscription), Paramount+ (USA), Movistar+ (Spain), othersMatchday Thread RulesWe don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!

Former NFL player Roger Craig, center, unveils his bust with son, Roderick Craig, left, and Jamie Williams during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)2026-08-08T18:14:29Z CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has vascular dementia.The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Presented by former teammate Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and hugs from the many Hall of Famers on stage.Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis, saying his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career.“The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”Symptoms of vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: confusion; trouble finding the right words; difficulty paying attention; trouble organizing thoughts or actions; difficulty planning and following through with plans; slowed thinking; uncertainty about what to do next; and memory issues. “Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.“I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.” Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig become one of the most versatile players in league history. Read More He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the 49ers win three of their five Super Bowls. In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.“When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since.“What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”Craig was selected from the seniors category and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl ROB MAADDI Maaddi is senior NFL writer for The Associated Press. He’s covered the league for 24 years, including the first two decades as the Eagles beat writer. mailto

Here it is. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees arrived to the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony with all of the pomp and circumstance it deserved; a custom Mardi Gras-style parade float, dozens of former teammates, and a resplendent gold jacket placed on his shoulders by none other than Joe Montana, the greatest QB of all time. And on Saturday, before he delivered a passionate speech reflecting on his career, Brees unveiled the bronze bust in his image which will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.And he had an assist from his old Saints coach Sean Payton. It's a great likeness of Brees, including the signature birthmark on his right cheek (which surprised him so much he tried to brush it off). See for yourself:Drew Brees. Forever Immortalized.📺 @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLN pic.twitter.com/K7L0DTR8i5— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 8, 2026A champion. A leader in New Orleans. His legacy is forever. Introducing the Bronze Bust of @Saints legend, @drewbrees! pic.twitter.com/hdgiJtx2ie— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2026And then Brees went on to deliver one of the most compelling speeches we've heard at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in years, beginning with a reflection on his upbringing in Texas, his college career at Purdue, and his experience as a pro with the San Diego Chargers before his arrival to New Orleans. Stay tuned for the full video.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Drew Brees unveils his Hall of Fame bust with assist from Sean Payton

After finishing third in the first two motos of the 250 Pro Sport class of the Loretta Lynn's Amateur Nationals in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, Landon Gibson picked up the pace in the final race to win the moto and finish within one point of earning the championship.Gibson became the third winner in three motos in a class that often sends amateur riders onto SMX Next glory, and Gibson won with aplomb, leading all 13 laps of the race and finishing more than 15 seconds ahead of the field.Gibson had momentum from an Open Pro victory the day before and he surged from the gate with the early lead with the 250 Pro Sport Moto 2 winner, Carson Wood, in pursuit.Jordan Jarvis wins Loretta Lynn’s Women’s Moto 2, sets up winner-take-all scenarioJordan Jarvis led all nine laps of the second moto in the Women’s class and holds a one point advantage over Moto 1 winner Mayla Herrick.Dan Beaver,Wood kept Gibson in sight for the opening laps after fighting off a challenge by his teammate, Jesson Turner. Wood kept the gap under two seconds for a while, posted the fastest lap of the afternoon on Lap 4, until a bobble on Lap 7 caused him to lose contact.Moto 1 winner, Ryder Malinoski, had to overcome a slow start that placed him ninth on the opening lap. He moved into fifth on Lap 6 and found the final podium position on Lap 9 when he completed a pass on Max Shane.Youth is served: Landon Gibson beats Zach Osborne in Open Pro Moto 2Zach Osborne held the lead for seven laps before Landon Gibson completed the pass.Dan Beaver,Malinoski needed that position. With his late-race pass on Shane, he clung to a one-point advantage in the championship over Gibson. Wood finished third in class with results of fourth, first, and second.Shane held on to finish fourth in the moto and was fourth in class standings.Kade Johnson rounded out the top five in Moto 3 of the 250 Pro Sport category. With progressively better finishes of seventh, sixth, and fifth, Johnson was scored fifth overall.Carson Wood wins Loretta Lynn’s 250 Pro Sport Moto 2, moves into second overallCarson Wood finished fourth in Moto 1 and is in position to challenge for the overall victory. Two points separate him from Ryder Malinoski.Dan Beaver,

Barcelona consider La Liga star as Ronald Araújo replacementThe brass at Barcelona are considering a move for Athletic Club star Aymeric Laporte before the summer is out. This of course comes ahead of the imminent departure of Ronald Araújo from Catalunya’s capital.The situation at the heart of Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana backline has taken a sudden, unexpected shift over the course of the last 24 hours.After Premier League giants Liverpool touched base with their counterparts at the Camp Nou regarding a potential deal for the aforementioned Ronald Araújo, Deco and co. opened the door to a loan move.The Uruguayan, as a result, is widely expected to spend the duration of the upcoming season plying his trade at Anfield.Barcelona, all of a sudden, therefore look somewhat short on options in central defence. As things stand, Hansi Flick has Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, the oft-injured Andreas Christensen and academy graduate Álvaro Cortés at his disposal.Eric García and Jules Koundé are options, too, but both appear to have been converted to full-time full-backs.For this reason, it should come as little surprise to hear of the Blaugrana board kickstarting a fresh search for central defenders on the market. Not only that, but Deco and his team of directors are understood to have an early frontrunner in mind…As per a report from Barca insider Víctor Navarro:‘Barça are considering (Aymeric) Laporte as Araujo’s replacement. Deco is already studying the operation.’Laporte, currently on the books of Athletic Club, formed a brilliant partnership with none other than Pau Cubarsí en route to Spain clinching glory at this summer’s World Cup.Conor Laird – GSFN

Report: Newcastle Interested In Experienced Ligue 1 MidfielderNewcastle Eye Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as Bruno Guimaraes Exit LoomsNewcastle United appear to be planning for a significant midfield shift, with Foot Mercato reporting that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been placed on the club’s shortlist after the departure of Bruno Guimaraes.There is a certain logic to the move. Hojbjerg, now 31, offers something very specific, ballast, authority and a working knowledge of the Premier League’s rhythms. Newcastle are not, if this report is accurate, searching for a like-for-like replacement in style. They are identifying a player who could impose order in a midfield that may soon lose its primary organiser in possession.Bruno Guimaraes Departure Shapes Newcastle Transfer PlanThe report states that Ross Wilson is directly overseeing Newcastle’s interest, a detail that lends the pursuit some seriousness. It also suggests the club are have been prepared for Bruno Guimaraes’ move to Arsenal. Guimaraes has often served as both hinge and heartbeat, dictating tempo while carrying Newcastle through pressure.Photo IMAGOHojbjerg would bring a different type of influence. His game has long been built on clarity rather than decoration, positioning rather than improvisation. Newcastle may value that dependability, particularly if they want an experienced midfielder capable of making an immediate impact rather than requiring a season of adaptation.Marseille Finances Could Open Door for Hojbjerg TransferMarseille’s position appears central to the possibility of a deal. Foot Mercato suggests the French club are under pressure to raise funds and lower their wage bill before the transfer window closes. In those circumstances, even established senior players can become available. Hojbjerg, who only arrived last summer and quickly established himself at the Velodrome, is understood to be among those Marseille would allow to leave for the right price.That context matters. Newcastle would be dealing with a selling club motivated less by sporting preference than by financial necessity, a situation that can often accelerate talks and sharpen value.Premier League Experience Appeals to ClubFor Newcastle, the attraction is easy to understand. Hojbjerg knows the division, understands its physical demands and carries the sort of leadership that becomes especially valuable during moments of squad transition.This feels, then, like a practical piece of thinking. Hojbjerg may not reproduce everything Newcastle would lose, few midfielders could, but he might help the team remain structurally sound while a new balance is formed.Our ViewFrom a Newcastle perspective, this report lands with a thud. Replacing your best midfielder with an older, steadier option feels like management of decline rather than ambition. Hojbjerg is a solid professional and no one could question his character, but that is not the point. Newcastle need players who can lift the level, not merely maintain it.There is frustration here because the club have spent years trying to build towards the elite end of the table. Bruno represents that standard. He gives Newcastle personality in possession, bite without the ball and a sense that the team can dictate matches against anyone. Hojbjerg offers experience, yes, but this would look more like a compromise than a statement.Supporters would understand a reset if it came with a bold plan. What they fear is something more cautious, selling a difference-maker and buying a patch. Newcastle have worked too hard to become relevant again to start sounding like a club content with sensible stopgaps. If this deal happens after Bruno leaves, many fans will see it as a worrying sign of where the project is heading.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Gage Jump #61 of the Athletics prepares to pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Sutter Health Park on August 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Athletics have lost nine straight after getting blown out 13-1 by the Boston Red Sox in last night’s series opener. At 45-71, the A’s are tied for the worst record in the league. It wasn’t long ago that the team was sitting at .500, highlighting just how swift and extreme this collapse has been. This afternoon, the A’s will look to stop the bleeding and avoid dropping their 10th in a row. Left-hander Gage Jump will get the start for the Green and Gold. The 23-year-old enters his 14th start of the season with a 4-7 record, a 4.59 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 73 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings pitched. The club’s top pitching prospect got off to a strong start, showcasing his tantalizing stuff during a dominant stretch to begin his major league career. However, Jump has struggled recently, perhaps running into a rookie wall as opposing teams have figured out how to attack the southpaw. In Jump’s last outing against the Detroit Tigers, he took the loss after allowing six runs on four hits and six walks over just 3 2/3 innings. The start before that, he dominated these Red Sox hitters in Sacramento, striking out seven over six scoreless innings. If the Athletics want to win a baseball game, they will need Jump to replicate that performance at Fenway Park, although the Red Sox will have a better idea of what to expect from the left-hander. A quality start would go a long way, especially after right-hander Jack Perkins’ short and poor start yesterday forced the team to ask more out of its struggling bullpen.Speaking of the bullpen, the A’s shook things up down there.We have made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com/f9XfyGszqh— Athletics (@Athletics) August 8, 2026Hayden Juenger returns to Triple-A after allowing four runs on five hits in the fourth inning of the series opener. Fellow right-handed reliever Yunior Tur takes his spot in the bullpen, looking to make the most of his second chance in the big leagues. It can only go up from here for Tur, who allowed 14 runs in his first two major league appearances a couple of weeks ago. Here’s the Athletics’ lineup for this contest:Jump on the mound 👊 pic.twitter.com/CYTpf0zjbS— Athletics (@Athletics) August 8, 2026The Athletics will need more offense today, as keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard will be a tall task for the pitching staff. For the third consecutive day, both of the team’s catchers are in the lineup, with Brian Serven taking over behind the plate. Center fielder Henry Bolte’s speed and shortstop Jacob Wilson’s contact ability give the A’s a dynamic duo atop the lineup, but they have to actually get on base to make an impact. Meanwhile, will Lawrence Butler and Max Muncy continue being automatic outs, or will the two hitters finally make a positive impact for the team?For the second straight day, A’s hitters will face a talented, young Red Sox left-hander whose stellar performance has been a significant factor in the team’s success. Jake Bennett enters his 13th start of the season with a 7-4 record, a 2.90 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings pitched. Bennett opposed Jump when these two teams squared off at the A’s home ballpark. In that game, the lone A’s win of the four-game series, the Red Sox left-hander took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. This afternoon, Bennett will look to replicate the performance of his teammate Payton Tolle, who struck out 14 over six innings last night, while the A’s will look to beat him once again. And Boston’s starting nine:UPDATED: Jones DHRafaela CFDurbin 3BContreras 1BMonasterio SSWhite RFSogard 2BDuran LFWong CBennett P— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 8, 2026It is time to put an end to this misery and halt the Red Sox’s dream run. Let’s go A’s!Follow the Game:Watch:Athletics – NBCSCANational – FS1Listen:Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office in Cali, Colombia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)2026-08-08T18:28:32Z CALI, Colombia (AP) — A car bomb exploded Saturday in southwestern Colombia, the army said, a day after conservative political neophyte Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s new president.The army alleged the attack was carried out by two dissident groups of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The groups did not accept the peace agreement that FARC signed a decade ago with the Colombian government.The explosion took place at a toll plaza on the Pan-American Highway, the main road in the country’s southwest. The army said two security guards suffered minor injuries in the attack. One of the guards told authorities that the explosion was caused by a vehicle that had been abandoned by an individual who fled on a motorcycle. The attack took place on the road connecting the departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca, whose capital, Cali, hosted Friday’s swearing-in ceremony for de la Espriella. During his inaugural speech, he outlined his security policy and warned illegal groups that “they have two paths: submit to the rule of law or confront the security forces.” The army on Saturday said on social media that soldiers were securing the area and using trained dogs to search for other explosive devices.Minister of Transportation Elsa Noguera condemned the attack and said work was underway to restore traffic in the area.“Colombia will not kneel before violence, nor will it allow the destruction of the infrastructure that connects our regions,” she wrote on social media. Dozens of prisoners sent to maximum security prisonsAlso on Saturday, de la Espriella announced the transfer of 117 prisoners linked to the previous administration’s peace talks to eight maximum-security prisons. The measure, according to the country’s corrections agency, aims to “regain permanent control of the prisons” and “contain any capacity of criminal organizations” to coordinate illicit activities from within prisons. De la Espriella has rejected the dialogue with armed groups promoted by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. Read More With no prior political experience, the 48-year-old de la Espriella, a lawyer and businessperson, narrowly defeated Iván Cepeda, a progressive senator and Petro ally, in a June runoff election in a polarized political climate. His term begins with a robust opposition led by Petro, who refused to acknowledge his victory and insisted on alleged fraud despite the official declaration from the electoral authority and the positive assessment from international observers.___Molina reported from Quito, Ecuador.

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office in Cali, Colombia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)2026-08-08T18:19:15Z NEW YORK (AP) — Two drivers of Mercedes AMG cars have filed a class action lawsuit against the luxury car company, claiming that the AMG logo on their driver’s seat gets so hot that it literally brands them and causes burns.Gabriel Lahijani and Karendeep “Karina” Bath allege the front seats of certain Mercedes AMG vehicles have a design defect where the raised metallic AMG logo is “reasonably expected to contact an occupant’s upper back, neck, or shoulder,” according to the court document filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court of California’s Western division.The plaintiffs want Mercedes to compensate them for any medical expenses, as well as any pain, suffering and emotional distress they can prove at trial. They also want Mercedes to pay for other owners to have the logo removed from their cars.Mercedes-Benz couldn’t be reached immediately for comment. Lahigani, a Los Angeles resident, had leased a new 2026 Mercedes-AMG E-Class vehicle from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership in Los Angeles, according to the suit. He reported receiving second-degree burns on his back on May 31, after entering his vehicle wearing a tank top. A board-certified dermatologist subsequently documented first- and second-degree burns, describing the injury as “AMG inscribed.”Roughly six weeks later, Bath, a Chatsworth, California resident, received similar burns allegedly from the logo design while wearing a sleeveless top. After parking her Mercedes-AMG vehicle in Los Angeles, Bath returned to the vehicle and entered the driver’s seat, the suit said. Her shoulder immediately touched the logo, causing a burning sensation. In the following days, a mark in the shape of the AMG logo “darkened and became visible on her skin, consistent with a thermal contact burn,” the lawsuit said. In December, Mercedes-Benz USA and parent company Daimer AG agreed to pay $149.6 million to settle allegations that the automaker secretly installed devices in hundreds of thousands of vehicles to pass emission tests, according to an announcement by a coalition of attorneys general. Read More According to the coalition, between 2008 and 2016 the German automaker equipped more than 211,000 diesel passenger cars and vans with software devices that optimized emission controls during tests but reduced the controls during normal operations. ANNE D’INNOCENZIO D’Innocenzio writes about retail, trends, the consumer economy and hourly workers for The Associated Press. twitter mailto

Martinsville High School released a statement Saturday that a football player who was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital on Friday night after being injured during a scrimmage is resting comfortably at home.The player was injured during Martinsville’s annual Red-Blue intrasquad game on Friday night and transported for medical attention under the care of the IU Health Lifeline team.The school is not identifying the player.Posts by MSDMartinsvilleThe statement from the Martinsville School District: “Thank you to the Martinsville High School leadership team, staff and coaches, MSD of Martinsville Police, City of Martinsville Police, Morgan County Emergency Management, Martinsville Fire Department, Morgan County 911 Center, and Martinsville High School student-athletes for their quick and appropriate response to this incident. The professionalism, preparedness, and immediate action of all individuals involved are appreciated.“The District staff and students’ thoughts and support remain with the student-athlete and their family, and the continued backing from the Martinsville community is appreciated. After communication with the family on August 8, 2026, it was shared that the student-athlete is home resting comfortably.”Martinsville coach Brian Dugger said the player is at home and “doing well.”“Scary moment but handled well by first class people,” Dugger said.Martinsville has a scrimmage at Greenwood on Friday, then will open Week 1 on Aug. 21 at Bedford North Lawrence.Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Martinsville football player airlifted after injury at scrimmage 'resting comfortably'

Martinsville High School released a statement Saturday that a football player who was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital on Friday night after being injured during a scrimmage is resting comfortably at home.The player was injured during Martinsville’s annual Red-Blue intrasquad game on Friday night and transported for medical attention under the care of the IU Health Lifeline team.The school is not identifying the player.Posts by MSDMartinsvilleThe statement from the Martinsville School District: “Thank you to the Martinsville High School leadership team, staff and coaches, MSD of Martinsville Police, City of Martinsville Police, Morgan County Emergency Management, Martinsville Fire Department, Morgan County 911 Center, and Martinsville High School student-athletes for their quick and appropriate response to this incident. The professionalism, preparedness, and immediate action of all individuals involved are appreciated.“The District staff and students’ thoughts and support remain with the student-athlete and their family, and the continued backing from the Martinsville community is appreciated. After communication with the family on August 8, 2026, it was shared that the student-athlete is home resting comfortably.”Martinsville coach Brian Dugger said the player is at home and “doing well.”“Scary moment but handled well by first class people,” Dugger said.Martinsville has a scrimmage at Greenwood on Friday, then will open Week 1 on Aug. 21 at Bedford North Lawrence.Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Martinsville football player airlifted after injury at scrimmage 'resting comfortably'

Manchester United Have Set Their Sights On This Fulham Midfielder: What Will He Add To Carrick’s Team?In a recent report, Fichajes revealed that Manchester United have set their sights on Fulham midfielder Sander Berge. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils have identified the Norwegian midfielder as a target for this transfer window.Berge’s Impressive Form In English FootballBerge enjoyed a good run of form at the London club in the previous campaign when he put in a string of impressive displays for them in the middle of the park. The Norway international played in 35 league matches for Fulham last season but failed to score or create a goal for them.The 28-year-old is currently among the most talented central midfielders in the Premier League. Thus, he would be a welcome addition to Man United’s squad this summer.His current contract at Craven Cottage will expire in the summer of 2029, so the Red Devils would have to make a convincing offer if they want to recruit him later this year.EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 05: Sander Berge #8 of Norway celebrates after the 2-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)What Will Berge Add To Manchester United Boss Michael Carrick’s Team?Berge loves a tackle and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and is a good passer as well from midfield.The Norway international can use his strong 1.95m frame to dominate the opposition in the air. Berge mainly serves as a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder if asked to do so by his manager. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at the Mancunian club.Berge would bring more bite and steel to Man United boss Michael Carrick’s midfield department. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular first-team spot at Old Trafford in the coming seasons.At 28, Berge has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Red Devils to pursue this off-season. He will also help Man United fight across all fronts over the next couple of years. All in all, Carrick should focus on getting Berge on board before the end of this month.

ORLANDO — UCF football is less than a month away from opening its season at Acrisure Bounce House against Bethune-Cookman.Certain positions on the Knights’ depth chart already seem to be filled in, while others are still up for grabs during the dog days of summer.Depth charts usually remain fluid throughout the season, but the team UCF rolls out against the Wildcats on Week 1 will be telling. Practice makes perfect for the Knights in that regard.UCF held its latest practice on Aug. 8 at the outdoor fields adjacent to the Bounce House. The entire 2½-hour session was held in front of media members and others listed as "shareholders."Here are three takeaways from the Knights’ open practice.Cole Kozlowski primed for returnLinebacker Cole Kozlowski thought his collegiate career was over after finishing with a team runner-up 82 tackles a season ago.That’s because it was — until the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted an injunction on July 31 that allowed him, and other athletes in his situation, an extra year of eligibility. The rumor mill swirled of a potential return for Kozlowski, which would boost the Knights’ front seven, considering linebacker Lewis Carter, UCF’s leading tackler in 2025, is back again.Rumors picked up when Kozlowski appeared at Thursday’s practice in street clothes, indicating his interest in returning to his alma mater. A Kozlowski return is closer to fact than hearsay after Saturday’s practice.Kozlowski entered the practice fields with a helmet and cleats, an upgrade from the tennis shoes and leisure wear he donned Thursday. However, he still wasn’t wearing pads or a jersey and hasn’t officially been added to the roster.While his potential future teammates ran formal drills and plays against one another, Kozlowski practiced independently with associate director of sports performance Andrew Strop on quiet parts of the field.So yes, all signs point to a forthcoming reunion between Kozlowski and UCF.First look at Alonza Barnett IIIThe Knights’ entire quarterback room is different than a season ago. None of UCF’s five quarterbacks returned and were replaced by three transfers — Alonza Barnett III, Kaleb Annett and Keyone Jenkins — and two freshmen — Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr.Barnett was the Knights’ major transfer portal splash after the redshirt senior arrived in Orlando after leading James Madison to a College Football Playoff berth in 2025. After brief peeks at previous practices, Barnett’s capabilities were revealed in practice Saturday.Barnett looked crisp throwing the route tree to his running backs and receivers early in the morning, and that continued during one-on-one reps between UCF’s wide receivers and defensive backs. It faded a bit running full-speed reps against the Knights’ defense. Barnett completed his fair share of passes, but he also missed a couple of open, long touchdown passes and threw an interception to defensive back Caleb Flagg.But only the interceptions that occur during the season count, and Week 1 against Bethune-Cookman will begin to form the bigger picture once he has more time to gel with his teammates and learn the playbook. After all, his resumé speaks for itself.Rest of the quarterback roomWhile Barnett has the QB1 role all but squared away, the forecast for backup quarterback is a little clearer after Saturday’s open practice.Boise State transfer Kaleb Annett took second-team reps all morning. Annett tossed probably the highlight of the session during one-on-ones with a contested back-shoulder completion to true freshman wide receiver Tyren Hornes.Annett spent two seasons with the Broncos without seeing any action after being placed as their third-string QB in 2025 and redshirting his freshman season in 2024.Freshman Rocco Marriott appears to be the third-string quarterback after taking third-team reps, followed by Florida International transfer Keyone Jenkins and true freshman signal caller Dante Carr.Jenkins went 164 for 263 for 1,742 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions with FIU last season.This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Cole Kozlowski return? 3 observations from UCF football practice

Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have become 1A and 1B at running back for the Los Angeles Rams. They helped lead the league’s most efficient rushing attack last season, combining for 1,998 yards on the ground with 19 total touchdowns combined.Corum has eaten into Williams’ workload a bit but even as they compete for snaps, there’s no disdain between them. They’re complementary pieces on the field and brothers off it.Corum opened up about how special his bond with Williams is, calling him his “brother.”“That's my brother, man,” Corum said. “Like I was just saying, as a running back group in general, we've grown every year that I've been here. But I feel like Kyren and I, that's truly my brother. I can go to him and ask him anything. Whether it be on the field, off the field, he knows he can call me for whatever situation and I'll show up for him. When I [say] brotherhood, I really have love for him. I don't show anyone my daughter, but I like showing him, 'Hey, look at my daughter right here.' You can tell he enjoys it and it means a lot to me. I have a lot of love for Kyren. I've learned a lot from him in my years here. We're only going to continue to grow and be true brothers.”Williams is a perfect role model for younger running backs, modeling the way perfectly at the position. He puts in the work, trains hard and shows great leadership every day.Corum is equally dedicated to his craft, working extremely hard in the offseason to improve his footwork, balance and quickness. Williams sets the tone and Corum has done an excellent job following his lead.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Blake Corum on special bond with Kyren Williams: 'Truly my brother'

Actor Geno Segers will no longer be the next star in the Broadway production of Hadestown after videos of him making transphobic comments resurfaced last week. The producers confirmed in a statement that they have “mutually agreed” to part ways with Segers only days after announcing his role as Hades. While the statement did not give an explanation, the announcement came after the OnStage Blog spotlighted since-deleted videos Segers posted to YouTube over the past few years. Related Seth Moulton apologizes for his infamous 2024 comments about how Dems should abandon trans athletes In one video, Segers claims accepting trans people is a slippery slope to accepting people who identify as animals. “I’m not against anyone living out their lives the way they want,” he said, “but I am against their rights superseding the rights of other people.” He also claimed, “I don’t see transgender people becoming oppressed or being oppressed.” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today “Hello, my name is Geno Segers, and for my self-tape I’ll be comparing trans people asking for equal rights to people pretending to be dogs for discounted airfare. Then smarmily say I don’t believe trans people are oppressed in this country. Thank you for your consideration.” pic.twitter.com/JhDIVVPjOr— OnStage Blog (@OnstageBlog) July 29, 2026 On July 30, Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt of OnStage Blog shared another clip in which Segers mocked the idea of someone asking his pronouns. “If I’m not doing something that gives you the idea that I might not be what I present, then that makes sense to me,” Segers said. “But if you ask me what my preferred pronouns are and it’s not obvious to you that I’m a he/him… Surely I mean you don’t need any help. I’m not wearing a dress. I’m just saying I’m not doing anything that would say my preferred pronouns could be under question.” In response, Peterson said it’s not a surprise to hear someone make comments like that these days, but it’s shocking “that it was coming from someone who is seeking employment in an industry chock-full of trans and nonbinary people.” On Monday, Segers posted an apology to social media. “While I never intended to inflict harm, I recognize that the impact of my statements is what matters most,” he wrote. “I am fully committed to listening, educating myself, and elevating my standards. I will work tirelessly to earn the opportunity to make things right.” He also apologized to the Hadestown team “for the stress my actions have brought to this production.” “I accept full responsibility for my words,” he added, “and acknowledge the necessity of immediate accountability.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Geno Segers (@genosegers) OnStage blasted his apology as “not enough,” saying it “refuses to name the people harmed or the conduct that caused the harm.” An apology that refuses to name the people harmed or the conduct that caused the harm is not full accountability. pic.twitter.com/AZfYD77Yrc— OnStage Blog (@OnstageBlog) August 4, 2026 Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A federal agent wears an Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge in New York, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)2026-08-08T19:17:33Z WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took issue Saturday with reporting by The Associated Press on a policy to publicly release body-worn camera footage only when the agency determines it is in its “best interests.”David J. Venturella said ICE policy “clarifies that it’s not appropriate to release footage when doing so could compromise investigations or privacy. This approach mirrors other federal law enforcement agencies’ policies and is fully consistent with the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.”ICE policy calls for the release of footage in the immediate aftermath of a serious injury or death in custody, ideally within 72 hours, if in the “best interests of the agency.” It was adopted in February 2025, after President Donald Trump took office.“If there are specific and compelling circumstances justifying an objection to public release that cannot be resolved by redaction or other means, when determined by the ICE Director or his or her designee, ICE may withhold or indefinitely delay the release,” the policy states. Venturella said in a statement that ICE was “committed to transparency and accountability” and was “on track to equip every officer and agent in the field with body-worn cameras by the end of August.” He said the AP conflated “the expedited release of footage following a serious bodily injury or death in custody with ICE’s broader authority to release body-worn camera footage.” The AP quoted Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University in Canada, who said that selective releases are routine in some law enforcement agencies but usually not so clearly contemplated in policy. “In some ways, ICE is saying the quiet part out loud,” he said. The AP said policies vary among other law enforcement agencies and cited examples of major police departments that routinely release footage. Read More The story noted that ICE’s sister agency, Customs and Border Protection, has not released footage of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in January. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott told lawmakers that it was part of an investigation and would be made public “when it’s appropriate.” ICE has been under heightened scrutiny since the fatal shooting in July of a 25-year-old motorist in Maine by an ICE officer with a history of violent behavior. Days earlier, another ICE officer shot and killed a Houston homebuilder driving to work. Neither shooting was recorded with body cameras.

Penn State is in full swing with football activities, as training camp is underway and there’s less than a month until the regular season begins. While mostly everyone has their eyes on the team’s 12-game schedule, the coaching staff still has to multitask and continue recruiting.With Beaver Stadium ready to host more than 100,000 fans, it will also welcome numerous high school athletes throughout the season. One of them will be four-star edge rusher George Parkinson IV, who named the Nittany Lions as one of the top-6 schools he’s considering. Ryan Snyder of On3 Sports reported on Thursday that the blue-chip pass rusher will be visiting the school on Sept. 26.That date will mark the fourth Penn State game of the season, and the beginning of their Big Ten schedule, as they take on the Wisconsin Badgers. It may seem surprising that a recruit this important isn’t attending the team’s White Out game, but he’s attended a couple of them in the past.The Class of 2028 has a chance to be a special one for Penn State. They already have two four-star players who’ve committed to the team and they are finalists for some others. The Nittany Lions also landed one of the top kickers in the class in Carter Petri, who rounds out the class, making it the fourth-best in the nation according to 247Sports.Parkinson IV is a consensus four-star recruit and is considered to be one of the best edge rushers in his class. He would be the perfect candidate to carry on Penn State’s legacy of dominant pass rushers.FollowNittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State sets official visit date for blue-chip 2028 edge rusher

It seems like Penn State makes a good impression on just about every high school athlete they come in contact with. Multiple recruits have spoken to reporters after their visits to the school and talked about how well the program is run or how Beaver Stadium and the surrounding area is.Ryan Snyder of On3 Sports recently spoke to four-star tight end Quinn Weber, and while the discussion didn’t take place after a visit, he still spoke highly of the Nittany Lions. “Penn State has been one of my top schools since they offered, and it will most definitely stay that way,” said Weber.Penn State is making an early move for one of New Jersey's top 2028 tight ends. 👀Quinn Weber discusses his growing relationship with Taylor Mouser, why the Nittany Lions have emerged as an early favorite and when he'll return this fall. Link ➡️ https://t.co/IGBKOxfWfYpic.twitter.com/dd1nAbjcj1— Ryan Snyder (@RyanSnyderOn3) August 5, 2026The Blue and White have been pursuing the promising pass catcher for a few months now and seem to be making a strong impression. He already visited the campus once back in June and has another one scheduled for Sept. 26 when the Nittany Lions take on Wisconsin.This appears to be another game that the team will use as a strong pitch to recruits, as Weber will be joining fellow Class of 2028 prospect George Parkinson IV that day. With the legendary White Out game expected to be played just a couple weeks later, it is shaping up to be an important period Penn State.FollowNittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State a strong contender for 4-star 2028 tight end

When Caleb Bacon came to Happy Valley, many thought that he would be one of the leaders of the new look linebacking corps. While Tony Rojas was returning, Matt Campbell got insurance from the portal in the form of Bacon, Kooper Ebel, and Cael Brezina. However, during the start of fall camp, Campbell has made an interesting adjustment that could help clarify two specific defensive position groups. In new DC D'anton Lynn's 4-2-5 setup, Caleb Bacon has started out as an edge during fall camp reps.While this could be temporary, it could make sense in the long run for the Nittany Lions. As there is no third linebacker spot in their new look base defense, Bacon may have no other choice but to take snaps at an edge position. It's not like he is unfamiliar with the positional change, as in a 3-3-5 system, as he took snaps in both the slot and off the edge. Now though, there could be a sense of permanence as both Tony Rojas and Kooper Ebel establish themselves as the two off-ball linebackers in the system.For Campbell, his thinking on the switch didn't stem from necessity, but from Bacon's versatility. “As we got through spring, we kind of felt like we’d be missing the boat not to add his multiplicity. He’s a great edge player. He certainly has the ability to slide back and play MIKE or WILL linebacker at times… We felt like we gave him so many reps in the spring at linebacker we’d be missing the boat not to start him off in fall camp on the edge", Campbell said of Bacon.What with questions surrounding the return of backup LB Alex Tatsch and defensive lineman Ikenna Ezeogu also moving to edge, there are still some things that the Nittany Lions have to figure out. But with Bacon having the ability to adapt, chances are they can become very versatile on the defensive side of the ball.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Caleb Bacon makes key positional change during fall camp

While it does not seem as if Penn State will be truly focused on settling many positional battles in fall camp, one has become truly intriguing and could determine the outlook of their season offensively. At left tackle, there are three candidates who have little to no experience, but according to the coaching staff, have the elite traits to immediately step in and help. One of those players is redshirt freshman Malachi Goodman. While Goodman hasn't yet taken a snap for the Nittany Lions, Matt Campbell has spoken very highly of his talents.“Impressive moving around, impressive human being,” Matt Campbell said of Goodman in his first press conference of fall camp. “One of the best humans I have met since being here, and yet falls under the same mode as some of those really talented young guys. I think we all can get caught up in the flash and the sizzle, but can you do it every day?” That hasn't guaranteed Goodman's status as the frontrunner however, with fellow competitors Owen Aliciene and Garrett Sexton hot on his tails with slightly more experiences. Still, if the competition comes down to raw traits and most importantly, long term potential, then Goodman has the best chance of winning the job. The fact of the matter is that Penn State's new look offensive line has a lot of questions. Center Brock Riker is coming off of a phenomenal freshman season at Texas State, but can he take the leap in a more competitive conference? Can Cooper Cousins at right guard blossom into one of the Big Ten's best offensive tackles? And can Anthony Donkoh be the leader Matt Campbell believes he can to anchor and mentor this young group? With all these different pieces, who knows what Penn State's O-line could be? Still, because of them, Malachi Goodman has a unique opportunity to take any advantage he gets to gain Matt Campbell's trust and most importantly, earn that starting role. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Matt Campbell expects more from freshman O-lineman Malachi Goodman

The quarterback position may have been the biggest question mark for Penn State heading into the 2026 season, but the team views it as a positive. Head coach Matt Campbell is supremely confident in the group, namely Rocco Becht and Alex Manske, and he showed that during the team’s media day.The new Penn State coach was asked about Manske’s play following his return to action and he couldn’t refrain from raving about the redshirt freshman. Campbell told reporters that Manske has “all these elite traits. You just saw it, this guy is really special.”These comments came when the former Iowa State coach was discussing his quarterback’s versatility, citing his basketball and golf skills as examples. From everything Campbell said about Manske, it sounds like he’ll get a shot to lead the Nittany Lions in the coming years.Becht is in his final year of eligibility, so the team has done a lot of digging to find quarterbacks in future recruiting classes to fall back on in case none of the in-house options pan out. It may just be a way of building up a young signal caller, but it sounds like Campbell would be comfortable with Manske starting Week One if need be.When discussing his play on the field, the first-year Penn State coach told reporters, “he’s got elite arm talent. He certainly is an elite athlete… he’s got the ability to play quarterback.”Sure, it would likely be a bigger story if Campbell didn’t rave about one of his quarterbacks, but this is elite praise that just doesn’t get thrust onto run-on-the-mill players. There is no realistic path for Manske to get on the field this year barring an injury to Becht, but the sky is the limit for his future. He seems to be a player to keep an eye on for the rest of the summer and early next spring as a potential breakout candidate.FollowNittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Matt Campbell has ‘elite’ praise for Penn State QB

New York Jets' David Bailey speaks to the media during an NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)2026-08-08T16:30:19Z FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey injured an ankle in practice Saturday, but coach Aaron Glenn said the No. 2 overall draft pick should be OK.Bailey, who’s off to an impressive start to training camp, was rushing the passer during 11-on-11 team drills when he went down. He got up slowly and walked with a slight limp as he gingerly headed to the sideline.The former Texas Tech star was looked at by trainers and jogged a few times, not appearing to be affected much by the injury. He later walked to the locker room with his teammates after practice ended.“He got up after the ankle,” Glenn said. “He’ll be fine.”Glenn didn’t want to speculate on whether Bailey might be sidelined a few days. The Jets have Sunday and Monday off from practice, so that would give Bailey some time to rest before the team begins joint sessions with Tampa Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday. “Yeah, I would say he’s day to day, but let me make sure because he got up and I think he jogged off,” Glenn said. “So I would think he’d be that.”Bailey was the highest-selected defensive player taken in the NFL draft in Jets history. After transferring to Texas Tech, he had 14 1/2 sacks last season — his combined total in three seasons at Stanford — with 52 tackles, 19 1/2 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, all on strip sacks. He has flashed often during training camp, with multiple plays that would be sacks — there’s no contact on quarterbacks — throughout the summer.“There’s certainly plays where you’re like, ‘That’s what we thought it was going to be,’” defensive coordinator Brian Duker said Friday. “It’s good to see it. We expected that from him.” Payne sidelined a few weeks with injuryRookie safety VJ Payne, a seventh-round draft pick, will be sidelined about three to four weeks with what Glenn said is a “pretty good bone bruise.” Payne, a former standout at Kansas State, is competing for a backup safety role behind Minkah Fitzpatrick, Andre Cisco, Dane Belton and Malachi Moore. It wasn’t clear exactly where Payne was bruised, but the timeline mentioned by Glenn would suggest he could miss the entire preseason.“A player that was playing really well for us,” Glenn said of Payne. “He’s really building a role for himself, but he’ll be fine.”Glenn said edge rusher Kingsley Jonathan bruised a thigh during practice, but should be OK.___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

Former NFL player Drew Brees, left, unveils his bust with Sean Payton during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)2026-08-08T19:39:50Z CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Drew Brees stood on stage next to his bronze bust, in front of Who Dat Nation, and took his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Getting benched three times in the NFL helped him get there.“Marty Schottenheimer, one of the greatest coaches and motivators to ever coach this game and who belongs here in Canton,” Brees said Saturday. “Marty was my biggest fan. He would tell me all the time, even as he benched me three times and made me fight for my job every year with two greats, Doug Flutie and Philip Rivers.“The first two times I got benched, I deserved it. The third time, I still don’t think I deserved it, Coach. But nonetheless, it lit more than a fire. It forced me to access a place in my mind and heart that I had not yet been. The adversity was not expected, but very necessary. I would never have reached the heights I did without it. I knew I needed to play better, but more importantly, I knew he believed I would play better.” Brees eventually left the San Diego Chargers and joined the New Orleans Saints, where he won a Super Bowl playing for coach Sean Payton and became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, to the delight of fans who filled the Superdome with chants of “Who dat?”Payton took time off from coaching Denver to introduce Brees on stage. Brees got emotional thanking Payton.“You always had a plan and vision for every player you coached,” Brees said. “I’m not sure if this is how you envisioned my journey or how big a role you would play in it, but I love you for it.”Brees has the second-most yards passing (80,358) and touchdown passes (571) in league history, behind only Tom Brady. He was a first-ballot selection and joined a class that includes Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig.“I often ask myself how in the world did I play 20 years in the NFL,” Brees said. “Yes, it was for the love of the game. Yes, it was a relentless attempt to master my craft. Yes, it was the grind and challenge of preparation and the thrill of game day. But you want to know what it really was: for the love of my teammates. I would wake up every day with a burning desire to commit, sacrifice and command in a way that would give them everything they deserved.” Read More Larry FitzgeraldFitzgerald was the first player to have his bronze bust revealed on stage Saturday at Tom Benson Stadium.The 11-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who played his entire 17-year career for the Cardinals, was introduced by the oldest of his three sons, Devin.He finished his speech with a message to his boys that’s applicable to everyone. “Don’t just pursue excellence for yourself,” Fitzgerald said. “Help other people pursue it, too. That’s the part of this story that matters the most. Not the likes. Not the fame. But the people you travel with. The values you uphold. In the end, it’s not just about the excellence. It’s about the people who help get you there.”Being drafted No. 3 overall in 2004 by Cardinals coach Dennis Green reunited Fitzgerald with the man who was Minnesota’s coach when he was a ball boy for the Vikings.“When coach Green hired me as a ball boy, I grew up watching legends being built right in front of me,” Fitzgerald said. “Hall of Fame players like John Randle, Chris Doleman, Randall McDaniel and Warren Moon, who taught me what it means to demand more of yourself than anyone else ever would. Plus, they saw me.” Fitzgerald thanked Hall of Fame receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss for their influence on his career during his time working for the Vikings as a kid. He singled out former Cardinals teammates Emmitt Smith and Kurt Warner for showing him how to be a professional.“Kurt, when you demanded that I elevate my preparation, consistency and accountability, you dragged me to the winner’s circle,” Fitzgerald said. “The timing couldn’t have been better for an impressionable kid, and I continue to aspire to be the kind of man you are.”Fitzgerald is second on the NFL’s career list in receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492). His 121 touchdown catches are sixth. Adam VinatieriVinatieri became only the third full-time placekicker to be inducted into the Hall, joining Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen.He may have a new career in comedy.Vinatieri drew plenty of laughs and cheers with jokes about Bill Belichick, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.“And Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter,” Vinatieri cracked. “A gigantic forehead means big brain and your football IQ is unmatched.”Manning nodded his head with a smile from his seat among the Hall of Famers.Vinatieri retired with NFL records of 2,673 career points and 599 field goals. Only George Blanda (26) and Andersen (25) had longer NFL careers than Vinatieri’s 24 seasons.“When people hear the word greatness, they usually think about the biggest names on the biggest stages,” Vinatieri said. “But greatness isn’t created under bright lights. Greatness is built on empty practice fields when it’s below zero. Greatness is sacrificing temporary fun for meaningful outcomes. Greatness is turning doubt into belief. Preparation matters. Character matters.“And to all the doubters, thank you. Your criticism became fuel. Your doubt became motivation. You helped make me better.”Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon introduced Vinatieri, who won his fourth Super Bowl with Indianapolis after earning three championship rings in New England. Luke KuechlyAt 35, Kuechly became the second-youngest player inducted into the Hall. Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers was 34 when he was inducted in 1977.Introduced by his father, Tom, Kuechly was inducted on the same field where he led St. Xavier High School to a state championship in 2007.Known for his intense study habits, Kuechly was a five-time All-Pro linebacker, the 2012 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2013 AP Defensive Player of the Year during his eight-year career with the Carolina Panthers. Kuechly decided to retire in part to preserve his brain health after suffering several concussions.“This game teaches you a lot if you’re willing to observe and listen,” Kuechly said. “It’s taught me resilience, consistency, toughness, the value of communication, how to find common ground, and most importantly how to enjoy it along the way cause often times the best moments are the ones you are in.”Roger CraigCraig, who revealed in a video speech that he has vascular dementia, became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. Only Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey have done it since.“You spend your whole life trying to prove you belong and one day you’re told you’re one of the all-time greats. Man, it’s overwhelming,” Craig said.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL ROB MAADDI Maaddi is senior NFL writer for The Associated Press. He’s covered the league for 24 years, including the first two decades as the Eagles beat writer. mailto 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Former New York Yankees Mariano Rivera is introduced during the Yankees Old-Timers' Day ceremony before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)2026-08-08T19:25:21Z NEW YORK (AP) — Mariano Rivera was back on the field at the Yankees’ annual Old-Timer’s Day on Saturday after tearing an Achilles tendon playing the outfield at the event last year.With former teammate Jorge Posada catching him, Rivera threw 11 pitches to four batters. The 56-year-old faced Mickey Rivers, Johnny Damon, Nick Swisher and Shane Spencer in the exhibition game, which returned last season for the first time since 2019.“They’re still moving,” Rivera said about his pitches on the YES Network broadcast. “That’s good and the reaction is good.”Rivera, who hit an inside-the-park homer in his 2019 appearance, also took an at-bat against Mike Stanton and jogged to first when he flew out to center field.Rivera was introduced last, just as Joe DiMaggio used to be. To the strains of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” the Hall of Fame closer doffed his cap and waved to the fans. Rivera, baseball’s career leader in saves, underwent surgery after getting hurt playing center field last year. During an at-bat by Willie Randolph, Rivera took a step and fell to the ground in shallow center field behind second base.“It was tough, but I still have to do it,” Rivera said. “We continue going and moving better. I’m here. I’m good enough to be here.” Rivera tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in May 2012 while shagging fly balls in batting practice in Kansas City. He returned for his final season in 2013 and finished with 652 saves in the regular season and 42 in the postseason, including 11 in the World Series.He was a setup man for John Wetteland in 1996 and took over the closer’s role the following year, helping the Yankees win three straight titles from 1998 to 2000 and another title in 2009. Read More The Yankees were outscored 12-1 in the first two games against the Braves at Yankee Stadium in 1996 before winning three straight in Atlanta and taking the series at home in Game 6.“We never gave up,” Rivera said about the 1996 team. “We were a team that never gave up literally. As a matter of fact in the World Series, we were down 2-0 going into Atlanta with those big monsters on the mound and we were able to overcome that and seal the deal here in New York. It sounds easy, but it wasn’t easy.” Rivera also threw the last pitch of New York’s most recent World Series title against the Phillies in Game 6. Since then, New York’s lone World Series was a five-game loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.The ceremony featured 11 players from New York’s 1996 World Series title team, including Bernie Williams, Posada, and Paul O’Neill along with manager Joe Torre. Derek Jeter did not attend for the second straight year after appearing in 2023 and 2024, when the format was a question and answer session with WFAN broadcaster Suzyn Waldman.There were four first-time attendees, including David Weathers, whose son Ryan is 5-7 with a 3.79 ERA in 22 starts in his first season with the Yankees. Also in attendance for the first time were current YES Network broadcasters Dellin Betances, Todd Frazier and Adam Ottavino.“For your kid to be a part of it is way better than when I played,” David Weathers said.The event began with a tribute to longtime radio announcer John Sterling, who died in May. The widows of five-time manager Billy Martin, captain Thurman Munson and Bobby Murcer were also introduced as part of an event that began in 1947 when Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth first appeared. Tommy John not in attendance, posts message about health on social mediaTommy John, who won 91 games in two separate stints for the Yankees, did not attend and shared a vague message about his health.In a lengthy social media post that did not detail an exact health issue, the 83-year-old John wrote that he wanted to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends and fans who followed him throughout his 26-year career.John was 288-231 with a 3.34 ERA in 760 appearances. Besides eight seasons with the Yankees, John pitched for the White Sox, Dodgers, Angels, Guardians and Athletics.He also underwent elbow ligament replacement surgery in 1974 that was named after him and has been performed on numerous pitchers. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

When your life is already changing exponentially, and you’re taking on a brand new adventure, why not add one more task to your already very full plate?At least, that was Elisabeth Edelman’s thinking when she purchased her 1950s Cape Cod home. “I had just sold my PR firm, had a baby on my own, and was setting out to write a novel and get published,” Elisabeth shares. READ MORE...

It can be easy for me to get swept up by the wonder and whimsy of a thrift store. There’s so much stuff to dig through and so many unique items that can be tempting to bring home, especially when the thrift store has just restocked. I used to struggle with decision fatigue in the store and often left feeling guilty — sometimes I’d feel guilty for not buying something or I’d feel guilty for buying it.I love to thrift, so I knew something needed to shift. READ MORE...

Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his case for a place in India’s playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 142 on the second day of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo.While Padikkal made the most of improved batting conditions, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel missed their chances to spend time at the crease. At stumps, India were 357 for six in 90 overs, six runs behind Sri Lanka XI’s first-innings total.Padikkal’s 142 came off 121 balls and included 18 boundaries. His century also strengthened his case to replace Sai Sudharsan at number 3, who has been ruled out of the Test series after failing to recover from a big-toe injury.India began the day with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling for a duck off the second ball. He attempted to flash at left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando, who finished with 1/42.KL Rahul and Padikkal then added 96 for the second wicket. Rahul scored 40 while Padikkal settled in before taking on the bowling. He used his cover drive and cuts against the pace bowlers, while anything short was pulled. He also brought out his trademark 'Nataraja Shot' against the pacers.Padikkal reached his century in 121 balls with a pull off off-spinner Ramesh Mendis before retiring. He had added 72 runs for the third wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 63 before retiring out.Jadeja also put together a 76-run stand with Manav Suthar, who scored 41. Suthar was playing on his first overseas international assignment.Pant had a short stay, scoring two before being dismissed by Mendis. He tried to hit the off-spinner against the turn over long-on, but the resulting leading edge was caught at long-off.Jurel scored one and was also dismissed by Mendis. He attempted a forward defensive shot, but the inside edge went towards short square leg, where the fielder completed the catch at the second attempt.Padikkal returned late in the innings and added four more boundaries while batting alongside Saransh Jain, who retired out on 22.For India, Padikkal’s 142 and Jadeja’s 63 were the main contributions on a day when most other batters around them fell cheaply.

Linebacker David Bailey gave the Jets a scare at Sautrday's practice, but it was only a momentary one. The first-round pick limped off after hurting his ankle during drills and remained on the sideline for the rest of the session. Head coach Aaron Glenn said at a press conference that Bailey's injury is a minor one. “He got up after the ankle,” Glenn said. “He’ll be fine.”The Jets have joint practices with the Buccaneers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Glenn did not say whether Bailey will take part in those sessions during the press conference and left his status as day-to-day. Safety VJ Payne won't be on the field for that work. Glenn said the seventh-round pick will miss three or four weeks with a bone bruise.