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WASHINGTON—Defending the introductory barnyard sounds as typical for any commander-in-chief, White House officials confirmed Wednesday that it was customary for U.S. presidents to start a press conference with the word ‘moo.’ “Of course the left-wing press is going to attempt to spin this as some sort of insult or mental outburst, but countless presidents since America’s founding have begun taking questions by pointing at a heavyset reporter and making a deep, bellowing cow noise,” said White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, asserting that several archival recordings of John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton feature those presidents making animal sounds before they launch into their prepared remarks. “It’s just another unfair double standard against Trump, criticizing him for mooing like every leader before him. George W. Bush did a whole series of barks and woofs before addressing the nation in the wake of 9/11, but of course liberals won’t acknowledge that precedent.” Wiles went on to state that countless modern politicians also end their public appearances by crab-walking away from the podium. The post White House Confirms It Customary For President To Start Press Conference With ‘Moo’ appeared first on The Onion.

NEW YORK—Calling the current rate of theatrical releases starring the actress “unsustainable,” top analysts warned Wednesday that the U.S. economy was becoming overly dependent on Anne Hathaway. “Between Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, The End Of Oak Street, and the upcoming Verity, not to mention the whole other slate of projects she has in preproduction, we estimate that Anne Hathaway films currently account for a staggering 63% of all U.S. exports,” said Jason Nadu, head of leading-lady analytics at Bloomberg, who urged industry leaders to begin diversifying into other mid-career actresses immediately to prevent the nation from collapsing into an economic depression. “While it’s great we’re experiencing a boom, we need to prepare for the eventual bust. We cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend a Devil Wears Prada 3 or Interstellar 2 is coming. Like it or not, Anne Hathaway will not be around forever. And then what?” Nadu went on to add that the remaining 37% of U.S. exports were Robert Pattinson and Zendaya films. The post Analysts Warn U.S. Economy Becoming Overly Dependent On Anne Hathaway appeared first on The Onion.

WASHINGTON—Touting the new vessel as an investment that could discreetly transport the nation’s chief executive for years to come, President Donald Trump unveiled Tuesday a new 250-foot gilded catering container for presidential travel. “This custom, state-of-the-art service container is covered in beautiful 24-karat gold and outfitted with the latest security and antimissile technology,” Trump said as he showed off the luxury catering truck, which reportedly cost U.S. taxpayers $900 million. “This will allow me to covertly avoid threats while still being wheeled around in comfort and style. We’ve got a full movie theater, three bedrooms, and a putting green, and all of it is disguised as this beautiful container. This is genuine Italian marble in these columns, too, which is really tremendous. Plus, nobody will know I’m in here because my head will be concealed under a cloche.” Trump added that the catering container was much nicer than the presidential drink trolley he had been gifted by Qatar. The post Trump Unveils New 250-Foot Gilded Catering Container For Presidential Travel appeared first on The Onion.

One could argue running back is the most important position in fantasy football. Each season, the elite backs go off the board early and, in many cases, the key to success is identifying the rushers late in your draft who can pop and return big value. Our Yahoo analysts take a look at the running back position and share their breakout candidate for 2026. Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL seasonChris Rodriguez Jr., JaguarsApologies to the “Rootin’ for Tuten” fan club, but I’ve had a hard time dismissing Chris Rodriguez Jr. as a potential breakout for 2026. But before you point to head coach Liam Coen turning Travis Etienne Jr. into a bellcow as a positive for Bhayshul Tuten, there are two things to point out. First, Tuten was the guy sidelined in that transformation into an RB1. Second, Coen ran a split backfield in Tampa Bay with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. Plus, Rodriguez’s signing with Jacksonville isn’t random. He played for Coen when the two were at the University of Kentucky. And Coen has likely noticed the same things we’ve seen in Rodriguez. He’s maintained above-average metrics in rushing success rate (49.5%) and yards after contact per attempt (3.88) on early downs. He’s been similarly productive in short-yardage and red-zone situations, ranking second and 10th in his ability to generate positive plays when Washington has been in scoring position. I’m not expecting him to play every down. LeQuint Allen Jr., when healthy, has that job. However, Rodriguez profiles as an early-down/goal-line option that can far exceed his draft cost within the Jaguars’ ecosystem. — Chris AllenKeaton Mitchell, ChargersThe Chargers rested their starters in Preseason Week 1, including Mitchell. He was one of the players new OC Mike McDaniel printed out a WANTED poster for this offseason, presumably because he’s an ideal scheme fit in the rookie-season De’Von Achane role. Mitchell is the RB1 in rush yards over expected (+47%), RB1 in EPA per carry (+0.12) and RB2 in YPC (6.3) among RBs with 100+ carries since 2023, and McDaniel’s rushing offenses in Miami were the most efficient on RB runs, especially after accounting for Tua Tagovailoa’s lack of rushing threat. If the Chargers reach their upside, which would require LT Rashawn Slater eventually practicing again, then Mitchell has a chance to be a half-PPR flex play even if Omarion Hampton is the lead back. If Hampton goes down, Mitchell’s projected 10-15 touches on elite efficiency would be quite valuable. I’ve moved Mitchell up to RB36. — Hayden WinksSubscribe to Fantasy Ultra to unlock our Strategy Lab, 150+ page Draft Playbook and more!Jonah Coleman, BroncosAn RB3 as a breakout seems far-fetched until you break it down. First off, the two RBs in front of Jonah Coleman: J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. Dobbins is an established leader and should lead the team in carries, however, he is a very known injury risk with countless cases, three being extreme leg injuries. Harvey has only one season under his belt where he looked good in the passing game and underwhelming on the ground, while also coming back from injury after an offseason shoulder surgery. Coleman himself was seen as the third-best RB in the 2026 NFL Draft, is quickly gaining the trust of Sean Payton and can be used in both the ground and receiving game. And the best part: Denver’s offense. Coleman doesn’t need 70% of the RB touches at any point when he has the best offensive line in the NFL and an offense that has historically given RBs tremendous passing volume. It won’t be in Week 1, but I won’t be shocked in the slightest if Coleman finds his way into fantasy lineups by the end of the season. — Joel SmythJacory Croskey-Merritt, CommandersCount me in on the post-hype season hitting for the big beautiful Bill. In fact, he’s going later in drafts this year than he was last! There are an infinite number of underlying metrics we use to make cases for specific players but Croskey-Merritt’s is one of my favorites of this draft cycle. Josh Conerly, the Commanders' starting second-year tackle, noted the team plans to lean into outside and wide zone run concepts more often this season. It was a small sample, but Washington actually was best in the NFL in outside zone last year at 6.1 yards per carry. And who led the league in yards per carry on those concepts? You guessed it, Croskey-Merritt at 7.6 yards a pop. Of course, he has to battle Rachaad White. But as we have seen, White is not a very efficient runner and likely would cede duties to Bill in scoring positions. Plus, the second-year back has drawn positive reviews for his pass catching by beat writers this offseason. — Josh NorrisCam Skattebo, GiantsSkattebo’s rookie season came to an abrupt end when he suffered a fractured leg, dislocated ankle and ruptured deltoid ligament in October. At the time, fantasy managers were right to question whether he would be back to 100% for the start of the 2026 campaign. Fortunately, those concerns have been put to rest with Skattebo not only participating in training camp, but suiting up for the Giants’ first preseason game — and looking good in the process. The depth chart behind him still needs to be sorted out between Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and newly-signed Najee Harris (who’s returning from an Achilles tear last season). However, Skattebo is the unquestioned lead back. Prior to getting hurt, he suited up for eight games and, in his final six healthy appearances, he averaged the seventh-most fantasy points per contest among running backs in half-PPR scoring (17.4 fppg). The fourth-round pick also earned 22 touches per outing in his last four starts. If Skattebo can avoid the trainer’s table, the 24-year-old has a clear path to being a fantasy RB2 with an outside shot to turn into a top-12 fantasy starter. — Justin BooneJonathon Brooks, PanthersDave Canales has reiterated his commitment to the running game from the moment he was hired by the Carolina Panthers all the way through last season. In the first eight weeks of 2025, Carolina led all teams by a healthy margin with 205 running back touches. They finished the season 12th. While this team will evolve as a passing unit this coming season with a more diverse usage for the top-two receivers and, hopefully, a step from the quarterback, they won’t abandon the run. Frankly, either approach works for Brooks, who could compete to be the lead back in Carolina now that he’s healthy. That is even more possible with Chuba Hubbard banged up entering the season. Brooks was a dynamic pass-catcher and mover in space as a prospect and should be able to live in a Panthers run game that will operate from 11-personnel and more spread-based looks this season. Obviously, Brooks is a complete mystery box player because we’ve only seen him touch the ball 12 times as a pro. Yet, he’s healthy right now and offers upside as a mid-round back. — Matt HarmonBlake Corum, RamsI’m a little sheepish putting Blake Corum down here, because if he has a breakout season, something bad probably happened to Kyren Williams. We don’t wish injury on anyone. But I can’t unsee the fine work Corum did last year (5.1 YPC and the fifth-best PFF rushing grade), and we have to consider that he’s already in Sean McVay’s Circle of Trust. Corum averaged 10.8 carries per week over the final 11 games last year, producing at a pace that would lead to 911 rushing yards and 7.7 touchdowns in a full season. He’s also never fumbled in the NFL, another way running backs build that trust. No, you won’t get a lot of receiving stats from Corum. But you can probably draft Corum at his floor this summer, and you can still dream about him going to the moon. — Scott PianowskiLevel up with Yahoo Fantasy UltraWant more breakout candidates for all 32 teams? Sign up for Fantasy Ultra and unlock over 150 pages of advice with our Draft Playbook, including ...Top targets and players to avoid from Justin Boone (the top in-season ranker of 2025) , Matt Harmon, Josh Norris, Joel Smyth, Scott Pianowski and Hayden WinksIn-depth positional advice and strategies for every draft pick range32 sleeper and 32 breakout candidatesCheat sheetsHalf and PPR rankingsHalf and PPR positional tiersMore than 125 player profilesAn Ultra subscription also comes with access to several top-notch tools like Yahoo's Draft Strategy Lab to mock draft like a champ with tons of features, including filtering by each analyst's rankings or a draft strategy style (like zero RB).If you're looking to up your game this season, consider Fantasy Ultra.

Barcelona new signing Rodri’s shirt number for 2026/27 season confirmedBarcelona have officially confirmed the shirt number Rodri will wear during the 2026/27 season, with the club’s new summer signing taking over the No. 16 jersey.The shirts bearing that number are already available for sale at the club store.The Spanish midfielder arrived at Barça with a clear message about what he hopes to achieve in his new chapter.“Let’s go for the Champions League and everything that comes our way,” he had said upon arriving in the city.Notably, the No. 16 shirt is familiar territory for the 30-year-old, who has worn the number at different stages of his career with Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and the Spanish national team.However, Rodri’s arrival creates a change for another important Barcelona player.Fermin Lopez has left the No. 16 shirt behindThe No. 16 shirt previously belonged to Fermin Lopez.The La Masia midfielder was still wearing the number when Barcelona faced FC Basel last week, but following Ferran Torres’ exit, he has been handed the vacant No. 7 shirt.And, Rodri has taken his preferred No. 16 kit at his new club.The decision is notable because Barcelona’s squad numbers are expected to undergo several changes ahead of the new season. With new arrivals coming into the group and players potentially changing roles or leaving, the numbering situation remains fluid.For Rodri, though, the matter is now settled.Barcelona’s No. 16 (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)The experienced midfielder will begin his Barcelona career wearing a number that has followed him through several important stages of his career. Cancelo could also trigger another changeAs reported before, another shirt number to watch is the No. 2.The number is currently available, and it could become relevant once Barcelona complete a deal to bring Joao Cancelo back to the club.The Portuguese full-back previously wore the No. 2 shirt during his earlier spell with the Blaugrana, making it the natural choice should he return.Once the transfer goes through, another familiar number could find a new owner.

Barcelona new signing set to be the team’s second highest earner behind Lamine Yamal – reportYesterday, Barcelona made the arrival of Rodri from Manchester City official, thereby completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer and also putting an end to the suspense around one of the world’s worst-kept secrets.The player arrived in Catalonia, completed his medical examination and even put pen to paper to officially sign for the club. Later in the day, he even gave a detailed interview where he explained that he was ready to start immediately.True to his word, Rodri attended training earlier today and is looking to possibly make a ceremonial debut in tonight’s clash against Al Ahly, although the chances still remain slim.A fitting salaryAs confirmed in a recent report byEl Pais, Rodri is now one of Barcelona’s highest-paid players, surpassing even the captains of the club on the payroll.One of the best in the business. (Photo courtesy: X/Ballondor)As matters stand, he will be the second-highest paid player in the first-team, only surpassed by the young phenom Lamine Yamal who is currently the club’s poster boy.Rumours floating around earlier in the summer placed his annual wages at around €15 million net (€30 million gross pre-tax). For a player who has won the Ballon d’Or, the player of the tournament at the FIFA World Cup and the World Cup itself as a captain, there cannot be many arguments.An undeniable element of riskIf Rodri remains fit and can keep up even close to the quality he showed at the World Cup, there is no doubt that he will be a generational signing for Barcelona despite his age.A top signing for Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)The player’s style of play perfectly suits the club, and it is difficult to see a scenario in which he does not gel into the dynamics.For Barcelona, however, there is an undeniable element of risk involved in the transfer, and it all boils down to the player’s fragile fitness. While it has not been the case throughout his career, the past two seasons have been very complicated for the Spaniard.Between the transfer fees paid to Manchester City and the salary they are set to pay him, Barcelona have made a significant economic investment to sign the Spain captain. Keeping him fit for the big games, needless to say, will be their priority.

Kane on winning 2026 Golden Shoe: "I want to thank FC Bayern"Having been awarded with the 2026 Golden Shoe as European club football's top scorer, Harry Kane was extremely happy with his achievements."I want to thank FC Bayern, the staff, the coaches, and my teammates – without them, I wouldn't be standing here. A lot of work goes into an award like this."I try to help the team in the best way possible. Last season was outstanding, and I'm very proud. It was the best season of my career so far.“I feel very comfortable at FC Bayern and with the team. We're always aiming for big things, and we want to do that again this season,” he said at the award ceremony.After discussing the high-scoring nature of German football, the English marksman went to to discuss his style and how he contributes to Vincent Kompany's team.“I feel very comfortable in all positions; the older you get, the more parts of the pitch you learn. Last year this understanding was even better; the coach allows me to drop back to build up play, but then to push forward again. “The coach expects a lot from everyone, with and without the ball; the team is very special, and I love winning a tackle just as much as scoring a goal,” he added.

The New Orleans Saints have reportedly suffered another injury blow to their offense. Two days after the news surfaced that rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson will be out for about two months with the right hamstring injury he suffered last week during training camp, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara is expected to be sidelined for at least the next month with a sprained MCL.This story is being updated.

A health worker sprays a colleague with disinfectant after taking part in a burial service for 3-year-old Mave Mercienne, who died of Ebola, in Bunia, Ituri province, eastern Congo, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Dieudonne Dirole)2026-08-19T15:04:24Z ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — An Ebola outbreak in Congo has surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases, making it one of the largest outbreaks of the deadly disease ever recorded.The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare type of Ebola that has no approved vaccine or treatment. Congo’s Ministry of Health had recorded 5,021 cases, including 2,378 deaths, as of Sunday.The outbreak is already the worst ever caused by the Bundibugyo virus and the deadliest Ebola outbreak in Congo’s history. The World Health Organization has warned that it could eventually surpass the devastating 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, which killed more than 11,000 people.Here’s what to know about Ebola and the outbreak:How Ebola spreads Ebola is a rare but often deadly disease caused by a group of viruses that are believed to originate in animals.People can become infected through contact with infected animals, and the virus can then spread between people through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of someone who is sick with or has died from Ebola. It can also spread through objects contaminated with those fluids. Unlike respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola isn’t generally spread through the air.People infected with Ebola don’t spread the virus before developing symptoms, according to WHO. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after infection. They often begin with fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and sore throat, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients develop internal or external bleeding.Ebola can be difficult to distinguish from other infectious diseases without laboratory testing, because many of its early symptoms are similar to those of illnesses such as malaria and typhoid. Read More Outbreak linked to rare virusThe outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of several viruses that can cause Ebola disease.It’s much rarer than the Zaire virus, which has caused many of Congo’s previous Ebola outbreaks and the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa.Bundibugyo virus was first identified during an outbreak in western Uganda in 2007. That outbreak killed 37 people. The only other known outbreak occurred in Congo in 2012.Both were far smaller than the current epidemic.The vaccines and antibody treatments developed for the more common Ebola virus aren’t approved for the Bundibugyo virus. Clinical trials are underway, but patients currently rely largely on supportive care, such as fluids and treatment of symptoms and complications. Where the outbreak startedThe first detected patient developed symptoms in late April and died in Bunia, the capital of Congo’s northeastern Ituri province, an area plagued by insecurity, displacement and intense population movements.Health officials were alerted in early May to a cluster of unexplained illnesses around Mongbwalu, a busy gold-mining area near Bunia. Laboratory tests later identified Bundibugyo virus, and Congo declared the outbreak on May 15. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. But officials believe the virus may have been spreading months before the outbreak was declared.Most cases have been reported in Ituri, but the virus has spread beyond the province as infected people have traveled to other areas.The outbreak also crossed into neighboring Uganda, which has since stopped transmission, according to WHO. A confirmed case was also reported in France in June in a doctor returning from Congo, who later recovered and was discharged from the hospital. Nearly half of confirmed patients have diedEbola is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, but the proportion of patients who die can vary widely between outbreaks and depending on how quickly people receive care.WHO says fatality rates in previous Ebola outbreaks have ranged from about 25% to 90%.Nearly half of the people confirmed to have Ebola in Congo’s current outbreak have died. The situation also varies across the six affected provinces. While the case fatality rate is so far 47.4%, it’s far worse in some places where response efforts are more challenging, such as in North Kivu province where the fatality rate is 70%. Second-largest Ebola outbreak on recordThe current outbreak is already the largest known outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus by a wide margin.It also has surpassed Congo’s 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak, which infected nearly 3,500 people and killed more than 2,200.But the largest Ebola epidemic on record remains the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa. More than 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths were recorded, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.That outbreak was caused by Ebola virus, not Bundibugyo virus.The current outbreak has accumulated cases much more quickly from the time the first known patient became sick. WHO officials have warned that, if transmission continues, it could eventually surpass the West Africa outbreak.Stopping Ebola depends on breaking transmission chainsEbola outbreaks have repeatedly been brought under control, including in Congo, which has decades of experience responding to the disease.The basic strategy is to find infected people quickly, isolate and treat them, identify and monitor people they have been in contact with, and prevent further infections in health facilities and during burials. But contact tracing has been especially difficult, with 60% to 70% of new cases detected among people who weren’t already being monitored, meaning infected people can spread the virus before health workers know to follow them.WHO has said the risk of further spread within Congo and internationally remains high.The agency declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in May, its highest level of global health alert under international health regulations.That designation doesn’t mean Ebola is spreading globally like COVID-19 did. Instead, it signals that the outbreak poses a serious international health risk requiring a coordinated response.WHO has advised against broad travel or trade restrictions, saying they can disrupt supply chains and make it harder to move health workers, medical supplies and other resources needed to fight the outbreak.___Mogomotsi Magome reported from Johannesburg, and Mark Banchereau from Dakar, Senegal. Saleh Mwanamilongo contributed to this report from Bonn, Germany. MOGOMOTSI MAGOME Magome is an Associated Press reporter based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He covers a range of topics including general news, politics, and enterprise stories from across the Southern Africa region. mailto MARK BANCHEREAU Banchereau covers 22 countries across West and Central Africa for The Associated Press. He is based in Dakar, Senegal. twitter mailto

This photo made with a long exposure and released by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) on Nov. 10, 2025, shows four lasers at ESO's Paranal Observatory, each one launched from one of the four eight-meter telescopes on site in Taltal, Chile. (A. Berdeu/European Southern Observatory via AP)2026-08-19T15:00:33Z NEW YORK (AP) — A telescope has spied the fastest known star in our galaxy, racing around the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.The star is zipping around the black hole, reaching speeds of about 15,534 miles per second (25,000 kilometers per second). That’s 100,000 times faster than a commercial plane.“That star is really, extremely fast,” said astronomer Stefan Gillessen with the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics.The newly discovered star also orbits the black hole at closer range than scientists have ever seen before, taking just 8.7 years to complete a revolution. It harnesses the black hole’s gravity to fly faster without falling in.Gillessen and colleagues uncovered the star in data collected by the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Their findings were published Wednesday in the journal Nature. There are several hundred stars that closely orbit this giant black hole and are sensitive to its gravity. Scientists have mapped the orbits of around 50 of them. The new star is 10 times closer than the previous record holder, meaning that it also feels the effects of the black hole’s rotation. There are supermassive black holes lurking in the center of almost every large galaxy. But nothing can escape them — not even light — so it’s notoriously difficult for scientists to figure out what’s going on inside. Studying stars like this one could help scientists measure those mysterious properties, including how fast the supermassive black hole spins. Advanced telescopes are helping to pinpoint fainter stars that previously eluded detection, so there could be even speedier ones waiting to be found. Read More “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said astronomer Tuan Do with the University of California, Los Angeles, who had no role in the study. “As we get fainter, there should be many more stars like this.”___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN Ramakrishnan is a science reporter for The Associated Press, based in New York. She covers research and new developments related to space, early human history and more. twitter mailto

Baltimore Ravens guard Daniel Faalele (77) takes to the field before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file)2026-08-19T13:53:31Z NEW YORK (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars are acquiring guard Daniel Faalele from the New York Giants for an undisclosed late-round 2027 draft pick, according to a person with knowledge of the trade.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal had not been finalized. Newsday was first to report the agreement.Jacksonville gets much-needed help on the offensive line, where it has been dealing with a rash of injuries.Right guard Patrick Mekari recently had back surgery to alleviate a lingering issue and could start the season on short-term injured reserve, and starting right tackle Cole Van Lanen (knee) is on the physically unable to perform list. Backups Chuma Edoga, Walker Little and rookie Emmanuel Pregnon also have missed time recently in training camp, although Pregnon has since returned to practice. Faalele had been taking second-team snaps at Giants training camp but lost his best chance at a starting role when the team selected Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa with the 10th pick and planned to make him a guard.Faalele, 26, started all 17 games for now-Giants coach John Harbaugh with Baltimore each of the past two seasons. He played in 71 NFL games, all with the Ravens, since debuting in 2022, and was one of several players who followed Harbaugh to New York.___AP Pro Football Writer Mark Long in Jacksonville, Florida, contributed to this report.___See AP’s full NFL coverage here STEPHEN WHYNO Whyno has covered the NHL, international hockey, NFL and horse racing for The Associated Press since 2016. twitter facebook

Mardrid's head coach Jose Mourinho shouts, during a pre-season soccer match between FC Schalke 04 and Real Madrid in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Aug. 16, 2026. (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP)2026-08-19T11:45:46Z MADRID (AP) — José Mourinho is confident Real Madrid will be fine without Rodri despite admitting the club made “a very good offer” to try to sign the Spain captain.Rodri officially signed with Madrid rival Barcelona after a transfer from Manchester City on Tuesday.Mourinho, back with Madrid for a second stint, said he spoke twice with Rodri as Madrid considered adding the World Cup’s best player to its squad, but felt the midfielder didn’t seem certain about his future.“The club contacted him but he had some doubts,” Mourinho said in an interview to TV show ”El Chiringuito” late Tuesday. “What I think happened is that his doubts have created doubts for me. He’s an extraordinary player and was very correct with us. But I think Real Madrid is of such a stature that it can’t have players who think twice about being with the club.” Just hours before Rodri’s signing was made official by Barcelona on Tuesday, Mourinho was officially presented by Madrid in an unusual ceremony closed to the media and fans. Mourinho, who was hired in June and took over in July at the start of the preseason, downplayed the importance of Rodri to Madrid.“I don’t need Rodri. We have solutions, quality players,” Mourinho said, adding that he didn’t think Barcelona got the best of Madrid by signing the midfielder. “Victories are won on the field, they are won with titles.” After a second consecutive season without a major title, the club has bought players such as Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomande.Mourinho said the club does not intend to make new signings. Read More “I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is still open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed (for Madrid), yes, it’s closed,” he said.Madrid opens in La Liga on Saturday at Espanyol.___See AP’s full soccer coverage here TALES AZZONI Azzoni is a sports reporter based in Madrid in charge of Spain and Portugal for The Associated Press. He has covered multiple World Cups and Olympic Games for the AP, as well as other major sporting events worldwide. twitter mailto

Government bond yields fell and stocks jumped on a move by the Treasury Department to double the amount of debt that it can buy back from investors.

The request from a Democratic lawmaker follows a decision by the Trump-allied board to add “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump” to the building.

BUFFALO, NY—Audibly groaning before declaring the event “a major letdown” compared to competitions in previous years, local baseball fan Dylan St. John reportedly switched off Wednesday’s Little League World Series game between Canada and Asia-Pacific due to neither team having a big fat kid playing for them. “What the fuck is up with all these goddamn string beans? What happened to all the huge, chunky kids?” said a visibly irate St. John, telling reporters that he had been looking forward to the Little League World Series as the only remaining sporting event where fans could watch 250-pound 12-year-olds compete at an elite level. “What’s the point of watching this thing if there aren’t any tweens the size of a D1 linebacker with a nickname like ‘Meatball’ or ‘Tortuga’ or something? If I wanted to see a bunch of normal-sized kids play baseball, I’d go to my local park, but this is the Little League World Series—I’m here to see some massively overweight kids just fucking launch balls into orbit. Seriously, some of these kids look like they’re barely pushing 100 pounds. What a waste of time.” At press time, St. John had turned the game back on after his buddy texted him that Canada had just put in a 260-pound catcher the announcers referred to as ‘Wrecking Ball.’” The post Little League World Series Game Turned Off Due To Neither Team Having Big Fat Kid appeared first on The Onion.

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A sign marks an entrance to a Moderna building in Cambridge, Mass., May 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes, File)prnto2026-08-19T15:41:55Z Moderna shares more than doubled Wednesday after it announced initial results from a study of an experimental cancer treatment that would be the first of its kind if approved by regulators. Moderna and Merck are developing a treatment using an mRNA-based cancer vaccine called intismeran that is designed to be tailored to individual patients based on unique mutations within their tumors. In current studies, they are pairing it with Keytruda, a immunotherapy drug made by Merck. The study compared using intismeran and Keytruda together on melanoma patients against using Keytruda alone. The companies said patients who received the combination lived longer without cancer returning or metastasizing than patients who got Keytruda alone. The companies did not say how long patients survived without cancer returning or whether patients lived longer overall. They said they plan to present the study results at an upcoming international medical meeting. Moderna shares rose more than 120% to $140.12 a share. Merck shares rose about 11%.

Medical staff with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and South Sudan Red Cross, move a wounded patient to an ambulance in Akobo, South Sudan, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Joseph Falzetta, File)2026-08-19T15:28:32Z JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — At least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed in South Sudan since January, surpassing the 31 killed in all of 2025, as violence persists in the country that’s one of the most dangerous for aid workers, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator there said Wednesday.“These are not just statistics,” Ramanathan Balakrishnan said in a statement marking World Humanitarian Day, adding: “Every killing must be investigated, and those responsible held accountable. The continued loss of humanitarian personnel, overwhelmingly South Sudanese nationals, is unacceptable.”More than 450 incidents of violence against humanitarian workers and assets were reported between January and July, more than double the number recorded during the same period last year, according to the U.N. Mission in South Sudan.Renewed fighting between government forces and opposition fighters has forced aid organizations to relocate from some areas, further restricting access to vulnerable communities in a country of about 12 million people that has struggled with both conflict and the effects of climate change since independence from Sudan in 2011. Humanitarian organizations are calling on the South Sudan government and all parties to the 2018 peace agreement meant to end civil war to protect aid workers, investigate attacks and ensure safe and unhindered access to people in need.Around 10 million people are expected to need humanitarian assistance this year, including more than 7.5 million facing high levels of acute food insecurity, according to the U.N. Last week, the U.N. refugee agency and World Food Program warned that more than 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan risk losing access to lifesaving food, nutrition and other assistance because of severe funding shortages.

Two weeks ago, USC officially opened the new Bloom Football Performance Center. As we detailed at the time, the building is absolutely magnificent, and contains everything that a college football program could possibly want in a facility.Investing at an elite levelThe Bloom Center is the centerpiece of USC’s $225 million Athletics West campaign. It represents a massive investment in the football program from the athletic department, something that the Trojans simply were not getting for several decades prior to the two most recent administrations.The fact of the matter is, from facilities, to roster construction, to coaching staff, and beyond, USC has been investing in football at a championship level for the past few years. Now, all that is missing are championship results.Good is not good enoughUSC was a good team last season. The Trojans went 9-4 and finished the year ranked in the top 25. But when you are putting the resources into the program that USC is, being good simply is not good enough.Lincoln Riley’s roleThis brings us to head coach Lincoln Riley. Believe it or not, Riley is now entering his fifth season in Los Angeles—the same amount of time that he was the head coach at Oklahoma.As the opening of the Bloom Center demonstrates, Riley is getting every possible resource from USC’s administration that he needs in order to be successful. Now, the onus is on Riley to go out and win.Riley has the department’s full supportFor many years, USC’s head coaches were handicapped by the Trojans’ athletic department not investing enough into the football program. As we have seen clearly over the past few years, however, that is no longer the case. In other words, if Riley is not able to build a winning program at USC after everything that he has gotten from the administration, he will have no one but himself to blame.Of course, Riley himself would be the first to tell you this. In his speech at the grand opening of the Bloom Center, Riley talked about all of the support that he has gotten from USC’s administration, and how it is now up to him to go out and win championships. He also assured fans that he would do everything he possibly could to make that happen.Ultimately, winning is what mattersThe Trojans now have one of the best facilities in college football. Most programs could never dream of having a building on the level of the USC’s. But at the end of the day, no one really cares how nice your facility is if you are playing in the Holiday Bowl.With the completion of the Bloom Center, USC’s administration has given Lincoln Riley everything that he needs in order to be successful. Now, it is time for Riley to go out and win.The Trojan Family is counting on you, Coach. Don’t let this university down.Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Bloom Center shows USC’s investment in Lincoln Riley—now he must win

TimesofIndia.com in Galle: India head coach Gautam Gambhir was beaming with a smile as he descended the staircase from the Mahinda Rajapaksa Pavilion after India's emphatic 165-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle. With the shining Kookaburra in hand, Gambhir walked over to the opposition's side to exchange customary handshakes with the players and support staff led by former India coach Gary Kirsten. This wasn't the first encounter between the two in the last week, and it certainly won't be the last as the caravan moves soon to Colombo for the second Test.Both Gambhir and Kirsten are fighting their own challenges regarding Test cricket as head coaches. The hot seat feels hotter when the results don't go your way, and Gambhir has been feeling the heat since the whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa at home and the away defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India didn't qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final last edition and will need a special effort to turn it around in the ongoing cycle. Consequently, questions about Gambhir's methods in the format have only grown louder.The head coach has had to oversee tricky transitions, tackle workload issues and navigate injury concerns to assemble a multi-day squad that can serve the country for at least the next five years. While the results have hardly gone their way, the win in Galle not only ticked the crucial boxes but also firmed up the make-up of India's Test squad.They finally have a No. 3 who has the potential to provide the volume expected from that position. In Manav Suthar, there is an all-weather finger spinner for life after Ravindra Jadeja and beyond, while the pace battery is breathing fire with a much-improved Prasidh Krishna. The sample size isn't big enough to put your feet up and relax, but the signs are encouraging enough to be quietly confident about what lies ahead. And not to forget that the squad still misses plenty of first-choice selections due to injury concerns.Jasprit Bumrah was missing, but his absence wasn't felt. India didn't have the all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, but their absence was not a concern. The regular No. 3, Sai Sudharsan, didn't recover in time to take the field, but a red-hot Padikkal was waiting in the wings and he caught the opportunity with both hands. So was Dhruv Jurel, who finally converted his 'A' consistency into a meaningful contribution with the bat. Prasidh Krishna is emerging as the biggest positive for the Shubman Gill-led unit and is showing why he continues to enjoy the captain's vote ahead of the exciting Gurnoor Brar.When vice-captain KL Rahul was asked about the win in the opener, he praised the group effusively and highlighted how ticking most boxes will give confidence going into the next Test, starting August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo."Very happy, every Test win is special. Great start to the tour, we ticked most of the boxes and did most things right. This victory will give a sense of happiness, and confidence before home series next year," Rahul told reporters in the post-match presser.Away from the strategies and intense discussions, one meet-up attracted a lot of attention. Every time Gambhir and Kirsten ran into each other, the shutterbugs were out with their cameras, capturing the frame featuring the individuals who played a key role in India's 2011 World Cup triumph. The roles had changed, but cricket, specifically coaching, dominated the conversation.The former India coach revealed how they both value Test cricket and how their efforts are directed at seeing their respective teams play the format in a certain way. The meet-ups didn't reminisce about the days gone by but focused on what lies ahead.“We didn't do much reminiscing. We actually spoke about coaching and the challenges of coaching. We both have very strong values around Test cricket, so we had good conversation around that, obviously trying to help our players play the best Test cricket that they can, both countries. So we spoke about that, and I think we have very similar ideas to how we want our teams to play Test cricket. So, yeah, we had good conversation around that,” said Kirsten at the post-match presser.Kirsten highlighted the positives for his team even after the defeat. His take on Test cricket, the squad and how to approach the format seemed pretty appropriate for the situation India found themselves in not long ago. There has been a lot of chatter around transitions, multiple retirements, combinations and captaincy changes, but all that is now a thing of the past and the team can finally focus on taking the required strides towards a WTC final berth. In the veteran coach's words, Test cricket is all about building some shape into the team and then "turn it into a performance".India have been taking shape since the BGT in 2024-25, found some performances in England, but the rude shock against South Africa at home derailed the train that was showing signs of heading in the right direction. When wins are hard to come by, the questions don't stop. They just keep getting louder.Both Gambhir and Kirsten are not sailing in the same boat regarding their respective coaching careers. However, taking a leaf from the South African's book on approaching Test cricket will definitely hold his Indian counterpart in good shape as he navigates the biggest challenge of his coaching career. 133346502

Harry Brook has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, while India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah retained his place at the summit of the bowling chart despite missing the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.Brook returned to the top for the fourth time in his career after Australia opener Travis Head slipped three places to fourth following a disappointing outing in the opening Test of the two-match World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.Head managed scores of 22 and 17 as Bangladesh secured a memorable nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin. The result triggered significant movement at the top of the batting rankings, with England’s Brook moving back to No. 1, followed by teammate Joe Root at second and Australia veteran Steve Smith at third.Smith's scores of 71 and 44 in Darwin helped him leapfrog Head and move into third place.Brook back on top, Bangladesh stars riseBrook first reached the No. 1 ranking in December 2024 and this marks his fourth stint at the top. With only 33 rating points separating the top four batters, the battle for the summit could remain tight in the coming weeks, with England set to host Pakistan and Australia facing Bangladesh in the second Test.Bangladesh's historic victory also brought significant rewards for several of their players.Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto climbed nine places to a career-best 20th after his crucial 84 in the first innings helped set up Bangladesh's victory. His 659 rating points are now the sixth-highest tally achieved by a Bangladeshi batter.Mominul Haque rose five places to 31st, while Australia all-rounder Cameron Green also moved up five spots to 30th after scoring a century in the second innings. Shadman Islam climbed three places to 58th, Mehidy Hasan Miraz moved five places to 59th and Tanzid Hasan made the biggest jump, rising 84 places to joint-88th.The bowling rankings also reflected Bangladesh's impressive performance. Mehidy moved three places to 24th after taking five wickets for 66 runs in Australia's second innings, while Hasan Mahmud jumped 26 places to 38th following his Player of the Match performance.Mahmud claimed six for 55 in the first innings and finished with nine wickets in the match.Bumrah stays No. 1 despite Galle absenceDespite sitting out India's first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Bumrah remains the world's top-ranked Test bowler.The India quick's position at the summit was unaffected by his absence, underlining the strength of his performances across the current rankings cycle. Bangladesh's strong showing in Darwin, meanwhile, allowed their bowlers to make notable gains behind him.There was also movement in the ODI rankings following Afghanistan's dominant 4-0 series victory over Ireland.Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan strengthened his position as the world's No. 1 ODI bowler after taking 12 wickets across the five-match series. Teammate Azmatullah Omarzai climbed nine places to 19th after claiming eight wickets.Sediqullah Atal was another major mover, jumping 37 places to 33rd among ODI batters after scoring 313 runs in the series, including 143 and 98 in the final two matches.Ireland's Curtis Campher climbed 23 places to 36th after scores of 84 and 96, while Andrew Balbirnie moved five spots to joint-47th.

Tennessee is recruiting toward its 2028 football signing class. The Vols offered a scholarship to four-star interior offensive lineman Gavin Wilson.“After a great conversation with coach (Chris) Labidou, I am thankful and grateful to announce I have received an offer from Vol football,” Wilson announced.The 6-foot-2, 266-pound prospect is from Bixby High School in Bixby, Oklahoma. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 7 interior offensive lineman in the class and No. 2 player in Oklahoma.Tulsa was the first school to offer Wilson on Oct. 10, 2025. Other schools to offer him scholarships include Purdue, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Arkansas State, North Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma, LSU, Missouri and Arizona State.Quarterback Kaden Craft is Tennessee's only 2028 commitment.Tennessee has 19 commitments in its 2027 football recruiting class: linebacker JP Peace, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, quarterback Derrick Baker, athlete Jaden Butler, wide receiver KeSean Bowman, defensive back Carter Jamison and defensive back Brandon Leavell, tight end Malik Howard, defensive lineman Christian Mays, cornerback Dylan Haley, linebacker Kenneth Simon II, kicker Ford Fehling, long snapper Sam McKeown, offensive tackle Q’Mari Hudson, athlete Dayon Cooper, safety Marcus Jones, offensive tackle Niko Kampas, running back David Gabriel Georges and running back Asa Barnes.Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee football offers 2028 Oklahoma offensive lineman

Fantasy football drafting can be a challenging experience, but shopping in the quarterback aisle this year should be stress free. It’s the New York City transit system — you miss a train, another one is coming in five minutes. There are winning routes all over the place.Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL seasonThat established, we also have to make some choices, plant some flags in the ground. Today we’ll discuss four quarterback debates you might face in your draft, and I’ll tell you how I’d play them.Drake Maye vs. Joe BurrowWhen Burrow plays a full season, he scores like a pinball machine. He’s finished as the QB8, QB4 and QB3 in his healthy years, and there’s plenty of black ink on his statistical resume. He boasted a juicy 8.9 YPA in his second season, and he led the NFL in a bunch of stats just two years ago (completions, attempts, passing yards, passing touchdowns). Burrow clicks with his two elite receivers (Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins), and a leaky Cincinnati defense might force some shootouts.Alas, we can’t ignore that Burrow’s had three seasons essentially wrecked by injury, and he offers very little as a runner. I’m also not likely to pick him because I see similar arbitrage options at cheaper costs — Dak Prescott waves hello.Maye excelled as a passer in his second year, leading the league in YPA and QB rating while rolling up 31 touchdowns passes. He’s also a resourceful runner (450 yards, four touchdowns) and this year he welcomes the perfect piece, alpha receiver A.J. Brown. The Patriots have a harder schedule this year, so Maye’s likely to throw more in 2026.The Pick: Guided by offensive wizard Josh McDaniels, Maye is my preference if I’m shopping in this tier. Let’s shade younger, and let’s use rushing chops to break the tie.Caleb Williams vs. Justin HerbertTalk about two offenses that could go to the moon. Ben Johnson was a miracle worker in his first Chicago season, and the Chargers expect similar results from new OC Mike McDaniel. One reason I often eschew the top-6 at quarterback is because this tier is so attractive.Although Williams checked in as the QB5 last year, there is room for improvement. His YPA and QB rating were both below code, and a 58.1% completion rate is especially low in today’s game. Johnson’s scheming can iron out some rough play; the Bears were fourth in play-action yardage. And every key Williams target (Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland) is a young player still on the escalator.Herbert getting the Chargers to the playoffs last year despite a wrecked offensive line was a miracle. Herbert was forced to run more than he wanted, a spike that likely corrects down this year. I still think Ladd McConkey can be special as a receiver — give him a pass for last year’s untenable situation — but I don’t like the LAC support targets as much as the Chicago guys.The Pick: Because Williams is in Year 2 of the Johnson regime and perhaps tied to better receivers, I’m going to lean in his direction. I also think Williams will be more impactful than Herbert as a runner.Matthew Stafford vs. Jared GoffYou can find fantasy glory from the pocket, and these guys prove it more than anyone. Stafford had a glorious MVP rampage last year, and over the last four seasons Goff has the most passing yards and touchdown passes in football. Some of that is survivor bias, but Goff has been underrated for most of his career.Both QBs have an embarrassment of riches downfield — Stafford picks between Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on most snaps, while Goff gets to cook with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs. Weather will seldom trip up either quarterback, as the Lions and Rams both have 11 games this year under a dome or retractable roof.The Pick: Detroit’s defense is once again up in the air, with injuries and depth ravaging the secondary. Meanwhile, the Rams have probably built a top-5 defense. With Goff six years younger and looking at a pinball-friendly schedule, I’ll give him the edge here.Subscribe to Fantasy Ultra to unlock our Strategy Lab, 150+ page Draft Playbook and more!Patrick Mahomes vs. Bo NixThe AFC West is quickly becoming a QB division. Mahomes already has a full trophy case, Nix has been a star for two years, Herbert is no stranger to MVP contention, and the Raiders at least can dream of a better day with No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.Mahomes was better than Nix on a per-game basis last year, although it was not a great Mahomes season. He was below the league average in completion percentage, touchdown rate and QB rating (which incorporates all those stats). His fantasy score was often bailed out by surprise rushing (422 yards, five touchdowns), a club Mahomes will probably swing less often this year. Keep in mind, Mahomes is coming back from an ACL/LCL tear.Nix also has a rehab story, after breaking his ankle in last year’s playoffs. But Nix has been practicing in full since camp opened, so let’s not worry about it. The Broncos added Jaylen Waddle to an already-interesting WR room, while Kansas City’s big addition — RB Kenneth Walker III — might suggest a shift in the offensive focus.The Pick: The Chiefs have been just another offense for a couple of years, and their two best pass catchers come with caveats (Travis Kelce enters his age-37 season, while Rashee Rice has injury and off-field concerns). It's possible Walker becomes the centerpiece of their 2026 offense. Meanwhile, Waddle might be the perfect piece for the middle of the Denver puzzle. It’s important to remember fantasy football is a game about numbers, not names; let’s give Nix the check mark.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10917-6HydroGym offers over 60 standardized reinforcement-learning flow-control environments and demonstrates zero-shot transfer to a 3D wing, cutting local skin friction by 38% and exploration costs by four orders of magnitude.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10877-xHuman brain organoids were developed for over five years in culture to demonstrate that brain cells can continue to mature and record the passage of time, following human-specific endogenous programs, even outside the context of the organism.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10912-xRecent Antarctic ice mass gain was linked to a recurrent atmospheric teleconnection, but this recurs about once per decade in observations and historical simulations so does not yet reflect a global-warming-driven moistening of Antarctica.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10933-6A one-pot skeletal-editing reaction replaces isoxazole oxygen with carbon to form challenging pyrroles, enabled by an N-propargylic enaminone intermediate and a computational model predicting reaction outcomes.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10894-wThe discovery of the fast-orbiting star S301 near Sagittarius A* offers a promising new probe of the central black hole spin of the Milky Way through relativistic orbit measurements.

After an 18-year career at Fox News, she is now her husband’s most influential adviser and de facto producer, shaping the job like no Pentagon spouse has before.

Wispr Flow is supposed to make writing effortless and magical. So I “wrote” this column with it.

Caitlin Simmers, a world champion surfer, sees her sport as dance. How does this translate? She’s as seamless as a ribbon.

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Finding organizing solutions for your home can be a frustrating experience. Between researching and sifting through hundreds of products (and their corresponding reviews), you can spend countless hours looking for the right solution for your space. We’re here to help you sort through all that clutter. No more constant scrolling, searching through reviews, or hunting down deals. We’ve done the work for you. READ MORE...

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ANN ARBOR — For more than 25 years, Mike Tirico and his family have called southeast Michigan home. Here at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, the brilliant and ubiquitous broadcaster has a different title: Honorary Chair.Earlier this week, Tirico, 59, delivered opening remarks at the Big House, the famed football stadium that sits 4 miles from Barton Hills Country Club, a Donald Ross design and Tirico’s home club for more than two decades.Golfweek caught up with NBC’s Tirico — who couldn’t go near the clubhouse area without getting stopped — to chat about the upcoming event, which features 120 players, including legends Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, Juli Inkster and Hollis Stacy. Suzy Green-Roebuck, a former LPGA player, Michigan Golf Hall-of-Famer and a member of Barton Hills, will hit the tournament's first tee shot Thursday morning.What follows are excerpts from the conversation: I think the hole I enjoy the most is the 15th. Because the back nine is the hills of Barton Hills, I like to say, and the 15th is a really good hole with a relatively comfortable tee shot, but you need a good placement, and the second shot is over a little bit of a dip, and you have a false front to the green. Can't be long, can't be right, can't be left, and one of the trickier greens to putt. It’s just a really pretty hole, too. Challenging and pretty. As with many Ross courses, the closer you get to the hole, the tougher it might get, if you're in the wrong spot, especially. It's really one of those courses you can play every day and not get sick of it. Not a ton of hazards sitting out there, so you're not gonna put up a stupid high number because you're hitting it left and right. But you'll look and go, 'Wow, this is a little bit tougher than I thought it should be.' It's perfect for this event, because everything's in front of you. It's not tricked up. The greens get fast and the scores get high, when they do. I think it just fits this type of event from the size of it, and where these players are at this point in their careers. More: Mike Tirico called the biggest games, and soaked them in, for a changeI think, when you walk in the front, and you see the USGA posters from the earlier events — Grace Park, won the Women's Am in '98 and the Mid-Am, a decade later – it's just nice to be a course of our size, and to host three different USGA events. It's just really neat, and I think the return to being able to do that has been exciting. And also, because Suzy Green-Roebuck is such a prominent member, her and her husband, Mike, and their family. Everybody knows the Roebies, as we call them. And just to know Suzy has played in this event, really, since its inception, for the most part, and had this event on our radar. I don't think, without Suzy’s playing in the event, it would have been something that the club would have been behind having this event here. So I think there's a little excitement about that as well. And then, when you see the Hall of Famers who were in the field, you know, the past champions, you see these boards, you see the red, white, blue, USGA flags. You can't help but be proud that your course is hosting a national championship.My wife grew up and her family still lives about 45 minutes from here. So for me, priority one is to find someplace I can travel from with work, and the Detroit airport is only 35 minutes from here and you can get everywhere from there. So, family, satisfied the work issue, and we have loved living here. I grew up in the Northeast, grew up a New Yorker, and I consider myself a Midwesterner now. I absolutely am full-in Michiganian, Michigander, take your pick.I was just in New York visiting family, my family last week, and I still have that gear where you cut me off in the car, and I'm ready to dodge, and battle New York City traffic. So I still have that in me. But I do like this pace of life. This pace of life is much more sustainable.We're two weeks away from the NFL season opener, and then it's 20 straight weeks of 'Sunday Night Football'. And then on top of that, you mix in the NBA starts in October. Our busy season gets rolling really right about now. So this is my last week of summer, if you will, before diving headlong into all the football and basketball all the way through till May, really, till after the Kentucky Derby, to Memorial Day.View this post on InstagramI still try to walk and carry the bag anytime we get to play, whether it's up in Northern Michigan or here. It's just such a fun game to share with family. Our daughter played high school golf a few miles from here. She made the state tournament her senior year. It’s the most nervous I've been. People say, ‘Hey, you're calling the Super Bowl, you're nervous.’ That wasn't nerve-wracking to me. Nerve-wracking was walking with my daughter as she was playing in the state tournament. We are in a good Donald Ross belt of golf courses here. Franklin Hills, Oakland Hills, Barton Hills. There’s a theme. You know, the University of Michigan Course is an Alister MacKenzie. It is right across from the Big House. It always bothered me when I first moved here that they parked cars for football games on this Alistair Mackenzie Golf Course. They've treated that really well over the last several years, and that course is still in great shape. … From the golf course, you can see the big scoreboard from the stadium.The last women's golf event (I worked), other than the Augusta National Women's Amateur that I do every year, was the ANA Inspiration when (Lexi Thompson) got the four-stroke penalty. That still was one of the worst days ever for me. I was so beside myself. I saw Juli here, and it was like a reunion with Juli. I’ve certainly done events Annika has won. We didn't do the event where she shot 59 in Phoenix, but the next week was Dinah, still, at that point. I remember sitting down interviewing her, and I still have the scorecard. You know, the beautiful calligraphy that was used for scores, the handwriting on the board, we had that same person do another one so we could use it as the background for the interview. I had Annika sign it, and I have it in my memorabilia in my office. Everything to know about the U.S. Senior Women's OpenWhen: Thursday, Aug. 20, through Sunday, Aug. 23.Where: Barton Hills Country Club (6,237 yards, par 72), Ann Arbor2025 champion: Becky Morgan2026 field: 120 players, including five former U.S. Senior Women's Open champions (Helen Alfredsson, 2019; Annika Sorenstam, 2021; Trish Johnson, 2023; Leta Lindley, 2024; and Becky Morgan, 2025)Purse: $1 million (winner: $180,000)TV: Saturday-Sunday — Golf Channel (streaming), 4-7 p.m.; Golf Channel (tape delay), 10 a.m.-midnight.Tickets: Starting at $33. Details at usga.org.Beth Ann Nichols is a Golfweek senior writer who covers the LPGA and women's golf.This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Ann Arbor's Mike Tirico proud his club is hosting Senior Women's Open

Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins left Tuesday's joint practice with the Raiders after suffering an injury and it looks like it is going to be a long time before he's able to return to action. According to multiple reports, Higgins has been diagnosed with a torn ACL. The injury will keep him out for the entire 2026 season. Higgins was a second-round pick in Houston last season and he was listed as a starting wideout on the team's depth chart. Higgins had 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie year. Nico Collins and Xavier Hutchinson joined Higgins on the top line of the depth chart. Tank Dell — who is returning from a major knee injury of his own — is on the second rung with Jaylin Noel and Justin Watson.

After their off day on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Rams will be back on the practice field Thursday for a scrimmage with the New Orleans Saints. It's their second joint practice of the summer, an important day for the Rams' starters who traditionally sit out the preseason.Both of these teams have had a joint practice with another squad already, so they know what to expect – though the Saints' practice on Tuesday did not go according to plan due to fights. Sean McVay and Kellen Moore will expect a cleaner day Thursday, hopefully getting in the work they're expecting to in Woodland Hills.Here are six things to watch for when the Rams practice with the Saints.Will any fights break out?It'd be an understatement to say Tuesday's practice between the Cowboys and Saints was chippy. Multiple brawls broke out, bringing the session to a halt several times. Surprisingly, the two sides were able to finish the practice without cutting it short, but things were heated.The Rams and Cowboys practiced last week without issue but the Saints seem like a feisty bunch so it'll be worth monitoring whether any scuffles happen on Thursday in Woodland Hills.What will the QB reps look like?Ty Simpson made a strong impression in his preseason debut against the Chiefs last week, which could potentially earn him more snaps with the second-team offense when all three quarterbacks are practicing. During the Rams' joint practice with the Cowboys, Simpson didn't get any 11-on-11 reps. Will that change against the Saints after performing so well in the preseason game?If Simpson does get some opportunities in team drills, it could signal that the QB2 battle is closer than anticipated.Will Myles Garrett and Puka Nacua participate?Garrett and Nacua have both been sidelined for the last week due to knee and psoas injuries, respectively. The Rams are playing it safe with both players, but with this being the last joint practice, will they want Nacua and Garrett to suit up?In all likelihood, at least Garrett will be held out. The team wants him to be 100% before putting him back on the field, and a joint practice against a chippy Saints team may not be the best time for him to return. Nacua might be closer to returning because he's just dealing with soreness and has been working off to the side in practice.Who steps up at wide receiver?Whether Nacua practices or not, the wide receiver group will be one to watch. Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield are both clearly the favorites to contribute behind Nacua and Adams, but will one of them separate from the other before Week 1?It's possible both of them will get a lot of snaps in practice against the Saints, especially knowing Nacua is banged up. Xavier Smith is also in the mix, as is CJ Daniels, but those two are more likely to be with the second-team than with the starters on Thursday. Still, if they can capitalize on the few first-team reps they get, Smith and Daniels could stand out.Who replaces Keagen Trost as backup RT?Trost is likely to miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury suffered against the Chiefs, leaving a void at backup right tackle. It remains to be seen who will replace him there, but we'll get a better idea of that on Thursday. Bryce Henderson and then Blake Hance are listed behind Trost on the depth chart, so they could be the next guys up.It's also possible the Rams will plug A.J. Arcuri in at left tackle with the second team and move David Quessenberry to the right side, though that may not be a viable solution.Can the defense dominate as expected?There's no question the Rams defense is significantly better than the Saints offense on paper. Los Angeles' defense has a chance to be the best in the NFL. But will it look that way on the field Thursday? The Rams will have to deal with Chris Olave at wide receiver and Travis Etienne Jr. at running back, but both Jordyn Tyson and Alvin Kamara are injured, so they'll be absent.The Saints don't present nearly as many challenges as the Cowboys did last week, so it should be a strong performance from Los Angeles' defense on Thursday.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 6 things to watch for in Rams' joint practice with Saints

The U.S. now has legal sports betting in 40 states (with Missouri coming online last year) thanks to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional Sports and Amateur Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018.The increase in available outlets for big bettors — with more outs coming recently in the form of prediction markets — and the prevalence of social media has led to an increase in large wagers reported by different sportsbooks. Previously, those wagers could (legally) be made only in Nevada, and speaking with many veteran Vegas bookmakers for this story, there certainly were plenty of seven-figure wagers made before widespread legalization eight years ago. However, there's little doubt that we hear more about them in the present era of sports betting. And there have been plenty of seven-figure parlay wins off of smaller wagers, as well.For this article, though, we're focusing on the largest reported winning wagers in U.S. sports betting history — all of which have happened since 2018. And wouldn't you know it, the largest of all comes fairly recently from a BetMGM bettor in Ohio who last year wagered $8 million on the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the 2025 NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers at -700 odds.Here are the five biggest reported bets that cashed in legal U.S. sports betting history:1. $8 million on Oklahoma City Thunder (-700) to win 2024-25 NBA championshipDate: June 5, 2025 Sportsbook: BetMGMState placed: OhioBet won: $1,142,857.15WHAT A WIN 💰Congrats to this bettor in Ohio who placed an $8 MILLION wager on the Thunder to win the Finals before Game 1 ...They're cashing it in for $9.1 MILLION ✅ pic.twitter.com/dnx0xwubI0— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) June 23, 2025How it happened: Placed a few hours before tipoff of Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals in June, a bettor in Ohio had serious conviction on the Thunder — and with good reason, as Oklahoma City opened at -800 odds to win the series and was one of the largest NBA Finals favorites since 1968, according to Sports Odds History. Oklahoma City was a massive 10-point home favorite in Game 1, but lost 111-110 on Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beater. This bettor had a much bigger sweat than anticipated, as Indiana pushed the series to the limit before losing Haliburton early in Game 7 to a torn Achilles and eventually falling 103-91 in the final game in Oklahoma City.2. $3.46 million on Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5 (-127) in Super Bowl LV Date: Feb. 3, 2021 Sportsbook: DraftKingsState placed: ColoradoBet won: $2.72 millionHow it happened: Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale — the Houston furniture salesman known for placing large sports bets as hedges for promotions — flew into Colorado Springs, logged onto the DraftKings mobile app and wagered a cool $3.46 million on Tom Brady's Buccaneers to beat Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl in early February of 2021. This wager was also tied to a promotion in which customers at his store purchasing a mattress for $3,000 or more would get their money back if the Bucs won the Super Bowl.McIngvale paid a little extra juice to move the line from Bucs +3 to +3.5, which didn't end up mattering. Tampa Bay fell behind 3-0 before scoring 14 unanswered points en route to a 21-6 halftime lead and eventual 31-9 victory. Mahomes was sacked three times and under duress all game. Brady was named the MVP (for the fifth time in his Hall of Fame career) and won his seventh and final Super Bowl.3. $3.1 million on Philadelphia Eagles ML (-700) to beat Carolina Panthers in Week 14Date: Dec. 5, 2024 Sportsbook: Circa SportsState placed: KentuckyBet won: $442,857How it happened: One bettor at Circa Sports' Kentucky sportsbook plopped down $3.1 million on Jalen Hurts' Eagles (10-2 record at the time) on a Thursday in early December to simply defeat Bryce Young's Panthers (3-9 record at the time) on that Sunday. It's thought to be one of the biggest wagers ever on a regular-season NFL game. The Eagles closed as 13.5-point favorites, but were winning only 14-10 at halftime and actually were down 16-14 heading into the fourth quarter. Grant Calcaterra's 4-yard touchdown catch from Jalen Hurts (and Saquon Barkley's subsequent successful 2-point conversion run) put the Eagles ahead 22-16 with 13:45 remaining. But this game is remembered for Panthers WR Xavier Leggette letting a would-be 32-yard TD pass in the end zone go through his hands with under a minute remaining. The Eagles eventually turned the Panthers over on downs and won 22-16, but this bettor probably sweated profusely through the game.Oh my goodness.... incomplete. 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/jiFzpyWSIE— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 8, 2024T4. $3 million on Philadelphia Eagles ML (+160) to win Super Bowl LIIDate: Jan. 24, 2018 Sportsbook: MGM State placed: NevadaBet won: $4.8 millionHow it happened: A bettor known in the sports betting community only as "Bettor X" really liked Nick Foles and the Eagles to win outright against Brady's New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. The bettor went around to several sportsbooks in Las Vegas — remember, this was several months before the Supreme Court repealed PASPA — and placed several large six- and seven-figure wagers on Philadelphia to win the game, including a $3 million money-line wager at +160 at MGM, confirmed to Yahoo Sports by Jay Rood, former MGM Resorts vice president of race and sports. The Patriots closed as 4.5-point favorites. Foles threw for 373 yards and three TDs and the Eagles upset New England 41-33 — a game that included the famous "Philly Special" play in which Foles caught a 1-yard TD pass from TE Trey Burton late in the first half on fourth-and-goal.T4. $3 million on Houston Astros to win 2022 World Series (10-1)Date: May 13, 2022 Sportsbook: CaesarsState placed: LouisianaBet won: $30 millionHow it happened: Mattress Mack was back again in 2022, placing a $3 million bet in May in a parking lot in Louisiana, per ESPN's David Purdum, on the Astros to win the World Series in 2022 at 10-1 odds. It was part of roughly $10 million worth of wagers the Houston furniture salesman put down on his hometown Astros to win it all. The Astros ended up defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games in the World Series, and Mattress Mack won roughly $75 million. Of course, he had to use the money to pay back his customers who bought mattresses over $3,000. "What can we say? We just wrote the biggest check in sports betting history to Mattress Mack for $30,000,000," Ken Fuchs, chief operating officer for Caesars Digital, said in a press release after the Astros won the World Series. "Would we do it all again? You bet."

Nneka Ogwumike, an 11-time WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP, has announced she is retiring following the 2026 season.The 36-year-old Los Angeles Sparks forward told Taylor Rooks that she’s come to understand the “power in knowing when to walk away” during the latest episode of "Boardroom Talks."“For so long, that strength meant finding a way to keep pushing,” Ogwumike said. “Now, it means recognizing when you feel complete. I find myself grateful, fulfilled, and at peace with everything this game has given me and everything I’ve poured into it.”The 2012 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Stanford, Ogwumike spent the first 12 years of her career with the Sparks before signing with the Seattle Storm ahead of the 2024 season. She re-joined LA on a free agent deal in April.15 seasons! ✨ With you every step of the way… and it still feels like we’re just getting started! ❤️ Congrats to the best big sister in the world, @nnekaogwumike! 💐 pic.twitter.com/kRtbu2pCuU— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) August 19, 2026An eight-time All-WNBA and seven-time All-Defensive team selection, Ogwumike also led the Sparks to the 2016 WNBA title. That season she recorded a career high 19.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during the regular season. In the playoffs, she averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds over nine games.Ogwumike was also named to the WNBA's 25th anniversary team in 2021.Internationally, Ogwumike represented the United States on several levels, helping the Americans win gold at two FIBA Women's Basketball World Cups.Off the court, Ogwumike has played an instrumental role in shaping the WNBA into what it is today. Since 2016, she has served as president of the WNBPA guiding the union through two CBA negotiations.“Nneka Ogwumike’s impact on this union, and on the women’s game, cannot be overstated. Her leadership has been extraordinary,” WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson said in a statement. “She has served this union with a level of commitment, courage, integrity, and purpose that is truly unparalleled. As President for the last decade, Nneka understood that leadership was not simply about having a seat at the table; it was about using that seat to move the game and the business of the game forward for every player — today and for generations to come. “We are profoundly grateful for the countless ways Nneka has championed her teammates, strengthened this union, and helped shape its future. We celebrate her remarkable career and the next chapter ahead. Nneka’s legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of this union and women’s basketball.”Ogwumike told Rooks that part of the reason why she will retire after this season is due to her body telling her it's time and that she wants to leave as "a whole person" and go out on her own terms."I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I've been able to play and compete at such a high level, and I am proud to say that I'm retiring from the WNBA,” she said.

Scientists discovered a strange feature in certain octopuses’ ribosomal RNA, molecules that create a 3D scaffold for cellular protein factories. It was found only in shallow-water creatures that have expanded nervous systems and can do complex behaviors

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10934-5The T7 bacteriophage deactivates bacterial defence systems through T7K phosphorylation of nearly all host and phage proteins during infection.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10935-4By combining a meta-analysis of CO2 enrichment experiments with three decades of southern African savanna observations, an increase in biomass production by C4 grasses under rising CO2 levels in water-limited environments is revealed.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10938-1A 2,000-year Peruvian ice core record of atmospheric CH4 concentrations contains the first historical global CH4 record from the low latitudes, and implementation of a four-box model indicates higher equatorial CH4 strength than previous estimates from polar-only records.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10904-xMeasurements on an array of optically trapped neutral atoms at a quantum phase transition provide a direct observation of the universal excitation spectrum predicted by conformal field theory.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10928-3Whole-brain activity mapping, targeted cell manipulations and electrophysiology in mice identify wake-activated neuronal populations that are crucial for sleep drive and can persistently reduce daily sleep amount.

The phone’s artificial intelligence can order groceries, book tables and take photos on a user’s behalf. But is it something people really want?

With Iran making ship traffic perilous, a U.S. operation offers a way out for some energy exports, stealthily shepherding tankers on dangerous journeys.

Harry Potter fans forced the relocation of a multi-hundred million dollar undersea power cable they claimed would disturb the fake grave of the fictional house elf Dobby, the linkage now redirected to pass near actual Bronze Age human burial remains. What do you think? “I knew eventually something controversial would happen with Harry Potter.” Logan Finley, Diet Inventor “They couldn’t relocate it through a shelter for trans youth?” Giovina Bianchi, Towel Folder “Those geeks are gonna hate the parking garage I’m building over ALF’s tomb.” Ian Perry, Corporate Motivator The post ‘Harry Potter’ Fans Force Relocation Of Undersea Cable To Avoid Fictional Elf’s Grave appeared first on The Onion.

Bayonne is preparing for a big night as the hometown team gets set to play its first game in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.For fans, the moment is a dream come true."That's my brother! He's really good at baseball, he got 3 RBIs!" said Layla Garcia Rose, sister of player. "His whole team is great, I like all of them."Support for the team has been on full display across the city. T-shirts featuring the slogan "Bayonne vs Everybody" have been selling out as fans gear up for the team's first game."I've got eight shirts and they are all going out of town. My brother lives in Lakewood and he's got a gang of seven," said Carmela Karnoutsos, a Bayonne fan.The team is already feeling plenty of hometown support.Matthew Gill, Vice President of Bayonne Little League, said, "They're tough and they never give up. They want this for themselves and for each other. They are playing for each other and their town and it's awesome to watch."Bayonne will take on a team from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, on Wednesday night.Supporters say the team has shown its ability to bounce back and believe in itself no matter the odds.Buses carrying fans also departed for Williamsport, with supporters bringing their Bayonne pride to central Pennsylvania.The trip marks another milestone for the team as Bayonne takes the field on the Little League World Series stage with strong support from home.The first pitch will be thrown at 7 p.m. Wednesday night. You can watch it live on ESPN and the ESPN app.The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ESPN and this ABC station.----------* Get Eyewitness News Delivered* More New Jersey news* Send us a news tip* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts* Follow us on YouTubeSubmit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness NewsHave a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

The good news for the Los Angeles Chargers was that over the offseason, their offensive line was getting healthy. That was good news after injuries to both tackles affected their offense all season. They also added a good center in free agency. The bad news was that training camp happened. And the Chargers are going to go into the season with offensive line issues again. Center Tyler Biadasz, signed in the offseason to a three-year, $30 million deal to fix the Chargers’ problems on the interior of the line, has damage to his ACL and additional injuries to his knee, and will be out indefinitely according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He suffered the injury in a joint practice against the 49ers on Tuesday and was carted off. So it begins for the Chargers. And that’s not the only offensive line issue. Center Tyler Biadasz of the Los Angeles Chargers suffered a knee injury in practice on Tuesday. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)Ric Tapia via Getty ImagesRashawn Slater dealing with knee issuesLast season, left tackle Rashawn Slater missed last season after tearing his patellar tendon in training camp, and right tackle Joe Alt missed most of the season with an ankle injury. Not surprisingly, Justin Herbert was the most pressured quarterback in the NFL last season. Slater and Alt were supposed to return this season, but Slater’s comeback hasn’t been smooth. Slater suffered a “flare up” in his surgically repaired knee, via Kris Rhim of ESPN, and has been out of practice for more than a week. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said he expects Slater back this weekend, but the team has been a little vague on details. Even if Slater returns soon, him missing practice is a reminder that he is coming off a serious injury and there’s no guarantee that he stays healthy all season or returns at his normal level. In a perfect world, the Chargers thought they were adding two Pro Bowl-level tackles and a center who has been in a Pro Bowl. August hasn’t been perfect. Who replaces Tyler Biadasz at center? Even if Slater is back for Week 1, it seems like Biadasz is going to be out a long time. A rock-solid veteran center will likely be replaced by a rookie. The Chargers drafted Florida center Jake Slaughter in the second round of the NFL Draft and it appears he’s next in line at center. Slaughter had been working at guard, and if he moves to center and plays well the shift weakens one of the guard spots on the line. The Chargers’ line was an issue last season. Last season Herbert was was pressured on 29.8% of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Reference, That led the NFL. The Chargers went 11-6 despite those issues. The hope was that the offense, and Herbert in particular, would function at a much higher level with the offensive line getting both tackles back, adding Biadasz at center and having Slaughter fill a guard spot. That plan is already being disrupted. The Chargers can’t seem to catch a break.