Looking to take the next step in your search marketing career?

Below, you will find the latest SEO, PPC, and digital marketing jobs at brands and agencies. We also include positions from previous weeks that are still open.

Newest SEO Jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by SEOjobs.com)

• Digital Marketing Strategist (SEO, GEO, CRO)
  February 6, 2026
  Job Description Salary: $75,000-$90,000 Hanson is seeking a data-driven strategist to join our team as a Digital Marketing Strategist. This role bridges the gap between marketing strategy, analytics and technology to help ensure our clients websites and digital tools perform at their highest potential. Youll work closely with cross-functional teams to optimize digital experiences, drive […]
• SEO Strategist
  February 6, 2026
  Join Aya Healthcare, winner of multiple Top Workplace awards! We’re seeking a motivated SEO Strategist to join our fast-paced marketing team and help drive organic growth across multiple healthcare brands and websites under the Aya Healthcare umbrella. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to gain comprehensive corporate SEO experience while working alongside industry-leading professionals. Reporting […]
• Digital Marketing Manager (SEO/PPC)
  February 6, 2026
  Who We Are With a legacy spanning four decades, Action Property Management has become the premier choice for homeowner’s association management. Founded in 1984, Action began with a single client and a vision to elevate ethical and professional standards in the HOA industry. Our unwavering commitment to integrity, and professionalism coupled with our core values […]
• Digital Marketing Manager (SEO/PPC)
  February 6, 2026
  Job Description PLUS Incentive & Rich Benefit Plan Position Summary The Digital Marketing Manager is a key role responsible for the strategy, execution, and optimization of Olympic Hot Tub’s digital marketing efforts. You will work closely with the Company President and external partners to develop and manage cohesive digital campaigns that drive qualified traffic, generate […]
• Digital Content Strategist
  February 5, 2026
  Job Description At VAL-CO we work together as a global leader in providing innovative, value-focused products and services to the poultry, livestock and horticultural industries. We believe in all that we do by valuing people, integrity, quality, profitability, and stewardship. VAL-CO recognizes the importance and value of our employees and their families, and our customers […]
• Website Content Manager (Content, SEO, Technical)
  February 5, 2026
  POSITION DESCRIPTION Position: Website Content Manager Department: Office of Communications and Public Relations Reports To: Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations Classification: Exempt General Description The Website Content Manager develops, maintains, and optimizes archdiocesan websites and content to shape our online presence and ensure they align with and support the mission and priorities of […]
• Performance Marketing Specialist (Content, SEO)
  February 4, 2026
  JobType: Full-Time (Exempt) Salary: $62,000 – $67,000 The Performance Marketing Specialist is responsible for optimizing QuaverEd’s website experiences to drive lead generation, trial conversion, and overall marketing performance. This role combines analytical insight, SEO strategy, and conversion rate optimization to improve how users discover, engage with, and move through QuaverEd’s digital funnel. Working closely with […]
• Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Specialist (SEO, PPC, Email)
  February 4, 2026
  Join our Team – Come for a Job Stay for a Career! Wearwell is a global industry leader in the anti-fatigue matting market. Our team members are more than just another number – they are family. As our business grows, so must we. We are seeking a Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Specialist to join our […]
• Senior SEO Specialist
  February 4, 2026
  We are looking for an experienced Senior SEO Specialist to lead advanced SEO strategy development, oversee multiple client projects, and drive measurable results in organic performance. This is a leadership-oriented position for a professional who combines deep technical expertise, strong analytical thinking, and strategic vision. As a Senior SEO Specialist, you’ll take ownership of SEO processes from comprehensive audits to keyword strategy, content architecture, and reporting while mentoring […]
• Content Marketing Manager
  February 3, 2026
  Job Description Hi, we’re TechnologyAdvice. At TechnologyAdvice, we pride ourselves on helping B2B tech buyers manage the complexity and risk of the buying process. We are a trusted source of information for tech buyers, delivering advice and facilitating connections between our buyers and the world’s leading sellers of business technology. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, we […]

Newest PPC and paid media jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by PPCjobs.com)

• Paid Media Specialist (Contractor) ~ HomeSource Systems ~ $60,000-$80,000 ~ Hybrid (Marlton, NJ, United States)
  February 6, 2026
  Overview Job Title: Paid Media Specialist – Contract – 1099 Location: Marlton, NJ/Hybrid About HomeSource: Our organization is a fast-growing, data-driven marketing and technology company that partners with clients across multiple industries to accelerate growth through performance marketing, analytics, and automation. We are seeking a highly skilled and analytical Paid Media Specialist (Contract/1099) to join […]
• Sr. Growth Manager – Paid Social ~ Bowery Boost ~ $80,000-$110,000 ~ Hybrid (New York, NY, United States)
  February 6, 2026
  Bowery Boost is a women-founded, NYC-based digital growth and creative agency helping women-founded and mission-driven e-commerce brands scale profitably. We specialize in paid media, performance creative, and analytics for brands across beauty, fashion, wellness, and CPG. We combine creative storytelling with data-driven strategy, using our in-house analytics platform Boostify and creative performance tools like Motionapp […]
• Growth Marketing Manager (Paid Media Lead) ~ NoGood ~ $65,000-$100,000 ~ Remote (USA)
  February 6, 2026
  We are NoGood is an award-winning, tech-enabled growth consultancy that has fueled the success of some of the most iconic brands. We are a team of growth leads, creatives, engineers and data scientists who help unlock rapid measurable growth for some of the world’s category-defining brands. We bring together the art and science of strategy, […]
• Performance Marketing Specialist – Paid Social ~ $80,000-$120,000 ~ Theklicker ~ Hybrid (Palo Alto, CA, United States)
  February 5, 2026
  When customers are searching for a electronics products, we want the obvious choice to be theklicker! By comparing prices from major e-commerce booking sites, we’re making it easy for people to find their electronics gadgets they want at a price they’ll love. In the silicon valley city of Palo Alto, we seize opportunities to learn […]
• Paid Search Media Strategist ~ Defero ~ $60,000-$80,000 ~ In-office (USA) ~ Phoenix, AZ, United States
  February 5, 2026
  Position: Paid Search Media Strategist Location: Phoenix, Arizona (On-site 16th Street & Northern) Status: Exempt Compensation: Competitive salary DOE, Health, Dental Vision, 3 weeks PTO, generous paid holiday schedule, mobile phone allowance and matching 401-K (after 1st year of employment), In office with WFH Fridays, dog friendly and energetic work environment, future upward mobility and […]

Other roles you may be interested in

PPC Specialist, BrixxMedia (Remote)

• Salary: $80,000 – $115,000
• Manage day-to-day PPC execution, including campaign builds, bid strategies, budgets, and creative rotation across platforms
• Develop and refine audience strategies, remarketing programs, and lookalike segments to maximize efficiency and scale

Performance Marketing Manager, Mailgun, Sinch (Remote)

• Salary: $100,000 – $125,000
• Manage and optimize paid campaigns across various channels, including YouTube, Google Ads, Meta, Display, LinkedIn, and Connected TV (CTV).
• Drive scalable growth through continuous testing and optimization while maintaining efficiency targets (CAC, ROAS, LTV)

Paid Search Director, Grey Matter Recruitment (Remote)

• Salary: $130,000 – $150,000
• Own the activation and execution of Paid Search & Shopping activity across the Google Suite
• Support wider eCommerce, Search and Digital team on strategy and plans

SEO and AI Search Optimization Manager, Big Think Capital (New York)

• Salary: $100,000
• Own and execute Big Think Capital’s SEO and AI search (GEO) strategy
• Optimize website architecture, on-page SEO, and technical SEO

Senior Copywriter, Viking (Hybrid, Los Angeles Metropolitan Area)

• Salary: $95,000 – $110,000
• Editorial features and travel articles for onboard magazines
• Seasonal web campaigns and themed microsites

Digital Marketing Manager, DEPLOY (Hybrid, Tuscaloosa, AL)

• Salary: $80,000
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing tools, analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics), and content management systems (CMS).
• Experience Managing Google Ads and Meta ad campaigns.

Paid Search Marketing Manager, LawnStarter (Remote)

• Salary: $90,000 – $125,000
• Manage and optimize large-scale, complex SEM campaigns across Google Ads, Bing Ads, Meta Ads and other search platforms
• Activate, optimize and make efficient Local Services Ads (LSA) at scale

Senior Manager, SEO, Turo (Hybrid, San Francisco, CA)

• Salary: $168,000 – $210,000
• Define and execute the SEO strategy across technical SEO, content SEO, on-page optimization, internal linking, and authority building.
• Own business and operations KPIs for organic growth and translate them into clear quarterly plans.

SEM (Search Engine Marketing) Manager, Tribute Technology (Remote)

• Salary: $85,000 – $90,000
• PPC Campaign Management: Execute and optimize multiple Google Ad campaigns and accounts simultaneously.
• SEO Strategy Management: Develop and manage on-page SEO strategies for client websites using tools like Ahrefs.

Search Engine Optimization Manager, Robert Half (Hybrid, Boston MA)

• Salary: $150,000 – $160,000
• Strategic Leadership: Define and lead the strategy for SEO, AEO, and LLMs, ensuring alignment with overall business and product goals.
• Roadmap Execution: Develop and implement the SEO/AEO/LLM roadmap, prioritizing performance-based initiatives and driving authoritative content at scale.

Search Engine Op imization Manager, NoGood (Remote)

• Salary: £80,000 – $100,000
• Act as the primary strategic lead for a portfolio of enterprise and scale-up clients.
• Build and execute GEO/AEO strategies that maximize brand visibility across LLMs and AI search surfaces.

Senior Content Manager, TrustedTech (Irvine, CA)

• Salary: $110,000 – $130,000
• Develop and manage a content strategy aligned with business and brand goals across blog, web, email, paid media, and social channels.
• Create and edit compelling copy that supports demand generation and sales enablement programs.

Note: We update this post weekly. So make sure to bookmark this page and check back.

Google is rolling out a beta feature that lets advertisers run structured A/B tests on creative assets within a single Performance Max asset group. Advertisers can split traffic between two asset sets and measure performance in a controlled experiment.

Why we care. Creative testing inside Performance Max has mostly relied on guesswork. Google’s new native A/B asset experiments bring controlled testing directly into PMax — without spinning up separate campaigns.

How it works. Advertisers choose one Performance Max campaign and asset group, then define a control asset set (existing creatives) and a treatment set (new alternatives). Shared assets can run across both versions. After setting a traffic split — such as 50/50 — the experiment runs for several weeks before advertisers apply the winning assets.

Why this helps. Running tests inside the same asset group isolates creative impact and reduces noise from structural campaign changes. The controlled split gives clearer reporting and helps teams make rollout decisions based on performance data rather than assumptions.

Early lessons. Initial testing suggests short experiments — especially under three weeks — often produce unstable results, particularly in lower-volume accounts. Longer runs and avoiding simultaneous campaign changes improve reliability.

Bottom line. Performance Max is becoming more testable. Advertisers can now validate creative decisions with built-in experiments instead of relying on trial and error.

First seen. Google Ads expert spotted the update and shared his view on LinkedIn.

“Tottenhem”in baş məşqçisi Tomas Frank klubun transfer siyasəti ilə bağlı fikirlərini bildirib.

Komanda.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, danimarkalı baş məşqçiyə klubun ciddi iddialarının olmaması ilə bağlı irad bildirilib. O isə bunları deyib:

“Bu sizin fikrinizdir. “Tottenhem” çox iddialıdır. Oyunçu transfer etmək asan deyil. Bu, “Football Manager” oyunu deyil”.

“Tottenhem” bu qış yalnız bir vacib transfer həyata keçirib. London klubu Madrid “Atletiko”sundan yarımmüdafiəçi Konor Qallaheri transfer edib. Bu keçid “Tottenhem”ə təxminən 40 milyon avroya başa gəlib.

“Tottenhem” 24 oyundan sonra İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının turnir cədvəlində 14-cü yerdədir.

The post “Oyunçu transfer etmək asan deyil” – “Tottenhem”in baş məşqçisi appeared first on Komanda.az.

“Gəncə” basketbol klubunda ayrılıq gerçəkləşib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, köməkçi məşqçi Yusuf Aydilek komandanı tərk edib.

Türkiyəli mütəxəssis səhhət ilə bağlı vətəninə yollanmaq məcburiyyətində qalıb.

İspaniya Kubokunda yarımfinal mərhələsinin püşkü atılıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Barselona” final yolunda “Atletiko” ilə qarşılaşacaq. Digər yarımfinal görüşü isə “Atletik” ilə “Real Sosyedad” arasında olacaq.

Yarımfinalın

İspaniya Kuboku
Yarımfinal mərhələsi

Atletiko – Barselona
Atletik – Real Sosyedad

Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında XIX turun təyinatları məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Sabah” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” oyununu Tural Qurbanov idarə edəcək.

“Neftçi” – “Qəbələ” görüşündə isə FIFA referisi Əliyar Ağayev ədaləti qoruyacaq.

8 fevral (bazar)

“Sabah” – “Araz-Naxçıvan”
Hakimlər: Tural Qurbanov, Asiman Əzizli, Müslüm Əliyev, Əli Əliyev
VAR: Rəvan Həmzəzadə
AVAR: Emin Əliyev
Hakim-inspektor: Zöhrab Qədiyev
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elçin Məmmədov
“Bank Respublika Arena”, 16:00

“Sumqayıt” – “Zirə”
Hakimlər: İnqilab Məmmədov, Rahil Ramazanov, Teymur Teymurov, Alik Yunusov
VAR: Rauf Cabarov
AVAR: Kamran Əliyev
Hakim-inspektor: Əmrah İbrahimov
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Anar Şıxəliyev
Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu, 18:30

9 fevral (bazar ertəsi)

“İmişli” – “Kəpəz”
Hakimlər: Fərid Hacıyev, Rəhman İmami, Tərlan Talıbzadə, İslam Məmmədov
VAR: Elçin Məsiyev
AVAR: Elşad Abdullayev
Hakim-inspektor: İmanxan Sultni
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Seymur Səlimli
Quba OİK stadionu, 14:30

“Turan Tovuz” – “Karvan-Yevlax”
Hakimlər: Vüqar Həsənli, Kamran Bayramov, Zöhrab Abbasov, Murad Səlimov
VAR: Nicat İsmayıllı
AVAR: Pərvin Talıbov
Hakim-inspektor: Orxan Məmmədov
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Məmmədəli Məmmədov
“Azersun Arena”, 18:30

10 fevral (çərşənbə axşamı)

“Şamaxı” – “Qarabağ”
Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Namiq Hüseynov, Vüsal Məmmədov, Ruslan Quliyev
VAR: Kamranbəy Rəhimov
AVAR: Eyyub İbrahimov
Hakim-inspektor: Munis Abdullayev
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Yavər Rəhimov
Şamaxı şəhər stadionu, 14:30

“Neftçi” – “Qəbələ”
Hakimlər: Əliyar Ağayev, Zeynal Zeynalov, Kərim Zeynalov, Əkbər Əhmədov
VAR: Cavid Cəlilov
AVAR: Elvin Bayramov
Hakim-inspektor: Ceyhun Haşımov
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov
“Palms Sports Arena”, 19:00

Fransanın paytaxtı Parisdə Böyük Dəbilqə turnirinin püşkatma mərasimi keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az Azərbaycan Cüdo Federasiyasına istinadən xəbər verir ki, püşkatmanın nəticələrinə görə cüdoçularımızın ilk rəqibləri müəyyənləşibb.

Dünya Cüdo Turu seriyasına daxil olan ilin ilk yarışında Azərbaycan 5 çəki dərəcəsində 8 cüdoçu ilə təmsil olunacaq. Beynəlxalq turnirdə 78 ölkədən 488 cüdoçu iştirak edəcək.

Turnir sabah saat 11:00-da start götürəcək.

Kişilər

-60 kq, 1/16 final

Balabəy Ağayev – Kim Hvasu (Koreya) / Fransisko Qarriqos (İspaniya) cütünün qalibi ilə

-66 kq, 1/16 final

Nazir Talıbov – Migel Qaqo (Portuqaliya) / Erbol Abasbekov (Qırğızıstan) cütünün qalibi ilə

Ruslan Paşayev – Yusuf Nurkoviç (Monteneqro) / Bence Ponqrats (Macarıstan) cütünün qalibi ilə

-81 kq, 1/16 final

Zelim Tçkayev – Vanq Cian-nan (Çin) / Lova Mahaisoa Randrianasolo (Madaqaskar) cütünün qalibi ilə

Vüsal Qələndərzadə – Saşa Jiqli (Fransa) / Mixaylo Svidrak (Ukrayna) cütünün qalibi ilə

-100 kq, 1/16 final

Əjdər Bağırov – Denis Sedrik Nquyassa Bekai (Mərkəzi Afrika Respublikası)

+100 kq, 1/16 final

Uşanqi Kokauri – Marvin Belz (Almaniya)

Kənan Nəsibov – Ştefan Heqi (Avstriya)

Young Argentine winger Thiago Romano has officially completed his move from Inter Milan to OFI Crete.

Romano had already bid farewell to Inter, describing his spell in Milan as an “important” stage in his development, as per FCInterNews.

Now, the transfer has been formalised, with the right-sided attacker returning to Greece to continue his career in the Super League.

Thiago Romano Completes Switch From Inter To OFI Crete

Photo: Paola Garbuio / LaPresse

The Argentine has signed a long-term contract that will keep him at OFI Crete until June 30, 2029, underlining the club’s belief in his potential and long-term value.

Romano is not the first player with Nerazzurri connections to make the move to Crete in recent years.

Back in the summer of 2024, OFI also brought in former Inter forward Eddie Salcedo, continuing a growing link between the two clubs.

For Romano, the switch offers the chance for regular senior football and a new environment in which to continue his development after progressing through Inter’s youth system.

It was unlikely that he was ever going to break through into the Nerazzurri first team and a move to Greece may well suit him.

• Follow live as Leeds host Nottm Forest in Premier League
• Bogle springs Forest offside trap to slot hosts 1-0 up in first half
• Leeds (16th) & Forest (17th) level on points - six clear of relegation zone
• Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live's Premier League Kick-Off show at top of page
• Full team news here

Premier League: Leeds score twice in five minutes to take control against Nottm Forest

Rams' Matthew Stafford's MVP win is great news for Hall of Fame chances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams might not have made the Super Bowl this season, but they did come out of the season with two massive pieces of news. Both revolve around Matthew Stafford.

Stafford is planning to come back to the Rams for the 2026 season, and he made that announcement during his MVP award acceptance speech. That MVP award is huge for Stafford, in more ways than one.

As Doug Clawson of CBS Sports notes, Stafford's MVP award gives him a huge advantage when it comes to making the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he retires. There's some strong history on Stafford's side with this one statistic from Clawson.

Matthew Stafford's HOF case gets huge boost with MVP

"Matthew Stafford, welcome to Canton (basically)," Clawson posted. "He is the 15th QB all-time with an NFL MVP and Super Bowl title. 10 of the other 14 are already in the HOF. 3 are locks. Only 1 out is Joe Theismann, whose career was cut short due to injury."

After his 2025 MVP award, Stafford is the 15th quarterback in league history with a Super Bowl championship and an MVP award. Nearly every other player is in the Hall of Fame.

Joe Montana, Terry Brashaw, Bart Starr, John Elway, Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas, Ken Stabler, Steve Young, Brett Favre, and Kurt Warner are the 10 already in the Hall of Fame.

Other than Theisman, who only played in 12 seasons due to a brutal career-ending injury, the three other QB's to accomplish this feat who've not made the Hall of Fame are near-locks for the award.

More: Oldest MVP winners in NFL history: Where Matthew Stafford would rank compared to Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers

Who are those three quarterbacks? One of them is Tom Brady, who has a case to be the greatest quarterback in league history. Aaron Rodgers is another, and he's been one of the best QB's in league history.

And the other is Patrick Mahomes, who, while he's still in the first 10 years of his career, is already a lock for the Hall of Fame with his incredible years with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Stafford has the stats to compare to these legendary quarterbacks, and his 2025 MVP award is the exact thing he needed to get over the hump and into the Hall of Fame.

While he might not be first ballot, there's little doubt that Stafford deserves a spot in Canton after his MVP season in 2025.

More Rams news:

• Rams' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space for offseason after loss to Seahawks
• Rams get good news on Matthew Stafford's retirement with 'productive' update
• Rams GM teases all-in offseason if Matthew Stafford returns to L.A.
• Rams urged to upgrade CB room after Sam Darnold's 346-yard NFC Championship outing
• Sean McVay has hilarious reaction to Rams getting coaching staff constantly poached

Marc Cucurella is one of the biggest “wind up merchants” around, and he was up to his old tricks last weekend when he was provoking West Ham players by the corner flag.

Adama Traore threw him to the ground, sparking a brawl which saw Jean-Clair Todibo sent off. Cucurella went on Catalan TV last night to explain what had happened during the incident:

“It was late in the game. We were barging into one another and I felt myself very close to [Traore], and I thought, well, I’m going to stick my head in here to see if I can stir things up a bit,” the defender admitted in quotes picked up by the Evening Standard.

“He grabbed me, threw me where he could, and a big brawl broke out.”

“These are things that happen. I have no problem. Although if I ran into him on the street, I’d hesitate to say hello after this,” Cucurella joked in conclusion.

Traore calls in to give his side of the story

Chelsea players brawl with West Ham players. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Hilariously, they then got Adama Traore to call in to the show for his response.

“He’s a really good guy,” the winger said.

“It’s nothing personal and there will never be. It all stays on the pitch, it was just the heat of the moment.”

We wonder if all of Cucurella’s victims would say the same?

In other news…

Cole Palmer’s poor form this season has been blamed on a few things, but Paul Merson is convinced it’s down to one thing – a decision Chelsea made last summer.

Benoit Badiashile is increasingly looking like he’s up for sale this summer, with one source saying Chelsea are just looking for €35m to move him on, with a number of teams interested

Chelsea couldn’t get the job done against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg last night, but thry were without some key attacking players.

Estevao, for example, came on as a sub but was clearly pretty drained. On the London is Blue podcast they pointed out how crazy it was that he had even played, given he was back in Brazil over the weekend for personal reasons.

Estevao steps up for Blues despite personal challenges

Estevao warms up for Chelsea win. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“The fact that Estevao played last night is remarkable. I mean, remarkable. He just flew, what 4000 miles in two days? Even on a private jet that’s taxing,” presenter Nick Verlaney pointed out.

“It’s 9300 kilometres, just in terms of a flight distance. Just a casual 12 to 14 hours depending upon which city you’re heading to. Obviously to be on compassionate leave signifies like, probably a pretty emotional situation. So it’s emotionally taxing, physically taxing and mentally taxing. The fact that he went out there for 30 minutes is an incredible show of strength.”

It sure is. We really hope he takes it easy this week and is ready to play an important role on Sunday against Wolves. He’s the only one of our wingers who is reliably getting the job done right now, and we would ideally like to start him against the 20th placed team.

Estevao never stops impressing us with how mature he is.

You can see them discuss the trip in the clip embedded here:

In other news…

Chelsea signed up yet another young talent today, securing Mathis Eboue on a pro deal on his 17th birthday.

Wesley Fofana showed his superb abilities last night, and continued to remind us all how frustrated we are that his career at Chelsea so far has been so ruined by injury.

Barcelona will entertain Mallorca at the Nou Camp this Saturday as they look to secure all three points at home in La Liga. The Catalan club earned a narrow 2-1 win over Albacete recently, so they would be eager to keep their good form going this weekend.

Hansi Flick will set his players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a few tweaks to his first team for this clash. Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi could all play from the start of this game.

4-2-3-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Mallorca

Defence

Joan Garcia will play in between the sticks for the Catalan club after he conceded one goal in his last appearance. Pau Cubarsi will function alongside Eric Garcia at the centre of the Barcelona defence as they focus on keeping things solid on the defensive end of the field.

Jules Kounde will try to prove his worth as the right-back, while Alejandro Balde looks to catch the eye on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will try to go forward and join in on the attack at every chance they can get.

Ronald Araujo will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

ALBACETE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 03: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final match between Albacete Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Carlos Belmonte on February 03, 2026 in Albacete, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo will anchor the midfield for the Catalan giants. Their main job would be to protect their backline and engineer some inviting chances inside the Mallorca half.

The talented trio of Marcus Rashford, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal will operate just ahead of them as part of the Barca attack. All three of them need to be at the top of their game if the Catalan outfit are to secure the win this weekend.

Marc Casado and Marc Bernal will make up the numbers on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if needed.

Attack

Ferran Torres will lead the line for Barca up top. He has to find a way to be a real threat in the final third.

Robert Lewandowski will be available for selection on the bench as he awaits his chance to make an impact in the final quarter of the game if needed.

Leeds United vs. Nottingham Forest score, stats, talking points as Dyche hands Ortega debut in Premier League relegation six-pointer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

ELLAND ROAD, LEEDS — Leeds United and Nottingham Forest clash in a huge game in the battle for Premier League survival.

The two sides are level on 26 points in 16th and 17th position. They also have an identical minus-11 goal difference, with Leeds one place higher by virtue of goals scored.

West Ham are six points further back in the final relegation spot with 14 matches remaining, meaning any winner here would put potentially decisive daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega came straight into the Forest line-up following his move from Manchester City, with Mats Sels out injured, while highly rated teenager Zach Abbott made a first Premier League start in front of him at centre-back.

Noah Okafor replaced the injured Anton Stach in Leeds' only change.

MORE: Are Arsenal really so boring? It's time to bust the Premier League leaders' flawed set-piece narrative

Leeds vs. Nottingham Forest live score

Venue: Elland Road, Leeds (UK)
Referee: Peter Bankes

Leeds vs. Nottingham Forest talking points, analysis

Match highlights will appear here during the match, with the main talking points and analysis unpacked after fulltime.

Leeds vs. Nottingham Forest lineups, team news

Noah Okafor replaced the injured Anton Stach in Leeds' only change.

Justin James started in defence after passing a late fitness test on a toe injury. 

Hamstring injury victims Dan James and Jaka Bijol were back among the substitutes alongside Lukas Nmecha.

Leeds starting XI (3-4-2-1 right to left): Darlow (GK) — Justin, Rodon, Struijk — Bogle, Gruev, Ampadu, Gudmundsson — Aaronson, Okafor — Calvert-Lewin

Leeds subs:Perri (GK), James, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Bijol, Tanaka, Bornauw, Gnonto

Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega came straight into the Forest line-up following his move from Manchester City, with Mats Sels out injured.

Highly rated teenager Zach Abbott made a first Premier League start in front of Ortega at centre-back.

Forest starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) — Aina, Abbott, Milenkovic, Morato — Sangare, Anderson —Dominguez, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Igor Jesus

Forest subs: Gunn (GK), Awoniyi, Ndoye, Lucca, Hutchinson, Yates, Cunha, McAtee, Netz

Next games for Leeds vs. Nottingham Forest

Leeds travel to London on Tuesday night to face Chelsea, a team they beat 3-1 in December to launch their mid-season resurgence.

Forest have a chance to get vital points on the board when they host bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

The Detroit Lions already know what the biggest question will be this offseason: who lines up across fromAidan Hutchinson?

With the pass rush still inconsistent in 2025 and limited cap flexibility heading into free agency, Detroit isn’t expected to swing wildly. Instead, the Lions may be forced to get creative, and that’s where one familiar veteran name is starting to surface.

According to NFL writer Jared Dubin of CBS Sports, Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa has been identified as a potential priority target for Detroit.

Why Joey Bosa Makes Sense for Detroit

Let’s be clear — this isn’t about replacing Hutchinson. It’s about helping him.

Detroit’s defense has repeatedly shown that Hutchinson can dominate, but without consistent pressure coming from the opposite edge, offenses have been able to scheme around him. That reality hasn’t changed.

Bosa, now 30, isn’t the every-down terror he once was. But he doesn’t need to be.

The Lions would be looking for:

• A rotational edge rusher
• Someone who can win one-on-one situations
• A veteran who understands how to complement a star pass rusher

That’s exactly the profile Bosa fits at this stage of his career.

A “Bargain Bin” Fit That Matches Brad Holmes’ Reality

Detroit isn’t flush with cap space, which means splash signings are unlikely. That’s why the idea of Bosa — coming off a one-year deal with Buffalo — actually tracks.

Last season with the Bills, Bosa recorded:

• 5 sacks
• 5 forced fumbles
• 29 tackles
• 2 passes defensed

Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but context matters. Bosa was used in a rotational role, not as a full-time edge, and still managed to create impact plays.

For a Lions defense that desperately needs someone who can win occasionally without help, that matters.

The Hutchinson Effect

One thing working heavily in Bosa’s favor? Aidan Hutchinson exists.

Playing next to an elite edge rusher changes everything. Offensive lines can’t slide protection both ways. Quarterbacks can’t hold the ball. Rotational players get cleaner looks.

Detroit has tried to manufacture that effect with younger players and short-term flyers. Adding a proven veteran like Bosa could finally give the Lions a reliable counterpunch.

Is This the Final Answer? Probably Not

Bosa wouldn’t eliminate Detroit’s need to draft a defensive end. He wouldn’t solve the pass rush by himself. And he certainly wouldn’t be a long-term solution.

But as a short-term, cost-conscious move that aligns with where the Lions are financially and competitively, it’s hard to dismiss.

If Detroit truly wants to maximize Hutchinson during his prime, they can’t keep asking him to do everything alone.

And Joey Bosa — at the right price — might finally be the help he’s been waiting for.

The post Detroit Lions Urged to Sign Former No. 3 Overall Pick appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.

Stan Kroenke, a billionaire real estate mogul best known as the owner of the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Nuggets, now owns a huge chunk of New Mexico.

Kroenke's companies in December bought six big cattle ranches, spanning several counties in the eastern half of New Mexico, deed filings with three New Mexico counties show.

The purchase of 937,000 acres of New Mexico ranchland makes Kroenke, 78, the largest private landowner in the United States, according to the latest annual listing of the nation’s 100 largest landowners by The Land Report magazine.

Kroenke now owns 2.7 million acres of land in New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming and Texas, including the 535,000-acre Waggoner Ranch, his largest ranch, near Vernon in North Texas, according to The Land Report.

The Kroenke ranches are used to raise cattle, for hunting and to produce renewable energy, the magazine reported.

Wealthy entrepreneurs buying ranches has become a trend in recent years, the Robb Report, an online publication focusing on luxury lifestyles, reported in 2025.

“These buyers aren’t ranchers by trade — they’re founders, financiers, and heirs who view acreage as a solid, long-term store of value," it reported.

The six New Mexico ranches were acquired in December 2025 from the Henry Singleton family.

In case you missed it: Late Colts owner Jim Irsay’s lavish lake house hits market for $19.9 million

The late Singleton was a founder and chief executive officer of Teledyne Technologies, a manufacturer of sophisticated electronic components, instruments and communications products for various industries with sales of more than $6 billion in 2025.

No financial details of the sale were publicly released. Kroenke has no comment about the deal, a spokesperson for The Kroenke Group, his real estate company, said in an email.

Property deeds for the sale of the Lobo and Pecos ranches were filed in Guadalupe County; deeds for the sale of the Agua Verde, Conchas, and Trigg ranches were filed in San Miguel County; and a deed for the sale of the Bojax Ranch was filed in Chaves County.

The Pecos and Conchas ranches are near Santa Rosa in East-Central New Mexico; the Lobo Ranch is near Vaughn, south of both Santa Rosa and Clines Corners; the Agua Verde Ranch is near Clines Corners, which is about 50 miles south of Santa Fe; the Trigg Ranch is near Logan, just north of Tumcucari; and the Bojax Ranch is near Elida, north of Roswell.

The Singleton ranches were not Kroenke's first big ranchland acquisition in New Mexico. He previously bought the Canon Blanco Ranch, an 80,892-acre cattle ranch located 14 miles southeast of Santa Fe, according to The Land Report. The ranch sold in June 2023 for $60 million, according to the Alamosa Citizen online newspaper.

The Canon Blanco at one time was owned by El Paso millionaire William "Bill" Sanders, the father-in-law of former U.S. Congressman Beto O'Rourke, who lost bids for U.S. Senate and Texas governor. The Wall Street Journal reported in 1999 that Sanders put the ranch on the market for $72 million. However, he apparently didn't sell the ranch until 2019, according to a report in El Paso Inc., which did not report a sale's price.

Besides ranchland, Kroenke also owns millions of square feet of retail space, much of it shopping plazas next to Walmart stores, Forbes Magazine reported. His wife is the daughter of Bud Walton, who helped his brother, Sam, build the Walmart chain. She inherited part of her father's stake in Walmart when he died in 1995, Forbes reported.

Stan Kroenke's wealth is estimated at $21.3 billion by Forbes, and $26.8 billion by Bloomberg News.

Besides the highly successful Los Angeles Rams in the NFL and the successful Denver Nuggets in the NBA, Kroenke also owns the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL, the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League, and the Arsenal soccer club in England's Premier League.

Vic Kolenc may be reached at 915-546-6421; vkolenc@elpasotimes.com; @vickolenc on X.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: LA Rams, Denver Nuggets owner buys big New Mexico ranches

A top prospect could make the Orioles' outfield decision very difficult originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Orioles have put themselves in a great position heading into the new season. They spent the winter being aggressive and filling holes by signing free agents and making a few trades. 

They acquired a handful of players, including Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz, and Taylor Ward, to name a few. The only notable subtractions coming out of Baltimore are Grayson Rodriguez, Jorge Mateo, and Albert Suarez. 

So, the club was able to make some major additions while not losing any core pieces. This is exactly what was needed for this team to potentially fight for an AL East title. 

MORE: Orioles predicted to pivot after whiffing on Framber Valdez, sign $75 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate as Plan B

A top prospect could make the Orioles' outfield decision very difficult 

While the infield looks to be set with the new additions, the outfield group still seems to be up in the air. There are plenty of players that could force the club's hand, but maybe none more than one of their top prospects, Dylan Beavers. 

According to the crew over at MLB.com, they believe Beavers could play well this spring and make a case for him to be a starting corner outfielder. 

"Beavers had a huge 2025 season in the Minors en route to making a modest big league debut. With a good spring, Beavers should land in one of the corners in Baltimore, but there's Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, and Tyler O'Neill all on hand for outfield playing time."

There is no denying that Baltimore has a ton of options to go with. But with what Beavers did last season and his 70-grade speed, that could be enough to seal the deal. The Orioles love being aggressive on the basepaths, and the addition of Beavers would allow them to play their game even more. 

So, be ready to get familiar with one of Baltimore's top prospects as he could be an everyday starter to begin the season.

More MLB news:

• White Sox could get outfield relief from one of its top prospects
• Padres' Joe Musgrove faces a ton of pressure after a lost 2025 season
• MLB analyst puts the spotlight on the Brewers flamethrower with Freddy Peralta gone
• Blue Jays' Andres Gimenez has some big shoes to fill this upcoming season
• Rays' young pitcher must step up with the loss of Shane Baz

Olympics opening ceremony mascots, explained: What to know about Italian composers Verdi, Puccini and Rossini originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics was memorable, with Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and a host of world-class athletes taking center stage on Friday night.

They weren’t the only ones to make a splash, though. The proceedings also featured a trio of Italian greats who resurfaced after more than a century.

Italian composers Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and Gioachino Rossini rose to fame in the 1800s. Though the maestros are long gone, three mascots dressed in their likenesses drew cheers during Friday’s festivities.

Here’s what you need to know.

MORE: Full schedule and viewing guide for 2026 Winter Olympics

Who were the three mascots at the Olympic opening ceremonies?

Opening ceremony organizers enlisted the services of a trio of Italian composers from times gone by to lead Friday's spectacle.

Mascots bearing the countenances of Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and Gioachino Rossini traipsed onto the stage, basking in the spotlight as color spilled down the platform.

Italy lights up with music and colour! 🌈😍

A trio of iconic Italian opera maestros - Verdi, Puccini and Rossini - lay the soundtrack to this beautifully powerful scene. #MilanoCortina2026 | #OpeningCeremonypic.twitter.com/j3d8RabVJq

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026

The triplets are not actually the 2026 Winter Olympics' official mascot. That honor belongs to siblings Tina and Milo, a pair of "cheerful stoats" whose names reference the site of this year's Winter Olympics: Tina hails from Cortina d’Ampezzo, while Milo is from Milano.

Nevertheless, the holy trinity of Italian maestros took center stage on Friday night.

MORE: Did Mariah Carey perform in Italian at Winter Olympics?

Who is Giuseppe Verdi

Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian composer who rose to prominence writing operas. Born in Le Roncole, a village in the present-day province of Parma, Verdi composed more than two dozen operas over his lifetime. He was one of the most prolific composers of his era, achieving widespread fame throughout the 1800s. Among his most notable works are Rigoletto (1851), Requiem (1874), Otello (1887), and Falstaff (1893). His operas continue to captivate audiences more than a century later.

Who is Giacomo Puccini

Like Verdi, Puccini came to fame in the 19th century. The Lucca-born composer was similarly prolific, becoming best known for his embrace of verismo, a post-Romantic opera tradition that developed in conjunction to the literary movement of the same name (which centered around naturalism).

Puccini's produced dozens of compositions spanning various different genres, including art, piano, chamber and choral. His most seismic hits include La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900) and the unfinished Turandot (finished by Franco Alfano and released posthumously).

Who is Gioachino Rossini

Rounding out the list of esteemed Italian maestros is Giaochino Rossini, a late Classic and early Romantic era composer who produced 39 operas across his career. Rossini was versatile, authoring chamber and piano tunes as well as sacred music.

Rossini was a gifted talent, known for his timely hymns in comedic and serious works. He stepped away from composition in his 30s, at the height of his powers -- a decision that continues to baffle onlookers more than 150 years after his death.

The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Friday. They're amid a rare two-day break before they host the Houston Rockets on ABC on Saturday afternoon.

We'll see which version of the Thunder will show up. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out, which completely changes OKC's identity. Who knows about the rest of the rotation as they flew the skeleton crew in their 116-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Jared McCain talked to the OKC media. Both talked about the latter's fit with the team in the short-term and long-term. McCain also revealed a little about how his trade went down.

Here's what else happened at OKC's Friday, Feb. 6 practice:

Thunder practice today with some new faces pic.twitter.com/KcmQSeI3Wu

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain hanging around Jaylin Williams pic.twitter.com/3cuPKYpF0P

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Ajay Mitchell is here at practice fwiw pic.twitter.com/rsBql3XMqe

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Buddy Boeheim wearing No. 14 pic.twitter.com/Vr0nNYF6vA

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Ajay Mitchell and Jaylin Williams are all at practice today

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

SGA walking around at practice pic.twitter.com/XjPnZMQiFp

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

More of Jared McCain at today’s practice pic.twitter.com/mdHaG1delc

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Thomas Sorber at practice today pic.twitter.com/e9wE6ylk19

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daigneault: “Jared’s a really good kid. We spent a lot of time with him in the draft process. Our scouts liked him back then and continue to like him in his NBA career. He’s always been somebody that Sam and the rest of the group has their eyes on.” pic.twitter.com/J1RgrAQRzU

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on arriving to OKC: “I remember a little bit from a predraft workout. Just excited at new beginnings for me. Just trying to take everything in and try to be present. It’s a lot but trying to be excited to.” pic.twitter.com/V29Gf7UgdR

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on his predraft visit with the Thunder: “Just the culture and structure. It operates like what I felt like when I was at Duke. It kinda operates in a similar way.” pic.twitter.com/O0jul43uL9

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on being an NBA Finals correspondent last year: “It was crazy. I was with my friends during that time. We were sitting in the crowd. That as a crazy atmosphere. One of the most insane I’ve been in for sure.” pic.twitter.com/GzIFftt2Dj

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on playing in front of OKC’s crowd: “Any player ever wants that. The crowd. You dream about it. You think about it when you’re playing and doing a workout by yourself, counting down in your head… I’m definitely excited.” pic.twitter.com/r0JR2KXbQx

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on SGA: “An elite talent. Watched film on him of course. Got to play against him the last time we were here… Anything I can do to help his game out.” pic.twitter.com/OZUeMdmeE2

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on if he knew he’d get traded: “No. Not at all. We were on the bus to the airport and just got a call. I had no feeling. I didn’t think it was gonna happen to be honest. I got the call and went to Tyrese first. It was pretty emotional.” pic.twitter.com/CbRht7xoDm

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on talking to Thunder players: “Most of them texted me saying, ‘Let me know if you have any questions. Glad you’re part of the team.’ Just very helpful and welcoming.”

Also said he feels like he can get along with Jaylin Williams well pic.twitter.com/z9aDbQrenv

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on playing alongside SGA & Jalen Williams: “Whatever coach has planned for me I’m willing to do. That could be spot-up shooting. It could be whatever it is. I’m willing to do it. I’m just happy to be part of this culture and program.” pic.twitter.com/8pi1T0XbLU

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Jared McCain on Daryl Morey saying he’s confident the Sixers sold high on him at the trade deadline: “I didn’t get to talk to him much at all.” pic.twitter.com/hxHauigU7K

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daigneault on Jared McCain’s spacing: “He’s got great shooting gravity obviously. It’s something he’s had his entire career. Even prior to college, in college and he’s shown that in the NBA… Which tends to be important to us because we got guys that can create.” pic.twitter.com/t923vckYg9

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daigneault on why OKC traded for Jared McCain: “Better question for Sam. Obviously these are all Sam’s decisions. What I would say is we have a team we have a lot of confidence in… The idea is to hope he can strengthen our team. He’s only 21 years old and in his 2nd year.” pic.twitter.com/xZL2ookmMS

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daigneault on SGA’s injury could be a blessing in disguise to rest: “He’s conditioned himself to be able to take that load. That’s what the great players do… He carries that as well as anybody and doesn’t break a sweat doing it… He’d rather play.” pic.twitter.com/5dyivlYe49

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daigneault on Jared McCain’s immediate impact: “A lot of us is him not feeling like he’s got immediate pressure to perform a certain type of way or even know what his role or style is on this team. Letting it happen organically allows him to get his feet underneath him. Not… pic.twitter.com/INsf8VroNz

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daigneault on Buddy Boeheim: “He’s always been a real good program guy and system player… I don’t want to speak for Sam, but he’s expressed and certainly I agree with him on, is you want those decisions and moves to be additive. Not get in the way of anything. It’s a moving… pic.twitter.com/zMrvIzLQYz

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

Mark Daignesult sad they’ve yet to determine if Jared McCain will play tomorrow

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 6, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Recap: What happened at OKC Thunder's Friday, Feb. 6 practice

The Boston Red Sox announced on Friday that they’ve claimed infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Washington Nationals.

“The #RedSox today claimed INF Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Washington Nationals. Boston’s 40-man roster is now at 40,” the team’s official account posted on X.

Friday’s transaction comes amid a recent slew of infielder signings.

It was reported on Wednesday that Boston had agreed to a one-year contract with 2020 Gold Glove award winner Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

The Red Sox then reportedly signed 2022 Gold Glove infielder Brendan Rodgers to a minor-league deal on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Cheng has significantly less experience than both Kiner-Falefa and Rodgers, appearing in just three major-league games.

Cheng originally signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2019 but didn’t make his MLB debut until last April.

He went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts across three contests with Pittsburgh in April, playing two games at shortstop and one at second base.

Cheng bounced from the Pirates to the Tampa Bay Rays to the New York Mets and Nationals in January before landing with Boston on Friday.

Ohio State did not just lose one tight end this offseason, it lost the entire core of last year’s group.

Max Klare declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after leading the room in production, while Will Kacmarek moved on after exhausting his eligibility. Add in Jelani Thurman transferring out, and the position suddenly went from a luxury piece to a roster emergency.

The response was aggressive and intentional. Ohio transfer Mason Williams gives Ohio State a ready made “dirty work” tight end who can play early, while Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing adds veteran receiving utility and matchup flexibility.

Then you mix in Bennett Christian’s inline role and the high ceiling of Nate Roberts, and you have something that looks less like a rebuild and more like a retool.

Mason Williams: the Kacmarek blueprint, blocking first, snaps early

Williams is the cleanest projection in the room because the job description is so clear. He is coming to Columbus to block, set edges, clean up the run game details, and do the stuff that keeps an offense on schedule even when the box score is quiet.

At Ohio, Williams did have real receiving production in 2025, finishing with 26 catches for 276 yards and three touchdowns, but the more important part of the evaluation is how he earned snaps.

Ohio State is not asking him to be Max Klare. It is asking him to be playable on first down, trustworthy in protection, and physical enough to live in 12 personnel without tipping play calls. That is how you get on the field fast in this offense, especially after losing two tight ends who were trusted in the run game and in the big moments.

If Williams hits, the ripple effect matters. It lets Ohio State keep Bennett Christian in his best lane, it lets the staff be patient with Roberts as a receiver, and it gives the offense a baseline tight end identity it can count on every week.

Hunter Welcing: the veteran receiver addition

Welcing is the swing piece, because he is the one who can change how defenses play Ohio State. He is entering a seventh year and brings the exact thing the staff has prioritized in this portal cycle, age, experience, and proven competence against high level competition.

The production is solid, not gaudy. In 2025 at Northwestern, Welcing posted 28 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns. But the portal context is what tells you how teams view him. He was rated as a top 100 caliber portal player by 247sports as was the No. 3 TE, and Ohio State pursued him like a plug and play contributor rather than a depth flier.

Where Welcing can truly tilt the field is in the moments when defenses succeed in speeding Julian Sayin up. Those are the downs where tight ends become the offense’s pressure release. Quick outlets, seams behind flowing linebackers, chip-and-release routes, and play-action throws designed to punish aggressive edge rushers.

Welcing gives Ohio State a seasoned option who can create separation and finish plays without needing a pristine pocket. Even if his box score never reflects a featured role, that kind of reliability in chaos is a postseason skill, and one that quietly elevates an offense when margins disappear.

Christian and Roberts: floor and ceiling in the same room

Bennett Christian is the stabilizer. His role does not need to change much for Ohio State to get value from him. He is the kind of tight end you can attach to the formation, ask to block ends, and use in heavier groupings without overthinking it. With Williams arriving, Christian does not have to be more than he is, and that is a good thing.

Roberts is the opposite. He is the upside bet, the guy who can make this room more than functional. The staff already showed a level of trust by getting him on the field as a true freshman in a utility role, and the profile screams “breakout candidate” if his route detail and play strength take a jump this spring and summer.

If Roberts becomes a real receiving threat, the whole structure changes. Ohio State can live in two tight end looks without sacrificing explosiveness, and defenses have one more problem to solve when they are trying to tilt coverage toward the wideouts.

Behind that top group, Max LeBlanc, Brody Lennon, and Nick Lautar are the development layer. Whether any of them push for snaps will likely depend on special teams value and how quickly they can become reliable blockers.

Bottom line

The important thing to understand is that Ohio State is not trying to fill the TE role with one player. Klare is gone, Kacmarek is gone, Thurman is gone, and the answer was to rebuild the job list with multiple bodies.

Williams brings the blocking base and the early down reliability. Welcing brings veteran receiving skill and a portal profile that suggests real weekly involvement. Christian brings continuity in the trenches, and Roberts brings the ceiling that could turn “solid room” into “difference making room.”

That is what reloaded is supposed to look like. Not one hero replacement, but enough playable pieces that the tight end spot can matter again in the way a championship offense needs it to.

According to Sky Sport Germany, and BILD, Can is expected to be sidelined until at least the end of February. The 32-year-old has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

The issue is reportedly unrelated to the injury that previously kept him out, instead stemming from renewed problems in the groin/adductor area. While the setback will be a concern for head coach Niko Kovač, there remains internal optimism that Can could still return in time for Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich on February 28.

Can’s absence further compounds Dortmund’s defensive issues. Aaron Anselmino’s loan was recently terminated, while Filippo Mané is also sidelined through injury. As a result, Kovač is said to have named several youngsters in the matchday squad for the upcoming clash with Wolfsburg, including 18-year-old defender Luca Reggiani, who could be in line for his senior debut at the Volkswagen Arena.

Despite the mounting injury problems, Dortmund remain second in the Bundesliga table. They are currently on a 13-match unbeaten league run and have reduced the gap to leaders Bayern Munich to just six points.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Colorado Buffaloes football head coach Deion Sanders shot down any discussions that he has any plans to coach in the NFL. Last offseason, Sanders reportedly talked to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about coaching the team before Dallas promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach.

A year later, his tone has changed.

"Not whatsoever," Sanders said on ESPN's First Take. "What transpired with my son last year? Ain't no way in the world."

Sanders was referring to his youngest son, Shedeur Sanders, now a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Shedeur fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after playing for his father at both Colorado and Jackson State. Shilo Sanders, who also played for his father at Colorado, also went undrafted and was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL preseason.

Shedeur was the second quarterback the Browns selected in 2025 and started the regular season behind former Browns quarterback Joe Flacco and fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

After Flacco was traded to the Bengals and Gabriel went down in Week 12 with a concussion, Shedeur finished the rest of the season as the starter. Shedeur finished his rookie season with a 3-4 record as the starter and threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Sanders was also selected to the Pro Bowl as a replacement, becoming the first Browns QB to make the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2008.

Next season, Shedeur is expected to compete for the starting job with Gabriel and Deshaun Watson under new Browns head coach Todd Monken, who reportedly expressed interest in drafting him out of Colorado when he was the offensive coordinator of the Ravens.

Deion Sanders also struggled in his first year at Colorado without his son at quarterback. The Buffaloes were 3-9 and played Kaidon Salter, Ryan Staub and Julian Lewis at quarterback last season. 

Lewis is expected to come into next year as the starting quarterback. He finished the year with 589 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions before he redshirted. Sanders is now 16-21 since taking over as the Colorado head coach in 2023.

Frankie Edgar would love to see Justin Gaethje pull the upset against Ilia Topuria, but knows it won't be easy.

Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) set himself up for a title-unification bout against Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) after defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 to claim the interim belt.

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has ran through his recent opposition, with his past three wins coming in knockouts over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holllway, and Charles Oliveira.

"I think Justin, just based on the type of fighter that he is, he could put anybody away," Edgar told MMA Junkie. "He has the power and the grit and the balls to stand there and swing with anybody. So yeah, I do think it's a possibility. If you weigh the odds, the odds are definitely in Topuria's favor. He's got dynamite in his hands. He's super technical.

"I wouldn't say Gaethje isn't technical – he's maybe just not as clean as Topuria. So I don't know if Topuria can find these holes. Obviously, I'm buddies with Gaethje and would love for him to go out there and get Topuria, get his hand raised, and walk away like a champ. That would be an amazing story, but it's a tall mountain to climb."

Edgar agrees with the notion that Topuria is currently the best boxer in the UFC.

"He just looks different than everyone else," Edgar said of Topuria. "His balance is the best, his feet are always in position. He sits down on his punches, doesn't try to knock you out. He just hits naturally hard. I think he probably always hit hard and it was kind of a gift, but with his technique on top of it, his speed, his timing – I mean, he's a hammer."

To hear more from Edgar, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Frankie Edgar admits Ilia Topuria tough task for Justin Gaethje

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, who spent his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, has died, his family said Friday.

Jurgensen died Friday morning in Naples, Fla., after a stay in hospice. He was 91. His family did not provide a cause of death.

"We are enormously proud of his amazing life and accomplishments on the field, marked not only by a golden arm, but also a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among the legends in Canton," Jurgensen's family said in a statement issued through the Washington Commanders.

"But to those of us who knew him beyond the stadium lights, he was the steady, humorous, and deeply loving heart of our family."

Jurgensen, known as one of the best pure passers in football history, entered the league as a fourth-round pick by the Eagles in the 1957 NFL Draft. The former Duke star went on to earn five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro nods. He also was a member of the Eagles team that beat Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in the 1960 NFL Championship.

Jurgensen led the league in passing yards five times, including a then-record 3,723 yards in 1961, his first season as a starter. He led the league in passing scores twice, including in that same 1961 season, when he tied Johnny Unitas' then record of 32.

The Eagles traded the quarterback to the Redskins in 1967. Jurgensen went on to beat his own passing yardage record with 3,747 in 1967 for the Redskins.

"Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football," the Commanders said in a statement. "He was a giant of the game, and a beloved part of our team's identity.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Sonny's family, friends and everyone who loved him."

Jurgensen totaled 32,224 passing yards, 255 touchdowns and 189 interceptions over 18 seasons. He spent decades with Washington's radio broadcast team after his retirement. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

His No. 9 was retired by the Commanders in 2022. He ranks second in franchise history in passing yards and touchdowns. He was inducted into the Eagles' first Hall of Fame class in 1987.

Jurgensen is survived by his wife, Margo Hurt, four sons, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"Few players could rival Sonny Jurgensen's genuine love of the game that continued long after his playing days," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. "Whether he was standing tall in the face of an opposing lineman as a quarterback for the Eagles and Redskins for 18 seasons or later as a beloved broadcaster in Washington for several more decades, Sonny captivated audiences and introduced generations of fans to the sport.

"Watching Sonny throw a football was like watching a master craftsman create a work of art."

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will fly their flag at half-staff in honor of Jurgensen.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the circus has begun in the Triangle — but not the kind with lions, tigers and elephants.

Instead, you will see Blue Devils and Tar Heels on Saturday at the Dean Smith Center, and they will bring along ESPN, College GameDay and much of the national media. No. 14 North Carolina (18-4, 6-3 ACC) returns to Chapel Hill with a chance to tighten its grip on the ACC race and pad its NCAA tournament résumé in front of its own fans. On the other side, No. 4 Duke (22-1, 10-0) arrives riding a three-game series win streak and looking to deepen its hold on the rivalry.

North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis understands that better than most. He has played in this game and been on the sideline for it as both an assistant and as the Tar Heels’ head coach. Because of the attention the game brings, Davis emphasizes to his players that it is just another game.

“The main thing I’ve tried to communicate to the guys is that our preparation, our process, the way we practice and the way we play is no different,” Davis said. “The only difference is the circus is coming to town. Other than that, it’s another game for us to compete and another opportunity for us to grow as a team. And leading up to a game, there’s absolutely nothing different.

“I want them to understand that what we’ve done for the 22 games prior to this is the same thing we’re doing this week, next week and for the remainder of the season,” he added.

As much as Davis wants to pretend that “it’s another game,” it is not, given the history between the two schools, which are separated by just 11 miles.

The programs have played at least twice a year since 1920 and have dominated the ACC, combining for 49 regular-season and 38 tournament titles. North Carolina has six NCAA titles; Duke has five, with 37 Final Four appearances between them.

Since North Carolina’s first national championship in 1957, Duke and Carolina have captured 28% of the national championships, or more than one every four years. Over the past 18 years, one of the two teams has been the AP preseason No. 1 eight times.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer did not shy away from the magnitude of what Saturday’s game represents for both programs in his own press conference on Thursday.

“There’s no denying the fact that when you think about the success of both of these programs ... and what this game stands for in college basketball, I think people would be jealous in what this game means,” Scheyer said. “But ultimately, it’s a helluva thing to be a part of.”

The circus is in town, and then it will leave. But it will be back on March 7, when the two teams square off again in Durham.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are about to witness the greatest rivalry in all of college sports.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: All eyes on the Dean Dome as Carolina, Duke renew rivalry

Every modern Super Bowl comes with headlines about million-dollar bets. Few lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a good cause.

Florida attorney Dan Newlin this week placed a $1-million bet with Hard Rock Bet on the Seattle Seahawks to defeat the New England Patriots on Sunday. A winning bet on the favored Seahawks would net Newlin more than $400,000. 

If Seattle wins, Newlin has pledged to donate the winnings to Orlando’s Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Newlin spoke with Covers' Ryan Butler about the inspiration behind the bet, why he picked the Seahawks, and his contributions to the hospital - whether his bet wins or loses.

RB: You've contributed frequently to charity before, but what inspired a donation to this cause?

DN: “I've been working with Nemours for over 10 years, and I really got involved with this because one of my daughter's grade school friends was diagnosed with a rare leukemia. We lived the journey with their parents and the child. Thankfully, she survived and she's with us today, but it was a lot of touch-and-go. There's a lot of unknown, a lot of pain and suffering that the child went through. But just watching it, being a part of that journey as a friend, really opened my eyes to pediatric cancer.

“In the process, I got to meet the doctors. I got to meet the people that were doing scientific testing, and I really learned way back then that most pediatric cancer cures are found by local physicians that spend their own time behind the scenes working, experimenting, and doing new techniques, and that there wasn't a lot of funding for it. And so for a long time I've been focused on giving back more specifically for pediatric cancer research, and I know that that's gone to really good uses.”

How did you and Hard Rock partner for this bet? 

“I thought making a million dollar bet, that's kind of just fun, but if we can take a million-dollar bet and spotlight it and give the money back to the Nemours, that would be a unique way to bring a lot of awareness, a lot of buzz and chatter about the bet. So I'm really proud that I got to go to Nemours hospital and meet with their CEO, meet with their board, and they were 100% behind it.

“Hard Rock Bet got involved, and they were 100% behind it as well. So I just thought I've got the support of who I need and I just have to go place a bet and make sure that it goes public, and then we can talk about winning the Super Bowl, and we can also talk about doing something really cool.”

How do you think this bet will impact people beyond the hospital?

“I think it inspires other people. Think about how there's going to be close to two billion dollars bet on the Super Bowl this year. How cool is it that people would really consider giving that to a charity that they know can make a difference in somebody's life.

“And already, the word on the street in Central Florida is that other people are already stepping up to do other cool things, not match my bet monetarily, but placing bets in the thousands of dollars. They're saying they're going to do this and give it back. I've heard that the Orlando Coalition for the Homeless was doing something for it. So that's what it's all about, creating a conversation and creating a buzz and awareness.”

You’re clearly a huge sports fan, but are you a big sports bettor yourself?

“I do like to bet on sports, especially football, but I'm a modest person. Just small monetary bets, no million-dollar bets or even $100,000. But I like to follow the sport, and I think it makes it a little bit more interesting when we have something on the line. So for me, this is taking it to the extreme, but it's all for a good cause.”

What led you to pick the Seahawks?

“I picked the Seahawks because the Seahawks are going to win the Super Bowl. That's why I picked them. I went with a bet that really increased my odds of winning. Some people say you're going with the least amount of gambling risk, but I feel good about it.

“Most people that see this bet don't understand the entire betting market like you and I do, but all they're going to know is Seahawks win, the Nemours gets a big check. And something else that I've told everybody is that win or lose, the Nemours will always win with me.

“Right now, I just want to focus on winning the bet and spotlighting pediatric cancer research.”

I have to ask, what happens if the Patriots win?

“Next week, I’ll be at the Hospital, win or lose, with the scientists, with doctors, with the CEO, with kids and families that are all currently battling or have battled cancer. They're doing a big celebration. So I'll be at the hospital, and win or lose, I'll be bringing a check to the hospital.

“For now, I’m just excited about the game and excited about getting out there and enjoying the Super Bowl experience and knowing that there's something really good that will come out of it. At the end of the day, we'll be able to help save some children's lives, and that'll be the coolest thing about the Super Bowl this year.”

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Juan Pablo Montoya spent the majority of his Formula 1 career at Williams. They signed him directly from American racing ahead of the 2001 season.

It was a successful move, with Montoya winning four times in his 68 starts. He finished in the championship top three in both 2002 and 2003 amid Michael Schumacher’s domination at Ferrari.

The Colombian ranks inside Williams’ all-time top five for podium finishes (23) and pole positions (11).

At the end of 2004, he left the team to join McLaren, where he spent two seasons before returning to the US as a NASCAR driver.

Juan Pablo Montoya faces £150k bill for driving his Williams F1 car

On the latest episode of his AS Colombia podcast, Montoya indicated that he had bought Williams’ 2004 car, the FW26. He won the Brazilian GP that year in what was his final race for the team.

But it’s one thing to own the car; it’s another to drive it. While it was powered by a BMW motor 22 years ago, there’s currently no engine in the back.

Montoya, who’s now 50 years old but was still racing as recently as 2023, hopes to equip the car for some laps in the near future.

But he expects it to cost him the best part of $200k (£147k) if he wants to complete significant mileage.

“The car is missing an engine,” said Montoya. “We were going to put one in this year, but we’ve never done a lap.

“The truth is, I have so many other things on my list of priorities. The idea is to take it for a few laps.

“If you want, you can donate a little money and give it a go! If you want to go for a spin in that car, do 40 laps in total, when you add it all up it’s going to be $150k to $200k.

“The day will cost you about $80k to $100k and the use of parts and everything else about $100k more.”

Which other F1 drivers own their past cars?

Back in 2024, Esteban Ocon was reunited with the 2021 Alpine car, best known for his victory at the Hungarian GP. That remains Ocon’s one and only F1 victory.

The Frenchman, who has now left to race for Haas, revealed that he was entitled to the car due to a clause in his contract.

Fernando Alonso won two world championships with Alpine forerunners Renault, and those historic 2005 and 2006 cars are now housed in his museum in Spain.

Likewise, Jenson Button owned his title-winning 2009 Brawn, but he sold it at auction last year. The bidding ultimately reached £2.8m.

Inter Milan will take on Sassuolo on Sunday still missing three key players, as coach Cristian Chivu balances injuries with squad rotation.

According to Sky Sport, via FCInterNews, wing-back Denzel Dumfries remains sidelined.

Meanwhile midfield regulars Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are also unavailable through injury.

Both midfielders are targeting a return for next weekend’s high-profile clash with Juventus.

Despite those absences, several established names are expected to return to the starting line-up.

Sassuolo vs Inter – Chivu Ready To Bring Back Old Faces As Barella & Calhanoglu Still Out

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Yann Bisseck of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

In defence, Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni are all set to regain their places from the first minute.

Further forward, Piotr Zielinski and Federico Dimarco are also tipped to start, while captain Lautaro Martinez should lead the line.

It is unsure who will partner Lautaro in attack, but early indicators suggest Chivu may select Francesco Pio Esposito.

Chivu is therefore expected to blend enforced absences with a partial reset of his preferred structure.

Indeed, keeping one eye on the Juventus showdown while ensuring Inter maintain momentum in Serie A.

“Bud” isn’t coming back.

Former undisputed boxing champion and pound-for-pound great Terence Crawfordabruptly retired in December 2025 at 38 years old, walking away after the biggest win — and biggest payday — of his career by schooling Canelo Alvarez to capture the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles (watch highlights).

And while boxing retirements are often temporary, Crawford insists his is final.

In a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, former NFL player Channing Crowder asked Crawford point-blank if there was a number — $80 million, $100 million — that could bring him back for one more fight.

“Nah, because now you’re selling your soul,” Crawford replied.

When Crowder joked that he’d take $100 million “and sell his soul,” Crawford fired back.

“That’s you. Now we know your character,” Crawford said. “Sometimes you look at people and be like, ‘Dang, man, you ain’t got no dignity, no morals.’ Come on, man. Like, what are you gonna stand for if everything is about money?”

Crawford explained that while boxing obviously paid the bills, money was never the driving force behind his career.

“I never was in a sport because of money, you know? Well, of course, I was in a sport to make money, but I wanted to be a world champion,” Crawford said. “I wanted to do something that I set my sights out to do as a little boy, and money wasn’t the motivation. Being a world champion was the motivation. Me accomplishing all the things that I’ve accomplished along the way on my journey…Then I became a world champion, and it was just like, man, all this other stuff is a cherry on the top. I did what I set my sights out to do.”

Health also played a major role in his decision. Crawford has long said he wanted to retire on his own terms.

“I wanted to retire after defeating Spence. I always told myself, I want to retire from boxing, I don’t want boxing to retire me,” Crawford said. “So just going through all the aches and pains and the things that it’s not talked about, and it was just like, how many more of these do you want to go through?”

“A lot of people ask me, and they say, ‘Why are you retiring?’ You’ve got a lot more fighting.’” Crawford added. “Why would I give it all to you, though? Why not take some more with me and use it for something else. You know, why not put all that energy into my kids or into something outside of boxing? I want to have a life outside of boxing. I don’t want to be like those fighters who stayed in too long, and they can’t enjoy the fruits of their labor. They can’t enjoy playing with their family. They can’t enjoy being able to have a decent conversation. That played a part too.”

“I’ve been doing this sport since I was seven years old,” Crawford told Ring Magazine in another interview. “I retired at 38. Ask yourself: if you’ve been taking your body through hell for 30 years, would you retire? That’s why I retired. There is nothing else left for me to accomplish in the sport of boxing. I gave my all to boxing, but I’m not going to give my health to boxing.”

Crawford retired with a perfect 42-0 record, 31 knockouts, and one of the most complete resumes in boxing history — with nothing left to prove and no interest in cashing in one last time.

For the latest boxing-related news and notes click here.

Croatian youngster Branimir Mlacic has explained why he opted for a move to Udinese despite long-standing interest from Inter Milan.

A lengthy negotiation with the Nerazzurri ultimately did not lead to a deal, and the highly rated defender instead completed a transfer from Hajduk Split to the Friuli-based side.

Presented to the media as a new Udinese player, the 2007-born prospect outlined the thinking behind his decision, via FCInterNews.

“I chose this club because I felt it was the right step for me,” Mlacic said. “Many strong players have come through here and, in my opinion, this is the right stage of my career.”

Inter Miss Out On Croatian Youngster Mlacic To Udinese

EMPOLI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 25: Gokan Inler of Udinese Calcio looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli and Udinese at Stadio Carlo Castellani on November 25, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Udinese’s technical area chief Gokhan Inler also spoke about the club’s long-term interest in the defender.

“On Mlacic I can say that we have followed him for a long time. He is an interesting, very strong player who has already taken an important step by coming here to us,” Inler explained.

“I spoke with Ivan Rakitic, who told me about the boy and described him as a hard worker who wants to grow step by step. It’s important not to take a step that’s too big.”

For Inter, missing out on Mlacic represents the loss of a promising defensive profile, but for the player himself, Udinese’s reputation as a development hub proved decisive in shaping his choice.

One final game remains in the 2026 NFL season, and it’s the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots battling it out for bragging rights as Super Bowl champions for the next year.

For both teams it represents a quick turnaround after recent coaching changes. Both Seattle and New England moved on from longtime coaches Pete Carrol and Bill Belichick, respectively, after the 2023 season, and then the Patriots moved on from Belichick’s replacement, Jerod Mayo, after a horrible 2024 season.

In any case, with the two teams set to face off on Sunday, Field Gulls own John P. Gilbert joined KMA Sports of Shenandoah, Iowa for one last NFL preview of the season, going over several key topics, including:

• The play. Yeah, that one. The one that made Malcolm Butler a household name.
• Some of the offseason changes that let the Seahawks go from missing the postseason to in the Super Bowl.
• What does Seattle need to do to win?
• Has Sam Darnold arrived?
• What could the Patriots do to come out victorious?

The entire preview is a whopping 11 minutes and 26 seconds, and it’s Friday afternoon heading into Super Bowl weekend, so there is zero point pretending you’re going to get anything productive done this afternoon or over the next two days. Thus, the only thing to do is to kick back and enjoy my rambling thoughts on the most important game the Seahawks have played in more than a decade.

For those who would prefer a direct link, you may click here.

And now it’s on to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Taylor Swift may not have made an appearance in the Bay Area for Super Bowl week yet, but Travis Kelce is keeping her close as he parties in San Francisco.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was spotted jamming out to his superstar fiancé's music at his Tight Ends & Friends party, which he co-hosted with San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle in collaboration with Sports Illustrated, at Public Works on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Hopping behind the DJ booth Kelce danced with DJs Andrew Fedyk and Joe De Pace, better known as the house music duo Loud Luxury, as they played their official remix of Swift's "Fate of Ophelia," which was released in November. He then took to the turntables before the chorus hit.

Kelce was also with Fedyk and De Pace as they played a remix of Swift's "You Belong With Me" and Rihanna's "We Found Love." Holding his phone in the air, the player first moved the screen in front of Fedyk and De Pace, who smiled and waved. Then, he recorded himself selfie-style singing along before also capturing the crowd as everyone belted out the 2008 classic. 

After lowering his hands, he appears to say something into his phone, click a few buttons and put it away, leading many to believe that Kelce may have sent a clip of the spectacle to Swift herself. 

The official X account for "New Heights," the podcast that Kelce co-hosts with his brother and retired NFL player Jason Kelce, shared a clip of the moment with the caption "Trav's killing it with @LoudLuxury at TEU."

Others who attended the Thursday night bash included "Pitch Perfect" actor Adam Devine, Niners tight end Jake Tonges and fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk, whose husband is Niners fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Claire Kittle accompanied her husband to the event, telling off photographers for asking him to move while he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon and wears a protective boot, according to a clip shared to X by Page 6.

"No, you guys," she said while they were posing on the red carpet. "You move, he's not moving."  

Earlier Thursday evening, the Kelce brothers attended the 15th annual NFL Honors ceremony at the Palace of Fine Arts and, the night prior, threw a party at San Francisco's Thriller Social Club  sponsored by their "New Heights" podcast. 

Fans were quick to notice that Wednesday night's event also featured a nod to Swift: a framed photo of her performing at 2017's DirectTV Now Super Saturday Night Concert. The Kelce brothers posed for a photo in front of the wall, according to a post on their since-expired Instagram story that night.  

While it's not clear if Swift will eventually join her beau for the big game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday, Feb. 8, she has been vocal about her newfound love for football and has attended the last two Super Bowls to root for the Chiefs. She's also no stranger to Levi's Stadium, where she performed back-to-back Eras Tour concerts back in 2023.

As for now, the singer is celebrating the release of her star-studded "Opalite" music video, which premiered on Friday, Feb. 6. It features late-night television host Graham Norton, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi and "The Paper" actor Domhnall Gleeson. 

This article originally published at Travis Kelce sings along to Taylor Swift songs at S.F. Super Bowl party.

Heat get awful Ja Morant trade news less than 24 hours after deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant isn’t going anywhere, at least this season. 

The Grizzlies elected to retain Morant despite exploring trades for the Murray State product during the final few days of the trade season. The Miami Heat were among the teams interested in striking a deal for Morant, but a deal never materialized. 

Less than 24 hours after this year’s trade deadline passed, the Heat received awful trade news regarding Morant that could prevent the organization from potentially acquiring him in the offseason.

“I think he's (Morant) got, what they call in the league, negative value,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on the popular ‘Get Up’ morning show. 

“What that means is teams were not willing to take Ja Morant unless the Grizzlies also attached draft compensation."

Windhorst’s report is unfortunate for two reasons. For starters, Morant’s negative trade perception made it impossible for the Heat to execute a franchise-altering deal for the electric two-time All-Star this year to help give them a second-half boost. 

Additionally, it doesn’t appear likely the Heat will accelerate trade talks centered around Morant in the summer, as it’s now clear he isn’t an asset well-perceived around the league. 

The 26-year-old has endured several significant injuries lately, hasn’t progressed well as a three-point shooter, and has been problematic off the court on several occasions. 

Morant, who’s averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game on 41.0% field goal shooting and 23.5% three-point shooting in 20 outings, may remain with the Grizzlies longer than he probably anticipated, which isn't good news for the Heat.

More NBA: Lakers could have big Luka Doncic injury problem, insider reveals

Former Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who is to stand trial in May on federal sports corruption charges, allegedly conspired to rig far more pitches than originally revealed by federal prosecutors, according to a document filed on Thursday in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and quoted by ESPN.

That’s part of the reason why his co-conspirator, former Cleveland pitcher Luis Ortiz, is attempting to have a separate trial.

The indictment unsealed in November against Clase and Ortiz alleges that Clase had conspired with bettors to manipulate prop bets by intentionally throwing pitches that were errant or at agreed-upon velocities in nine games from 2023-25. Ortiz allegedly began doing the same in June.

A filing by Ortiz attorney Christos N. Georgalis asked that his client’s case to be severed from Clase’s because of “markedly different levels of culpability,” and their expected conflicting defenses. Georgalis noted that Clase had been much more invested in the plot, specifically serving as the conduit to the alleged Dominican Republic gambling ring.

ESPN reported on Thursday that the court filing claimed that Clase had manipulate pitches in 48 games. That had been redacted from the docket entry on Friday.

Another court filing notes that at least 250 pitches are in question.

Clase, conflicts, contentiousness

Ortiz’s attorneys argue that a jury would be prejudiced against their client by association as it listens to “26 months of alleged criminal conduct” by Clase. They contend that because of the small scale of alleged misconduct against Ortiz, his trial could wrap in days. Sitting through Clase’s trial, they argue, incriminates him by association.

It also appears that Ortiz attorneys will stress how little time the pitcher was involved, and that he never communicated, they say, with gamblers. Prosecutors claim that each accepted bribes from two gamblers in the Dominican Republic, who won at least $460,000 wagering on their pitch outcomes.

“Given the defendants’ likely mutually antagonistic defenses,” the request continues, “severance is warranted because prejudice to Mr. Ortiz likely will arise.”

According to Ortiz’s attorneys, Clase lawyers Michael Ferrara, Michael Bronson, Lindsay Gerdes, and Riley Able of the law firm Dinsmore & Shohl participated in pre-indictment interviews with four potential government witnesses and would be called to testify in Ortiz’s trial.

Clase and Ortiz each pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery charges. They could face upward of 65 years in federal prison.

While Clase was originally charged with conspiring with bettors from 2023-2025, Ortiz was accused of rigging pitches in two games over a 12-day span in June. Both were placed on administrative leave in July through an agreement with MLB and the player union.

Clase led the American League in saves from 2022-24, and was third in Cy Young voting in 2024. He had 24 saves in 2025 when he was placed on leave.

A court filing from Jan. 16 described the federal investigation of Clase as “ongoing.” The EDNY must file its reply in opposition to Ortiz’s sever request by Feb. 17.

McLaren is entering the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Dallara-based LMDh racer next year, joining General Motors as a brand competing in some form at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in the Indianapolis 500, and in Formula 1. And if Zak Brown has his way, all three programs could be highlighted with what would instantly be the highest-profile "Star Car" entered in the 24 Hours of Daytona in generations.

In an interview with Road & Track, Brown mentioned the possibility of the team's IndyCar and Formula 1 drivers sharing an extra GTP-class McLaren in the 24-hour race. Brown also noted that he has already talked to Arrow McLaren IndyCar drivers Pato O'Ward and Christian Lundgaard about potentially getting behind the wheel of the team's new LMDh prototype in some fashion, and that he would have done the same with fellow IndyCar signee Nolan Siegel if he were not out of the country racing other sports cars at the time of the team's 2026 launch.

"You get into 24 Hours of Daytona," Brown said, "where you need extra drivers and you can run extra cars, that's something that McLaren does very well. It's a lot of fun—we have fun with our racing. Could we see at Daytona one year, our IndyCar drivers, our F1 drivers come together, that type of thing? Absolutely."

There are a few roadblocks to getting that extra entry into action. Most notable among them is that McLaren has not actually committed to an IMSA program with its new LMDh car just yet, although Brown mentioned his "strong desire" to expand the program at Daytona two weeks ago. Another potential hurdle is the demanding off-season schedule for Formula 1 drivers—a problem Max Versappen brought up to R&T while discussing his own goals of eventually competing in the race.

O'Ward told R&T that Brown has been "pretty vocal" that he wants the IndyCar star to test the prototype and get a feel of it, and O'Ward added that the is "pretty keen on doing that." It could turn into an opportunity at Daytona as soon as 2028 if McLaren chooses to go forward with its IMSA program... but the Mexican IndyCar star will not be adding Le Mans to his calendar until he checks one major box.

"It is on my mind," O'Ward said, "but I told Zak, I have no intention of doing Le Mans until I have one Indy 500 win under my belt."

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Feb. 6 (UPI) -- A handful of events began earlier in the week -- curling, figure skating and ice hockey -- but the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics officially got underway Friday afternoon in Italy.

The opening ceremony started at 2 p.m. EST at Milan's historic, 100-year-old San Siro Stadium in Milan, a nearly 4-hour celebration of the Games that is expected to include a range of performances, the parade of nations and, finally, the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

The Milano Cortina Olympics will be the first to include two venues in the opening ceremony and the first to light two caldrons for the Games: one in Milan at the Arco della Pace and another at Piazza Dibona in central Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Organizers have said that lighting two cauldrons is meant to represent harmony between the two cities of Milan and Cortina -- which are jointly hosting the Games -- as well as other areas that the Games are being held.

In addition to dance, light and special effects shows at San Siro, performances by Maria Carey, Andrea Bocelli, The White Lotus and The Paper star Sabrina Impacciatore, Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino and Italian singer Laura Pausini have been announced.

Events at this year's Winter Games have been spread among several towns in northern Italy, in addition to the two towns, which the Olympic ceremony director, Maria Laura Iascone, told NBC News is among the efforts of Italy chart "a new course" and innovate "a new spirit" of the opening ceremonies.

The Big Show

The majority of the intricate, ornate opening ceremony is being held at San Siro Stadium, which opened in 1926, has hosted several World Cup-linked events and is home to two Italian soccer clubs.

The Olympics is set to be its final event before the owners of those two teams demolish the stadium to build a newer, more modern facility for the two clubs.

In addition to San Siro, the cauldron will be lit elsewhere in Milan, and athlete parades are set to be held at other venues in the city as organizers have sought to show off Milan, Cortina and other parts of the country. Overall, there are 13 venues hosting Olympic competition this year.

The two cauldrons -- at Milan's Arco della Pace and Corina's Piazza Dibona -- are in addition to opening ceremony events in Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo.

On top of splitting up the ceremonies, there are multiple Olympic villages that athletes are staying in, a decisions made so that they will not need to travel far between lodging, sporting venues and the opening and closing ceremonies.

Events get underway

The ceremony opened with the Italian Olympic Committee spotlighting the southern European country's position as a "Winter wonderland," which included video presentations of mountains and towns that gave way to dance routines focused on community, love and harmony, according to organizers.

The glittery winter look moved toward an ode to Italian operat with actors dressed as Gioachina Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini performing to Rossini's William Tell Overture.

Maria Carey, who performed for free, sang the Italian classic "Volare" in Italian blended with some of her song "Nothing Is Impossible," and wowed the crowd ahead of introductions of the President of Italy and of the International Olympic Committee were introduced.

In a significant tribute to legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, dozens of models decked out in loose red, white and green suits -- the colors of the Italian flag -- filed out into the center stadium.

Model Vittoria Ceretti, who is also known for dating Leonardo Dicaprio, carried an Italian flag out to an honor guard before Pausini sang the Italian national anthem, "Fratelli d'Italia" and Favino recited the Giacomo Leopardi poem "L'inifnito."

As dancers once again filled the center of the arena, two rings -- with actors reclining on them -- floated out to the stage. Once the actors got off the rings, they joined three others high above the crowd to form the Olympic rings.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates throughout the afternoon and evening.

Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Dickens has been in charge as interim head coach at Kingston Park since October, having replaced Steve Diamond.

The news comes after weeks of speculation around the 50-year-old's future, with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend strongly linked to the position after this year's World Cup.

Dickens, who originally joined Newcastle in 2024 as attack and defence coach, has won six of his first 17 games since taking over.

The former Leicester assistant coach confirmed the news to TNT Sports before his side's Prem Rugby Cup clash against the Tigers at Welford Road.

"I am not there next season, but I wish the club well with whoever comes in and I sincerely mean that," he said.

"I want to be professional. There is a job to finish here.

"It was an honour to be asked to be the interim head coach of Newcastle Red Bulls. I have enjoyed the people, I have enjoyed the place and I wish them well in the future.

"In terms of the players, I want the best for those who are staying and moving on. I want them to find jobs in the country or wherever so they can continue their professional careers."

He would not, however, be drawn on rumours of his successor.

"That is news to me [about Gregor Townsend]. I am sure he covered that off in his press conference this week," said Dickens.

"The job he has is a consultant to Red Bull, and that is what he does."

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An adventurous and historic Week of Trades™️ saw plenty of big names change places. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis are in win-later homes; James Harden and Darius Garland were swapped for each other. Ivica Zubac, a season removed from playing at a fringe-All-NBA level, will eventually get to catch passes from Tyrese Haliburton.

There will be, and already has been, plenty of audio and virtual ink spilled on those moves, and rightfully so. With that in mind, and in the spirit of the week, I decided to do what many other teams did: pivot to something else.

We’re here to take a look at some of the non-stars (or close) that saw their situations improve, and could prove to be important factors as we trek ahead to the playoffs.

Let’s dig in, shall we?

Ayo Dosunmu, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves were largely discussed through the lens of the Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit. They should now be discussed for their acquisition of former Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu. 

The fifth-year guard is enjoying the best scoring season of his career, logging a career high in points off the strength of insane 3-point shooting (45.1% on 4.3 attempts). It serves as a necessary complement to his driving chops, a skill that has improved in half-court settings and really pops in transition. 

He should vibe nicely playing off the attention that Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle command. His ability to get downhill, particularly in early offense situations, should make life easier for those stars, allowing them to attack tilted defenses instead of always being tasked with the tilting.

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Dosunmu’s quickness and plus-wingspan (listed at 6-foot-10) allows him to hold his own defensively — and he’s shown flashes of being a real disruptive piece during his Chicago stint. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Wolves dabble in three-guard lineups with him, Donte DiVincenzo and Edwards. A closing group with those three, Jaden McDaniels (having one heck of a year) and Rudy Gobert could be incredibly tough to deal with.

If there’s one thing I’m eyeing, it’s how teams will treat Dosunmu on the perimeter in games that matter. He’s enjoying a strong shooting season, but historically, his catch-and-shoot efficiency has been a roller coaster. Tied to that is the fact he’s largely been dared to knock down the triples he’s taken.

Here’s Dosunmu’s catch-and-shoot history from beyond the arc, as well as average closest defender distance when taking those shots:

• 2021-22: 37.6% on 2.3 attempts, 8.5 feet away

• 2022-23: 30.8% on 2.3 attempts, 8.6 feet away

• 2023-24: 40.4% on 3.3 attempts, 8.8 feet away

• 2024-25: 34% on 3.5 attempts, 8.3 feet away

• 2025-26: 42.3% on 3.7 attempts, 8.0 feet away

If the efficiency goes backwards, I’ll be curious to see how often the Wolves feel like they can close with him. That’s also a first world problem; him helping to solidify the second unit — along with the likely return of Mike Conley — makes this enough of a win.

Kevin Huerter, Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have been the best team in the East; quiet as kept, they’re only two games behind the Thunder for the league’s best record. A conversational point around the Pistons, aside from their goodness, has been their willingness to make a major swing ahead of the deadline. They had the salaries, pick control, and, despite their record, a pretty obvious flaw in their design (shooting) to justify a swing.

They ultimately decided against pushing all of their chips to the center of the table, instead bringing Huerter into the mix.

I like it quite a bit.

While it’s fair to raise a brow at Huerter’s shooting — he’s converting a career-worst 31% of his 3s this year — he is a career 37% shooter from deep. I think he’ll enjoy playing off the gravity of Cade Cunningham whenever they share minutes together; that miiiight be a friendly context for him compared to playing alongside Josh Giddey. 

Beyond the pure shooting ability, Huerter’s ability to move away from the ball should immediately make this group better. He’s a smart relocator off the ball, often finding pockets of space to make life easier for drivers or post kickouts. On top of that, pay attention to his work as a cutter. He’s converting a career-best 63% of his shots inside the arc for a reason; I think Jalen Duren in particular will enjoy the Huerter back-cuts when teams try to deny him on handoffs.

Huerter should also add value as a second-side option for handoffs or ball screens; he’s an underrated playmaker, especially when defenses are already tilted. And on a basic level, Huerter gives the Pistons more optionality, taking some pressure off of Duncan Robinson to be the movement/off-ball threat.

Coby White, Charlotte Hornets

Welcome home, Coby White!

The Goldsboro, North Carolina, native and former Tar Heel joins a Hornets group currently riding an eight-game winning streak. Not only is that tied with the Knicks (more on them shortly) for the longest active streak in the league, it’s the first time this century that the Hornets have won eight (or more) games in a row.

While it’s been a “down” year for White as he’s worked back from — and through — injuries, it’s worth noting that he was looking more like last year’s version of himself before this trade. 

• 2024-25 season: 20.4 points (54/37/90), 4.5 assists in 33.1 minutes

• Last nine games: 20.3 points (44/40/86), 4.9 assists in 30.9 minutes

[NBA trade deadline winners and losers]

White brings a fun mix of pull-up shooting, drives (quietly logging the highest rim rate of his career), and off-ball prowess and secondary playmaking that the Hornets could use. He should slot in nicely in lineups next to LaMelo Ball. With the way the Hornets like to flow in the half-court, it’s easy to envision possessions where White initiates things, only for the ball to find its way into LaMelo’s hands against a shifting defense.

More pressing could be what happens when Ball isn’t on the floor. Of note, the Hornets’ offense falls off a cliff — from a would-be-league-best 124.3 offensive rating to a paltry 112.2 offensive rating — when Ball goes to the bench. White should help quite a bit with that issue.

Jose Alvarado, New York Knicks

Speaking of homecomings, Alvarado making his way back to New York couldn’t have come at a better time. Deuce McBride, enjoying the best season of his career (12.9 points on 59.2 true shooting, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 28.0 minutes), is expected to miss significant time with a core injury. I was already a fan of adding Alvarado to this mix; in light of McBride’s strategy, it’s clear the Knicks needed this acquisition.

To call Alvarado a spark plug or energy shifter would be an understatement. His ability to flip games on its head — more importantly, the way he flips those games — should be greatly appreciated in New York. He’s so annoying (complimentary) at the point of attack defensively. Famously, you may need eyes at the back of your head to locate him after receiving an inbound pass, lest you get your pocket picked for a quick bucket. 

Quietly, Alvarado has turned himself into a serviceable shooter (36.5% on 4.6 attempts from 3 over the past three seasons) who’s willing to take them off the bounce if defenders disrespect him. His speed allows him to bob-and-weave into tight spaces, forcing defenses into tough decisions and opening up passing windows. The injection of pace, energy, and aggression should vibe nicely with the Knicks’ second unit.

I’ll leave you with this: among the many variations of Pelicans teams we’ve seen across Alvarado’s tenure, it’s noteworthy that they won his minutes and were outscored without him.

Spencer Jones, Denver Nuggets

Jones wasn’t traded, but a money (and roster) move involving Hunter Tyson helped create a pathway for the Nuggets to convert Jones’ two-way deal into a standard contract.

Jones has been tasked with defending multiple positions, knocking down shots, filling space as a cutter, connecting possessions as a passer or hand-off hub, and generating extra possessions on the offensive glass. Those responsibilities have felt more important in light of Aaron Gordon’s absence; they likely feel even more necessary considering Peyton Watson is expected to miss at least a month.

Luckily for the Nuggets, Jones has been up for the challenge to this point. Across 34 starts, Jones is averaging 7.5 points (64/41/61 splits), 3.9 rebounds (1.3 OREB), and 1.0 steals. He deserves a salute for his impact, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy the added layer of security.

Vikings rumor could lead to offseason trade with Steelers, Dolphins or Jets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets all have a quarterback problem.

For the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers could very well retire or opt to go someplace else. The Jets' Justin Fields experiment failed miserably and he'll likely get cut, and the Dolphins appear to be done with Tua Tagovailoa after he was benched in 2025.

With no set starters in place for 2026, all three teams will be exploring the free-agent and trade markets, as well as the NFL draft for their next signal-callers.

Speaking of the trade market, all three teams should have their eyes on the Minnesota Vikings and quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, McCarthy's future as the starter is anything but set in stone after former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired recently.

Seifert is hearing that the firing has created more urgency for head coach Kevin O'Connell and "all bets are off" with McCarthy and the team could "take a big swing" at a veteran quarterback to replace McCarthy this offseason.

"The best way to put this, based on what sources have said, is that all bets are off," Seifert reported. "The general manager who drafted McCarthy No. 10 in 2024 has been fired, and the coach who was in full agreement with that decision is now under considerably more scrutiny."

"If anything, these events increase the chances that the Vikings will take a big swing at finding a veteran quarterback who could start in 2026," Seifert added. "The only thing more damaging than making the mistakes the Vikings made last season would be to repeat them this year."

McCarthy was easily the biggest roadblock for the Vikings making the playoffs last season, so it would not be totally shocking if the team decided to go in a different direction after making the mistake of not signing a veteran in 2025.

McCarthy showed some flashes, but not enough to overshadow all of his struggles. The former No. 10 overall pick has also had injury issues after missing seven games in 2025 and all of 2024.

If the Vikings bring in a legitimate veteran quarterback to start, it's conceivable that Minnesota could opt to trade the Michigan product.

While McCarthy is far from guaranteed to shore up the starting job of the Steelers, Jets or Dolphins, it would be worth it to take a flyer on him in the hopes the 23-year-old can turn it around and become a long-term answer.

Given what we saw last season, McCarthy isn't going to cost much in a trade, so there won't be a ton of risk with acquiring him.

More NFL news

• Puka Nacua trolls Myles Garrett, compares him to Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Malik Nabers reveals reason behind slower-than-expected injury recovery
• Maxx Crosby trade rumor lists preferences and it's good news for Cowboys, 49ers, Lions
• NFL insider leaves door open for Aaron Rodgers to ditch Steelers for Vikings
• Klint Kubiak-Raiders rumors are bad news for Seahawks' coaching staff

Now that Kyle Whittingham has been on the Michigan football job for more than a month, some of his top targets are beginning to come to light. And, not unexpectedly, he's working hard on some players who hail from his now-former neck of the woods.

After bringing in some former Utah players via the transfer portal, Whittingham is also targeting some top prospects out of high school in the Beehive State. Among them has been former Cal commit Broncs Baker, a 2027 recruit from Tooele (Utah) Stansbury.

On Friday, Baker listed his top six and Michigan football made the cut, along with West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington State, Boise State, and Oregon State.

🏠Excited to find my future 🏠.

These 6 schools have recruited me aggressively and definitely see my LB potential🥷 @adamgorney@GregBiggins@BrandonHuffman@Hayesfawcett3pic.twitter.com/0RXh1aXQic

— BRONCS BAKER🥷4⭐️LB (@BroncsBaker) February 6, 2026

Baker is listed as a four-star by both Rivals and the 247Sports Composite, with Rivals being the highest in its proprietary rankings, having the linebacker at No. 200 overall.

He spoke to Rivals' Adam Gorney (subscription required) about why the Wolverines stand out, and linebackers coach Alex Whittingham is playing a major role in his recruitment.

“Coach Alex Whittingham and I have been talking and texting a few times a week. I think that new staff turns Michigan into a powerhouse in Year 1. I can tell they value my play style. Definitely visiting in March.”

Michigan currently has four commits in the 2027 class, with all four pledges having verbally committed before the Whittingham takeover.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football: 4-star LB Broncs Baker includes Wolverines in top 6

Maybe some rivalries don't mean what they used to. Can you imagine Woody Hayes plucking coaches from those old Michigan Wolverines teams to build his Ohio State Buckeyes coaching staff? Perhaps that old-school thinking no longer applies. Maybe the modern NFL has taught us that rivalries take a backseat to talent, and the Baltimore Ravens and their AFC North rivals seem to understand that better than most.

Despite their long-standing feud with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens recently added Eddie Faulkner to their staff. That move comes with plenty of reasons for optimism.

Then, there are the Cleveland Browns. Once upon a time, Art Modell uprooted the old Browns and moved them to Maryland, creating the Ravens. Decades later, the new Browns turned around and hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their head coach. Time really is a flat circle.

We're having some fun with this, of course. At the end of the day, the goal of every NFL coaching staff is simple: win football games. If Cleveland believed Monken gave them a better chance to do that than Jim Schwartz, then choosing him was the logical move.

That decision, however, came with consequences. Schwartz reportedly believed the head-coaching job would be his. When it wasn't, he didn't take the news well and resigned as Cleveland's defensive coordinator.

While Schwartz hasn't confirmed his next move, the expectation at this time is that he may sit out the upcoming season. Now comes the inevitable question: if Vic Fangio calls it a career after this season, would a reunion with Jim Schwartz make sense in Philadelphia?

The answer is both yes and no. There's clear upside in swapping Fangio for Schwartz, but there are also risks to handing him that level of responsibility again; the Eagles would need to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Positive: A proven and decent track record in Philadelphia

The Eagles don't have to guess whether Jim Schwartz can handle the demands of coordinating a defense in Philadelphia. They already have proof. Schwartz served as Doug Pederson's defensive coordinator from 2016–20, helping lay the foundation for a championship roster with an inexperienced head coach.

He commanded a star-studded room with authority and clarity. In 2017, the Eagles finished fourth in both total defense and scoring defense.

They allowed just 18.4 points per game. Yes, Super Bowl LII exposed some coverage issues. Yes, steps were taken backward statistically in 2018, but Schwartz's tenure in the City of Brotherly Love is still remembered more favorably than not.

Negative: Familiarity breeds an opponent's answers.

The league has seen Jim Schwartz's system, and they have seen it a lot. Quick-game offenses and both elite and experienced quarterbacks have repeatedly found ways to counter his reliance on pressure over disguise.

When opponents can identify what's coming before the snap, even aggressive fronts can be neutralized. That's been, at times, the recurring concern with Schwartz-led defenses, especially late in his tenure.

Positive: Defensive line maximization

Few coaches squeeze more production out of a front four. His wide-9 principles consistently generate pressure without heavy blitzing, a trait that aligns perfectly with the Eagles' long-standing philosophy of building through the trenches.

When Schwartz's system is working, chaos starts up front. His defenses can collapse pockets, disrupt timing, and dictate games without sacrificing coverage numbers. That's a good thing.

Negative: Rigidity and limited adaptation

By Schwartz's third season in Philadelphia, opponents had plenty of film and a full library on Schwartz's tendencies. Without meaningful wrinkles or counterpunches, the defense at times felt predictable.

Schwartz's strong convictions are part of what makes him effective, but the knife cuts both ways. His units often evolve slowly, which can be frustrating when the personnel suggest a higher ceiling than the results ultimately reflect.

Positive: Instant credibility and local awareness

Jim Schwartz wouldn't need an orientation. He understands the Philadelphia market, the expectations, and the pressure that comes with the job. After three seasons under Vic Fangio, it won't be easy to find another defensive voice with that level of built-in credibility, but Schwartz qualifies.

Players respect his résumé, and there would be no learning curve when it comes to accountability. There will also be no need for brush-up courses on culture, expectations, or leadership.

Negative: A philosophical step backward

If the Eagles' goal post-Fangio is evolution, a Schwartz reunion may not align with that vision. His return would feel more like revisiting the past than pushing toward the future.

If the organization wants flexibility, disguise, and multiplicity, the better path may be finding a Fangio disciple or a refined version of Jonathan Gannon. Schwartz's addition is returning to something familiar. There is safety and stability here, but it also raises concerns about a high floor paired with a limited ceiling.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Pros and cons of a potential Eagles reunion with Jim Schwartz in 2027

New Boston Celtics big man Nikola Vucevic has made a name for himself with the Orlando Magic and then the Chicago Bulls with his offensive game, his shooting from beyond the arc in particular. And that ability to stretch the floor with his shooting were likely a significant factor for the Celtics electing to trade guard Anfernee Simons for the Montenegrin big man ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

But Vooch (as his fans will sometimes call him for a nickname) was not always a stretch big, and the former Bulls big man opened up about how he added that aspect to his game in his introductory press conference with Boston on Friday (Feb. 6) afternoon. "I think it was at a time where the whole NBA just started really going towards the 3 out here, when (the) Golden State (Warriors were) just shooting a lot of it," said Vucevic.

"At that time, we had gotten a new front office in Orlando (with the Magic) that's still there now," he added. "And they were big on me starting work on the 3."

"At first, I was a little bit pushing back because I was a big mid-range guy, inside guy," continued the now-Celtics center. "It wasn't something I was comfortable with, and it just took time for me to get comfortable shooting a lot in games, become good at it."

"When you first start shooting the 3, you miss one, you miss two— it's I want to go back to what I like to do, but I think over time I just put a lot of work in and got more confident. I could shoot the mid-range really well and closer to the 3, but I think there was also a mindset thing to accept that it's a 3 and to not worry so much about making and missing early on. And each year, I shot more and more and more and more, and it became a huge part of my game. And I don't think it's just the 3 itself, because ... now that I start making them, teams are get(ing) into switching, which then opens up mismatches for me to dive or to have the guard to have a five on them. They can put him in different actions. They can attack him straight off the dribble, (it) enables me to space, which will pull the big with me, open up space for small actions."

"(It) enables me to drive, if the big is closing at me, I can drive, kick, do different actions," he added. "So it really gave me ... a lot of whole different options offensively, which I think enabled me to really take a whole other step as a player."

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: New Celtic Nikola Vucevic on how adding a 3 to his game changed career

2026 World Cup: Alex Iwobi and Nigeria push for a lifeline

Already eliminated on paper for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria is pushing for a second chance.

In recent hours, Alex Iwobi has broken his silence. The Fulham midfielder still holds out hope that the Super Eagles could feature at the 2026 World Cup, as all eyes turn to FIFA and the ongoing administrative dispute with DR Congo.

Speaking to Supersport, Alexander Iwobi voiced a sentiment shared by an entire nation. Despite Nigeria’s sporting elimination in the play-offs, the hope for a lifeline through administrative means remains very much alive in the Super Eagles’ locker room. "We are still waiting. I hope we can go to the 2026 World Cup. It’s a tough choice, because winning AFCON is a huge legacy, but many of my teammates have never experienced a World Cup. I can’t be selfish." he said.

The case hinges on a complaint filed by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), challenging the eligibility of several key DR Congo players (with names like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Epolo, Mario, and Axel Tuanzebe being mentioned).

Although FIFA already dismissed the initial complaint last December, the NFF continues to push for a deeper investigation.

During the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, announcers had an opportunity to talk about the amazing athletes who are competing.

They could have chosen to share fun facts about the nations or the athletes participating in these events. Instead, however, some fans felt that former Olympic snowboarder and three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White used that time to talk mostly about himself.

While on the broadcast for NBC and Peacock, during the Parade of Nations, it seemed White shared anecdotal details about his own travels and his own brand and his own athletic accomplishments every step of the way.

It was frustrating for those who wanted to hear less about White's lived experience and more about those who are set to become stars this winter.

Shaun White just yapping and namedropping random locations he's been to

— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) February 6, 2026

This part of the opening ceremony is just Shaun White talking about all the cool places he’s traveled to

— Mitch Goldich 🐙 (@mitchgoldich) February 6, 2026

I need the announcers to dazzle me with fun facts about each country I don’t need to know if Shaun White was “changed after the Torino opening ceremonies” as Bosnia and Herzegovina walks in.

— Kerry Mallett (@kerryamallett) February 6, 2026

Is Shaun White just using the opening ceremony to flex how cool his life is whenever a new country shows up? 😂

— Talor (@TalorMeyer) February 6, 2026

Shaun White finding a way to talk about himself for every country that marches out.

— Kelly (@KellyGlitzel) February 6, 2026

why is the Olympics opening ceremony just Shaun White talking about his world travels

— haley (@haleybuthockey) February 6, 2026

Especially because so many fans had the same complaint, this is something that all future Olympic broadcasters should consider.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Shaun White got roasted for his Olympic opening ceremony commentary

Proposed Pirates trade sees Pittsburgh land $100 million two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger after whiffing on Eugenio Suarez originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have surprisingly been one of the more active teams this offseason, overhauling their offense with hitters like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn. However, they needed one more, and they missed when Eugenio Suarez decided to sign with their division rival in the Cincinnati Reds.

Now, they’ll need to pivot. Fansided’s Christopher Kline proposes that the Pirates make a deal with their eastern Pennsylvania counterparts, and trade with the Philadelphia Phillies for Nick Castellanos. Castellanos looks like he’s done with Philly and vice-versa, so this could work in Pittsburgh’s favor. 

MORE: Proposed Yankees trade sees New York move on from Jasson Dominguez, receive top prospects in return

The trade would look like this:

Phillies get: C/1B Edgleen Perez (PIT #18)

Pirates get: OF Nick Castellanos, Cash

“This aligns nicely with a potential Domínguez-Phillies trade, as the writing is on the wall for Nick Castellanos' tenure in Philadelphia. He butted heads with Rob Thomson throughout last season, demoted time and time again in the face of a steep offensive decline…If the Pittsburgh Pirates bump Ryan O'Hearn to a corner outfield spot, there are DH reps wide-open for Castellanos. That allows him to focus solely on swinging the bat without the pressures and scrutiny of everyday defense. There's still some pop left, and Pittsburgh could use a bopper after whiffing on Eugenio Suárez and, ironically, Philly's own Kyle Schwarber. Philadelphia can eat $10 million or so and get a 19-year-old catcher project for their trouble,” Kline wrote. 

MORE: Orioles predicted to pivot after whiffing on Framber Valdez, sign $75 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate as Plan B

This past season, Castellanos slashed .250/.294/.400/.694 with 27 doubles, 17 home runs, and 72 RBI in 147 games. While he definitely doesn't have the power of Suarez, he’d still be a major offensive upgrade to the Pirates’ lineup, and if he can be the DH, all the better.

Currently, Castellanos is owed $20 million for the last year of his contract. If the Phillies eat $10 million of that like Kline suggests, the Pirates could definitely be interested. 

Hopefully, they are, and make a proposal to Philly so they can get Castellanos in black and yellow by the time March comes rolling around.

MORE MLB NEWS

Blue Jays predicted to trade for $3 million All-Star lefty ace to righty-dominant lineup, compensate for missing out on Kyle Tucker

Pirates predicted to trade for $55 million 3.35 ERA star starting pitcher to create formidable 1-2 punch with Paul Skenes

Proposed Red Sox trade sees Boston deal Romy Gonzalez, top prospect for $9.35 million two-time All-Star slugger

Dave McMenamin: There is some initial optimism that Luka Doncic is not dealing with a major issue with his left hamstring, however the Lakers star is doubtful to play Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Lakers optimistic about Luka Doncic’s hamstring injury

Since Deion Sanders became Colorado's head coach in 2022, every offseason has had his name pop up in NFL head coaching rumors. Last season, it was especially rampant with the Cowboys, his former team, having an opening.

Sanders shut down that idea completely on Friday morning during a guest appearance on ESPN's First Take during Super Bowl week in San Francisco.

Host Shae Cornette asked Sanders if "there is anything that would get you to jump to the NFL?"

Sanders responded, saying, "Not whatsoever. What transpired with my son [Shedeur Sanders] last year? Ain't no way in the world [would I return to the NFL]."

.@shaepeppler: "Is there anything that would get you to jump to the NFL?"

Deion Sanders: "Not whatsoever. What transpired with my son last year? Ain't no way in the world." 👀 pic.twitter.com/tW6iQo5D7T

— First Take (@FirstTake) February 6, 2026

Sanders was referencing his son's draft slide last year, when Shedeur dropped to the fifth round after being widely projected as a first-round pick. The former Colorado star quarterback began the year as the Cleveland Browns' third-string quarterback before finishing the season as the Browns' starter.

"It was a tough year [for the Sanders family]," Sanders said earlier in the interview. "We didn't fault him. We didn't doubt. We didn't back up off that thing. We stood there, and we fought, man. And we're back. This year, 2026, is ours. We're going to dominate his year, from the top to the bottom."

The past year featured the younger Sanders ' pre-draft interviews, which were criticized, and then, during the draft, Sanders was prank-called. All of that was followed by questions about his relationship with Browns' head coach Kevin Stefanski.

After Shedeur went 3-4 in seven starts and his dad went 3-9 as head coach at Colorado, both are looking for a better year ahead.

Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders' rejects NFL coaching rumors, discusses Shedeur Sanders

A drug trafficker linked to the 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star Andrés Escobar has been killed in Mexico, President Gustavo Petro said Friday.

Santiago Gallon Henao had been investigated in the death of Escobar, the Colombian national team's central defender, who was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the United States at the 1994 World Cup.

The own goal contributed to Colombia's first-round elimination from the tournament.

The 27-year-old's murder shocked the soccer world and Colombia, which at the time was plagued by violence. Medellin was controlled by drug traffickers, with a murder rate of 380 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Gallon and his brother allegedly confronted Escobar at a nightclub on July 2, 1994, just 10 days after the own goal.

The brothers' driver, Humberto Munoz Castro, admitted to shooting Escobar several times in the nightclub's parking lot. According to eyewitnesses, Munoz shouted "goal!" each time he fired. He later confessed to the killing and was sentenced to prison. He got a 43-year sentence and was released after 11 years, according to the Bogota Post.

The men were thought to have lost heavily after betting on Colombia's performance at the World Cup.

Petro said on X that Gallon was killed Thursday in Mexico, and that he was responsible for Escobar's killing.

The soccer star's murder "destroyed the country's international image," the leftist president said.

Gallon was shot dead in a restaurant in Huixquilucan, a municipality in the state of Mexico, a source from the Toluca prosecutor's office told AFP.

Gallon and his brother were investigated for obstruction of justice and spent 15 months in prison without being brought to trial.

They were included in a 2015 U.S. Treasury Department blacklist for drug trafficking, accused of being members of La Oficina de Envigado, a successor to drug kingpin Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel.

The 1991 murder of Escobar was chronicled in the ESPN documentary "The Two Escobars," which draws parallels between the soccer star and the international drug lord. 

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After a massively disappointing first season in charge, Brent Brennan had to make notable progress in 2025 in order to show he was the right person to lead Arizona football. And after doing that, the school has decided to lock him in for a little longer.

Brennan and the UA have agreed to a contract extension through the 2030 season, adding two years to his original deal. Additionally, offensive coordinator Seth Doege and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales have been inked to extensions through 2028.

Per a term sheet released by the school, Brennan will earn $4.7 million each season during his new deal. His initial contract averaged $3.5 million per season. According to USA Today’s head coaching salary database, that would rank in the top half of the Big 12 after being the lowest-paid coach in the league in 2025.

The new deal also includes an increase to the assistant coach salary pool, to $6 million from $4.25 million when Brennan was hired. Per a news release, that puts Arizona third in the Big 12 for assistant pay.

Arizona is coming off a 9-4 season, just the eighth time in school history it has won nine or more games, more than doubling the victory total from Brennan’s first season in 2024. The Wildcats tied for fourth place in the Big 12, reached No. 17 in the final College Football Playoff rankings and played in the Holiday Bowl.

The 52-year-old Brennan is 13-12 at the UA, trailing only Jim Young (17) and Rich Rodriguez (16) for most wins in his first two seasons at the school. Prior to that he went 34-48 in seven seasons at San Jose State, reaching bowl games in three of his final four years with a Mountain West Conference championship in 2020.

Doege and Gonzales earned their extensions after overhauling their respective sides of the ball. Under Doege, a former Texas Tech quarterback who had been OC at Marshall in 2024, Arizona averaged nearly 10 points per game more than the previous season, with Noah Fifita setting a school record for TD passes with 29.

Gonzales, who had been linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Arizona his first season, turned the UA defense into one of the best in the country. The Wildcats allowed 19.3 points per game and were Top 20 nationally in total defense (19^th), passing defense (7^th) and interceptions (2^nd) while leading FBS in opponent QB rating (97.21) and turnover margin (+1.38/game).

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed his second consecutive game for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) amid reports he’s unhappy with the club’s majority owner over the lack of transfer activity.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not in the squad when Al-Nassr faced defending champions Al-Ittihad at home on Friday.

The Portuguese superstar also missed their 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh on Monday, which raised questions over his long-term future at the club.

Ronaldo has been unhappy with how Al-Nassr is being managed by the country’s Public Investment Fund, Portuguese outlet A Bola reported this week.

The 38-year-old was said to be upset with the club’s lack of action in the January transfer window while watching rivals Al-Hilal sign Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, a former Real Madrid teammate.

Without naming Ronaldo, the SPL issued a statement on Thursday emphasising that no player was bigger than the league.

“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: Every club operates independently under the same rules,” the league said.

“Clubs have their own boards, executives and football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy rest with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo has declined to comment on Ronaldo’s absence.

Ronaldo is not injured, ill or out of favour with Jesus, ESPN reported. Neither does ‌he intend to leave Al-Nassr, who signed him to a lucrative two-year contract extension in June 2025.

According to CBS Sports, ‌senior club officials understand Ronaldo’s vexation with the PIF, ‌the Saudi Arabian sovereign ⁠wealth fund that owns Al-Nassr, Al – Hilal and two other Pro League sides.

Ronaldo has scored 17 goals for the club this season.

NEED TO KNOW

• Travis Kelce was surprised with a giant river otter from the Philadelphia Zoo adopted in his name
• The moment happened during his Feb. 6 appearance on Kylie Kelce’s podcast Not Gonna Lie
• The football star reacted with delight and joked about babysitting the otter

Travis Kelce added a new title to his résumé this week — zoo parent!

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 36, appeared as a guest on Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce, the podcast hosted by his sister-in-law, Kylie Kelce, 33, and was surprised to learn that a giant river otter at the Philadelphia Zoo had been symbolically adopted in his name.

The episode was released Friday, Feb. 6, just days before Super Bowl 2026 weekend, marking the first time in three years that neither Travis nor his brother, Kylie's husband, Jason, 38, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, will be playing in The Big Game.

During a lighthearted conversation about animals and internet culture, Kylie and her co-hosts revealed the surprise while discussing otters — a species Travis admitted he's long dreamed of encountering in the wild.

"Every time I go past some sort of creek or river, in my mind, there's an otter standing up on a rock waving to me," Travis said on the podcast. "I've had dreams like this. This is crazy. It's just, like, I just know they're the friendliest."

That dream quickly became a reality — sort of.

"As a special surprise from us here at NGL," Kylie told him, "we actually adopted a giant river otter at the Philadelphia Zoo in your name." The adoption was completed using Kelce's family nickname, "Uncle Trav," a detail that immediately delighted the NFL star.

"First of all, big zoo guy," Kelce responded. "Uncle Trav, this is amazing."

In a statement to PEOPLE, Maggie Morse, senior director of animal care at the Philadelphia Zoo, shared that the zoo is happy to be a "proud supporter of funcles like Uncle Trav and Robert Irwin."

"As a new Zoo Parent, we invite Uncle Trav to come and meet our giant river otter family whenever he needs a break from babysitting the nieces," added Morse, and joked, "We just ask he leaves [Taylor Swift's] sourdough at home, unless it's for our staff. Otters prefer fish!"

Kylie, who tied the knot with Jason in April 2018, joked that the otters may not be quite the “cute fuzzy” animals he imagined, as giant river otters are known for being loud, energetic and significantly larger than their sea-dwelling counterparts. Of course, Uncle Trav was still entirely on board.

“Uncle Trav, can’t wait to meet you, dude,” the proud new zoo parent added, addressing the otter directly.

The moment highlighted Kelce’s longtime love of animals and playful personality. As one of the NFL’s most recognizable stars, Travis has built a Hall-of-Fame-caliber career with the Chiefs, winning multiple Super Bowls and becoming one of the league’s most dominant tight ends.

With football's biggest game premiering on Sunday, Feb. 8, the surprise added a dose of levity to an already busy week — and gave Travis yet another reason to visit Philadelphia.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

As Kylie joked, babysitting privileges for her and Jason's daughters Finnley, 10 months, Bennett, 2, Elliotte, 4, and Wyatt, 6, may be limited. Travis, however, seemed undeterred.

"I wonder how long the zoo would let me babysit him," he said, before joking about showing up with sardines and calling it a day.

Read the original article on People

Super Bowl 60: How many former blue-chip recruits are starting for Patriots and Seahawks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Super Bowl 60 is fastly approaching. In three days, the AFC champion New England Patriots and NFC champion Seattle Seahawks will meet in Santa Clara, Calif., with rosters that reflect two very different recruiting paths to football’s biggest stage.

Every player’s journey began long before the NFL, often in high school, where recruiting rankings once shaped expectations. For this Super Bowl matchup, those early evaluations offer a revealing snapshot of how talent development and talent discovery still defines championship teams.

New England enters Sunday with a lineup heavy on former blue-chip prospects. Fourteen projected Patriots starters were rated as four-or five-star recruits coming out of high school, six more than Seattle, according to Rivals. 

The Patriots also feature just one projected starter who went unranked by Rivals, underscoring how frequently elite prep talent has translated into NFL production on their roster.

The Patriots’ offense is led by quarterback Drake Maye, a former four-star prospect and top-50 national recruit, surrounded by a mix of high-profile skill talent and developmental pieces.

Five-star wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte headline a group that also includes four-star tight end Hunter Henry and a largely blue-chip offensive line. Defensively, New England’s secondary and front seven are similarly stocked with former four-star recruits, including Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Christian Barmore.

Seattle’s path has been less star-driven and more selective. The Seahawks are projected to start eight former blue-chip recruits, including two five-stars in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and right tackle Charles Cross. Quarterback Sam Darnold, a former four-star prospect, leads an offense that leans heavily on players who outperformed modest recruiting profiles.

The Seahawks have five projected starters who were unranked coming out of high school, four more than New England. That group includes standout contributors such as Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed and Devon Witherspoon, all of whom developed into high-impact NFL players without national recruiting hype.

More: MrBeast to fund a college football team? Fans react to social media post

Defensively, Seattle is known for perseverance. Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II anchor the defensive line as former four-stars, while much of the back seven consists of three-star or unranked prospects who climbed through college football with little fanfare.

Sunday’s Super Bowl will ultimately be decided by execution, not star ratings. 

However, the contrast is striking to say the least. New England built its run largely on blue-chip foundations, while Seattle leaned on development in college. Two approaches with one Lombardi Trophy on the line. 60 minutes will decide which path comes out on top. 

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On Friday afternoon, Alabama head coach Nate Oats shared an injury update on two key players prior to the Tide’s matchup with Auburn.

Oats reported that star guard Labaron Philon Jr. was unable to practice on Friday, as the playmaker continues to recover from a thigh bruise suffered during the win against Texas A&M. Philon would be a major loss for the Tide should he be unable to play on Saturday, as the star guard currently averages an impressive 21.4 points per game on 51.1% shooting.

Oats took a moment to share an update on Taylor Bol Bowen’s injury as well, as the Alabama head coach claims the forward should be ready to go by Saturday afternoon.

“Taylor practiced today," Oats stated. "I thought he was moving pretty well. Labaron’s still trying to recover from that thigh bruise he had at the end of the first half last game, so he wasn’t able to practice today."

Both Philon and Bol Bowen have played a crucial role for the Tide this season, despite dealing with a multitude of injuries. Injuries have emerged as a constant obstacle for the Tide during the 2025-26 campaign, as Alabama will need to be as healthy as possible prior to their heated rivalry matchup against Auburn.

The Tide will be on the road to face the Tigers on Saturday afternoon, as Alabama will look to improve to a record of 6-4 to begin SEC play. Tipoff is at 3 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Labaron Philon, Taylor Bol Bowen injury update vs. Auburn Tigers

Liverpool Face Curtis Jones Conundrum as Premier League Interest Grows

Liverpool are approaching a defining summer decision and Curtis Jones sits firmly at the centre of it. According to reporting from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are closely monitoring the midfielder as they weigh up potential changes in their engine room, with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also hovering. For a player once viewed as a long term cornerstone at Anfield, this growing external interest sharpens the focus on Liverpool’s own intentions.

Jones, now 25, has reached an intriguing stage of his career. A local lad with deep ties to the club, he remains under contract until 2027, yet his role under Arne Slot has sparked debate. He has featured regularly in squads and across competitions, but starts have been harder to come by, largely due to the depth and quality of Liverpool’s midfield options.

Newcastle See Jones as Tonali Contingency

TEAMtalk’s report makes clear that Newcastle’s interest is not casual. Sources confirm a “longstanding interest” in Jones, with the Magpies viewing him as a potential option should uncertainty around Sandro Tonali or Joelinton lead to departures. Tonali, in particular, continues to be linked with Arsenal, creating a possible vacancy in Eddie Howe’s midfield.

From Newcastle’s perspective, the appeal is obvious. Jones is technically secure, comfortable carrying the ball, and tactically flexible. As noted in the report, he is “known for his composure on the ball, dribbling ability, and versatility across central areas,” traits that align neatly with Howe’s evolving system.

Photo: IMAGO

Tottenham and Villa Lurking in Background

Newcastle are not alone. Tottenham were described as “notably aggressive” in their enquiries during January, while Aston Villa remain keen admirers under Unai Emery. Both clubs value Jones’ Premier League experience and his homegrown status, which continues to carry weight in squad planning.

However, despite this external noise, the situation remains firmly under Liverpool’s control. TEAMtalk underline that any concrete moves depend on whether the reigning champions are prepared to sanction a sale.

Slot Draws a Clear Line for FSG

Arne Slot has left little room for ambiguity. Speaking candidly, he stressed the importance of Jones within his current group.

“He has played a lot of minutes and has been unlucky in the sense that midfield is the only line where we haven’t had injuries,” Slot said.

“We kept him because we have players but we need players in these positions. At the moment, we need to start midfielders in different positions, so that line gets smaller and smaller.”

Slot went further, highlighting squad numbers and depth.

“We kept him; his situation hasn’t changed for us. He is one of 16 outfield players we have available, with two young players in Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, so it would be strange if we let anyone go.”

Contract talks remain unresolved, with Slot adding, “Talks are not taking place here. Talks are taking place in other places in this building.”

Summer Decision Approaches Fast

Liverpool’s reluctance to lose a homegrown player without renewal is well established, as seen when winter approaches, including interest from Inter Milan, were turned away. Yet with 18 months remaining, the clock is ticking. As TEAMtalk suggest, this summer could define whether Jones’ future remains red or whether Liverpool decide to cash in.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report lands with an uncomfortable thud. Curtis Jones may not always be the first name on the team sheet, but he represents continuity, identity, and trust in the academy pathway. Losing him now, especially when he is entering his peak years, feels risky.

There is also a wider concern about squad balance. Slot is right to highlight the lack of injuries in midfield, but that can change quickly. A long season, European commitments, and the physical demands of his system mean depth is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Selling Jones to strengthen a rival like Newcastle or Tottenham could easily come back to bite.

Supporters will also worry about the message it sends. If a player who has “played a lot of minutes” and stayed patient still sees his future questioned, what does that say to the next generation coming through? Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are talented, but relying too heavily on youth without experienced cover is a gamble.

Ultimately, this feels like a moment where FSG need to back the manager and the squad. Tie Jones down, define his role, and keep a valuable asset in house. Letting this drift into a summer bidding war would only add unnecessary uncertainty to a side that should be building stability under a new era.

Rufus remains one of the easiest and most reliable ways to create bootable USB drives. The tool now does a better job cleaning up partitions before formatting, improves SSD detection with long IDs, and includes several important bug fixes. Longtime users continue to praise Rufus for being fast and lightweight.

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On February 1, a delegation of 125 Filipino-American pilgrims arrived in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, and transformed the highlands into a sanctuary of reconnection. This significant journey was organised as part of the Philippine Pilgrimage 2026, a faith-based initiative aimed at connecting overseas Filipinos with their ancestral spiritual heritage. Through this programme, the vibrant landscapes of Northern Mindanao are being used not only for leisure but also as a profound medium for “root-finding”, allowing those born or living abroad to recalibrate their identities against the backdrop of their homeland’s sacred landmarks.

A New Paradigm for Religious Tourism

The arrival of the delegation has been framed by local leadership as a strategic pivot toward high-value, customized tourism. Rather than focusing solely on traditional sightseeing, the city’s tourism framework is being expanded to include deeply personal, immersive experiences. This collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism in Region 10 (DOT-10), Rajah Tours, and Tourist Depot is intended to position Malaybalay as a major player in the global religious tourism market. By integrating spiritual activities with cultural immersion, a holistic narrative is created—one where the traveller is invited to become a participant in the local way of life rather than a mere observer.

Architectural Serenity at the Abbey of the Transfiguration

A central highlight of the itinerary was the visit to the Abbey of the Transfiguration, a site widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece. Designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, the pyramid-shaped chapel is celebrated for its “noble simplicity”, drawing inspiration from the traditional bahay kubo and the rice huts of the Ifugao. The pilgrims were welcomed by the Benedictine monks, whose reputation for hospitality is as renowned as their “Monk’s Blend Coffee”. Within this sanctuary, the delegation engaged in moments of reflection, surrounded by the cool mountain air and the rhythmic chanting of the resident community. The site serves as a physical manifestation of how modern design can harmonize with ancient faith, offering a space where the soul can find stillness.

The Hilltop Sanctuary of the Carmelite Nuns

Further spiritual enrichment was found at the Carmel of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. This hilltop sanctuary, situated in the quiet outskirts of the city, is frequently recognized for its serene atmosphere and panoramic highland views. The monastery is often described by visitors as a “powerhouse of prayer”, and for the pilgrims, it provided a necessary contrast to the busy lives led in the United States. The peaceful environment of the Carmelite retreat emphasized the contemplative side of the “Faith, Farm, and Heritage” circuit, reinforcing Malaybalay’s status as a premier destination for those seeking a deeper connection with the divine and the natural world.

Cultural Immersion through the Kaamulan Legacy

The pilgrimage was designed to go beyond the walls of religious institutions, extending into the very heart of Bukidnon’s indigenous identity. At the City Tourism Office, sessions were conducted where the pilgrims were introduced to the traditional dances of the Kaamulan Festival. This festival, which honours the seven ethnic tribal groups of the province—the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon—is a vital link to the region’s pre-colonial past. By learning the rhythmic movements and symbolic gestures of these ancient dances, the Filipino-American visitors were able to engage with local culture on a visceral level, fostering a sense of pride in a heritage that spans centuries.

Economic and Promotional Catalysts

The long-term benefits of such initiatives are being viewed through a lens of sustainable economic growth. Every visitor within the delegation represents a potential catalyst for local entrepreneurs and family-run businesses. It is the hope of local organizers that this pilgrimage will be established as an annual event, serving as a consistent platform to showcase regional products and artisanal crafts to an international audience. The promotion of the “Faith, Farm, and Heritage” circuit is expected to increase the international visibility of Malaybalay, ensuring that the city is recognized not only for its agricultural output but also for its spiritual and cultural wealth.

Strengthening the Global Filipino Bond

Ultimately, the journey serves as an important link for the Filipino diaspora. For delegation members born outside the Philippines, the pilgrimage provided a unique opportunity to learn about the nuances of local faith and the resilience of indigenous traditions. Walking the same paths as their ancestors and participating in the same rituals fosters a renewed sense of belonging. The success of the 2026 pilgrimage is a watershed moment in how tourism can be used to bridge the gap of migration, ensuring that the flame of Filipino identity burns brightly across the seas.

[Image Source: DOT Region 10 Official Website]

When it comes to affordable, fun, and adventurous vacation destinations, Coastal Mississippi is quickly becoming a go‑to choice for students and young travelers in 2026. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, this region offers a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, rich cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures—all at a price point that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, explore the local history, or indulge in exciting outdoor activities, Coastal Mississippi is the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation.

With its affordable accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and abundant outdoor activities, Coastal Mississippi has something for everyone. From the lively beaches of Biloxi and Gulfport to the quaint charm of Ocean Springs, this region has made its mark as a popular spot for students seeking the perfect spring break destination or weekend getaway. With increasing popularity and a growing tourism economy, Coastal Mississippi is now on the radar of young travelers from all around the country.

Why Coastal Mississippi Attracts Students and Young Travelers

Coastal Mississippi offers many reasons why it’s an attractive option for students looking for a dynamic, fun vacation without the hefty price tag. Here are just a few of the top factors that make the region a favorite for young visitors:

Affordable Travel and Accommodation

For students, budget-friendly travel options are always a top priority, and Coastal Mississippi delivers. Whether you’re looking to stay at beachfront resorts, more affordable motels, or even hostel-style accommodations, the region offers a variety of options to fit any budget. Additionally, restaurants, from local seafood spots to casual dining options, make it easy to enjoy a delicious meal without spending a fortune. In particular, Biloxi and Ocean Springs offer a great variety of options for those seeking great value.

Beachfront Fun and Nightlife

What’s a vacation without some time at the beach? Coastal Mississippi is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast. The long stretches of sandy shores at Gulfport Beach, Biloxi Beach, and Ocean Springs Beach provide plenty of room for students to lounge, swim, and enjoy the warm weather. But it’s not all about relaxing; Coastal Mississippi has a thriving nightlife scene as well. Cities like Biloxi and Gulfport are known for their bars, live music venues, and beach parties, which are perfect for students looking to socialize and have fun during their getaway.

Easy Access to Nearby Attractions

Coastal Mississippi is conveniently located near major cities like New Orleans and Mobile, making it an ideal destination for students looking to escape for a few days. With just a short drive, you can head out for a day trip to New Orleans, exploring its iconic French Quarter or museums, or enjoy the charm of Mobile in Alabama. Coastal Mississippi’s proximity to these cities allows students to take advantage of nearby attractions, national parks, and historical sites while still enjoying all the coastal offerings.

Top Activities for Students and Young Travelers in Coastal Mississippi

Coastal Mississippi is known for its laid-back beach vibe, but the region also offers plenty of exciting activities that cater to students and young travelers. Here are some of the top things to do during your visit:

1. Beach Fun and Watersports

With over 62 miles of coastline, Coastal Mississippi is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Spend your days swimming, surfing, jet skiing, or kayaking in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. If you prefer something more relaxing, you can simply bask in the sun or take a beach walk. Additionally, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can take part in parasailing or fishing excursions. Whatever your preferred beach activity, you’ll find it along Mississippi’s stunning coast.

2. Cultural Exploration and Historical Landmarks

The region is home to rich history, with Biloxi Lighthouse, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, and The Walter Anderson Museum of Art offering fascinating cultural experiences. For those looking to learn more about the area’s Native American heritage, African American history, and Gulf Coast culture, these museums and landmarks are must-see stops. History buffs will also enjoy visiting the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, where they can learn about the important role of the sea and local industries in shaping the region’s economy and way of life.

3. Vibrant Festivals and Events

Throughout the year, Coastal Mississippi hosts a variety of festivals and events, perfect for students and young travelers looking to experience the local culture. The Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade in Biloxi is a major highlight, bringing together thousands of people for parades, costumes, and live entertainment. The Biloxi Seafood Festival and Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival are also fan favorites, offering opportunities to enjoy live music, great food, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

4. Casinos and Resorts in Biloxi

For those interested in trying their luck, Biloxi is famous for its casinos and luxury resorts, such as the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, IP Casino Resort Spa, and Margaritaville Resort Biloxi. These resorts are ideal for students looking to have a fun night out with live music, nightclubs, and bars to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing. Whether you want to try your hand at blackjack or simply relax with a cocktail, Biloxi has a great selection of entertainment options for younger crowds.

5. Outdoor Exploration in De Soto National Forest

For nature lovers, the De Soto National Forest offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature. The forest has several hiking trails and wildlife watching spots where students can spend time exploring the great outdoors. You can go for birdwatching, take eco-tours, or simply enjoy the peaceful beauty of the countryside. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center also offers guided tours and wildlife observation, ideal for students looking for a more eco-conscious travel experience.

Where to Stay and Eat in Coastal Mississippi

Coastal Mississippi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget. From luxury beachfront resorts like the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear to affordable motels and boutique inns in Ocean Springs, there’s something for everyone. Popular eateries include:

• The Reef in Biloxi – a beachfront restaurant known for its seafood dishes and stunning views.
• Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi – a historic restaurant serving Cajun and Creole cuisine.
• Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach – a casual spot for seafood and oysters.

Conclusion: Why Coastal Mississippi Is a Top Destination for Students and Young Travelers

Whether you’re a student on spring break, a young traveler looking for adventure, or a group of friends seeking a relaxing beach holiday, Coastal Mississippi has something for everyone. From its affordable accommodation options and vibrant nightlife to its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, this hidden gem on the Gulf Coast is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for students and young travelers. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Coastal Mississippi—your adventure awaits!

The highly anticipated California Poppy Awards have revealed their finalists for 2026, honoring the state’s outstanding achievements in tourism marketing and destination stewardship. The prestigious awards recognize the efforts of organizations that have significantly contributed to positioning California as the number one travel destination in the United States. This year, over 160 submissions were reviewed by a panel of industry experts, narrowing down the top contenders across nine categories.

California’s thriving tourism industry, which supports over 1.2 million jobs, plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy. The Poppy Awards not only recognize creative and impactful marketing campaigns but also acknowledge the positive influence of tourism on communities throughout the state. From immersive digital experiences to sustainable tourism initiatives, these awards showcase the best of California’s tourism industry.

The winners of the 2026 Poppy Awards will be unveiled during a special ceremony on March 11, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, as part of Visit California’s annual Outlook Forum. This three-day industry conference, taking place from March 10-12, is expected to gather over 800 tourism leaders, offering a platform for networking, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

The Finalists Across Categories:

Best Brand Advertising Campaign ($1 Million and Up)

1. Aquarium of the Pacific
2. Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
3. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
5. Visit Greater Palm Springs
6. Visit Napa Valley
7. Visit Newport Beach

Best Brand Advertising Campaign (Under $1 Million)

1. Belmont Park
2. The Broad
3. The San Francisco Peninsula
4. Visit Oxnard
5. Visit San Luis Obispo

Best Content Marketing

1. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
2. Mendocino Railway
3. San Diego Tourism Authority
4. SIXT Rent a Car LLC
5. Visit Oceanside
6. Visit San Luis Obispo

Best Influencer Campaign

1. Mendocino Railway
2. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
3. Pacifica Hotels
4. Visit Carlsbad
5. Visit Carmel
6. Visit San Luis Obispo

Best Public Relations Campaign

1. Hotel Maya, Long Beach
2. LEGOLAND California Resort
3. See Monterey
4. Sensorio
5. The Lodge at Torrey Pines
6. Visit Anaheim
7. Visit Newport Beach

Best Strategic Partnership

1. Howard Johnson Anaheim & L’Auberge Del Mar
2. Mendocino Railway
3. Visit Oakland and Visit Mendocino County
4. Visit Sacramento
5. Visit SLO CAL, Travel Paso, and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
6. Visit Yosemite | Madera County

Best Sustainability or Resilience Award

1. Portola Hotel & Spa
2. Rush Creek Lodge
3. The Ranch at Laguna Beach
4. Visit Lake Tahoe
5. Visit Pasadena

Best Trade and Media Activation

1. San Diego Tourism Authority
2. See Monterey
3. The Ameswell Hotel
4. Visit Newport Beach

California Welcome Center of the Year

1. Ridgecrest Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
2. Salinas Valley Tourism & Visitors Bureau
3. Visit Oceanside

These finalists have stood out for their innovative strategies, community engagement, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices. With an increasing emphasis on resilience and sustainability, the 2026 Poppy Awards spotlight efforts that contribute not only to the state’s economic growth but also to preserving the natural beauty and cultural integrity of California for future generations.

As California continues to evolve as a premier tourism destination, these Poppy Awards demonstrate the industry’s strength and its crucial role in shaping the state’s global image. The ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of creativity, partnerships, and a collective commitment to enhancing the visitor experience across the Golden State.

Conclusion

The finalists for the 2026 California Poppy Awards have been carefully selected, each reflecting the dynamic and diverse aspects of California’s tourism industry. Whether through powerful brand campaigns, influential partnerships, or cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, these organizations have contributed to California’s remarkable tourism success. The upcoming awards ceremony at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for all involved, providing a platform to celebrate and further elevate the Golden State’s global tourism standing.

Pilots of American Airlines Flight 3114 reported being lighted by a blue light, probably from a laser, as they were getting ready to land in Charlotte, North Carolina, prompting an investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, which happened last Thursday morning.

The Incident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

On the morning of Thursday, February 5, 2026, the crew of American Airlines Flight 3114, a routine flight into Charlotte Douglas International Airport, noticed a blue light shining on their aircraft about five miles away from the airport. The pilots believed the light to be a laser. While the incident took place early in the morning around 7 a.m. local time, the flight landed safely without any injuries to the passengers or crew.

The FAA, upon receiving the report, immediately contacted local law enforcement agencies and began its investigation into the potential laser strike. The agency has issued a warning to the public regarding the dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft, stressing that this action is a federal offense with severe penalties.

The Danger of Laser Strikes on Aircraft

Laser strikes are an ongoing concern for aviation safety. The FAA has tracked nearly 11,000 suspected laser incidents involving U.S. aircraft in 2025 alone. These events pose significant risks to both pilots and passengers. High-powered lasers, especially those aimed directly at cockpit windows, can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, compromising their ability to operate the aircraft safely. This can be particularly dangerous during critical phases of flight, such as landing and takeoff.

The FAA has emphasized that laser strikes can have catastrophic consequences, increasing the likelihood of accidents or collisions. In some cases, pilots have reported experiencing temporary vision impairment or distraction as a result of these laser attacks, severely affecting their ability to maintain control of the aircraft.

Legal Consequences for Laser Strikes

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not only dangerous but also illegal. The FAA has classified this behavior as a federal crime, with violators facing civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. In some cases, criminal charges may also apply. The FAA has continued to work closely with local authorities to investigate and address these laser incidents, with the aim of holding offenders accountable and ensuring aviation safety.

How Travelers Can Stay Safe

While the FAA works to identify and prosecute those responsible for laser strikes, travelers can play a role in ensuring their own safety during air travel. Here are some important guidelines for passengers to follow:

1. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, report it immediately to the flight crew or the authorities. It’s crucial that laser strikes are reported as quickly as possible to prevent any potential harm.
2. Be Mindful of Surroundings: As a traveler, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings when at the airport or near flight paths. While laser strikes are rare, it’s important to remain vigilant and avoid actions that could inadvertently interfere with flight operations.
3. Stay Informed About Aviation Safety: Understanding the risks associated with laser strikes can help travelers better appreciate the safety measures being taken in the aviation industry. Following credible sources, such as the FAA and other government agencies, can provide up-to-date information on aviation safety issues.

Impact on Aviation Industry and Public Safety

The rise in laser incidents has highlighted the need for greater awareness and stricter enforcement of aviation safety laws. In addition to the FAA, local law enforcement agencies and airports are working together to address the growing threat posed by laser strikes. Some airports have even implemented technologies to detect and prevent laser attacks, further improving security measures for both pilots and passengers.

Laser strikes not only endanger aircraft safety but also contribute to public concern about the potential for accidents. As more laser incidents are reported, the aviation industry is likely to invest in additional safeguards to ensure the safety of air travel. Travelers can play an essential role by remaining alert and reporting any suspicious activity they encounter.

Conclusion

The continued threat that laser strikes represent to aircraft safety is shown by the latest alleged laser incident near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The FAA’s inquiry and the harsh punishments meted out to violators highlight how serious this problem is. It’s critical that passengers be aware and actively participate in promoting safety as the aviation industry works to address this issue.

Travelers in Canada are facing significant disruptions today as Air Canada, Inuit, Jazz, WestJet, Porter, and other airlines contend with widespread delays and cancellations. A total of 546 delays and 41 cancellations are causing major challenges for passengers traveling through Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Comox, Kuujjuarapik, and other major cities. These disruptions come as a result of severe weather conditions, including snowstorms and blizzard warnings across the country. Travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses, as airlines work to accommodate affected passengers. With Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal among the hardest-hit cities, long delays at airports are expected.

WestJet, Air Canada, and other carriers are facing significant operational challenges, leading to frustration for many. Passengers are urged to be patient, contact their airlines for rebooking options, and prepare for extended wait times.

Impacts on Travel Times and Commutes

For those planning to travel in Southern Ontario, Friday’s commute is expected to be significantly affected. Snowy roads will make driving hazardous, especially during the evening commute as the cold front passes through. A frontal squall could lead to sudden changes in weather, with calm conditions shifting to intense snow bursts and near whiteout conditions. As the Arctic air sweeps in behind the cold front, snow, strong winds, and reduced visibility will make for a dangerous travel environment.

Blizzard Warnings and Cold Weather Alerts

Blizzard warnings are in effect for areas near the Lake Huron shore, especially the London area, where locally higher snowfall accumulations are expected. The wind chill values are set to plunge into the -30°C range, creating the coldest wind chill of the season. Emergency supplies such as blankets and jumper cables are recommended in vehicles, as travel could become impossible due to near-zero visibility and drifting snow.

Cold Air Surge: Prolonged Exposure Risks

This weekend, a surge of Arctic air will lead to rapidly dropping temperatures, with daytime highs expected to be in the mid-minus teens. The overnight lows will dip into the -20s, with wind chills in the -30s. Prolonged exposure to these bitterly cold conditions will increase the risk of frostbite, and cold weather warnings have been issued across the province.

While temperatures of -20°C are not uncommon for this time of year, the prolonged chill will feel particularly harsh, especially for those anticipating milder spring-like weather. Residents and travelers alike are advised to limit time outdoors and dress in proper winter layers to avoid the health risks associated with the extreme cold.

Total Delays and Cancellations in Canada

In total, 546 flights have been delayed across Canadian airports, while 41 flights have been cancelled. These disruptions are spread across a number of airports, including some of the busiest in the country, and are also affecting several major airlines. The snowstorms and high winds experienced in some regions are exacerbating the situation, causing further delays and cancellations.

Airports Affected by Delays and Cancellations

Toronto Pearson International is experiencing the most significant delays, with a staggering 354 delays and 15 cancellations today. As one of the busiest airports in Canada, this level of disruption is causing severe backlogs and long wait times for passengers. Similarly, Vancouver International is seeing 60 delays and 9 cancellations, while Montreal-Trudeau is reporting 67 delays and 5 cancellations. Other airports, including Calgary International, CFB Comox, and St. John’s International, are also dealing with varying levels of delays and cancellations.

Analysis of Affected Airlines

Several Canadian airlines are facing disruptions today, with Air Canada and Jazz (ACA) experiencing the most significant delays and cancellations. Air Canada has seen 163 delays and 4 cancellations, while Jazz (ACA) has reported 66 delays and 16 cancellations. Air Canada Rouge is also significantly impacted, with 42 delays and 2 cancellations, while WestJet is facing 95 delays and 3 cancellations. Other smaller carriers, including Porter Airlines, Air Inuit, PAL Airlines, and Pacific Coastal Airlines, are also contributing to the overall disruption.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For travelers facing delays and cancellations today, here are some steps you can take to minimize the inconvenience:

1. Stay Updated: Check flight status regularly on airline websites, mobile apps, or via airport information systems to stay informed about any changes or updates to your flight.
2. Contact Airlines: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, get in touch with the airline immediately. Most airlines offer rebooking options, and you may also be eligible for compensation or travel vouchers, especially if your flight is cancelled due to weather-related issues.
3. Prepare for Long Waits: With a total of 546 delays and 41 cancellations, airports will be crowded, and there may be extended wait times at check-in counters and security checkpoints. Arriving early and being patient will help reduce stress.
4. Know Your Rights: Under Canadian passenger rights regulations, if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours, or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation, meals, and accommodation, depending on the situation. Make sure you understand what you are entitled to and don’t hesitate to request assistance.
5. Have Emergency Supplies Ready: If you’re stuck at the airport for extended periods, it’s a good idea to have some emergency supplies on hand, such as snacks, water, and a portable charger, especially if delays continue throughout the day.

Conclusion

Today’s travel disruptions in Canada are widespread, with 546 delays and 41 cancellations affecting both airports and airlines across the country. Passengers traveling through major hubs like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Montreal-Trudeau should be prepared for long waits and potential changes to their travel plans. By staying updated, contacting your airline, and being patient, you can minimize the impact of these disruptions and continue your journey when conditions improve.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports

The natural landscape of the Kashmir Valley is currently being transformed into a revitalized haven for millions of migratory birds arriving from distant corners of the globe. This seasonal phenomenon is being supported by comprehensive measures taken by the government to prioritize wetland protection and the promotion of ecological tourism. Through a series of strategic interventions, the delicate ecosystems that define the region are being restored to their former glory, ensuring that the annual arrival of feathered visitors remains a cornerstone of the regional biodiversity.

The Significance of Avian Migration in Kashmir

Every year, as the temperatures drop across Siberia, Central Asia, and Northern Europe, a vast array of bird species is observed making the arduous journey toward the warmer wetlands of the Indian subcontinent. The Kashmir Valley, with its unique geographic positioning and abundance of water bodies, is utilized as a primary stopover and wintering ground. It is noted that species such as the mallard, gadwall, shoveler, and the common teal are frequently spotted across the marshes. The importance of these avian guests is recognized not only for the ecological balance they maintain but also for the cultural and environmental identity they provide to the local landscape.

Strengthening Wetland Protection Frameworks

The preservation of these natural habitats has been placed at the forefront of the regional environmental agenda. Extensive efforts are being directed toward the restoration of major wetlands, including the renowned Hokersar wetland, which is often referred to as the Queen of Wetlands. Systematic desilting, the removal of encroachments, and the regulation of water levels are being carried out to ensure that the environment remains conducive to the needs of the birds. By strengthening the legal and physical barriers against habitat degradation, a more secure environment for wildlife conservation is being fostered. The encroachment of human settlements and agricultural activities into these sensitive zones is being strictly monitored and mitigated through rigorous administrative oversight.

The Integration of Ecological Tourism

A shift in the approach toward regional development is being observed through the promotion of ecological tourism. Rather than focusing solely on traditional hospitality, a model is being built that encourages visitors to appreciate the natural world without causing disruption. Infrastructure is being developed in a manner that respects the ecological sensitivity of the wetlands. Bird-watching points, nature trails, and information centers are being established to educate the public on the importance of these ecosystems. It is believed that by involving the community and visitors in conservation stories, a long-term commitment to the environment can be secured. This form of tourism is seen as a sustainable alternative that provides economic benefits to local populations while ensuring the safety of the visiting species.

Scientific Monitoring and Habitat Restoration

The success of these initiatives is rooted in rigorous scientific research and constant monitoring. The health of the water bodies is being analyzed through regular water quality tests and biodiversity audits. Habitat restoration is not limited to physical cleaning but extends to the planting of native aquatic flora that serves as a food source for the migratory populations. The department of wildlife protection is being tasked with the responsibility of documenting the arrival patterns and population density of various species. Such data is being utilized to refine conservation strategies and address any emerging threats, such as avian diseases or sudden climatic shifts.

Community Involvement and Environmental Stewardship

The local population is being integrated into the protection framework through awareness programs and community-led conservation groups. The recognition that the health of the wetlands is directly linked to the well-being of the local economy is being emphasized. Educational campaigns are being conducted in schools and villages surrounding the wetlands to discourage poaching and pollution. By fostering a sense of stewardship among the residents, the long-term sustainability of the wildlife conservation efforts is being bolstered. The transition from traditional resource extraction to conservation-oriented livelihoods is being facilitated by various government schemes.

Future Prospects for Kashmir’s Ecosystems

As the global climate continues to fluctuate, the role of Kashmir as a sanctuary for migratory species becomes increasingly vital. The ongoing projects are viewed as a blueprint for how environmental protection and economic development can coexist. The expansion of protected areas and the continuous improvement of wetland management practices are expected to result in a steady increase in bird sightings in the coming years. The commitment to maintaining the ecological integrity of the region is being signaled through sustained funding and policy support.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Balance

The transformation of the Kashmir Valley into a premier destination for ecological enthusiasts is a testament to the effectiveness of passive conservation strategies. Through the synergy of government policy, scientific management, and community participation, the wetlands are being safeguarded for future generations. The sight of thousands of birds taking flight over the serene waters of Hokersar serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature when provided with the necessary protection. The focus remains on ensuring that the valley continues to be a safe and thriving home for the world’s migratory travelers.

Emirates, a powerhouse in global aviation, is once again stepping up its game in the cricket world with an exciting new advertising campaign featuring India’s cricket sensation, Suryakumar Yadav. As the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup intensifies, Emirates has aligned itself with one of the most dynamic figures in contemporary cricket, reinforcing its commitment to the sport and its long-standing presence in the cricketing world.

With nearly three decades of involvement in the sport, Emirates has woven itself into the very fabric of cricket. The airline’s partnerships have spanned across numerous major ICC tournaments, reaching fans in over ten cricket-loving nations. Emirates’ sponsorship has touched various facets of the game, from proudly emblazoning umpire kits to being part of some of the most exhilarating moments in cricket history, uniting fans in their shared passion.

Suryakumar Yadav, widely recognized for his fearless, unconventional batting style, has made waves in the cricketing world. He recently achieved the coveted ICC’s number one T20 ranking, solidifying his place as a key figure in Indian cricket. Yadav’s contributions to India’s victories in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 Asia Cup further cement his status as one of the most respected players of his generation. His on-field consistency, combined with his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, has made him a standout talent, and he is now widely regarded as one of the finest T20 players in the world.

The latest campaign, set to coincide with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, pays homage to cricket and its fans. Featuring Suryakumar Yadav in action, the ad captures his unique batting style during an electrifying match, with thousands of fans cheering in the stands. The global campaign will be broadcast across cricket-loving nations and around the world, creating a shared experience among millions of cricket fans, all united by their love of the game.

For passengers flying with Emirates during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the airline is offering an added bonus: live coverage of the matches. Thanks to Emirates’ ice entertainment system, fans will be able to watch live cricket action via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra while traveling, ensuring that they never miss a moment of the action.

Emirates’ partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) is one of the airline’s longest-standing affiliations. Over the years, the airline has been a key supporter of several prestigious ICC tournaments, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and the ICC World Test Championship. This continued collaboration highlights Emirates’ deep-rooted commitment to cricket and its enduring relationship with the sport’s global community.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicks off, Emirates’ latest campaign, with Suryakumar Yadav at the forefront, is set to capture the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. Through its strategic involvement in global cricket and fan-centric initiatives like live match coverage on flights, Emirates continues to be a dominant force in connecting cricket with its passionate supporters across the globe.

On being featured in Emirates’ new ad campaign, Suryakumar Yadav said: “Cricket at the highest level is about preparation, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure. Emirates represents those same values in everything it does. As someone who travels extensively for the game, having consistency and comfort with world-class experiences makes a real difference. It’s exciting to be associated with the brand in this campaign that has such a deep-rooted and authentic connection with cricket and its fans around the world.”

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand said: “There’s a reason Suryakumar Yadav has captured the imagination of cricket fans everywhere. His game speaks for itself, and his appeal reaches far beyond boundaries. Through this latest ad campaign, we aim to connect with fans and share in our passion for the sport.  Cricket remains one of our most enduring sporting partnerships, and we’ve stood alongside the sport and supported its growth, and we’ll continue to invest in its future.” 

As Valentine’s Day draws near, many couples seek a peaceful retreat in nature to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The study conducted by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats ranks national parks based on their relaxation potential, focusing on providing an ideal environment for a romantic getaway or digital detox. Among the parks considered, Kings Canyon National Park emerges as the top contender, outperforming famous destinations like Crater Lake National Park, Yosemite National Park and Olympic National Park. What makes Kings Canyon such a winner for relaxation seekers? Let’s dive into the details.

The Power of Seclusion: Kings Canyon’s Solitude

When it comes to relaxation, few things compare to the serenity offered by Kings Canyon National Park. Ranked highest for relaxation on Valentine’s Day 2026 by the study from River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats, Kings Canyon offers a perfect escape for those seeking solitude. With its extensive wilderness, visitors can truly disconnect from the digital world, immersing themselves in nature. Kings Canyon’s limited road access ensures that visitors can escape crowds, unlike more accessible parks such as Yosemite National Park or Olympic National Park, where bustling areas may disturb a tranquil experience.

Kings Canyon provides fewer developed areas, which directly correlates with quieter, more peaceful experiences. Most visitors venture deeper into the park for backcountry hiking or camping, ensuring a deeper immersion in the wilderness. This sense of space and seclusion directly enhances relaxation, which many reviewers associate with digital detox and tranquillity. For those looking for a Valentine’s Day retreat free from distractions, Kings Canyon National Park stands out as the ultimate choice.

Why Kings Canyon Ranks Higher Than Crater Lake

While Crater Lake National Park is renowned for its stunning caldera, it doesn’t provide the same sense of seclusion as Kings Canyon. The study by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats highlights that Kings Canyon outperforms Crater Lake in terms of offering visitors a chance to experience true wilderness. Crater Lake’s infrastructure, including the popular Rim Drive and its lake-focused attractions, can create a more commercialized atmosphere, even though the park offers spectacular views.

Kings Canyon, on the other hand, is designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. Its large wilderness area, with hiking trails leading into remote parts of the park, makes it an ideal location for those looking to escape from crowds and immerse themselves in natural serenity. The limited infrastructure in Kings Canyon means fewer distractions, making it easier for couples to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Yosemite National Park: A Different Experience

There’s no doubt that Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world. Its iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoia trees attract millions of visitors each year. However, the very features that make Yosemite so attractive also make it less conducive to relaxation, particularly when compared to Kings Canyon. Yosemite’s popularity has led to high traffic in its central areas, especially during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day.

Yosemite’s most famous landmarks, such as Half Dome and El Capitan, draw visitors from around the world. While these sites are undeniably breathtaking, the crowds that come with them can create a sense of congestion, making it difficult for visitors to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that nature offers. On the other hand, Kings Canyon National Park provides an escape from the crowds, allowing couples to enjoy a quiet retreat in the wilderness. Kings Canyon offers more secluded areas, fewer tourists and fewer distractions, making it the ideal choice for those looking to truly disconnect.

Olympic National Park’s Accessibility and Crowds

Olympic National Park is a jewel on the Pacific Coast, known for its diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines and alpine peaks. Like Yosemite, Olympic can attract large numbers of visitors, especially during holidays such as Valentine’s Day. While the park’s varied environments provide stunning views, the accessibility of these areas means that visitors are more likely to encounter crowds, which can detract from the park’s relaxation potential.

Kings Canyon’s remote location and fewer developed areas ensure that it remains a more tranquil and secluded destination. Visitors to Olympic may find themselves navigating busy roads or encountering more people along the way, which takes away from the calm and peace many seek during a Valentine’s Day getaway. Kings Canyon National Park, by comparison, offers long trails, deep valleys and a sense of solitude that makes it the perfect place for those seeking to get away from it all.

The Ultimate Digital Detox Destination

In today’s hyper-connected world, a digital detox is often at the top of many people’s travel lists. The study by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats highlighted Kings Canyon National Park as a top choice for those seeking to truly disconnect from their devices. The park’s vast wilderness and limited infrastructure make it an ideal location for visitors who want to leave the outside world behind. With fewer distractions, visitors can focus entirely on nature, spending quality time with loved ones or enjoying solitary moments.

The very essence of Kings Canyon’s design—its emphasis on wilderness and seclusion—aligns perfectly with the goals of a digital detox. For couples celebrating Valentine’s Day, there’s no better place to unplug and reconnect with each other and the natural world than in Kings Canyon National Park.

Relaxation is More Than Just Scenery

While Crater Lake National Park, Yosemite National Park and Olympic National Park all offer stunning scenery, relaxation is not just about what you see; it’s also about the environment in which you experience it. Kings Canyon National Park offers an experience that goes beyond visual beauty. The park’s remoteness and lack of commercial development make it a more serene, peaceful destination. Visitors are encouraged to leave behind the distractions of the digital world and immerse themselves fully in the sights and sounds of nature.

The study by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats suggests that the sense of solitude and peace in Kings Canyon National Park is a key reason why it ranks so highly for relaxation. Unlike Yosemite or Crater Lake, where visitors are often more focused on reaching famous landmarks, Kings Canyon invites you to slow down, take a deep breath and embrace the stillness of nature. This slower pace and the opportunity to disconnect from everyday stressors make it an unparalleled destination for those seeking a Valentine’s Day retreat focused on relaxation and digital detox.

Kings Canyon’s Unmatched Hiking Trails

For outdoor enthusiasts, Kings Canyon National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The park is home to an extensive network of trails that lead visitors deep into the wilderness, offering breathtaking views of rugged mountains, ancient trees and pristine rivers. These trails provide an opportunity to explore the park’s beauty at your own pace, whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure.

The study from River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats points out that Kings Canyon’s hiking trails contribute to its reputation as a top relaxation destination. These trails not only offer physical challenges but also allow visitors to experience the park’s serene beauty in a quiet, immersive way. Unlike the more popular trails in Yosemite National Park, which can become crowded, Kings Canyon’s remote trails provide a sense of solitude that enhances the overall relaxation experience.

The Benefits of a Quiet Escape for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a time to focus on your loved one, away from the distractions of everyday life. Kings Canyon National Park offers the perfect environment for this kind of getaway. Its remote location, peaceful atmosphere and focus on wilderness experiences make it an ideal place to spend quality time with someone special. Whether you’re camping under the stars, hiking through serene valleys, or simply enjoying the quiet of the forest, Kings Canyon provides an experience that fosters relaxation and connection.

The study by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats emphasizes that Kings Canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the noise of modern life, making it the ultimate destination for a Valentine’s Day digital detox. For those looking for peace, solitude and a chance to truly unwind, Kings Canyon is the clear winner.

Kings Canyon Leads the Way in Relaxation Rankings

While Crater Lake National Park, Yosemite National Park and Olympic National Park all offer stunning natural beauty, it’s Kings Canyon National Park that emerges as the top choice for relaxation during Valentine’s Day. With its seclusion, wilderness, limited infrastructure and emphasis on hiking and outdoor experiences, Kings Canyon offers the ultimate environment for a digital detox and a truly relaxing getaway.

The study conducted by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats shows that Kings Canyon National Park ranks higher for its ability to offer visitors a peaceful, serene environment, perfect for those looking to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. For a Valentine’s Day celebration that focuses on seclusion, tranquility and a genuine digital detox, Kings Canyon is the ideal choice.

Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA Explodes Across America: Seven Powerful Travel Shows Redefining the Future of Tourism is not just a headline, it is a loud signal. Therefore, this Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA story matters. Moreover, as Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA explodes across America, curiosity grows fast. These seven powerful travel shows are redefining the future of tourism again and again. Because travel habits are changing, Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA explodes across America with impact. Meanwhile, seven powerful travel shows reshape decisions, reshape demand, and redefine the future of tourism. As a result, Travel And Tour World urges readers to stay, read, and discover how Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA is changing travel thinking forever.

America’s Travel Industry Finds Its Loudest Voice

The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA has become one of the strongest voices in the American travel industry. It speaks loudly. It travels widely. It reaches people directly. Across the United States, these shows bring the world closer to American travellers. They connect destinations with dreamers. They turn curiosity into action. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA does not sit quietly online. It stands face to face with travellers. This is why it matters. This is why it keeps growing. This is why the tourism industry watches it closely.

Why Travel Shows Still Matter in a Digital World

Many people ask why physical shows still matter. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA answers this clearly. People trust people. Screens cannot replace conversations. At these shows, travellers ask real questions. They hear real answers. They feel confident. Tourism boards gain trust. Tour operators explain value. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA removes confusion. It replaces doubt with clarity. This human connection keeps travel shows alive and powerful in modern tourism.

A Multi-City Model That Changes the Game

The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA is not limited to one city. It moves across America. Each city adds a new audience. Each location brings new energy. From east to west, north to south, these shows reach millions. This travelling format mirrors how Americans travel. Diverse. Wide. Curious. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA adapts its message to each region. This flexibility keeps it relevant and strong.

Show One: New York Sets the Global Tone

The New York edition of the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA stands as the flagship. It attracts international destinations. It draws global tourism brands. It speaks to travellers who think big. New York visitors want the world. They want culture. They want variety. This show delivers all of it. From luxury escapes to raw adventures, everything appears here. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in New York feels like a world tour in one hall.

Industry Influence of the New York Show

This New York show influences travel marketing trends. Tourism boards test messages here. Operators study traveller reactions. Media attention grows naturally. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in New York often sets the tone for the rest of the series. What works here travels to other cities. This makes it a powerful trend-setting platform within the tourism industry.

Show Two: Chicago Connects the Heartland

Chicago plays a critical role in the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. This city connects America’s heartland to the world. Travellers here value value. They ask smart questions. They plan carefully. The Chicago show focuses on practical travel. Family holidays. Cultural trips. Adventure with safety. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in Chicago balances excitement with realism.

Why Chicago Matters to Tourism Growth

Midwestern travellers travel often and stay longer. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA recognises this. Chicago exhibitors see serious buyers. Tourism boards gain loyal visitors. Travel agents thrive here. This show proves that travel demand is not limited to coastal cities. It is spread across America’s core.

Show Three: Los Angeles Opens the Pacific Door

The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in Los Angeles reflects global diversity. This city connects America to Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America. Visitors seek international travel. They want culture. They want adventure. The Los Angeles show feels colourful and energetic. Music. Food. Stories fill the air. This show celebrates global tourism loudly.

Los Angeles and the Experience Economy

Experience matters deeply in Los Angeles. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA responds by showcasing immersive travel. Cultural performances. Food tastings. Adventure demonstrations. This show proves that tourism is emotional. It is not just logistics. It is memory-making. Los Angeles visitors understand this instinctively.

Show Four: Dallas Brings Scale and Strength

Dallas adds scale to the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Everything feels bigger here. Bigger halls. Bigger crowds. Bigger ambition. The Dallas show attracts families, groups, and road-trip lovers. Domestic tourism shines here. International destinations also compete strongly. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in Dallas balances global travel with American exploration.

Why Dallas Is Strategic for Tourism

Texas travellers travel often and widely. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA taps into this. Airlines. Cruise lines. Rail operators all find strong interest. This show supports both outbound and domestic tourism growth. It proves that travel appetite remains strong in central America.

Show Five: Phoenix Highlights Adventure Travel

Phoenix adds a strong adventure flavour to the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Outdoor travel dominates here. Hiking. Desert tours. National parks. Wellness travel. This show attracts active travellers. People who want movement. Nature. Experience. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in Phoenix speaks directly to adventure seekers.

Adventure Tourism Takes the Lead

Adventure tourism grows faster than traditional tourism. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in Phoenix reflects this shift clearly. Operators focus on safety. Sustainability. Expertise. Travellers listen closely. This show proves that adventure travel is no longer niche. It is mainstream.

Show Six: Bay Area Blends Innovation and Travel

The Bay Area edition of the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA attracts thinkers. Planners. Tech-savvy travellers. These visitors research deeply. They care about impact. They ask about sustainability. Innovation shapes this show. Smart travel tools appear alongside classic tourism offers.

Technology Shapes Travel Choices

Technology supports the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in the Bay Area. Digital planning tools. Smart itineraries. Sustainable solutions. This show proves that tourism and technology now move together. Travel becomes easier. Smarter. More responsible.

Show Seven: South Florida Unlocks Tropical Dreams

South Florida brings warmth and colour to the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. This show focuses on water. Cruises. Islands. Beach escapes. Caribbean destinations shine here. Cruise travel plays a strong role. Travellers plan sea journeys with confidence.

Why Coastal Shows Matter

Coastal cities influence cruise and marine tourism. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA in South Florida strengthens this segment. It supports port cities. It fuels island economies. It connects travellers with sea-based experiences safely and clearly.

Tourism Boards Find Real-Time Market Insight

Across all seven shows, tourism boards gain instant feedback. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA allows honest conversation. Travellers ask about safety. Cost. Visas. Culture. Boards learn quickly. This insight shapes future campaigns. It improves messaging. It strengthens tourism strategies.

Travel Agents Regain Their Voice

Travel agents play a vital role at the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Complex travel is back. Multi-country trips. Cruises with flights. Adventure packages. Agents explain value. Travellers trust them. The show rebuilds confidence in professional travel planning.

Families Drive Travel Decisions

Families dominate attendance at the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Parents plan carefully. They value safety. Education. Comfort. Destinations respond clearly. Family tourism grows stronger through these shows. This supports long-term travel demand.

Solo and Youth Travel Finds Support

Solo travellers and young travellers find guidance at the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Small group tours. Guided adventures. Cultural exchange programmes. This support builds confidence. It encourages exploration. It shapes future travel habits.

Sustainability Moves to the Centre

Sustainability is no longer optional. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA places it at the centre. Eco-lodges. Community tourism. Conservation projects gain attention. Travellers ask tough questions. Transparency wins trust. This pushes the industry forward responsibly.

Economic Impact Beyond the Venue

The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA creates economic impact far beyond the halls. Hotels fill. Restaurants thrive. Transport benefits. Long-term travel bookings generate global revenue. This ripple effect supports communities worldwide.

Media and Influence Multiply Reach

Media coverage amplifies the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Stories travel online. Images inspire millions. Influencers extend reach. Destinations gain visibility beyond attendees. This multiplies marketing value.

Education Builds Smarter Travellers

Education remains central to the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA. Talks simplify travel planning. Safety sessions reduce fear. Cultural talks build respect. Learning empowers travellers. This creates better tourism experiences globally.

Why These Seven Shows Matter Together

Together, these seven editions form a powerful network. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA becomes a national platform. It shapes demand. It influences policy. It reflects traveller behaviour. No single show could achieve this alone.

Future Outlook of the Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA

The future looks strong. More cities may join. More sustainability will appear. Digital support will grow. But the heart remains human. The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA will continue to connect people, places, and purpose.

Final Thoughts: America’s Travel Pulse

The Tourism Travel & Adventure Show USA captures the pulse of American travel. It listens. It adapts. It inspires. These seven shows together tell one clear story. Travel is alive. Curiosity is strong. The world remains open. And Americans are ready to explore again.

GAT Airline Ground Support will be acquired by PrimeFlight Aviation Services, greatly increasing the company’s capacity to provide ground handling services. By making this calculated step, PrimeFlight is able to expand its global and North American presence and establish itself as a leader in aviation services.

What the Acquisition Means for PrimeFlight

PrimeFlight Aviation Services, based in Texas, is known for providing comprehensive services across the aviation sector, including ground handling, cargo handling, aircraft services, fuelling, deicing, and more. The company operates globally, covering a wide array of essential aviation services. With this new acquisition, PrimeFlight now has a strong presence in over 250 locations worldwide, further solidifying its role as a major player in the aviation industry.

GAT, a well-established US firm headquartered in Georgia, operates at around 70 airports across North America. The company employs approximately 6,000 people and provides various essential services such as ground handling, cargo handling, and catering for airlines. This acquisition will significantly extend PrimeFlight’s operational reach, particularly in the cargo and ground services sectors, which are crucial in the aviation industry.

Enhancing Operational Efficiencies

PrimeFlight’s strategic growth plan hinges on expanding its capabilities to provide even better services to airline partners and customers. The acquisition of GAT provides PrimeFlight with an enhanced ability to serve the aviation community. Both companies share a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and providing high-quality services. With the addition of GAT’s capabilities, PrimeFlight aims to streamline operations, which could lead to improved services and better overall efficiency.

The integration of GAT into PrimeFlight will offer many benefits. PrimeFlight now has access to new resources, additional stations, and well-established industry relationships. This will help create new operational synergies and optimize service offerings for the airline industry as a whole. By combining their efforts, PrimeFlight and GAT are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of global airlines and travelers.

What This Means for Passengers and Travelers

For travelers, this acquisition is set to improve the overall experience at the airports served by PrimeFlight and GAT. With over 250 airports now within its network, PrimeFlight’s services will continue to evolve, providing more efficient and seamless processes for passengers. Whether through quicker turnaround times, improved baggage handling, or more streamlined check-in and passenger services, the integration of these two companies will enhance many aspects of airport operations.

Additionally, travelers can expect enhanced services at international airports, as PrimeFlight now operates across six continents. This expanded global footprint means that passengers flying to or from locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond will benefit from high-quality, consistent services backed by two major industry players.

PrimeFlight’s Expanded Range of Services

While the main focus of this acquisition is on ground handling and cargo services, PrimeFlight will maintain its Sky Café brand for catering services. GAT’s operations and branding will be integrated into PrimeFlight over the next few months, streamlining operations to improve efficiency and reduce redundancies. The integration of GAT’s resources with PrimeFlight’s global reach is expected to boost the company’s ability to serve more airline partners and improve service delivery across airports worldwide.

A Stronger Future for the Aviation Sector

The acquisition of GAT by PrimeFlight demonstrates a commitment to growth and development within the aviation industry. By combining their expertise, resources, and reach, the two companies aim to foster long-term benefits for their employees, customers, and the broader aviation sector. This is particularly important as the industry continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of travelers and airlines.

The enhanced service offerings will allow PrimeFlight to meet the increasing demands of the global aviation market. The merger between these two entities strengthens their position in providing a full spectrum of services at major airports worldwide. Both companies are committed to delivering operational excellence and prioritizing passenger safety and comfort.

Guide for Travelers Using PrimeFlight’s Expanded Services

Travelers flying through airports served by PrimeFlight and GAT can expect to experience improvements in the following areas:

• Faster Ground Handling: The increased efficiency in baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and passenger check-in will reduce waiting times.
• Improved Cargo Handling: For those traveling with checked baggage or freight, cargo handling services will be more streamlined and accessible.
• Enhanced Catering Services: While GAT’s catering operations will integrate into PrimeFlight’s Sky Café brand, passengers will continue to enjoy quality in-flight meals and services.
• Expanded Global Network: With operations across more than 250 airports worldwide, passengers will benefit from consistent, top-tier service at major hubs globally.

Travelers can look forward to a more efficient, reliable, and seamless airport experience as PrimeFlight and GAT integrate their operations.

Conclusion

An important milestone in PrimeFlight’s strategic growth has been reached with the acquisition of GAT Airline Ground Support. With this change, PrimeFlight’s ground handling, cargo, and catering services are greatly improved, strengthening its position in North America and around the world. With better services at more than 250 airports worldwide, higher operational efficiency, and a greater emphasis on customer satisfaction, the advantages for travelers are obvious. The aviation sector should anticipate an even more reliable and effective service model as PrimeFlight expands, which should improve the overall traveler experience.

In late January 2026, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic Edition, a special phone created to celebrate the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This limited-edition device stands out with its royal blue back and gold metal frame. Now, the unique and colorful wallpaper of Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic Edition is available for download, thanks to YTECHB.

The new wallpaper features a blue and gold design with waves forming several Olympic rings, matching the phone’s special colors. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who loves the Olympics and wants a stylish look for their device.

The wallpaper is available in near 4K resolution, which means it looks clear and sharp on most smartphones, tablets, and even computers. Its bright blue and gold design gives your screen a fresh, vibrant appearance, which celebrates the Olympic spirit. Even if you don’t own the special phone, you can still enjoy this limited-edition wallpaper.

Image via YTECHB

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic Edition Wallpaper – Link

Downloading the wallpaper is simple. You can access it through the above link, then open it from your downloads folder. To set it, just tap the three-dot menu and choose to apply it to your home screen or lock screen. In a few easy steps, your device will have a fresh Olympic look.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic Edition is very limited. Only around 3,800 participants of the Winter Olympics will receive it. It will not be available for general sale, but collectors might find it later on eBay.

You can enjoy the new wallpapers of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic Edition.

The post Download the limited-edition Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic wallpaper appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Apple's latest entry-level iPad dates from March last year, and it comes with the A16 Bionic chip paired with 6GB of RAM. A new rumor from a usually reliable source in Japan today claims that a new entry-level iPad will be made official sometime this spring. This device will look identical to its predecessor, but will be powered by the A18 chip (first seen in the iPhone 16) and will get 8GB of RAM. That means it will support Apple Intelligence, since that RAM amount appears to be the minimum required. It seems like the SoC upgrade and the extra RAM might be the only changes made to...

Cristiano Ronaldo was meant to be the face of a revolution, the standard-bearer for an entire league, and the centerpiece of a long-term vision. Instead, his Saudi adventure has entered a phase few anticipated. What began in euphoria has quietly evolved into tension, mistrust, and now open defiance. Ronaldo’s recent absence from Al-Nassr‘s league fixtures was not accidental, nor was it physical. It was deliberate — and it has placed his future firmly under the global spotlight.

Behind closed doors, frustration has been building. The Portuguese star, long accustomed to projects designed around his competitive instincts, no longer believes the environment suits his ambitions. A boycott, unprecedented in scale, has become a signal rather than a symptom, raising a question that now dominates soccer discourse: if Ronaldo walks away, where does he go next?

The turning point arrived with a decision that reverberated across the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo was left out of two key matches, not through injury, rotation, or tactical choice, but by personal design. The absence was a protest, aimed squarely at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the entity that oversees the country’s most powerful clubs.

According to multiple reports, the veteran believes PIF has failed to act neutrally, favoring certain projects over others and undermining competitive balance. The breaking point came when Karim Benzema moved from one PIF-backed club to another, strengthening a direct rival while Ronaldo’s own side lagged behind. Despite signing a record-breaking contract extension until June 2027, the 41-year-old ace has reportedly prioritized sporting legacy over financial security, even though his deal remains one of the most lucrative in soccer history.

The clubs finally emerge as speculation explodes

Ronaldo’s next destination, should he leave Saudi Arabia, spans continents, philosophies, and career narratives. One path leads back to where it all began. A return to Sporting Lisbon has been widely discussed, not purely for sporting reasons but for symbolic reasons. Lisbon represents origin, identity, and closure. While the financial hurdles would be significant, the emotional pull is undeniable, and the chance to guide a new generation may outweigh economics.

Europe remains a temptation. A return to Real Madrid has been floated, driven by nostalgia and unfinished business. Ronaldo’s history there is unmatched, but tactical concerns and squad dynamics make such a reunion complex rather than inevitable. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain offers glamour, Champions League ambition, and global reach, though the club’s current youth-focused direction casts doubt on the fit. Manchester United, once home, appears all but ruled out after a turbulent second exit that damaged relationships on both sides.

Another option lies in Major League Soccer, a league increasingly positioned as soccer’s global showcase. With Lionel Messi already reigning the league, the commercial and narrative appeal is enormous. The Times reported that “MLS clubs have begun making early enquiries with Ronaldo’s camp,” though any move would likely require a substantial salary reduction. Possible destinations in the US would be LA Galaxy, LAFC, San Diego FC, Sporting Kansas City, and even Messi’s Inter Miami.

Surprisingly, Wydad Casablanca has also emerged as an outside contender, as per WhoScored. Spanish media previously reported interest from the Moroccan giant, offering the five-time Ballon d’Or winner the chance to conquer African soccer while elevating the club’s global stature. While unconventional, the move would grant leadership, legacy, and a new competitive frontier.

Saudi Arabia stay not entirely ruled out?

Despite the public nature of the protest, a complete Saudi exit is not guaranteed. A switch within the league, particularly to a stronger, trophy-ready project such as Al-Hilal, remains theoretically possible, though politically sensitive. Such a move would risk weakening the impact of Ronaldo’s stance, transforming protest into pragmatism.

Still, it’s safe to say that retirement is not on the table. The 41-year-old forward continues to chase the 1,000-goal milestone, while Portugal heads toward the 2026 World Cup as a contender. National team coach Roberto Martínez recently highlighted “25 goals in his last 30 internationals and more than 220 caps” as proof that the veteran remains decisive.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been under the spotlight this past week like never before since joining the Saudi Pro League in 2022. The Portuguese striker decided to miss Al Nassr’s last two matches, including Friday’s game against Al Ittihad, in protest over certain decisions made by the Public Investment Fund.

In this context, the question was how Al Nassr fans would respond to such an extreme move by CR7. But by the 7th minute of the match against Al Ittihad, that doubt was cleared: thousands of fans at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh held up signs featuring the number 7 and Al Nassr’s colors, showing their support for Ronaldo amid the recent controversies.

This is no minor detail. Just a few hours earlier, the Saudi Pro League had issued a strong warning to Ronaldo regarding the ongoing conflicts. “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition… But no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club,” a league spokesperson said in a statement released Thursday.

These words could be interpreted as a subtle indication that Ronaldo is placing his own desires above those of the Saudi Pro League, or even above Al Nassr’s best interests, by refusing to play in two key matches. Yet, rather than following that line of reasoning, fans have overwhelmingly sided with the player.

How are Al Nassr coping with Ronaldo’s absence?

Beyond the off-field conflicts, Ronaldo’s absence is a significant blow for Al Nassr on the pitch, considering he is the team’s biggest star. Missing the last two league matches has forced head coach Jorge Jesus to reorganize the lineup to make the team function without CR7.

Ronaldo’s decision to sit out this week coincided with Haroune Camara going on loan to Al Shabab. While Al Nassr bolstered the squad during the January transfer window by signing another center forward, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the former Al Hilal player has yet to make his official debut.

In this context, Jorge Jesus faced the challenge of improvising the team’s attack. On Monday, he opted to field the three usual offensive stars — Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane — while including Abdulrahman Ghareeb, a winger, in place of Ronaldo. The experiment worked well enough for Al Nassr to secure a 1-0 victory.

For Friday’s match against Al Ittihad, the coach changed his approach, adding midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari in place of Ghareeb. This adjustment was designed to give the three offensive stars more freedom to make an impact closer to the opponent’s goal.

Emanuel Steward once named who he deemed to be the best fighter that he ever worked with. Steward is globally recognised as being one of the greatest trainers of all time, operating out of the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit. A lot of his success came working with heavyweights, having helped Lennox Lewis and Wladimir […]

The post Emanuel Steward once named the best fighter he ever trained: “He was also the most exciting” appeared first on Boxing News.

Anadolu Efes, EuroLeague'in 27. haftasında konuk ettiği Zalgiris'i 92-82 mağlup etti. Geçen hafta Valencia'yı yenerek 9 maçlık galibiyet hasretini bitiren Anadolu Efes, EuroLeague'de 2'de 2 yaptı.

EuroLeague'in 27. haftasında temsilcimiz Anadolu Efes Litvanya devi Zalgiris Kaunas'ı ağırladı. İki kez şampiyonluk sevinci yaşadığı EuroLeague'de bu sezon sergilediği performansla hayal kırıklığı yaşatan Lacivert-Beyazlılar, 26. haftada İspanya ekibi Valencia Basket'i 107-90 mağlup ederek 9 maçlık galibiyet özlemine son vermişti. Pablo Laso'nun takımı Zalgiris'i de evine eli boş göndererek çift maç haftasında 2'de 2 yaptı: 92-82.

1. ÇEYREK: 25-24

2. ÇEYREK: 47-45

3. ÇEYREK: 65-67

4. ÇEYREK: 90-82

Fenerbahçe arsaVev Kadın Futbol Takımı, Ankara Büyükşehir Belediyesi FOMGET forması giyen savunma oyuncusu Maria Aparecida Souza Alves'i kadrosuna kattı.

Sarı-lacivertli kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre, Chobani Stadyumu'nda gerçekleştirilen imza töreninde oyuncunun yanı sıra kadın futbolundan sorumlu yönetim kurulu üyesi Ufuk Şansal hazır bulundu.

Brezilya Kadın A Milli Takım formasını da giyen 32 yaşındaki futbolcuyla 1,5 yıllık anlaşmaya varıldı.

Rus Sport Express'in haberine göre, John Duran, Zeni tarafından sağlık kontrolünden geçirildi. Forvet oyuncusu, sezon sonuna kadar kiralık olarak St.Petersburg ekibinde oynayacak.

Fenerbahçe şimdi gerçekten forvetsiz kalmak üzere... Zenit, Jhon Durán'ı sağlık kontrolünden sonunda geçirdi. Geriye sadece Kolombiyalı oyuncunun imzası kaldı.

Sport Express'in haberine göre, başarılı oyuncu St. Petersburg ekibine katılmak üzere sağlık kontrollerini tamamladı.

Zenit basın servisinden yapılan açıklamada, Durán’ın şehre uyum sürecinin hızlı başladığı belirtilerek şu ifadelere yer verildi:

- Durán, St. Petersburg'daki sağlık kontrolünden başarıyla geçti ve şehrimizin kış harikalar diyarı atmosferine kısa bir süreliğine de olsa kendini kaptırmayı başardı. Yakında antrenman kampı için takıma katılacak, daha fazla ayrıntı daha sonra paylaşılacak.

Yıldız oyuncunun kısa süre içinde takımın hazırlık kampına dahil olması bekleniyor.

Galatasaray, Bayern Münih'ten kiralık olarak kadrosuna kattığı eski futbolcusu Sacha Boey'nin transferini videolu bir paylaşım ile duyurdu.

Galatasaray, Bayern Münih'ten Sacha Boey'i zorunlu olmayan satın alma opsiyonu ile birlikte kadrosuna kattığını resmi sosyal medya hesabından açıklamıştı. Sarı-kırmızılılar, Boey'nin transferi için videolu bir paylaşım yaptı. Cimbom'un paylaşımında, "Sacha Boey yeniden Türkiye'nin en büyüğünde!" İfadeleri yer aldı.

Sacha Boey, 2021-2024 yılları arasında Galatasaray forması giymiş ve 2023-24 sezonunun ara transfer döneminde 30 milyon euro bonservis ücretiyle Bayern Münih'e transfer olmuştu.

İŞTE O PAYLAŞIM

Sacha Boey yeniden Türkiye’nin en büyüğünde! ???? pic.twitter.com/MOyGmiyZgV

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Hukuk Müşavirliği, Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe ve Kocaelispor'u Profesyonel Futbol Disiplin Kuruluna (PFDK) sevk etti.

TFF'nin sitesinde yer alan açıklamaya göre müşavirlik, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası üçüncü hafta maçlarının ardından çeşitli sebeplerle Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe ve Kocaelispod'u disipline gönderdi.

Kocaelispor Teknik Direktörü Selçuk İnan da sportmenliğe aykırı hareket sebebiyle tedbirli olarak PFDK'ye sevk edildi.

Beşiktaş, Marsilya'dan kadrosuna kattığı Panamalı futbolcu Amir Murillo'yla 1 yılı opsiyonlu 3,5 yıllık sözleşme imzaladı.

Siyah-beyazlı kulüpten yapılan açıklamada oyuncunun transferi konusunda hem kendisiyle hem de kulübü Marsilya'yla nihai anlaşmaya varıldığı belirtildi.

30 yaşındaki futbolcuyla 1 yılı opsiyonlu 3,5 yıllık sözleşme imzalandığı bildirilen açıklamada "Kulübümüze önemli hizmetlerde bulunacağına inandığımız Amir Murillo’ya şanlı formamızla başarılar dileriz." ifadeleri kullanıldı.

Kasımpaşa, tecrübeli santrfor Mamadou Fall'ın sezon sonuna kadar Bandırmaspor'a kiralandığını açıkladı.

Emre Belözoğlu yönetimindeki Kasımpaşa'da dikkat çeken bir ayrılık yaşandı. Lacivert-beyazlı takımda Mamadou Fall ile yollar ayrıldı.

Kasımpaşa, Mamadou Fall'ın sezon sonuna kadar 1. Lig ekibi Bandırmaspor'a kiralandığını açıkladı.

Kasımpaşa'dan yapılan açıklamada şu ifadeler kullanıldı:

"Futbolcumuz Mamadou Fall'un sezon sonuna kadar geçici transferi konusunda Bandırmaspor ile anlaşma sağlanmıştır. Futbolcumuza yeni kulübünde sakatlıktan uzak, başarılı bir sezon dileriz."

Trendyol Süper Lig ekiplerinden Çaykur Rizespor, Haitili santrafor Frantzdy Pierrot'u sezon sonuna kadar kiralık olarak kadrosuna kattığını duyurdu.

Yeşil-mavili ekipten yapılan açıklamaya göre Yunanistan Süper Lig ekibi AEK'de forma giyen ve anlaşmaya varılmasının ardından Türkiye'ye gelen Pierrot, Acıbadem Fulya Hastanesinde sağlık kontrolünden geçti.

Sağlık kontrolleri ve resmi işlemlerin tamamlanmasının ardından 30 yaşındaki oyuncu ile sezon sonuna kadar sözleşme imzalandığı aktarılan açıklamada, "Haiti A Milli Takımı'nda 47 maçta 33 gol atan 1,94 metre boyundaki deneyimli forvet, bu sezon AEK formasıyla 21 maçta 4 gol attı. Yeni transferimiz Frantzdy Pierrot'a 'Hoş geldin' diyor, başarılar diliyoruz." ifadeleri kullanıldı.

RAMS Başakşehir, Galatasaray forması giyen Kazımcan Karataş'ı sezon sonuna kadar kiraladı.

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonunda (TFF) yer alan bilgiye göre turuncu-lacivertli kulüp, 23 yaşındaki futbolcuyla sezon sonuna kadar kiralık anlaşmaya vardı.

Kazımcan Karataş, bu sezon Galatasaray formasıyla 8'i Süper Lig, 3'ü Ziraat Türkiye Kupası, 2'si Turkcell Süper Kupa olmak üzere 13 resmi maçta 728 dakika forma giydi.

Bu gün futbol üzrə İspaniya Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yarımfinal mərhələsinin püşkatma mərasimi keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, püşkün nəticələrinə əsasən, son çempion “Barselona” Madrid “Atletiko”suna rəqib olub.

Digər yarımfinal görüşündə Bilbao “Atletik”i və “Real Sosyedad” üz-üzə gələcəklər.

Qeyd edək ki, İspaniya Kubokunda yarımfinal mərhələsinin ilk oyunları 10-12 fevralda keçiriləcək. Cavab oyunları isə 3-5 mart aralığında baş tutacaq. Final qarşılaşması isə aprel ayında Sevilyadakı “Olimpiko de Sevilya – La Kartuxa” stadionunda təşkil ediləcək.

Xatırladaq ki, “Barselona” İspaniya Kubokunun sonuncu qalibidir. Ötən mövsümün finalında bu komanda Madrid “Real”ını 3:2 hesabı ilə məğlub etmişdi. “Barselona” 32 kubokla yarışı ən çox qazanan klubdur.

İspaniya Kuboku
Yarımfinal

Atletiko – Barselona
Atletik – Real Sosyedad

Arsenal are interested in signing the Bournemouth attacker Eli Junior Kroupi.

The 19-year-old attacker joined the Cherries at the start of the season, and he has been excellent for them. He has eight goals in the Premier League so far, and he scored against Arsenal earlier this season. The Gunners are impressed by his performances and hope to sign him, according to a report from MediaFoot.

Kroupi has been hailed as an “incredible” talent by Andoni Iraola.

Bournemouth paid €13 million to sign the player, and they are likely to demand a substantial fee for him if Arsenal come calling in the summer. It is no secret that they need more quality in the attack. They spent a lot of money on Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window, but the Swedish International has not been prolific enough.

Arsenal need a more reliable attacker leading the line for them, and the 19-year-old could be ideal. He has the potential to develop into a top-class player. He has adapted to Premier League football seamlessly, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. Playing for one of the biggest teams in the country will only help him improve further.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal follow up on their interest with an official proposal to complete the deal. They will face competition from the French outfit PSG. Both clubs have the financials to pay a premium, and it will be interesting to see where the 19-year-old attacker ends up.

He should look to join a club where he can play a prominent role. He needs regular high-level gametime to fulfil his tremendous potential.

The post Arsenal plot summer coup for “incredible” talent who scored a worldie against them appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

According to a report from Fichajes, Arsenal wanted to sign the player during the January window, but the move did not materialise. The player is likely to be on the radar of top clubs in the summer as well. Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring his situation, and they could look to make a move for the Italian.

The midfielder is reportedly valued at €90 million, and it will be interesting to see whether Real Madrid decides to sign him. They could use a reliable defensive midfielder, and an Italian would be an excellent addition. He has shown his quality in the Premier League and can thrive in La Liga as well.

Both Arsenal and Real Madrid could be exciting destinations for the player. He has won the English League Cup with Newcastle, but he will now want to win major trophies. Newcastle are not quite at the level required to win league titles or the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid or Arsenal could provide him with that platform.

A report from The Times has also confirmed that the player is looking to move on in the summer. His agent has indicated that a summer move is on the cards.

The 25-year-old is an indispensable asset for Newcastle, and his departure would be a huge blow for them. However, they cannot hope to keep top players at the club if they are unable to compete regularly for major trophies. They will have to reluctantly let the player move on.

€90 million is a lot of money, and they should be able to find a quality replacement.

The post Arsenal & Real Madrid queue for €90m star as agent hints at potential exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are interested in signing the Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, and they will face competition from Manchester United.

According to a report from Fichajes, both clubs are keen on the 23-year-old Brazilian defender, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. The South American has shown his quality with Nottingham Forest, and he is certainly ready for the next step.

The opportunity to play for Chelsea or Manchester United will be exciting for him. They are among the biggest clubs in the country, and they could provide him with a platform to compete in Europe and fight for trophies.

The report further claims that Chelsea and Manchester United are already preparing their initial offers and could contact the player’s representatives soon.

It will be interesting to see if Nottingham Forest is willing to sanction his departure at the end of the season. They have had a disappointing season so far, and it will be difficult to convince top players to continue. Players like Murillo will want to compete at the highest level, and it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Chelsea have looked quite vulnerable, defensively, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. Murillo would be an excellent acquisition for them, and he could prove to be an upgrade on players like Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.

As for Manchester United, they need a quality long-term replacement for Harry Maguire, and the Brazilian certainly fits the profile. He is well settled in English football, and he could make an immediate impact at Chelsea or Manchester United. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

The post Report: Chelsea and Man United preparing initial offers for 23-year-old Brazilian gem appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Isabela Merced, who you'll recognize as Dina from HBO's The Last of Us and Hawkgirl in James Gunn's recent Superman film, has been chosen to star in SEGA's upcoming film adaptation of its classic zombie franchise, The House of the Dead. Confirmed in a report from Deadline, Merced will lead the adaptation, which is set to be written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, who is right at home in a gore-filled zombie world, as he's arguably most known for directing the Resident Evil films that star Milla Jovovich (who also happens to be his wife). The report adds that […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/isabela-merced-star-sega-the-house-of-the-dead-film-adaptation/

The Galaxy Ring has remained a subject of consternation for Samsung ever since a user's device swelled up on his finger just before he boarded a flight. Now, another Galaxy Ring has swelled up over a period of time, but here the South Korean behemoth does not appear to be at fault. A Galaxy Ring owner complains of the device's battery swelling up discreetly months after it became defunct A Redditor who goes by the username u/MaybeNotThrowing recently detailed his harrowing Galaxy Ring experience, one that could have resulted in an injury. Basically, our protagonist purchased the Galaxy Ring as […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/a-samsung-galaxy-rings-long-dead-battery-swells-up-discreetly-and-turns-into-a-ticking-time-bomb/

At $599, no other computer matches the performance and value offered by the M4 Mac mini, which is why this compact, but exceptionally powerful computer has quickly become a favorite for customers who want to run localized AI agents to simplify their daily tasks. Unfortunately, a surge in orders has created a shortage of this hardware, which will be disappointing given its price hasn’t been affected by the DRAM crisis. The M4 Mac mini’s biggest strength is its architecture, with its tight integration allowing you to run the AI chatbot Maltbot, whereas on other machines, performance bottlenecks would exist We […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/m4-mac-mini-shortage-due-to-installing-ai-agent/

In what might appear counterintuitive to most people, Apple TV does not actually let you own the movies that you've bought, with most purchases remaining locked to a given region, as illustrated by a Redditor's recent plight. Apple TV's content licensing policies leave much to be desired A Redditor who goes by the username u/AlpacAKEK recently penned an interesting post, explaining the pitfalls associated with purchasing movies from Apple TV. The user maintained a "small movie library" populated with titles purchased from the Apple TV. However, the Redditor lost access to all but three movies upon changing his Apple ID […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-tv-just-gave-a-redditor-the-shock-of-his-life-after-he-changed-his-apple-id-region/

Emerging research has provided fresh evidence regarding the role of viral infection in the development of multiple sclerosis. By analyzing immune cells extracted from the spinal fluid of patients, scientists identified a specific population of “killer” T cells that appear to target the Epstein-Barr virus. The findings suggest that an immune response directed at this common pathogen may drive the neurological damage associated with the disease. The study was published in the journal Nature Immunology.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective sheath covering nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. For decades, scientific inquiry focused heavily on CD4+ T cells. These are immune cells that help coordinate the body’s defense response.

However, pathologists have observed that a different type of immune cell is actually more abundant in the brain lesions of patients. These are CD8+ T cells, also known as cytotoxic or “killer” T cells. Their primary function is to destroy cells that have been damaged or infected by viruses. Despite their prevalence at the site of injury, the specific targets they hunt in the central nervous system have remained largely unknown.

There is a strong epidemiological link between the Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis. Almost every person diagnosed with the condition tests positive for previous exposure to this virus. Yet, because the virus infects the vast majority of the global population, the mere presence of the virus does not explain why some individuals develop the disease while others do not.

Joseph J. Sabatino Jr., a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, and his colleagues sought to resolve this ambiguity. They aimed to determine what specific proteins the CD8+ T cells in the central nervous system were recognizing. The team hypothesized that identifying the targets of these cells could reveal the mechanism driving the disease.

The researchers collected samples of cerebrospinal fluid and blood from human participants. The study group included 13 individuals with multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome, a precursor to the disease. For comparison, they also collected samples from five control participants who were healthy or had other neurological conditions.

Obtaining cerebrospinal fluid is an invasive procedure. This makes such samples relatively rare and difficult to acquire, particularly from patients in the early stages of the disease. The team used a technology called single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze these samples. This method allows scientists to examine the genetic activity of thousands of individual cells simultaneously.

The investigators paid particular attention to the T cell receptors found on the surface of the immune cells. These receptors function like unique identification cards or keys. Each one is shaped to bind with a specific protein fragment, or antigen. When a T cell encounters its specific target, it clones itself repeatedly to create an army capable of eliminating the threat.

In the spinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis, the researchers found groups of CD8+ T cells that were genetically identical. This indicated they had undergone clonal expansion. These expanded groups were found in much higher concentrations in the spinal fluid than in the blood of the same patients. This suggests that these cells were not just passing through but were actively recruited to the central nervous system to fight a specific target.

To identify that target, the research team employed several antigen discovery strategies. One method involved a technique known as yeast display. The researchers created a library of hundreds of millions of yeast cells, each displaying a different protein fragment on its surface. They exposed the T cell receptors from the patients to this library to see which proteins they would bind.

This screening process initially identified synthetic protein fragments that acted as “mimics” for the true target. While these mimics bound to the receptors, they did not necessarily provoke a functional immune response. To find the naturally occurring target, the researchers compared the genetic sequences of the receptors against databases of known viral antigens.

This comparison yielded a match for the Epstein-Barr virus. Specifically, the receptors from the expanded CD8+ T cells matched those known to target proteins produced by the virus. To validate this finding, the team used CRISPR gene-editing technology. They engineered fresh T cells from healthy donors to express the exact receptors found in the multiple sclerosis patients.

When these engineered cells were exposed to Epstein-Barr virus peptides, they became activated and released inflammatory cytokines. This confirmed that the receptors identified in the spinal fluid were indeed specific for the virus. The team found that these virus-specific cells were highly activated and possessed the molecular machinery necessary to migrate into tissues and kill cells.

The researchers also investigated whether the virus itself was present in the central nervous system. They analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid for viral DNA. They detected genetic material from the Epstein-Barr virus in the fluid of both patients and controls. However, the presence of DNA alone only indicates that the virus is there, not necessarily that it is active.

To assess viral activity, the team looked for viral RNA transcripts. These are produced when the virus is reading its own genes to make proteins. They found higher levels of a specific transcript called BamHI-W in the fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis compared to the control group. This transcript is associated with the virus’s lytic phase, a period when it is actively replicating.

The detection of lytic transcripts suggests that the virus is not dormant in these patients. Instead, it appears to be reactivating within the central nervous system or the immune cells trafficking there. This reactivation could be the trigger that causes the immune system to expand its army of CD8+ T cells.

Some theories of autoimmune disease propose a mechanism called molecular mimicry. This occurs when a viral protein looks so similar to a human protein that the immune system attacks both. The researchers tested the Epstein-Barr virus-specific receptors against human proteins that resembled the viral targets. They found no evidence of cross-reactivity. The T cells attacked the virus but ignored the human proteins.

This finding implies that the immune system in multiple sclerosis may not be confused. It may be accurately targeting a viral invader. The collateral damage to the nervous system could be a side effect of this ongoing battle between the immune system and the reactivated virus.

The gene expression profile of these cells supported this idea. The virus-specific T cells expressed high levels of genes associated with migrating to tissues and persisting there. They appeared to be an “effector” population, primed for immediate defense rather than long-term memory storage.

“Looking at these understudied CD8+ T cells connects a lot of different dots and gives us a new window on how EBV is likely contributing to this disease,” said senior author Joe Sabatino in a press release. The study provides a clearer picture of the cellular machinery at work in the disease.

There are limitations to the study that warrant consideration. The sample size was small, involving only 18 participants in total. This is a common challenge in studies requiring invasive spinal fluid collection. While the researchers identified Epstein-Barr virus targets for some of the expanded T cell clones, the targets for the majority of the expanded cells remain unidentified.

It is also not yet clear if the viral reactivation causes the disease or if the disease state allows the virus to reactivate. The immune system is complex, and inflammation in the brain could theoretically create an environment that favors viral replication. Further research will be necessary to establish the direction of causality.

Future studies will likely focus on larger cohorts of patients. Researchers will need to determine if these virus-specific cells are present at all stages of the disease or only during early development. Additionally, understanding where the virus resides within the central nervous system remains a priority. The virus typically infects B cells, another type of immune cell, and their presence in the brain is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis.

The implications for treatment are notable. Current therapies for multiple sclerosis largely function by suppressing the immune system broadly or by trapping immune cells in the lymph nodes so they cannot enter the brain. If the disease is driven by a viral infection, therapies targeting the virus itself could offer a new approach. Antiviral drugs or vaccines designed to suppress the Epstein-Barr virus might help reduce the immune activation that leads to neurological damage.

The study, “Antigen specificity of clonally enriched CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis,” was authored by Fumie Hayashi, Kristen Mittl, Ravi Dandekar, Josiah Gerdts, Ebtesam Hassan, Ryan D. Schubert, Lindsay Oshiro, Rita Loudermilk, Ariele Greenfield, Danillo G. Augusto, Gregory Havton, Shriya Anumarlu, Arhan Surapaneni, Akshaya Ramesh, Edwina Tran, Kanishka Koshal, Kerry Kizer, Joanna Dreux, Alaina K. Cagalingan, Florian Schustek, Lena Flood, Tamson Moore, Lisa L. Kirkemo, Isabelle J. Fisher, Tiffany Cooper, Meagan Harms, Refujia Gomez, University of California, San Francisco MS-EPIC Team, Claire D. Clelland, Leah Sibener, Bruce A. C. Cree, Stephen L. Hauser, Jill A. Hollenbach, Marvin Gee, Michael R. Wilson, Scott S. Zamvil & Joseph J. Sabatino Jr.

Google Ads rolled out a new data source diagnostics feature in Data Manager that lets advertisers track the health of their data connections. The tool flags problems with offline conversions, CRM imports, and tagging mismatches.

How it works. A centralized dashboard assigns clear connection status labels — Excellent, Good, Needs attention, or Urgent — and surfaces actionable alerts. Advertisers can spot issues like refused credentials, formatting errors, and failed imports, alongside a run history that shows recent sync attempts and error counts.

Why we care. When conversion data breaks, campaign optimization breaks with it. Even small connection failures can quietly skew conversion tracking and weaken automated bidding. This diagnostic tool helps teams catch and fix issues early, protecting performance and reporting accuracy. If you rely on CRM imports or offline conversions, this provides a much-needed safety net.

Who benefits most. The feature is especially useful for advertisers running complex conversion pipelines, including Salesforce integrations and offline attribution setups, where small disruptions can quickly cascade into bidding and reporting issues.

The bigger picture. As automated bidding leans more heavily on accurate first-party data, visibility into data pipelines is becoming just as critical as campaign settings themselves.

Bottom line. Google Ads is giving advertisers an early warning system for data failures, helping teams fix broken connections before performance takes a hit.

First seen. The update was first spotted by digital marketer Georgi Zayakov, who shared the new option on LinkedIn.

Performance Max has come a long way since its rocky launch. Many advertisers once dismissed it as a half-baked product, but Google has spent the past 18 months fixing real issues around transparency and control. If you wrote Performance Max off before, it’s time to take another look.

Mike Ryan, head of ecommerce insights at Smarter Ecommerce, explained why at the latest SMX Next.

Taking a fresh look at Performance Max

Performance Max traces its roots to Smart Shopping campaigns, which Google rolled out with red carpet fanfare at Google Marketing Live in 2019.

Even then, industry experts warned that transparency and control would become serious issues. They were right — and only now has Google begun to address those concerns openly.

Smart Shopping marked the low point of black-box advertising in Google Ads, at least for ecommerce. It stripped away nearly every control advertisers relied on in Standard Shopping:

• Promotional controls.
• Modifiers.
• Negative keywords.
• Search terms reporting.
• Placement reporting.
• Channel visibility.

Over the past 18 months, Performance Max has brought most of that functionality back, either partially or in full.

Understanding Performance Max search terms

Search terms are a core signal for understanding the traffic you’re actually buying. In Performance Max, most spend typically flows to the search network, which makes search term reporting essential for meaningful optimization.

Google even introduced a Performance Max match type — something few of us ever expected to see. That’s a big deal. It delivers properly reportable data that works with the API, should be scriptable, and finally includes cost and time dimensions that were completely missing before.

Search term insights vs. campaign search term view

Google’s first move to crack open the black box was search term insights. These insights group queries into search categories — essentially prebuilt n-grams — that roll up data at a mid-level and automatically account for typos, misspellings, and variants.

The problem? The metrics are thin. There’s no cost data, which means no CPC, no ROAS, and no real way to evaluate performance.

The real breakthrough is the new campaign-level search term view, now available in both the API and the UI.

Historically, search term reporting lived at the ad group level. Since Performance Max doesn’t use ad groups, that data had nowhere to go.

Google fixed this by anchoring search terms at the campaign level instead. The result is access to far more segments and metrics — and, finally, proper reporting we can actually use.

The main limitation: this data is available only at the search network level, without separating search from shopping. That means a single search term may reflect blended performance from both formats, rather than a clean view of how each one performed.

Search theme reporting

Search themes act as a form of positive targeting in Performance Max. You can evaluate how they’re performing through the search term insights report, which includes a Source column showing whether traffic came from your URLs, your assets, or the search themes you provided.

By totaling conversion value and conversions, you can see whether your search themes are actually driving results — or just sitting idle.

There’s more good news ahead. Google appears to be working on bringing Dynamic Search Ads and AI Max reports into Performance Max. That would unlock visibility into headlines, landing pages, and the search terms triggering ads.

Search term controls and optimization

Negative keywords

Negative keywords are now fully supported in Performance Max. At launch, Google capped campaigns at 100 negatives, offered no API access, and blocked negative keyword lists—clearly positioning the feature for brand safety, not performance.

That’s changed. Negative keywords now work with the API, support shared lists, and give advertisers real control over performance.

These negatives apply across the entire search network, including both search and shopping. Brand exclusions are the exception — you can choose to apply those only to search campaigns if needed.

Brand exclusions

Performance Max doesn’t separate brand from generic traffic, and it often favors brand queries because they’re high intent and tend to perform well. Brand exclusions exist, but they can be leaky, with some brand traffic still slipping through. If you need strict control, negative keywords are the more reliable option.

Also, Performance Max — and AI Max — may aggressively bid on competitor terms. That makes brand and competitor exclusions important tools for protecting spend and shaping intent.

Optimization strategy

Here’s a simple heuristic for spotting search terms that need attention:

• Calculate the average number of clicks it takes to generate a conversion.
• Identify search terms with more clicks than that average but zero conversions.

Those terms have had a fair chance to perform and didn’t. They’re strong candidates for negative keywords.

That said, don’t overcorrect.

Long-tail dynamics mean a search term that doesn’t convert this month may matter next month. You’re also working with a finite set of negative keywords, so use them deliberately and prioritize the highest-impact exclusions.

Modern optimization approaches

It’s not 2018 anymore — you shouldn’t spend hours manually reviewing search terms. Automate the work instead.

Use the API for high-volume accounts, scripts for medium volume, and automated reports from the Report Editor for smaller accounts (though it still doesn’t support Performance Max).

Layer in AI for semantic review to flag irrelevant terms based on meaning and intent, then step in only for final approval. Search term reporting can be tedious, but with Google’s prebuilt n-grams and modern AI tools, there’s a smarter way to handle it.

Channels and placements reporting

Channel performance report

The channel performance report — not just for Performance Max — breaks performance out by network, including Discover, Display, Gmail, and more. It’s useful for channel visibility and understanding view-through versus click-through conversions, as well as how feed-based delivery compares to asset-driven performance.

The report includes a Sankey diagram, but it isn’t especially intuitive. The labeling is confusing and takes some decoding:

• Search Network: Feed-based equals Shopping ads; asset-based equals RSAs and DSAs.
• Display Network: Feed-based equals dynamic remarketing; asset-based equals responsive display ads.

Google also announced that Search Partner Network data is coming, which should add another layer of useful performance visibility.

Channel and placement controls

Unlike Demand Gen, where you can choose exactly which channels to run on, Performance Max doesn’t give you that control. You can try to influence the channel mix through your ROAS target and budget, but it’s a blunt instrument — and a slippery one at best.

Placement exclusions

The strongest control you have is excluding specific placements. Placement data is now available through the API — limited to impressions and date segments — and can also be reviewed in the Report Editor. Use this data alongside the content suitability view to spot questionable domains and spammy placements.

For YouTube, pay close attention to political and children’s content. If a placement feels irrelevant or unsafe for your brand, there’s a good chance it isn’t driving meaningful performance either.

Tools for placement review

If you run into YouTube videos in languages you don’t speak, use Google Sheets’ built-in GOOGLETRANSLATE function. It’s faster and more reliable than AI for quick translation.

You can also use AI-powered formulas in Sheets to do semantic triage on placements, not just search terms. These tools are just formulas, which means this kind of analysis is accessible to anyone.

Search Partner Network

Unfortunately, there’s no way to opt out of the Search Partner Network in Performance Max. You can exclude individual search partners, but there are limits.

Prioritize exclusions based on how questionable the placement looks and how much volume it’s receiving. Also note that Google-owned properties like YouTube and Gmail can’t be excluded.

Based on Standard Shopping data, the Search Partner Network consistently performs meaningfully worse than the Google Search Network. Excluding poor performers is recommended.

Device reporting and targeting

Creating a device report is easy — just add device as a segment in the “when and where ads showed” view. The tricky part is making decisions.

Device analysis

For deeper insight, dig into item-level performance in the Report Editor. Add device as a segment alongside item ID and product titles to see how individual products behave across devices. Also, compare competitor performance by device — you may spot meaningful differences that inform your strategy.

For example, you may perform far better on desktop than on mobile compared to competitors like Amazon, signaling either an opportunity or a risk.

Device targeting considerations

Device targeting is available in Performance Max and is easy to use, much like channel targeting in Demand Gen. But when you split campaigns by device, you also split your conversion data and volume—and that can hurt results.

Before you separate campaigns by device, consider:

• How competition differs by device
• Performance at the item and retail category level
• The impact on overall data volume

Performance Max performs best with more data. Campaigns with low monthly conversion volume often miss their targets and rarely stay on pace. As more data flows through a campaign, Performance Max gets better at hitting goals and less likely to fall short.

Any gains from splitting by device can disappear if the algorithm doesn’t have enough data to learn. Only split when both resulting campaigns have enough volume to support effective machine learning.

Conclusion

Performance Max has changed dramatically since launch. With search term reporting, negative keywords, channel visibility, placement controls, and device targeting now available, advertisers have far more transparency and control than ever before.

It’s still not perfect — channel targeting limits and data fragmentation remain — but Performance Max is fundamentally different and far more manageable.

Success comes down to knowing what data you have, how to access it efficiently using modern tools like AI and automation, and when to apply controls based on performance insights and data volume needs.

Watch: PMax reporting for ecommerce: What Google is (and isn’t) showing you

The RWD has a maximum electric motor power of 496 hp, an increase of 80 hp. The AWD has a maximum combined output of 784 hp, an increase of 148 hp.

The post Updated Zeekr 007 GT and 007 EV revealed with max 784 hp, a 148 hp boost appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Eyes Big Rally To $94K After Forming Potential Bottom appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin is showing early signs of recovery after falling sharply in recent weeks. The world’s largest cryptocurrency bounced from around the $60,000 level and has moved modestly higher, giving investors some hope that the worst part of the recent correction may be ending. However, analysts say it is still too early to confirm that the market has fully stabilized.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is up by more than 7% and is trading slightly below $70,000.

Recovery Seen, But Confirmation Still Needed

Bitcoin has already climbed more than 10% from its recent low, which is a positive signal for the market. Even so, experts explain that a stronger and more consistent upward move is needed before traders can confidently say that a new uptrend has started. Markets often show short-term rebounds during corrections, and sometimes prices can fall again before a true recovery begins.

Because of this, many traders are carefully watching how Bitcoin behaves over the next few weeks. If buying demand continues to grow and prices keep rising steadily, it could confirm that a meaningful bottom has been formed.

Possible February Rally in Focus

Bitcoin could see a stronger rally later in February once the correction phase ends. One important level being watched is around $94,000, which is considered a key resistance area based on previous price movements. A move toward that level would mean strong recovery momentum, although it may not happen immediately.

Downside Risk Still Exists

Despite the recent bounce, risks remain. If selling pressure returns, Bitcoin could still fall toward the $55,000–$56,000 range, which is seen as the next important support zone.

For now, the market remains mixed. Investors are waiting for clearer signs of sustained strength before making large moves, while long-term holders continue to focus on Bitcoin’s broader growth trend despite short-term volatility.

The post Is This the Moment XRP Millionaires Are Made? Garlinghouse Quote Sets Crypto Twitter Ablaze appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The recent pullback in the crypto market has pushed XRP into a period of volatility, but comments linked to Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, are stirring fresh discussion among investors about whether the downturn could present a buying opportunity.

Market Fear Rises as XRP Metrics Turn Bearish

XRP has been moving in line with the broader crypto market decline, with several indicators showing weakening momentum. On-chain data indicates that XRP exchange reserves recently climbed to around 2.7 billion tokens, meaning that some investors are moving holdings onto exchanges — often interpreted as a signal that traders may be preparing to sell.

However, at the time of writing, XRP has gained more than 19% in the last 24 hours. Analysts warn that short-term rebounds could also turn into “bull traps,” where prices briefly rise before continuing lower, making timing the market difficult.

Investors Urged to Wait for Confirmation

Several experts have advised investors to avoid rushing into dip-buying strategies. Historically, sharp corrections can continue longer than expected, and analysts say confirmation of a sustained uptrend is often safer than trying to catch a “falling knife.”

This approach shows the broader uncertainty in the crypto market, where sentiment indicators have recently slipped into extreme fear territory.

Garlinghouse Quote Interpreted as Subtle Signal

Amid the downturn, Garlinghouse shared the well-known Warren Buffett quote: “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”

While the Ripple CEO did not directly comment on XRP’s price, many traders interpreted the post as a possible signal encouraging long-term confidence during the market’s fear phase. Social media reactions from XRP supporters quickly framed the message as a reminder that major opportunities often appear during market stress.

Long-Term Fundamentals Still in Focus

Despite short-term bearish signals, XRP supporters continue pointing to Ripple’s ongoing institutional partnerships, payment-network expansion, and new use cases on the XRP Ledger as long-term drivers that could support the asset once broader market sentiment improves.

For now, analysts say the coming months could determine whether the market stabilizes into a consolidation phase or experiences additional downside. 

The post LINK Price Struggles Near $8.60 as Reserves Grow and ETF Inflows Diverge From Market Weakness appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The LINK price is trading near $8.60, under pressure despite a fresh catalyst from the Chainlink Reserve, which added over 125,000 LINK in a single update. While broader crypto markets weaken, on-chain accumulation and ETF flows suggest a widening disconnect between price action and underlying demand.

Chainlink Reserve Growth Signals Long-Term Commitment

The Chainlink Reserve continues to expand its footprint as a long-term sustainability mechanism for the network. According to official data, the reserve has accumulated 125,454.48 LINK, bringing total holdings to approximately 1.9 million LINK. This reserve is funded through a combination of off-chain enterprise revenue and on-chain service usage, reinforcing its role as infrastructure rather than a market-facing liquidity tool.

Meanwhile, this steady accumulation occurs independently of short-term LINK price USD fluctuations. That separation is notable. Historically, reserves of this nature tend to grow during periods of suppressed market confidence, when usage-driven revenues quietly outpace speculative demand.

At the same time, the reserve’s design reduces reliance on inflationary incentives, aligning with Chainlink’s broader goal of long-term network sustainability rather than cyclical price appreciation.

ETF Inflows Contrast Broader Crypto Outflows

From a flows perspective, Chainlink stands out. While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have experienced consistent outflows during recent market stress, LINK ETF products have yet to record a single day of net outflows. Data shows cumulative inflows of $78.63 million, representing roughly 1.11% of LINK’s market capitalization.

Notably, institutional vehicles such as Grayscale and Bitwise have maintained their exposure even as volatility increased. That persistence suggests portfolio-level conviction rather than momentum-driven positioning. Still, ETF stability alone has not insulated the LINK price chart from downside pressure.

Whale Distribution Adds Near-Term Pressure

That said, on-chain supply distribution reveals a more complex picture. Addresses holding between 1 million and 10 million LINK have been net sellers over the past 48 hours. This cohort historically acts as a liquidity driver during periods of market stress, and their activity aligns with recent downside moves.

Conversely, wallets holding 100,000 to 1 million LINK continue to accumulate. This divergence suggests a transfer of supply from larger entities to mid-sized holders rather than broad capitulation. Still, until selling from the upper bracket cools, downward pressure on LINK crypto markets may persist.

Technical Zones and Risk Framing

From a technical perspective, analysts continue to closely monitor lower channel supports. If demand weakens further, $5 appears as a historically relevant zone where price compression previously stabilized. A deeper downside scenario places attention on the $1.20 region, which aligns with long-term cycle extremes rather than base expectations.

Still, the LINK price analysis suggests that these levels on chart function more as stress-test markers than forecasts. With the LINK price already down materially from cycle highs, further declines would likely require sustained macro deterioration and continued whale distribution.