Bu gün Türkiyə Super Liqasında XXIII tura start verilib.

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Türkiyə Super Liqası
XXIII

20 fevral

Rizespor – Kocaelispor 2:0
Qollar: V.Mihayla, 13, S.Akaydın, 57

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The final pre-season test confirmed there will be a new Formula 1 when the new season starts in Australia in two weeks' time.

New in the sense of who is at the front - and new in terms of many aspects of the sport and how it works.

So what did the last three days of running in Bahrain, before the teams decamp to Albert Park in Melbourne, say about the reshaped sport - and who are the winners and losers within that?

A best guess at the competitive order

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ended the test with the single fastest lap time in an emphatic way - 0.811 seconds quicker than the next best time, set by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.

Headline times in testing are usually not the place to look to gauge the competitive order, but this did reflect the picture in one important way - Mercedes and Ferrari look like they are going into the new season in the best shape.

Andrea Stella, team principal of world champions McLaren, said on Friday evening: "This test has confirmed that Ferrari and Mercedes look like the teams to beat. McLaren and Red Bull [are] probably very similar, Ferrari and Mercedes a step ahead."

This picture, an impression reflected by many other senior figures up and down the pit lane, comes less from the headline lap times - even if they did show the teams in the order Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull - than the so-called race-simulation runs.

Because the teams fill up their cars with fuel and run a grand prix distance, these have far fewer variables to muddy the picture than single laps.

On Friday evening, Leclerc did the best race simulation of the week, slightly quicker than Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Oscar Piastri the day before, when they set more or less exactly the same time.

Mercedes did not do any race simulations in the second week, only in the first, when track conditions were up to a second slower.

Antonelli set comfortably the fastest race simulation of the first week - a lot faster than Piastri, who was running at the same time.

And his team-mate George Russell - the bookies' pre-season championship favourite - was also impressively quick when running in the hotter, slower conditions earlier in the day.

This is not an exact science, but the cumulation of data is what led to the conclusion reached by Stella and many others.

A complication was that McLaren were not running the latest specification of Mercedes power-unit, which Mercedes were proving out, so can expect an uplift when they switch in Australia to the latest spec.

Another is Red Bull's new engine is said by Russell to have the best deployment of energy, which is such an important facet this season.

Mercedes' biggest concern is reliability. This hit Antonelli much more than Russell, but it's probably fair to say that Mercedes suffered more problems than their major rivals, although Red Bull's new recruit Isack Hadjar did lose a fair bit of his running to issues of one kind or another.

• Relive final day of pre-season testing as Ferrari's Leclerc fastest in Bahrain
• 'Keep calm,' says Domenicali on criticism of new F1 rules
• Norris admits new F1 cars 'not purest form of racing'

Aston Martin in a world of pain

There is no question as to the prize for biggest disappointment so far this year. Aston Martin, starting their new works partnership with Honda, are runaway winners of that.

With design legend Adrian Newey at the helm, Honda - world champions with Red Bull as recently as 2024 - and the money of their billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), all the ingredients for success seem to be there.

But the new car, delayed by the fact Newey did not arrive until March last year, is uncompetitive and difficult, and the engine is lacking power and unreliable. Aston Martin completed the fewest laps of testing, and look like they may even be in worse shape than Cadillac.

Both the internal combustion engine and hybrid elements of the new Honda power-unit are said to be well behind the best.

Several sources told BBC Sport this week that Newey said at Wednesday's meeting of the F1 Commission - a rule-making body comprising all the teams as well as F1 and the FIA - that the Honda power-unit could not even recover energy at the lower limit of 250kw, let alone the higher one of 350kw, which comes into force under certain circumstances in the highly complex rules.

Reliability was so bad that by the start of the final day of the test, Honda had only one battery left, and took the decision to limit running to only short runs. A statement said that was to allow them to study data in between track outings, but in the end Lance Stroll did only six laps all day.

The problems with the engine make it difficult to make any judgement on the car - the Honda is running so badly that it's hard for the team to work out where the car is, and therefore how to improve it.

This is exacerbated by the fact Aston's first in-house gearbox - they have bought them in previously - is not communicating with the engine properly, and keeps behaving oddly, making life even more difficult for the drivers.

For Fernando Alonso, this all must come with an agonising sense of deja vu. He spent three painful years at McLaren when Honda were underprepared when they re-entered F1 in 2015.

And now he faces another one, at the age of 44, and with his contract running out at the end of the year.

Publicly, Alonso is staying optimistic as he said: "Short and medium term, I don't think there is anything that is impossible to fix."

How long it takes, though, is another matter. And one thing Alonso does not have much of is time.

Alpine on the rise

While all the teams are reluctant to say exactly where they think they stand in the competitive order, all are clear that there appears to be three groups of teams - the top four, the midfield, and then Aston Martin and Cadillac at the back.

Among the midfield runners, who are in the region of at least a second a lap slower than the big four, the team poised to make the biggest step seem to be Alpine.

They finished last season last, by the biggest margin ever, partly because they devoted extremely limited resource to last year's car, so they could focus on this year.

Alpine have switched to a Mercedes power-unit, following parent company Renault's decision to end its F1 engine programme. And with the combination of this and a much-improved car appear to have jumped up to the top of the midfield fight.

There is some debate as to whether they or Haas are in the best shape, but either way this is huge progress for the French team.

Racing Bulls are also in this mix at the top of the midfield.

But Williams disappoint

Among the midfield teams, Williams seem to be the biggest losers. Their 2026 car has been a disappointment so far, overweight by a significant margin - said to be anywhere between 25 and 40 kilos - and lacking downforce.

Williams finished fifth last year, and this season was supposed to be the next step in their ambition of a return to the top of F1.

Team principal James Vowles has been saying for two years how much of an opportunity the new rules are to move forward, and was vocal last season as to how early they had switched to the 2026 design and compromised 2025 for exactly this reason.

So this is a major blow.

Audi, which has taken over Sauber for the start of its brand new works programme with its own in-house engine, were expected to have difficulties.

But they appear to be in decent shape and have been quietly impressive in the midfield context, and could well be ahead of Williams, even if a long way from their ultimate ambitions.

Pros and cons of the new cars

The leading drivers have all at various points expressed their dissatisfaction with the new rules, especially the amount of energy management required with the new hybrid power-units.

These feature a near 50-50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical components.

With the amount of hybrid power increased three-fold, a component of the engine that helped recovery energy removed, and the batteries more or less the same size as last year, the cars are energy starved.

This has led to some unusual aspects being added to driving.

These include not going flat out in the run up to the start of a qualifying lap, taking corners in higher gears than is optimum for lap time to keep the turbo spinning, lifting and coasting in qualifying, and even not going flat out at the end of a qualifying lap because it is more time-effective to use the energy elsewhere.

At some circuits, there will be a lot more energy recovery required than others by the various means available. These include recovering while at full throttle, known as "super-clip", and lifting and coasting, as well as the standard method, during braking.

Albert Park is one of these energy-poor circuits.

For a purist, and drivers who want to be on the limit at all times, this is not ideal.

But F1 as a sport has known this was coming ever since the power-unit regulations were created in 2022. And, for now, the drivers are going to have get used to a new normal.

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions as to how to allow the drivers to drive in a more conventional way, but it remains to be seen how these will resolve.

However, having seen the cars on track, and watched them on television, it is highly unlikely the average viewer will notice any difference. They still look like F1 cars, and in some ways are more appealing than last year's.

They are smaller and have less downforce, so they slide more in corners, and look more agile. Many of the fast corners that were rendered bends in straights by last year's cars will become a driving challenge again, such as Abbey at Silverstone.

Russell, while acknowledging the differences from previous cars, said: "The guiding principles are still very much the same. You're pushing the car to the absolute limit. You're trying to brake as hard and late as possible, and carry as much speed through the corners. So far, I'm quite enjoying it."

Mercedes set to win engine row

Off track, one of the main focuses of pre-season has been a row between the engine manufacturers over the rules governing the engines' compression ratio.

It split the engine suppliers into two groups, Mercedes versus the rest - Ferrari, Honda and newcomers Red Bull and Audi.

The row was dismissed earlier this week by Vowles - a Mercedes customer - as "noise that will probably go away", and by Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff as "a storm in a teacup".

And it looks like both will end up being right.

Why have Mercedes been targeted? Because their rivals believe they have found a way of exploiting the rule restricting the compression ratio - a measurement of the cylinder displacement between the two extremes of the piston stroke - to 16:1. The rules dictate it is measured at ambient temperature.

Typically, the compression ratio reduces when engines heat up, and the belief was Mercedes had found a way using materials technology to limit this loss.

Mercedes' rivals have been pushing for a rule that measures it at a higher temperature, in the hope of restricting their perceived advantage.

This could also have allowed the others to set their ambient temperature compression ratio higher than 16:1 so that it was at the limit at a higher temperature, and so improve the performance of their engines relative to Mercedes.

Governing body the FIA has proposed a compromise whereby the ratio is measured both at ambient temperature and 130C.

As this does not achieve the aim Mercedes' opponents wanted, the signs are the other companies may even vote against the proposal that came out of their own campaign. Even if it passes, it seems it will make no difference.

Wolff added: "The way it works, you know, either we stay with the regulations like we are or the e-vote goes ahead with the proposal that came from the FIA. Both are OK for us."

Start-line variability

The new engines are also much harder to get off the line, which many expect will lead to unpredictability at starts.

There were safety concerns about this at the start of the first test - especially the risk of a car slow away being rear-ended by another at high speed.

But these were largely assuaged by a new start line procedure that was trialled at the test, which gives the drivers more time to get the turbos spinning at the optimum speed.

On the face of it, the Ferrari-engined cars seemed to have an advantage - they rocketed past rivals on several occasions during these tests.

But Williams driver Alex Albon said: "I don't think what you're seeing is really what's going to happen. You've got drivers who are finishing long runs, going into a practice start, on a high-mileage tyre that's already gone. So you've seen this chaos of some people getting good starts, bad starts, but actually it's not as bad as that."

And data seen by BBC Sport showed that, actually, of all the starts performed in testing, the Mercedes-engined teams as a bloc had the best starts on average - they were ranked in four of the top five places - followed by Ferrari-powered cars.

Strangely, Racing Bulls were second and Red Bull last, despite having the same Red Bull Powertrains/Ford engine.

Fastest times by team in second pre-season test

1. Ferrari (Charles Leclerc) one minute 31.992 seconds
2. Mercedes (Kimi Antonelli) Mercedes 1:32.803
3. McLaren (Oscar Piastri) 1:32.861
4. Red Bull (Max Verstappen) 1:33.109
5. Alpine (Pierre Gasly) 1:33.421
6. Haas (Oliver Bearman) Haas 1:33.487
7. Audi (Gabriel Bortoleto) 1:33.755
8. Racing Bulls (Arvid Lindblad) 1:34.149
9. Williams (Carlos Sainz) 1:34.342
10. Cadillac (Valtteri Bottas) 1:35.290
11. Aston Martin (Lance Stroll) 1:35.974

Gilbert Burns is coming off four straight losses, two of which ended by knockout, but the promotion believes the former welterweight title challenger still has enough equity in his name to headline the upcoming UFC Winnipeg event on Paramount+, recently made official for Sat., April 18, 2026 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

His opponent will be unranked local hero Mike Malott.

Malott (13-2-1) is 6-1 since graduating Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in late 2021 and is currently the winner of three straight. That includes his unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland last fall in Vancouver. As for Burns (22-9), he’s looking to bounce back from a brutal knockout loss to welterweight wunderkind Michael Morales at UFC Vegas 106.

Winnipeg hasn’t hosted a UFC fight card since the UFC on FOX 26 event back in late 2017. That’s when former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos outlasted ex-welterweight titleholder “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler in a five-round, non-title main event.

Expect more UFC Winnipeg fight card announcements in the coming weeks, if not days.

MILAN (AP) — The United States is 40 minutes away from playing for the gold medal in men’s hockey at the Olympics.

Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson scored in the first period of the semifinal against Slovakia to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Thompson is one of just a handful of newcomers on the team who did not play at the NHL-run 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has stopped all eight shots he faced so far including on a couple of power plays made possible by U.S. penalties.

The U.S. last reached the final in 2010 when it lost to Canada in overtime on Sidney Crosby’s famous golden goal. Canada also awaits this time after rallying to beat Finland in the other semifinal when Nathan MacKinnon scored with 35.2 seconds left.

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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

The U.S. women’s hockey team is going home with gold, and one lucky fan is going home with a unique souvenir.

On Thursday, Team USA prevailed 2-1 over Canada in overtime to win their third gold medal in Olympic history.

Attending the game was Joseph “Trip” Cillo, a sophomore at North Hills High School, the North Hills School District says.

Halfway through the second period, the puck was sent flying over the glass, and a quick-thinking Cillo caught it.

The district celebrated Cillo’s accomplishment on social media.

“What an INCREDIBLE memory from an historic Olympic game! Way to go, Trip!” the district said.

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Mikel Arteta sees a “tremendous reaction” from his players ahead of a feisty North London Derby as the Gunners look to rectify a disappointing draw away at Wolves.

The title race took an unexpected turn as Arsenal failed to beat relegation-bound Wolves after failing to keep hold of a two-goal lead in stoppage time.

The players and many fans were left bitterly disappointed after having the chance to go seven points clear of title rivals Manchester City.

The point gap is now five points; however, the Cityzens have a game in hand and could close it to two points as they host Newcastle before they play this weekend.

Asked about the reaction to the result at Molineux and ahead of the derby, Mikel Arteta said, “What I’ve seen is a tremendous reaction again, and I’m not surprised at all.

He added, “We have a long season. Chapter 27 says we draw against Wolves in this manner. What I’m very interested in is the next one, it’s what we are made of.”

Positive news still struck the Arsenal camp, as Bukayo Saka signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners.

Arteta was in good spirits about the new deal, he said, “Bukayo’s news, obviously, is great, he’s one of our own. We got him here since he was little. For him to make that decision and the club to be so aligned with him, I think it’s a really positive thing.”

Having been at the club for over six years, Arteta’s tenure has brought the FA Cup since August 2020, but they’re itching for more major glory.

Despite failing to get over the line in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, potential history can be made as the league leaders are still competing in all four competitions this season.

While questions remain over the mentality, Mikel Arteta sees the opportunity to win trophies and compete in title races repeatedly as an exciting time. He elaborated: “I think it’s becoming more and more exciting [to be in title races] because that means that you are closer.

“The more repeatedly you are in these kinds of positions, the more you’re going to win it. The same in the Champions League.

“First of all, you have to be there, and then in April or May, it will be decided who is the best and who can get over the line.”

On availability, there was confirmation of no new injuries and a “big possibility” of Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and German Kai Havertz returning to the matchday squad this Sunday.

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui's status for Japan in the World Baseball Classic could be in doubt after the left-hander ended a batting practice session early due to left groin tightness.

Matsui is considered day to day with what isn't expected to be a long-term issue coming out of Thursday's session, but it could affect his buildup for the WBC, with the opener against Taiwan two weeks away.

“We’ve got to see how he comes out of this day off, and then how he feels tomorrow,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said Friday. “Honestly, I think it puts the WBC in question.”

Defending WBC champion Japan would take a hit in the bullpen without Matsui, a reliable middle-inning option in two seasons with the Padres. The 30-year-old has a 3.86 ERA over 125 appearances.

Stammen said Matsui could be back to playing catch this weekend.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Team GB's Gus Kenworthy says he is "on the right side" after he received death threats for posting a graphic message about the United States' Immigration and Customs Enforcement organisation.

Freestyle skier Kenworthy shared the image - in which 'ICE' was preceded by an expletive - on Instagram a week before he was due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

In January, intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, 37, and fellow Minnesota resident Renee Good, 37, were both killed by ICE agents in the city, sparking protests across the US.

Speaking to BBC Sport about the threats he received, Kenworthy said: "It was tough. No-one wants to read bad things about themselves, things that are threats and violent and scary and homophobic.

"I also took it with a grain of salt. I couldn't imagine writing something like that about someone, especially on a public forum, anyone who does that has something wrong with them.

"I think I'm on the right side."

Kenworthy, 34, was born in Chelmsford but grew up in the US and won silver in the ski slopestyle at the Sochi 2014 Games, before switching allegiance to Team GB in 2019.

He finished sixth in Friday's halfpipe final, while US skier Hunter Hess, who had also spoken out against the actions of ICE, placed 10th.

Before the Games, Hess had said: "Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US."

During qualifying earlier in the day, he made an 'L' sign against his forehead after completing his first run, in response to US President Donald Trump calling him "a real loser".

Speaking to reporters after Friday's qualifiers, Hess said: "I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my entire life to make this moment happen.

"I'm not going to let controversy like that get in my way. I love the United States of America. I cannot say that enough."

President Trump's border tsar said earlier in February that the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota will end.

Tom Homan said Operation Metro Surge had resulted in many illegal immigrants who had committed violent crimes being detained for deportation. But the surge also sparked nationwide protests when US citizens Good and Pretti were killed by immigration officers.

More than 4,000 undocumented immigrants had been arrested, according to Homan, who added that ICE has always had a presence in Minnesota and will continue to have one.

• GB's Kenworthy receives death threats for anti-ICE post

'I'm having fun, I'm not done'

Kenworthy retired after the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and completely walked away from skiing.

He then turned his hand to acting, with credits in Will & Grace and American Horror Story, as well as guest-judging on Ru Paul's Drag Race.

However, the itch to return grew stronger, and last year he announced his return to the sport, though he has had to self-fund his way to the Games given GB Snowsport's athlete funding had already been allocated.

"I called it quits partly because I'd been doing it a long time and I had burnout and was over it, but I was also having some bad head injuries and so it made it easier to walk away," said the five-time World Championship medallist.

"Months after, when those symptoms started to subside and I started to feel myself again, I started [thinking] it wasn't the way I wanted it to finish.

"I kept pushing that feeling away, and finally I was at a point where I was like 'OK, well if you're having that feeling, it's now or never', and I didn't want to live to regret it and wonder what if.

"I decided to just give it a push and make it go, and try and get there. It's been pretty tough, because I didn't have any funding, I wasn't on any national team in order to get assistance, so it's been totally self-funded, myself, my coach, both of our travel, training camps, lift tickets, insurance, all of it, food, lodgings.

"I struggled deciding if it was the right thing to do, but ultimately, money comes and goes, this opportunity won't."

Kenworthy will be 38 when the next Winter Olympics take place in the French Alps in 2030.

When asked by BBC Sport if he will be there, he replied: "I hope so. I'm having fun, I'm not done."

• Day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics
• Full schedule including times of medal events
• Winter Olympics 2026 medal table

NEED TO KNOW

• Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared an update on Travis Kelce's future as he contemplates retirement after a 13-year NFL career entirely with the team
• The coach made it clear that he didn't want to "put words in [Kelce's] mouth" when speaking on the star tight end
• Kelce's two-year extension contract with the Chiefs, signed in 2024, ends next month

Andy Reid is weighing in on Travis Kelce's NFL future.

The Kansas City Chiefs head coach shared an update on the team's communication with their star tight end, 36, who's yet to reveal his anticipated decision on retirement after a remarkable 13-year career in the league.

"There is communication. That’s the main thing," Reid told media during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 20. "That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Trav is," he said of Kelce, whose contract with the Chiefs ends in March 2026.

"I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here," continued Reid. "He’s been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward. We’re proceeding with that, and there is communication."

Kelce has been with the Chiefs since he was selected in the third round with the 63rd overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. He recently wrapped his 13th season with the team, where he's won three Super Bowl titles to date.

The Ohio native's most recent season didn't end on the same high note the franchise has become used to after the last three years. Not only did the team miss playoff contention for the first time in a decade, but Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear.

 Kelce, too, was admittedly frustrated with his own game, which he's spoken about at length in various episodes of his New Heights podcast with his brother and co-host, Jason Kelce.

The Chiefs ultimately finished the season 6-11.

With his two-year contract extension up next month, all eyes have been on Travis since before the team entered its offseason. Various players, staff members, front office folk and Travis himself have commented on his potential retirement.

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt said in a guest spot on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Jan. 27.

"He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play," he continued.

Hunt added, "We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision."

Travis' mom, Donna Kelce, also shared her thoughts on what she'd like to see her son do next season.

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"I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing," she told TMZ in a video released on Friday, Feb. 13. "He's gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do."

She added, "So I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens!"

While Kelce has yet to make an explicit decision, he's not against a return. "I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me," he previously said.

Read the original article on People

Due to a lack of salary cap space, the Atlanta Falcons had no choice but to let starting center Drew Dalman walk during the 2025 free agency period. Dalman, a former fourth-round pick who worked his way up to a starting job, signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

This departure left the Falcons in need of a new starting center. Without many options available, the team turned to former backup Ryan Neuzil, signing the veteran to a two-year, $9.5 million contract extension. While Neuzil started eight games in place of an injured Dalman in 2024, he was unproven in a full-time starting role.

When the regular season rolled around, Neuzil more than held his own along Atlanta's offensive line. The 28-year-old finished as Pro Football Focus' sixth-rated center in 2025, earning a PFF grade of 77.4.

Neuzil even outperformed Dalman, who finished two spots behind him in PFF's center rankings. Here's what PFF had to say about Neuzil's performance last season.

Ryan Neuzil ranked No. 6 center in NFL by PFF

"Neuzil took over as the Falcons' starting center in the wake of Drew Dalman’s departure to Chicago, and he emerged as one of the best zone run blockers in the league (83.3 PFF run-blocking grade, fifth)," wrote PFF's Lauren Gray. "Neuzil generated the fourth-best impact-block rate among players on this list (18.4%), as well as the fourth-lowest defeated rate (11.4%)."

Neuzil struggled in pass protection, but so did Dalman, who allowed the third-most QB pressures in 2025. Dalman was ranked No. 8 on PFF's center rankings.

Drew Dalman ranked No. 8 center in NFL by PFF

"Dalman spent his first four seasons in Atlanta before signing a three-year deal with the Bears in 2025," wrote Gray. "Not only did he play every offensive snap for the team this season, but he was also named to his first Pro Bowl. Dalman is another center on this list who has struggled in pass protection, although he earned a career-best 67.3 PFF pass-blocking grade this season. He allowed the third-most pressures at the position (31), at a rate of 4.2% (third highest on this list)."

The Bears have to be happy with Dalman's performance, especially having just made it to the divisional round of the playoffs. However, the Falcons must be feeling great about Neuzil's production, which came at a fraction of the cost.

Atlanta's offensive line is one of the best units in the NFL, and it should only get better with time. Neuzil is proof that you don't always have to break the bank to find production. Drafting and developing talent can be just as effective when done correctly.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Neuzil ranked ahead of Drew Dalman by PFF

The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the standard for any organization looking to build and expand its reach in the Japanese market over the years.

Dating back to the addition of Hideo Nomo, through the time of Hiroki Kuroda as a starting pitcher, to the emergence of fan favorite Kenta Maeda, the Dodgers carry a rich Japanese history that has been developing for more than two decades.

However, things have really taken off over the past few years, with the addition of bona fide Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, then subsequently Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.

The results from those three additions, along with the franchise leaning into the Japanese market, have been staggering — SponsorUnited projects that the Dodgers surpassed $200 million in sponsorship revenue, with 20 Japanese brands among their 76 total sponsors.

As a result of the Dodgers’ financial success and on-field achievements, other teams are paying attention and have been quite up front about wanting to replicate their model for overseas expansion.

The Chicago White Sox, who signed Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract, have seen positive results from tapping into Japan.

Brooks Boyer, the White Sox’s executive vice president and chief marketing and revenue officer, names the Dodgers as a source of inspiration.

“We certainly are not going to get to the Dodgers’ level of things that they do, but we want to craft some partnerships with some Japanese companies to be able to let the country get a chance to see ‘Mune’ in his new home,” Boyer told Sports Business Journal.

“And hopefully we have the brand of baseball that they enjoy watching and they want to follow, because that would certainly add to our sponsors and our reach.”

The Dodgers are helping other teams get into Japan

Additionally, Boyer revealed that Dodgers executive vice presidents Lon Rosen and Bob Wolfe spoke with him about helping guide the organization into their expansion plans.

“They obviously have the unicorn in Shohei, but they have not shied away from teaching us what we should be doing and considering,” Boyer said.

“They’ve been really great with us in giving us a playbook on how to maximize our opportunity here with ‘Mune.’

“What you’ll see is certainly some Japanese companies behind home plate, like you do with any of the other teams that have a prominent Japanese player.

“But we’ll find out if other sponsors are interested in marketing in the local market. We certainly aren’t opposed to that.”

The Dodgers, while constantly being pegged as “bad for baseball,” are bringing eyes and ears to the sport of baseball that have long been ignored.

Dodgers fans should take pride in the standard the organization has set, and the unity the team brings not only across Los Angeles but across the world as well.

NEED TO KNOW

• NBA star LaMelo Ball opened up about the car crash that he was involved in while addressing reporters at a Feb. 19 press conference
• The 24-year-old Charlotte Hornets star said that was "alive and blessed" after the crash, which saw him allegedly collide with another driver while leaving practice on Feb. 18
• Ball was not injured in the crash, but his car did take some damage and reportedly lost its left front wheel in the collision

LaMelo Ball addressed the car crash that he was involved in during a press conference after the most recent Charlotte Hornets game.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the 24-year-old NBA star spoke to reporters following the team's 105-101 loss against the Houston Rockets.

After answering questions about the team's performance, Ball was asked about the two-car crash he was involved in after practice in uptown Charlotte, N.C. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. According to reporting by the Associated Press and WSOC-TV, the athlete's custom camouflage-colored Hummer clipped a Kia sedan while trying to execute a left turn.

When first asked about the accident, Ball said, "Fortunately, everybody is cool, so blessings. God is great."

A member of the press asked Ball about the driver of the other car, who was reportedly "treated for non-life-threatening injuries" at the scene, per The Charlotte Observer.

"I seen her get straight out of the car," he said of the other driver involved.

Addressing the 24 hours between the accident and his return to the court for a game, he said, "I'm just alive and blessed, for real. God is great, like I said."

Sports Illustrated reporter Sean O'Connor denied allegations that Ball cut the interview short after talking about the crash.

"That’s not what happened. The press conference ended and he left. He answered multiple questions about the accident and then left after it was announced that we were done," he wrote in a post shared to X.

NBC Sports corroborated O'Connor's reporting, writing that those present confirmed he'd left the room after the conference was called to a close by a member of the Hornets' PR team.

"It is common at these post-game press conferences for some journalists to still have questions when the team representative ends it," the outlet noted.

Ball was reportedly uninjured after being involved in the accident, which seemingly took place shortly after he was leaving a Hornets practice. The front left wheel of his car came off as a result of the accident.

The Charlotte Sun reported that Ball left the scene of the crash with police permission. He was reportedly picked up by his teammate Brandon Miller and received support from a Hornets security staff member.

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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

NBC reported that a police report for the accident has not yet been made public.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department told PEOPLE that a public report will not be released "as there was no criminal component in this case."

Read the original article on People

Auburn football is on the shortlist for a top 25 quarterback ahead of the spring practice season.

Will Mencl, a four-star quarterback from Chandler, Arizona, has included Auburn on his top four list as spring football gets underway, alongside Oregon, Miami, and Penn State.

Mencl recently spent time with the new coaching staff at Auburn in January. He recalled his visit to Auburn with Steve Wiltfong of Rivals, describing the visit as "comfortable."

“It was a family feel,” Mencl said in an interview with Rivals. “I enjoyed my time there. I was in a meeting with the OC Joel Gordon for an hour and then we went to lunch and came back for another two hours and it felt like only 15 minutes had passed. He’s someone that is super easy to learn from. Coach (Alex) Golesh is a great person. Had really good conversations with him.”

If Auburn were to sign Mencl to its 2027 signing class, he would be in the mix of a heavy quarterback battle ahead of the 2027 season. USF transfer Byrum Brown is expected to win the starting quarterback job for the 2026 season, his final year of eligibility, and the 2027 race is slated to be between Oregon State transfer Tristan Ti'a, USF transfer Locklan Hewlett, and true freshman Rhys Brush.

Mencl is a 6-3, 205-pound quarterback from Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona. The four-star quarterback is the No. 19 quarterback according to Rivals' industry rating, and is the fifth-highest-rated player from Arizona in the 2027 class.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football among top schools for four-star QB Will Mencl

The Cincinnati Bengals had a few roster moves go public this week. 

Friday, the Bengals officially announced one: The re-signing of cornerback Jalen Davis. 

During the same announcement, the Bengals revealed they have also re-signed running back Kendall Milton.

RELATED: 6 Bengals veterans who won’t be on Zac Taylor’s roster next year

Undrafted out of Georgia in 2024, Milton has been a staple of the Bengals practice squad for two years. His most recent practice squad contract with the Bengals expired in mid-January. 

Now, Milton joins the depth chart with Chase Brown, Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks before the Bengals make any other additions in free agency or the draft.

RELATED: Bengals' key offseason dates for NFL free agency, draft and more

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals make one signing official, announce another

Juventus take on Como as they attempt to secure a victory after four unsuccessful outings, in what has become a challenging period for the club. Their disappointing defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek marked the fourth consecutive match in which they have failed to register a win.

Such a run is far from ideal for a side with ambitions of finishing the season with silverware. As a result, this fixture carries significant importance, with Juventus under pressure to respond positively and restore confidence within the squad.

Pressure Mounts on Juventus

Dropping valuable points in recent weeks has placed Juventus in a difficult position. A team with their expectations cannot afford prolonged inconsistency, particularly at this stage of the campaign. The match against Como, therefore, represents an opportunity to steady the ship and demonstrate renewed focus.

However, the task will not be straightforward. Como has enjoyed an impressive season and has emerged as one of the overachieving teams in Serie A during this campaign. Their objective is to secure a European place, and their performances suggest they are capable of competing with established sides. Notably, they defeated Juventus in the reverse fixture, underlining the challenge that awaits.

Joao Mario (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A Crucial Test Against Como

Recent form further highlights the contrast between the two teams. Como have recorded two wins from their last five matches, while Juventus have managed just one victory in the same period and are without a win in their previous five games. Although Juventus won both meetings last season, current momentum favours their opponents.

Juventus will nevertheless view this encounter as a pivotal moment. Securing three points would not only halt their negative run but also encourage them ahead of their upcoming contest against Galatasaray. Failure to deliver, however, would deepen concerns about their ability to end the season on a positive note.

Prediction

Juventus 2-1 Como

Rafael van der Vaart has outlined his view of what defines a world-class player, agreeing with Wayne Rooney that Arsenal do not currently possess one. The Gunners are on course to win the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup titles this season, and many observers believe their squad contains several individuals worthy of world-class status.

Despite their obvious quality, these players have yet to lead the club to a league title or a major honour in recent seasons. On the pitch, however, they have often demonstrated attributes that supporters argue are sufficient to justify such recognition. Arsenal fans would insist that their team is filled with world-class talents who simply require silverware to validate that label.

Debate Over World-Class Status

At the back, William Saliba has consistently been described as one of the finest defenders in the world, which explains why he was linked with a move to Real Madrid for an extended period. In attack, too, supporters believe there are players capable of being regarded among the elite.

However, Van der Vaart does not share that assessment. He believes the distinction between a star and a genuinely world-class footballer lies in more than technical ability or isolated performances. According to his view, mentality and attitude under pressure are equally decisive factors.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Van der Vaart’s Assessment

As reported by the Metro, he said, ‘Arsenal do not have any world class players – I agree with Wayne Rooney.

‘Perhaps it is better to say that Arsenal have ‘stars’ in their team – they have really good players, but nobody is world class.

‘To be a world class footballer, it’s not just about your performances, you need the attitude on the pitch.

‘When I look at this Arsenal team, they are all ‘Ideal son-in-law’s,’ as we say in Dutch – they can play well but I don’t think any would succeed if they went to Real Madrid because the mentality is much harder and there is a lot more pressure.’

Van der Vaart’s comments add further fuel to the debate surrounding Arsenal’s squad, particularly as expectations continue to rise during a crucial stage of the campaign.

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Baseball

Youngstown St gm 2

• PK Park, Eugene OR
• 2pm PT, B1G+

Softball

South Carolina

• Big League Dreams Park, Cathedral City CA
• 3pm PT, FloCollege livestream

Cal State Fullerton

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The Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios weigh-in video features Ryan Garcia, Mario Barrios, and a host of others stepping on the scale Friday evening in Las Vegas.

In the main event, Ryan Garcia and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios have to hit the limit of 147 pounds for their title fight. Garcia is 1-2, 1 no-contest over his past four fights. Barrios has two straight title defenses thanks to draws, including against 47-year-old legend Manny Pacquiao in his last performance last July.

IBF welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins and WBA super lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell will also compete on the pay-per-view undercard Saturday evening.

The Garcia vs. Barrios weigh-ins happen at 6 p.m. ET.

Check out Garcia vs. Barrios weigh-in results below.

Main card (DAZN at 8 p.m. ET)

Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios

Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte

Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka

Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright

Bektemir Melikuzelv vs. Sena Agbeko

Prelims (MMA Fighting at 6 p.m. ET)

Amari Jones vs. Luis Arias

Joshua Edwards vs. Brandon Colantonio

The Indianapolis Colts' Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen will be speaking at the NFL combine on Tuesday.

Ballard will meet with the media at 4:30 PM ET and Steichen at 5:30 PM ET.

This will be the first time that either has spoken publicly since each of their respective end-of-season press conferences.

After ending the 2025 season on a seven-game losing streak, the Colts missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. However, the belief internally is that the success this team had through the first half of the season can be replicated and sustained, which is in large part why both Ballard and Steichen are back for another season.

Offensively, we saw the full capabilities of the Steichen offense through 10 games, with this unit being one of the most productive in football. And while injuries will never be an excuse, they were a harsh reality for the 2025 Colts.

NFL Combine begins next week in Indy.

Tuesday times for #Colts brass:

-4:30 PM: Chris Ballard
-5:30 PM: Shane Steichen

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 20, 2026

Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon also mentioned how Ballard adapted his roster-building approach last offseason, which included being more aggressive. From the sounds of it, we could see a similar approach this offseason, with the Colts positioned relatively well with the salary cap.

Although Ballard and Steichen will be returning, that doesn't mean there won't be changes made to the roster.

There are some veterans on the team whose statuses for the upcoming season could be viewed as up in the air if the Colts choose to pursue additional salary cap savings.

The defensive side of the ball, in particular, also needs to be reshaped at a few positions. As Ballard put it, there is a need for "more fuel" up front, while getting younger and faster overall on defense will be a priority.

Beyond any roster changes that are made, this Colts team has to learn how to be at its best down the stretch. Irsay-Gordon stressed the need for this team to be able to better handle adversity. Not only last season, but in a few others in recent years, in those must-have-it games late in the year, the Colts have failed to come through.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL combine: When will Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen speak?

Jeremiah Fears has already exceeded expectations in his rookie season. Point guards typically need time to earn a coach's trust, but despite being the fourth youngest player in the league, the seventh overall pick has looked like the franchise PG New Orleans envisioned.

Fears stopped by the Panini Prizm VIP lounge during All-Star Weekend, to talk about how his rookie year has been coming along, what Zion Williamson has meant to him and the other rookies, learning to control his emotions on the court, going from winning at every level to losing in the NBA, and more.

How was your experience at the Rising Stars game?

Jeremiah Fears: It was great being out there having fun, competing, obviously. But at the end of the day, we were still out there having fun, playing against the people we came in with, or the people that came in a year before us. But at the end of the day, it's a brotherhood.

Unfortunately, my team didn't get the championship. But we still ended up making it, and we had so much fun out there playing, and being able to see ourselves, our last name, and stuff like that on the back of those Rising Stars jerseys. It was cool.

How has your rookie season been going for you so far?

JF: It's been pretty good. I've been really excited about how it's been going. It's a long season, so being able to adjust on the fly, being able to adapt, I think that's huge. And just continuing to go out there, have fun, and compete. Because at the end of the day, you dream of playing in the NBA as well, and everybody don't get an opportunity to play in the NBA.

What's the biggest adjustment that you've had to make this season?

JF: Definitely traveling, on the road every two days, every other day. So being able to adjust to all the traveling, getting in late nights, you got to get up, you got to practice at nine in the morning, and stuff like that.

You got to be able to read the scouting report. You got to know tendencies and things players like to do, the opposing team, and their coverages and stuff like that. So being able to adjust on the fly, it's been huge. I think I've been doing an amazing job of adjusting on the fly. So, just looking forward to continuing to keep learning and keep exploring and keep getting better eventually.

In terms of just being on the road, there’s a special connection of bonding with teammates, right? Who do you bond with most on the team?

JF: I would definitely say the rookies, only because we came in together. But I also got a good relationship with all my other teammates as well. They do a pretty good job of keeping the rookies up to date with certain stuff and just talking to us and being in our ear and being that moral support that we need.

How is your relationship with Derik Queen?

JF: He's great. We talk a lot. Just being able to learn each other a lot more. Obviously, we went to different universities, but now we're on the same team, and we're going to be here for a while. So being able to understand each other and figure each other out before it's too late, and just continue to build our relationship and our chemistry.

Do you feel like it's beneficial to you that you both came in together, where you guys have a certain set of expectations coming your way, and you guys go through similar struggles and can talk with each other about them?

JF: Yeah, I think it's huge. Having somebody that you come in with. You guys are both rookies, you know a lot, but you don't know everything, so being able to learn.

Like you said, it's going to be struggles here and there, but at least you have somebody to talk to experiencing the same thing or maybe already experienced what you're going through. So I'm gonna ask him how did he feel about the whole situation, how did he go about the situation. So being able to talk to him about some struggles and how we could get better moving forward, I think that's huge and I think it goes a long way for both of us.

I was talking to Kyshawn George the other day and asked him who was one of his vets on the team last year and this year for him, the most beneficial to him. And he named Jordan Poole, who’s now your teammate. He said the biggest thing Jordan helped with was his confidence - to keep shooting. What has Jordan Poole meant to you?

JF: Man, Jordan Poole's been huge. I mean, he's just been talking to us each and every day, pouring into us. He don't have to do that because he's been in the NBA for a while now. Guys like that, when you prove yourself, you win a championship, and you've shown everybody years and years of what you're capable of, you don't have to continue to pour into the young guys.

But I think that just shows his character and who he is as a person. Because like I said, he won a championship, and he's proven himself many years. So he don't have to give us the advice he does. And he don't have to talk to us and help us out. He could be somebody that's just sitting there and just along for the ride. But I'm kind of glad that he's here, and he continues to help us each and every day.

You were in the starting lineup earlier in the year, and now you're on the bench. What has that been like for you in terms of that adjustment?

JF: Just being able to adjust. I think you can't control every situation. And sometimes the coach might think that the team needs to go in a different direction to help better the team. So I mean, you've got to be able to adjust and go out there and play hard - however many minutes you do get. And I think that'll take you a long way.

At the end of the day, the more you produce with the minutes you do get, coach will eventually realize, yeah, we need him on the floor. We need to continue to keep him on the floor. So I think that's been huge. And just never let something like that shake your confidence. Stay confident. Coach might feel like the older guys should be starting. You got to roll with that. And you got to be ready when your name is, when your time is, if you feel like it's your time.

Has Kevin Looney had a positive impact on you this season?

JF: Yeah, Kevin Looney and DeAndre Jordan. They've been in the NBA a pretty long time. Both won championships. So, I mean, just listen to every piece of advice they give us as well. Maximize questions, picking their brain a little bit, and continue to have fun.

I think that's been the most important thing that they've been telling us. It's not always going to be bad. I mean right now we don't have the best record, so they try to keep us motivated and tell us to continue to stay positive and we can change this thing around. So we're looking forward to changing this thing around and just continuing to stay confident and continue to have fun with it. That's the most important thing.

Some of your counterparts around the league don't have the benefit of having vets on their teams. They can be there simply to give you guys advice on the road, they don't even have to be on the court. How fortunate do you feel having guys like that on your team?

JF: Yeah, very fortunate. Like you said, some people don't have vets that can tell them right from wrong and kind of tell them, give them a heads up what to look out for. And I think that's huge, especially in this era and this day and age. I think you need somebody like that on your team just to be that support and somebody that's constantly in your ear telling you to do the right stuff and making sure you're doing the right stuff.

Me, Derik, and our other rookies, I mean, we are very grateful for our vets because they help us out. And they help us a lot more than they know. It might be something they feel like was so small, but they still in there wanting to tell us. But it just goes a long way.

We just going to continue to keep learning. And then eventually, it's going to be our time to pour into our rookies.

With Zion Williamson, there are a lot of people out there who don’t see what he’s like on a day-to-day basis. You get that opportunity being his teammate. Do you think the public persona of him is 180º from what you see?

JF: Yeah. I think it’s a little biased with some of the stuff you see on the Internet. People might have their own opinions about Zion and who he is as a person, try to attack his character. But I mean, being able to get to know him a little bit, I mean, Zion's been great. He's been talking to us a lot as well. And he's not the person people see on the Internet.

We're just thankful that we got somebody like him to be there to talk to us. And being able to understand his character has been the most important part, though, because you see stuff on the Internet, and you get around him like, 'Oh, I wonder, does he really do stuff like that?' But just being able to understand who he is as a person, not only from basketball, but off the court as well.

With Zion, there was that scuffle you had with Lu Dort, and cameras showed in the hallway how he ran over to comfort you while you were being walked back to the locker room. To have someone like him there for you, what does that mean to you?

JF: Yeah, it's huge. Just knowing he got my back, no matter the situation or what's going on. And I think I could learn a lot from him. And just continuing to put myself around people that want the best for me. And that's gonna continue to teach me the way how it should be done. And I think, like I said, Zion having my back no matter the situation is something that I can take from him and have my teammates back or have maybe my friends or the coaches back, no matter what's going on.

Is that why you have the number zero on your jersey, no fears because you don’t step back to anyone on the court?

JF: Yessir. Being able to attack those challenges, it's going to be some situations and stuff that you just got to face. And you got to make the right decision in those situations, even though you might feel like in a moment you got to do something else. But just being able to make the right decision each and every time, that’s huge.

Are there any teammates that watch anime with him?

JF: Haha, for sure. JP watches anime with him. Trey Alexander, our other rookie. Sadiq [Bey], a little bit. And then there's one more, one or two more that watch a little bit of anime with him. I mean, they talk about it all the time on the plane, getting ready to go to the away games, asking about the new series and stuff like that. But I haven't really got into it as much but I'm pretty sure Zion's gonna try to put me on with a couple shows.

Have they been trying to get you to watch with them?

JF: Yeah, it's like Zion and the rest of those guys like, 'Man Fears, you gotta watch it'. I'm like, I don't know bro, but I think I'll give it a try and see how I like it.

Coming from AAU, high school, college, where you won at all those levels. How difficult has this year been for you in terms of the wins and losses?

JF: Very difficult. You're not used to losing as much. But it's something you can learn from. Being able to lose to understand how to win, I think that's huge. We've been in a lot of very close games. We just got to learn how to finish. And I think once we learn how to finish, we'll be really, really good and we'll end up flipping the switch.

Which goals have you accomplished so far this year and what goals do you have beyond?

JF: I accomplished the Rising Stars so far. There's a couple more that you got to wait till the end of the year to see. Just looking forward to continue to accomplish my goals each and every year. Just try to help my team be the best we can be. And in the future, looking forward to being an NBA champion, being an NBA MVP, and just being able to retire a Hall of Famer.

What goal do you have for this year to finish off?

JF: Rookie of the Year for sure. All-Rookie 1st Team. And I would say probably leading the NBA for rookies in some sort of stat or category.  

What are you doing here with Panini during the All-Star weekend?

JF: Man, I'm here at Panini, at the Panini Lounge, just signing cards, meeting new people, having fun. It's a little arcade over there as well, so just having fun and signing some cards.

Did you collect trading cards as a kid?

JF: I definitely did. I had a couple. It was the majority of the Chicago players I had, though. Derrick Rose, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen. I had a Dennis Rodman card. I had a Ron Harper card. And then after that, I ended up losing them 'cause I ended up moving to another house. So I ended up losing all my cards.

Joakim Noah maybe, no?

JF: Ah, I was close. I didn't get it, but I was close. I was trying to collect all the Bulls players that I knew. I know Joakim, but I ended up losing our cards and then I'm like, all right, I'm done collecting.

How did it feel seeing yourself on one of these cards?

JF: It was a dream come true. Obviously collecting those cards and now being in a position where I have my own card, that's super exciting. I have a couple in my house right now and in my car. And I was just super excited to see myself on one of those cards and then I ended up signing them as well. And I end up giving my parents a couple just because, like I said, it's something every kid dream of. And luckily, I was able to be in a position like this to have my own card.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jeremiah Fears Q&A: 'Being able to lose to understand how to win, I think that's huge'

CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers have been busy as of late as they decided to convert Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker to standard deals which opened up the opportunity to add more depth with the two-way slots that were opened.

One player brought in was 4-year guard Dalen Terry. A former 2022 first-round pick, Terry has yet to find his footing in the league as he averaged only 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 31.9% from deep in his 3.5 seasons with the Chicago Bulls.

Joining the Sixers on a two-way deal, Terry is now looking forward to what's to come and finding his niche in the league.

"I got excited," Terry said on Friday about the opportunity to join the Sixers. "I feel like me coming out of the draft, the 76ers was a team that I liked, and I believe that they loved me too. So just me coming here—obviously, me being in Chicago for a few years, opportunity there was slim, and I think I was just ready for a new start no matter where it was in the NBA."

The Bulls had a number of guys blocking him at his position whether it was Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan in the past or Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosunmu, and Isaac Okoro in this current season. That left Terry with limited opportunity and he is looking forward to new beginnings with the Sixers.

"I feel like I'm just looking around like these guys, they match my energy," he added. "I knew a few of these guys too, just playing against them. Just being NBA, being NBA, being AAU, high school, all that. So it was just cool to come and see a few familiar faces and some new faces as well."

A player with a ton of athleticism and a terrific mindset and attitude, Terry will be looking to help the Sixers in any possible way. It can be a tough transition to join a team midseason, but he is ready for whatever challenge Philadelphia throws at him.

"It's a process," Terry said of the transition. "I think that's what we get paid to do, though. It's just part of the business. Me being traded, obviously, and I find my way here. That's something that you got to learn, and obviously me playing a lot of different positions is pretty tough, but, I mean, that's what we get paid for. That's why we’re the best basketball players in the world."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Dalen Terry opens up on fresh start, new opportunity with Sixers

REUTERS / REUTERS

MILAN — Polish skater Kamila Sellier suffered a serious injury in the sixth quarterfinal of Friday night’s 1500m short-track speed skate and was taken from Assago Ice Skating Arena to a nearby hospital. Polish officials indicated that she was in good spirits, even raising a thumbs-up as she left the arena. 

Late in the quarterfinal, Sellier appeared to lose her footing and slipped, colliding with the United States’ Kristen Santos-Griswold. In the ensuing accident, Santos-Griswold’s skate caught Sellier on the face. Sellier slid into the protective retaining wall, and medical crews raised a sheet around her to protect the scene from the audience. She was stretchered from the ice. 

Konrad Niedźwiedzki, press attache for the Polish speed skating team and a 2014 Olympian, informed reporters at the arena that Sellier had suffered a cut on her cheek and eyelid that required stitches. Other reports indicated that Sellier had potentially fractured a cheekbone and suffered severe swelling.

“We are waiting for what the hospital tests will show,” Niedźwiedzki said, via translation. 

One of Sellier’s teammates, Natalia Maliszewska, appeared visibly shaken as she spoke with reporters. “My thoughts are with her,” Maliszewska said in Polish. “I can’t think of anything else.” 

“These aren't common accidents, but they do happen,” Sellier’s teammate Gabriela Topolska said in Polish. “Kamila already has one of them, from a skate on her face. Kamila has a cut in her skin, with stitches.” 

Sellier has won several European speed-skating medals, most recently a silver medal in the 2000m mixed relay at the European short track speed skating championships in January.

Santos-Griswold was disqualified from the race, which continued after the injury timeout.

Michigan State football is the latest power four school to extend an offer to a big-time wide receiver prospect from the Windy City.

Lawrence Carr of Chicago announced on Friday that he's received an offer from the Spartans. Carr made the offer from Michigan State known by posting on his social media X account on Friday.

Carr is listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, and plays for Kenwood Academy. He has recently seen an uptick of offers on the recruiting trail based on 247Sports.

Carr is currently unrated and unranked on 247Sports, but has received a ton of interest on the recruiting trail. He holds offers from 10 schools, including Michigan State, Arizona State, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Purdue, Wisconsin, Miami (OH), Buffalo and Ball State.

Blessed to receive another offer from Michigan state @CoachHawk_5@AllenTrieu@adamgorney@TomLoy247@CGoffology@KAHS_Football@GregSmithRivals@PrepRedzoneIL@EDGYTIMpic.twitter.com/DTI8ZOuZqz

— Lawrence Carr (@carr_lawre12665) February 20, 2026

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU football offers highly-coveted Chicago WR Lawrence Carr

Lexington (Ky.) four-star cornerback Jordan Haskins has seen enough.

After a handful of visits to schools this fall, a couple more this winter, and stops from coaches at his home, Haskins is ready to announce his commitment. On Friday, he posted on Twitter that he is down to six schools and will make his decision official on March 6.

Among the remaining contenders are: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Kentucky and Virginia Tech.

This developing story will be updated.

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The wife of NBA veteran Russell Westbrook received a message wishing death upon her and her family after the Sacramento Kings guard failed to cash an angry sports bettor’s player prop wager.

Nina Westbrook posted a screenshot of an email she received on Thursday night.

Key Takeaways

• Russell Westbrook failed to cash the bettor’s prop line of 10 points scored on Thursday.
  
  
• Nina Westbrook said that she is growing more concerned for athletes’ safety.
  
  
• The NBA is strongly linked to the gambling industry.

Westbrook and the Kings made their return to the court on Thursday against the Orlando Magic, ending their weeklong hiatus from the All-Star break. The 2016 MVP was held to five points on 2-8 (25%) shooting in an uncompetitive 131-94 loss.

The result prompted a violent written assault from “Joel Molina,” whose vitriol was captured in a screenshot posted to Nina Westbrook’s Instagram story late on Thursday evening. 

The email contains vulgar language.

Nina Westbrook captioned the picture, “The negative effects of sports betting. Brings out the worst in ppl smh.”

Russell Westbrook’s wife shared this disturbing email she received titled “F**k you” pic.twitter.com/OTNPTOvaQp

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 20, 2026

Sports betting is not legal in California, where the Kings reside, and where they played the Magic on Thursday.

'Not an isolated incident'

Early on Friday morning, Nina Westbrook posted a follow-up addressing the email and its public response. She noted that it was not her family’s first time dealing with harassment from angry sports bettors.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident,” she wrote. “It’s something my husband and I consider routine. With that said, I’m sharing this now because I’m growing increasingly concerned for athletes. 

“Gambling is a highly addictive behavior, and people should understand the risks associated with it, especially before introducing it to their children. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but the threatening behavior directed toward athletes and their families after games has proven to be one of the early results of amped up sports betting.”

A growing number of amateur and professional athletes have documented their encounters with angry sports bettors. Cases have ranged from Olympic champions being stalked and verbally assaulted at their competitions to professional athletes being confronted in person over their performances.

The NCAA also found in a study last year that 36% of men’s basketball players reported experiencing social media abuse from sports bettors within the last year. 

Despite the growing wariness, the NBA is still firmly entrenched in the gambling industry.

The NBA has primary sports betting sponsorships with DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Commissioner Adam Silver was also an early proponent of legalizing sports betting, writing in 2014 an op-ed titled “Legalize and Regulate Sports Betting.”

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Liverpool await UEFA Champions League draw details as Round of 16 picture sharpens

Liverpool head towards another decisive moment in the UEFA Champions League season, with the upcoming draw details beginning to take shape after a dramatic set of play off fixtures. While Arne Slot’s side enjoyed a rare week without European action, the results elsewhere have helped narrow the field and offered supporters an early sense of what might lie ahead.

The Reds finished strongly in the league phase, ensuring a seeded position and the comfort of knowing their Round of 16 journey will include a second leg at Anfield. That advantage could prove significant once the knockout intensity rises and margins become tighter.

Round of 16 landscape becoming clearer

Even without kicking a ball, Liverpool’s week carried plenty of intrigue. The bracket alignment alongside Tottenham means the club will face one of four sides emerging from the play off paths, Galatasaray, Juventus, Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid. Each result from the first legs added fresh context to the upcoming UEFA Champions League draw details.

Galatasaray appear to have seized control of their tie with an emphatic three goal first leg lead, placing them firmly in the conversation as a potential Liverpool opponent. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s 3-3 draw away at Club Brugge leaves that route finely balanced, although Diego Simeone’s team remain widely tipped to finish the job in the Spanish capital.

From a tactical perspective, Liverpool’s coaching staff will already be weighing stylistic matchups, travel demands and recent form. Knockout football rarely offers straightforward paths, yet the current trajectory suggests either Galatasaray or Atletico Madrid could be waiting once the dust settles.

Photo: IMAGO

Draw details and streaming options

Attention now shifts to the official UEFA Champions League ceremony in Nyon. UEFA will stage the Round of 16 draw on Friday, February 27, with proceedings expected to begin around 12:00 CET. For supporters keen to follow every twist, the draw details include free streaming through UEFA’s digital platforms, including UEFA.com and the official YouTube channel. UK viewers will also find coverage via major rights holders such as TNT Sports and Discovery+.

These draws tend to move quickly, with seeded teams already placed into predetermined slots on the bracket. That structure means Liverpool will learn not only their opponent but also the order of legs, an element that can subtly influence preparation and rotation plans.

Possible opponents in focus

Galatasaray’s attacking flair and passionate home environment would present a unique challenge, particularly given the club’s recent European pedigree. Atletico Madrid, by contrast, bring a familiar blend of defensive organisation and knockout experience that has troubled English sides before.

Juventus cannot be dismissed either, even if their path currently looks less certain, while Club Brugge’s resilience in earning a 3-3 draw shows they are far from mere outsiders. From Liverpool’s viewpoint, the key will be maintaining momentum domestically while preparing for whichever tactical puzzle emerges from the bowls.

Key dates ahead for Liverpool in Europe

Once the UEFA Champions League draw details are confirmed, focus will quickly return to the pitch. First legs in the Round of 16 are scheduled for March 4-5, with second legs on March 11-12. Those dates mark the true beginning of Liverpool’s latest European push, where squad depth, game management and Anfield’s atmosphere will all play decisive roles.

For now, anticipation builds. The draw may be a ceremony filled with formalities and familiar faces, yet for Liverpool it represents the opening chapter of another high stakes European story.

Oliver Glasner Speaks Out on his Future at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace find themselves at a delicate point in the season, and Oliver Glasner’s latest press conference did little to quiet the speculation. With results sliding and the Austrian already confirming he will leave at the end of the campaign, questions now centre on whether his tenure could end sooner. For supporters and observers alike, the situation feels less about grand statements and more about the everyday reality of Premier League management, where results shape everything.

Press Conference signals uncertainty

When asked directly about his future, Oliver Glasner offered answers that reflected both honesty and caution. Responding to whether he felt confident about leading Crystal Palace until the end of the season, he said: “Let’s see. I always said, as a manager, you always depend on your players. They will get all the support, like always and then we will see.”

That theme continued when the question turned to his own desire to remain in charge. “Let’s see. What the future brings, we never know.” The language suggested a manager aware of the situation around him, yet unwilling to add drama to an already tense environment.

Photo IMAGO

Results driving pressure at Crystal Palace

Football remains brutally simple when form dips. Glasner acknowledged that reality without hesitation. “In football, it’s easy. As a manager, you will stay and you are allowed to stay when the results are OK.

“Football is all about this, and the last months, the results were not good. The performances were not consistently good and that’s it.”

Those words underline why speculation around Crystal Palace continues to grow. Poor performances have dragged the club into a difficult run, and the lack of consistency has left fans wondering whether a change could spark a late improvement.

Dressing room responsibility highlighted

Despite the pressure, Glasner remained clear that the focus stays on the players rather than his own position. When asked about maintaining his standards, he replied: “No. No. Never. That’s why I feel pretty open to talk about because it’s the situation. It’s never about Oliver Glasner. Oliver Glasner’s life will continue in the summer wherever and however it is. Crystal Palace’s life will continue.”

It was a reminder that, in his view, the club’s long term future outweighs any individual storyline. That perspective has defined much of his messaging since confirming his summer departure.

What happens next at Selhurst Park

For now, Oliver Glasner insists he retains the motivation to guide Crystal Palace through the closing months. Asked if he still has the drive to lead the side, his answer was short and direct: “Yes. I feel so. Yes.”

Whether those words translate into a turnaround on the pitch remains the key question. With rumours of an early exit circulating and results yet to improve, the coming weeks could define how this chapter at Crystal Palace is remembered. Stability, performance, and clarity will shape the final stretch, and every match feels significant as the club looks to steady itself before a new era begins.

Good afternoon!

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially re-signed cornerback Keith Taylor, and they also re-signed cornerback Christian Braswell, per his agency. Braswell recorded a career-high 3 pass breakups in 2025 as a backup and primary special teams player. Are you glad to hear the news? Tell us in the comments!

Now, for today’s full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News

Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Draft prospects who could blow up at the NFL Combine (Big Cat Country)

Life in Starkville has been tough the past few seasons. But wide receiver Brenen Thompson made a wise decision leaving Oklahoma for Mississippi State last year, enjoying a breakout campaign that saw him break 1,000 yards receiving. Key to that production was his unparalleled speed, with many expecting him to challenge Matthew Golden’s 4.29 second forty from last season. Thompson’s average depth of target (aDOT) last season was an outrageous 18.4 yards – for context, the NFL average is around 11.0.

Tweets of the week: ‘Love you Jax’ (Big Cat Country)

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

Roster Moves: Jaguars Re-Sign CB Keith Taylor (Jaguars.com)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed CB Keith Taylor, the team announced today. Taylor joined Jacksonville in December. He was originally selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft and has played in 47 games (five starts) for the Panthers (2021-22), Chiefs (2023-24) and Falcons (2025).

Separation a concern amidst Jaguars’ growth at wide receiver (Action Sports Jax)

According to GPS tracking data provided by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Jaguars ranked 29th with an average targeted separation of just 3.2 yards. Truthfully, even that is a bit overscored as none of the Jaguars starting receivers averaged more than 2.7 yards.

Under-the-radar NFL free agents (CBS Sports)

Yes, Gardeck is very much a part-time player, but when that time comes, he is a relentless pass rusher with a fun mix of speed and spin moves. He had three sacks in just seven games in 2024 and six sacks in 2023 (when he had an 18.3% pressure rate). He’s 31, but there’s not a ton of tread on the tires, and in his role, he brings a ton of value. Some team is going to be very happy it added this high-effort player.

1 Trade We’d Like to See for Every NFL Team (Bleacher Report)

The Jaguars were 18th in pressure percentage last season and 27th in sacks. That sack ranking would have been even worse without Arik Armstead posting 5.5 sacks … Trading for Gervon Dexter Sr. could give them a long-term replacement for Armstead and upgrade the unit as a whole.

Making 32 Bold Predictions for the 2026 NFL Offseason (Sports Illustrated)

The Jaguars will trade Brian Thomas Jr. — While it would not seem likely given that Travis Hunter is, indeed, not changing football forever and will be relegated mostly to defense in 2026, Liam Coen needs wide receivers suited specifically for his system. Trevor Lawrence preferred Parker Washington in gotta-have-it situations a year ago and his specificity may lead him to exploring options that make up for the draft capital Jacksonville lost on the Hunter deal.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick

Drumroll, please!

Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft (ESPN)

It is a total rock star year at the linebacker position. Three huge names are entering the fray. Two are rookies from Ohio State: Sonny Styles and the previously mentioned Arvell Reese. One is a free agent out of Jacksonville: Devin Lloyd.

I’ll start with just a dash of cold water. Lloyd is probably not a top-five linebacker in football; I’d say he’s more LB10 or LB12. But he’s almost certainly about to get paid like it. Last year was an enormous offseason for linebacker contracts, as four of the six biggest deals currently in the market were signed by Fred Warner, Zack Baun, Jamien Sherwood and Nick Bolton — and Lloyd comfortably outperformed the latter two last season. I’d argue he outplayed Baun, as well. Lloyd is going to clear $15 million per year, and at that price tag, I’d likely pass if I was a general manager. With that said, Lloyd is still an impactful player. He’s great on blitzes and made a huge step forward in coverage last season.

Today’s NFL Media

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Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Joey Aguilar will not return to Tennessee football for the 2026 season, a Knoxville judge ruled on Friday afternoon. The veteran quarterback was fighting to follow the same path that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia took last season, which allowed him to return last fall. Aguilar will not get that same chance.

Any appeal here is unlikely, according to most who are familiar with the case.

Aguilar arrived in Knoxville last May following Nico Iamaleava’s decision to transfer after spring practice. With both sides forced into a tough spot, they found each other and it ended up working nicely. Aguilar threw for over 3,500 yards and 24 touchdowns, sparking a revival of the downfield Tennessee passing attack.

However, the NCAA grabs seemingly a rare win in court here. Aguilar now moves on to the NFL Combine where he’ll look to make an impression and find a professional opportunity.

Tennessee now moves on to a quarterback competition. It’ll be redshirt freshman George MacIntyre as the perceived leader, while 5-star, No. 2 overall player Faizon Brandon enters the picture as a true freshman. This puts Josh Heupel in an unfamiliar spot, forced to play a player without any experience at the position. Tennessee also added a depth piece, grabbing Ryan Staub from Colorado out of the portal.

Tennessee’s quarterback battle officially begins now, and will hit the field next month as spring ball begins.

Harris' magnificent second half strike came from around 35 yards out of his own goal and made it 2-0 to Robbie Stockdale's side at Whitley Park, with Sean Neave - fresh from his midweek Champions League bow at Qarabağ - having opened the scoring from the spot before the break.

Substitute Michael Mill's confident finish added extra gloss to the scoreline and secured three Premier League 2 points for the Magpies, who were rarely troubled by their opponents on a chilly evening on Tyneside.

There wasn't much in it in the opening stages, though Harris did produce two fine saves to deny Alfie White in the opening 45. His first stop came after just a couple of minutes when the hosts surrendered possession in the middle of the park, allowing the Cottagers midfielder to advance before firing in a low save which Harris did well to push away.

But Stockdale's charges carried the greater threat. Anthony Munda shot just wide from the edge of the box after Leo Shahar and Neave combined well following a poor clearance from Fulham stopper Alexander Borto, with Shahar then firing in a dangerous cross across goal that narrowly evaded Neave following good work from Seung-soo Park on the left.

The Magpies went ahead after 12 minutes, when Neave's drive to the byline was halted clumsily, leaving referee Garreth Rhodes to point to the spot. The frontman picked himself up to beat Borto with a powerful, low penalty which nestled in the bottom left-hand corner.

The opener gave Newcastle a lift, with Shahar lifting a shot just over shortly after when Kyle Fitzgerald played him in - though the chance was created by a piercing run from Neave, who cut through the visitors' backline at speed. The teenager was involved again, seeing an effort blocked before Scott Bailey lashed an effort just past the upright.

Harris' second fine save from White came after Rory Finneran was robbed of possession in midfield, with the 19-year-old repelling a stinging effort from 25 yards, but it was just a fleeting moment of danger for United, who ended the half on top, with Neave and Bailey both going close.

Just a minute after the restart the contest's defining moment arrived, and in sensational style. With Fulham forward Tom Wingate chasing down a long ball, Harris came out of his box to snuff out the threat - and his perfectly-struck clearance, from deep in his own half, flew over the stranded Borto and bounced in.

It was a remarkable moment and one which further punctured Fulham's hopes of taking anything from the game, with Stockdale's young side in control thereafter. Michael Mills - who was introduced at half time along with Mason Miley in place of Neave and Shahar - had a sight of goal after wriggling past his marker, but Borto did well to smother his attempt.

Finneran took a swipe from distance with his unfavoured left foot and saw a shot charged down after Mills' superb endeavour won the ball back in the corner with Newcastle sought a third, and it duly arrived just after the midway point in the second half when Mills was played in. He cut inside and took aim, with the finish taking a slight deflection on its way in.

Thomas Olyott squandered a glorious chance for a consolation just moments later, skewing horribly wide after a deep cross found him at the far post, but it would have been harsh on Newcastle and on Harris, who added a clean sheet to his stunning goal on a memorable night for the Houghton-le-Spring-born keeper.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris, Leo Shahar (Mason Miley 46), Ciaran Thompson (c), Miodrag Pivaš, Logan Watts, Rory Finneran, Scott Bailey, Anthony Munda, Kyle Fitzgerald (Darren Palmer 76), Seung-soo Park (Isaac Moran 86), Sean Neave (Michael Mills 46)

Subs not used: Tyler Jones

Feb. 20—TACOMA — On day one of the Mat Classic Washington's best from the 3A and 4A competed at the Tacoma Dome, Thursday. Across the boys and girls teams of the Moses Lake Mavericks, seven wrestlers are headed to the semifinals.

"I think the kids did great," Boys Head Coach Jose Tanguma said. "Some matches didn't go our way. Some of our guys thought they were going to go further, but they lost some close matches, but they're holding their heads up high. We've got five in the semis right now, and winning in the constellations. All the guys did great today. They all gave points to the team, but we have a young team still."

Heading into day two, both teams were ranked in the top five out of about 60 schools. The boys are fifth with 83 points and the girls are third with 102.

Boys

Despite having a young team, Tanguma said he was not surprised to see his wrestlers performing so well.

"It doesn't surprise me at all, because I knew what these wrestlers could do, and they showed it today, and we're going to keep fighting to try to climb up that ladder tomorrow," he said.

The semifinalists for the boys are Ian Anderson, Eli Anderson, Conner Duvall, Ian Garza and Jose Villafana. For Eli, making the semifinals in the 215-lb class was an act of redemption. According to him, he just missed out on the placing rounds at last year's Mat Classic.

After a 13-3 majority decision win against Corban Patchett from Spanaway Lake, Eli is headed to the semifinals with a chance at a state championship. Since last year's loss, he has gone to work in the offseason with the goal of making it further this year, he said.

"A lot of summer practices," he said. "Just trying to get myself out there (to get) exposure to different kinds of wrestling and wanting to be the best person out here is something that I've worked to achieve. Like my football coach says, he always says, every day, 'Get 1% better every day.'"

While he is excited to be heading to the semifinals, Eli also earned his 100th win as a Maverick. Tanguma has watched him work for this moment since last year and was complimentary of him at the end of day one.

"I'm proud of the kid. For a freshman wrestling at 215 and getting 100 wins his junior year is a very huge accomplishment. His attitude today for this state tournament is exactly what he's been saying. He's going to leave everything on the mat, and he's going to take what he wants," Tanguma said.

The long days of competition at the Mat Classic challenges a wrestlers endurance. This something Tanguma said he prepared his wrestlers for throughout the season so they would be ready when the time came.

"We had a lot of close matches, and what showed in those is that our kids had the heart today. We put them in the situation in the practice room, and they felt comfortable in the situation, they came out on top today," he said.

Ryder Janke is the only Maverick competing in the consolation bracket on day two, where he can compete for third place. After a competitive 6-3 decision victory over Eastmont's Adrik Kiedrowski, the two had a show of respect.

"Go get third," Kiedrowski told Janke.

Girls

Elyssa Armendariz and Emma Thompson are heading to the semifinals in their respective classes for the Mavericks girls team.

Armendariz competed in the 100-pound class where she earned three wins throughout day one to advance to the semifinals. Her quarterfinals match was against Belyini Pascasio-Umana from Mariner. It was a slow but competitive battle from the start, with neither wrestler scoring a point in the first period.

In the second Armendariz earned a point after an escape. From there, the pace remained stagnant. In the third round, she earned two points for a reversal which gave her a 3-0 lead in the match. She was able to milk the clock until it hit zero, which secured her the victory.

Thompson competed in the 155-lb class where she earned a pinfall victory to advance to the semis. Her opponent Nivayah Henry from Skyview scored most of her points in the first round, which put Thompson in a challenging predicament.

Thompson managed to score four points in the second round to cut the deficit to 4-7, but with the pinfall victory the points became irrelevant as she now will have a chance to pursue a state title on day two.

Competing in the consolation brackets are Anahi Garcia, Izzabella Fredley and Naomi Cruz, who all still have an opportunity to earn third place.

After some rest Thursday night, the Mavericks return to the Tacoma Dome for day two of the Mat Classic as several wrestlers aim to finish strong and bring home some hardware. On day two, the expectations remain the same, Tanguma said.

"I'm going to expect the same thing. What they did today broke a lot of kids' dreams, and tomorrow they're going to continue doing (that)," he said.

A top-of-the-table match at the FC Bayern Campus! On Sunday afternoon, FC Bayern Women host direct rivals Wolfsburg in front of a home crowd for Matchday 19 of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. The game against the Wolves kicks off at 16.20 CET.

Latest news from Bayern

Following the last-minute postponement of FC Bayern Women's away match at Werder Bremen scheduled for Monday evening due to the pitch being unplayable, the double winners used the unexpected break for an intensive week of training. They prepared for their 50th Bundesliga clash with VfL Wolfsburg with real focus and a high workrate.

FC Bayern members’ magazine ‘51’ spoke to head coach José Barcala about how he’s developing the team, among other things:

Barcala: 'My players can go all the way to the moon'

Bayern could hardly have got off to a better start to the year: Three games, maximum points - with a commanding 3-0 win over RB Leipzig, a convincing 4-1 at SC Freiburg and a 6-0 thrashing of Carl Zeiss Jena, the Munich side made a strong start to the new calendar year. That means their confidence ahead of the top-of-the-table clash is very high. With 49 points and an impressive goal difference of +62, the German champions are ensconced firmly at the top of the table and head into the matchday's standout fixture with a comfortable cushion.

The opposition: VfL Wolfsburg

The Wolves suffered a setback in their last Bundesliga match before the top-of-the-table clash with Bayern: Despite taking an early lead in the fourth minute, Stephan Lerch's team were held to a 1-1 draw at second-bottom side Essen. As a result, FCB Women's lead in the table was extended to 11 points - although VfL do have a game in hand.

In the UEFA Women's Champions League, however, things went much better: the team from Lower Saxony faced Juventus in the play-offs to qualify for the quarter-finals. After trailing 2-0 in the first leg, Wolfsburg equalised in dramatic fashion with a last-minute goal from Sarai Linder and booked their place in the next round thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 win in the second leg.

The record of previous meetings between the two teams promises an exciting encounter: in 62 games, the Wolves have won 25 times and Bayern 24 times. FCB Women have won five of the last six matches in the German top flight against the team from Lower Saxony. The Reds also won three consecutive Bundesliga home games against VfL for the first time.

Team news

Head coach José Barcala is still missing the long-term injured Sarah Zadrazil (cruciate ligament rupture) and Lena Oberdorf (cruciate ligament rupture) for the clash. Alara Şehitler (partial cruciate ligament rupture) is also unavailable.

Barcala: "We'll have to deliver a strong performance"

José Barcala: "This game is not a final, but another step in the competition. We're in a good position, but that will no longer count once the whistle goes. It's crucial that we put in a strong performance. It's in our hands and that's what we're focusing on. When things get emotional, we'll have to stay calm, act clearly at key moments and take things one step at a time."

Barbara Dunst: "Games like this always have a high level of intensity. We know what makes them special and look forward to them. It's a head-to-head between two teams that have always been on an equal footing in recent years and have fought hard for every point. I have great respect for Wolfsburg and what they've achieved , but we still want to leave the pitch as winners on Sunday."

🏟️✨ FC Bayern Women face Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League - get your tickets for the home game at the Allianz Arena here!

FCB Women's CL quarter-final to be played on 1 April

We take a closer look at our number 9 ahead of the clash against the Wolves:

Jovana Damnjanović: A tireless presence

Feb. 20—TACOMA — The Mat Classic is underway in the Tacoma Dome. The Moses Lake Mavericks boys and girls squads took to the mats Thursday in the 4A brackets. Here are some highlights from the first day of action. Additional coverage of the state tournament will be available in a later edition.

If you cast your eyes over the FC Bayern women's squad these days, ahead of the next big clash against VfL Wolfsburg (Sunday, 16.20 CET), you'll see international careers, German champions, a two-time European champion. And then your gaze lingers on one year: 2017. Only one player has been with the team without interruption since then and has witnessed every sporting high and low, every reorganisation, every change of coach, every title celebration and every defeat in a final. Jovana Damnjanović is the longest-serving member of the Munich squad. In a business that thrives on acceleration, she has epitomised consistency. For years. Yes – for almost a decade.

Her first Bundesliga match was on 7 September 2013. Back then, Jovi, as everyone calls her, came off the bench for VfL Wolfsburg. Her opponents were Bayern Munich, of all teams. For the 18-year-old from Belgrade, it was the start of a chapter that would later make her one of the Munich side's most recognisable figures. She can still remember that day very clearly: "I came on just after the start of the second half. Bayern were clearly better; we were lucky. Lena Lotzen headed for goal, rounded the keeper, and fluffed her shot. The game finished 1-1. I still have the images in my mind's eye." Now, ahead of the next clash against VfL, her career has once again come full circle.

The one who stayed

Eight and a half years at a club is anything but the norm in modern professional football. The Munich club has invested, created structures and developed international appeal. Anyone who joins FCB today will find a club that sets standards. When Damnjanović arrived in 2017, many things were still in the making. She was 22, had spells at Wolfsburg and SC Sand behind her and had won the Champions League with the club from Lower Saxony. She could perhaps have signed elsewhere, but she opted for Munich. "I was convinced by the project. I was at the Campus on day one and have been part of the development right from the outset. You can't compare what's happening now with back then. Even the Bayern we know today, the players we have, that's a huge difference. We weren't like that back then."

Belgrade in her heart, Munich in everyday life

She was born in Belgrade in 1994. Football isn’t a sport there, but a state of mind. "My childhood was very nice. We, my brother, mum, dad, cousins, all lived in one house. It was noisy, lots of children. I'm thinking of our garden and all the games we played together." The path to football had a random start. "There were a few boys playing in first grade. They ended up with an odd number, so the coach said: 'You, get in goal'. That's how it all started. At home, I said to my mum: 'I'm going to play football now.' She said, 'But you're already doing karate and playing basketball.' I said: 'No, I want to play football'. After two sessions, she came to training for the first time - and saw my passion. Since then, my parents have supported me every day."

Apprenticeship years and triumph in Wolfsburg

The move to VfL Wolfsburg in 2013 was the step up to the European elite. In 2014, she won the Champions League there, albeit as a substitute. A triumph that shaped her self-image and ambitions. At the same time, that period was a school of hard knocks. "I was 18 and spoke no German. I came from Belgrade, a big city of two million people, and moved to a small town in Lower Saxony. It was a big change, football-wise and beyond. But I learnt a lot and won trophies. It was a good start to my career overseas"

Dieser Inhalt kann hier leider nicht dargestellt werden. Zum Anschauen kannst du die Website des FC Bayern München besuchen:Artikel auf fcbayern.com

Then, via a spell at Sand, came the move to the other side, the step to the Bavarian capital. There have been a few favourite moments against VfL since then: "In February 2019, we played here on Campus and ended up winning 4-2 at a time when Wolfsburg were very dominant. We very quickly went 3-0 up. That was our first clear win against them." And: "Two years ago, we won 4-0 in Wolfsburg. It was clear then that we would be champions. Games against them are always special."

The nine in flux

Damnjanović used to be the classic centre-forward, lurking in the penalty area, trapping medium-height crosses and using her physicality. Today, she's more flexible: she switches sides, drops off, overloads wing zones, makes herself available in half-spaces, presses and closes down passing channels. "The coach knows I'm flexible, whether it's on the wing, as a number ten or up front. He puts his trust in me - and I'm currently making the most of it." Our game plan has also changed somewhat: "We used to pass the ball back more often in the final third. Today, we're more daring, take risks and are more direct in front of goal."

Jovi has no need for grand gestures. She shows her loyalty by standing in the dressing room corridor after losing matches, giving younger teammates a pat on the shoulder and completing training sessions with the same intensity as Champions League nights. In a squad brimming with international stars, she is a constant, a reminder, often a driving factor. "I don't want to praise myself, but I don't think I'm unimportant for the team, on and off the pitch." She's right about that, as her teammates consistently confirm her importance within the team.

Coffee as culture

Damnjanović feels at home in Munich. She lives for FC Bayern, for football. And for coffee. Over the past few years, she has gradually developed into the expert she is today. "I slowly got into the world of coffee: first portafilter machine, home roaster, training. Step by step. At some point I thought: it makes sense." Curiosity turned into a project: her own online shop for coffee was launched in 2024, followed by the café in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg in January 2025: "I opened the Nine Fine Roastery." The name is biographical: "I have the number nine. 'Fine' stands for the quality of our beans. My mum was born on 19 September, hence the reference to nine."

Alongside football in the afternoons and mornings, the café is her second great passion. Despite her entrepreneurial spirit, her priority remains clear when asked about her career choice: "I always say: 'I'm a footballer'. That's my main job. Everything else started as a hobby and is now a bit more than that. But as long as I’m playing, football will remain my main job." Despite her professionalism, Jovi never seems aloof, laughs loudly and speaks openly. It's also this special collaborative nature that her teammates and fans have appreciated so much about her for years.

Dieser Inhalt kann hier leider nicht dargestellt werden. Zum Anschauen kannst du die Website des FC Bayern München besuchen:Artikel auf fcbayern.com

She incorporates this form of interaction into her café. You could also say it's a tangible team culture. "When I created the menu, I also incorporated my teammates' ideas about what they like to eat and what was missing in Munich." This resulted in something concrete: “The Stahlmann Bowl is from Linda Dallmann; we developed it together, with berries and oatmeal, among other things." And: "Of course there's also the Gigi Special from Giulia Gwinn."

Even the coffee blends she offers in her online shop carry meaning: "We launched 'Double Meister' when we became champions. Giuli, Lea [Schüller] and I are on the label. A reminder of our friendship." This is how they combine competitive sport, passion and community. Cup for cup.

The clash as a mirror

Now the focus will turn to Sunday. Wolfsburg vs. Bayern is more than just a game: it's a question of supremacy in German women's football, a reminder of finals, league titles won, but also bitter defeats. For Damnjanović, it's also an assessment of the situation. "They are two comparable teams with enormous quality. I don't enjoy these games any more than others, but this clash is always special nonetheless." She clearly expresses her respect: "I'm not saying that we're here and Wolfsburg are there. We're both top teams, it can go either way. We'll have to be at 100 per cent." And the ingredients for victory? "We'll need every player, the starting XI and the bench. We'll have to be efficient, allow Wolfsburg few chances and be extremely careful at set-pieces, where they're very dangerous. But: We are Bayern."

Legacy and the present

Eight and a half years at FC Bayern is a commitment in modern football. Ahead of the clash with VfL, it won't just be a striker taking to the pitch, but a story. It started in Belgrade, gained momentum in Wolfsburg, and found its home in Munich. In a sport that is constantly looking for the next player, she's the one who stayed. This chapter is far from over.

🏟️💫 FC Bayern Women face Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League - get your tickets here!

FCB Women to face Manchester United

Polish speed skater hospitalized after taking blade to face in terrifying Olympic moment originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Polish short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier’s Olympics came to a sudden end on Friday due to a serious injury.

Sellier was cut in the face by an opponent’s skate during the women’s 1,500-meter short-track quarterfinals, forcing her to withdraw from the race. The USA’s Kristen Santos-Griswold, whose blade caused the injury, was penalized for an illegal lane change and did not advance.

Medical staff attended to Sellier immediately as the race was paused.

Here’s what you need to know about Sellier’s condition and the collision.

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule

Kamila Sellier injury updates

Sellier was immobilized on a stretcher after the injury on Friday. Officials blocked her from view of the crowd with a white sheet as medical staffers tended to her, but she was fortunately seen giving a thumbs up as she was taken off the ice.

The injury impacted the area near Sellier's left eye. Santos-Griswold's blade cut Sellier near the eye, and the Polish speed skater quickly started bleeding. Officials had to clear a trail of blood from the ice after the injury.

Fortunately, Sellier's eye appears to be unaffacted. CBC's Devin Heroux reported the 25-year-old avoided an injury to the eye, but he reported that Polish officials believe she might have suffered a facial fracture.

I just interviewed one of the member of the Polish coaching staff.

He tells me he believes Kamila Sellier suffered a facial fracture in the crash.

She’s being taken to hospital.

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) February 20, 2026

While an exact diagnosis is still unclear, Sellier's thumbs up indicated she was conscious and at least felt alright, given the circumstances.

MORE:Latest updates on American skier Nick Goepper after violent crash

What happened to Kamila Sellier?

Sellier took a blade to the face when Santos-Griswold kicked up her leg during a quarterfinal race on Friday. Sellier was already falling to the ice as Santos-Griswold's leg went up, and she collided with Italy's Arianna Fontana after being struck by Santos-Griswold.

Santos-Griswold was penalized for an illegal lane pass, while Fontana was able to continue racing and finished second.

The injury marked an unfortunate end to Sellier's medal hopes, as she was unable to finish and would have been too injured to compete in the semifinals anyway, but she appears to have escaped without an injury to her left eye itself. 

Nebraska (16-11, 5-11) visited the Pacific Northwest on Thursday night to face Oregon (19-9, 7-8). The Huskers, despite holding a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, fell to the Ducks, 80-76, dropping their sixth straight game and remaining winless in February.

Nebraska started strong, shooting over .500 from the floor in the first half to head into the locker room up 37-33. The Huskers expanded their lead to 63-52 less than a minute into the fourth, before everything crumbled. Eliza Maupin suffered an injury, and Amiah Hargrove fouled out, leaving the team shorthanded at forward.

Foul trouble also added to the collapse. Nebraska suffered 10 in the fourth, leading to Oregon shooting 15-of-18 from the line. The Ducks totaled 6-of-8 from the floor in the fourth and 1-of-2 from long range. The Huskers, meanwhile, hit just 3-of-17 in total, 0-of-12 from beyond the arc and 9-of-9 at the foul line.

On the night, Nebraska finished 29-of-68, 6-of-25 and 12-of-13, respectively. Oregon finished 26-of-52, 7-of-17 and 21-of-24. The Huskers coughed up 21 fouls in the loss, 16 in the second half. The Ducks surrendered just 16 fouls all game.

Britt Prince scored a team-high 18 points for Nebraska, shooting 8-of-13 with five assists. Logan Nissley tallied 15 points after going 4-of-10, 3-of-9 from beyond the arc and 4-of-4 from the line. She hauled in a team-high five rebounds and five assists.

Jessica Petrie delivered 12 points off the bench, leading the team at the line by going 5-of-5. Petra Bozan and Hargrove both totaled 11 points, but also four fouls or more. Bozan hit 5-of-6 in the loss, including 1-of-1 from three-point range. Hargrove finished 5-of-10.

Nebraska concludes its road trip in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday against Washington in an afternoon battle. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.

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

This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Fourth-quarter collapse results in Nebraska's 80-76 defeat at Oregon

Constitution Hill - one of National Hunt racing's biggest names - returned to winning ways with a commanding switch to the Flat at the Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes.

Having triumphed in his first 10 races, the once-seemingly unbeatable horse had fallen three times in four outings.

In an attempt to get back on track, trainer Nicky Henderson entered him in the mile-and-a-half Flat race at Southwell, before a possible tilt at March's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, which he won in 2023.

Starting 6-4 favourite and with five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle, the move paid off as the nine-year-old took to the front well before the line and held firm to win by nine-and-a-half lengths from Square Necker and Gambino.

"He felt like a machine," Murphy told ITV afterwards.

"It went to plan. It would've been very easy for me to blast off in front, but I wanted to get in among them and give him an idea of what a Flat race is like.

"For a big horse that's been jumping, he has a lot of speed and he's a joy to ride."

Henderson, meanwhile, said the emphatic display under the Nottinghamshire course's floodlights would "open up a lot of doors".

"We've been through a few tears over the last year or so," he admitted. "It's nice to be back with positive vibes.

"We've got lots to look forward to and lots of decisions to make. There are all sorts of options, including the Champion Hurdle."

He was swiftly made favourite with some bookmakers for this year's race, with The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead also well backed.

Before Friday's contest at Southwell, organisers had increased the prize money to £40,000, but a random ballot left Constitution Hill needing others to withdraw to get a run, with his participation only confirmed on Wednesday.

• Constitution Hill falls again as Golden Ace wins

• Latest horse racing results

The Dallas Cowboys have waived linebacker Logan Wilson according to multiple reports.

Wilson was acquired on the day of the 2025 trade deadline (a little bit before Quinnen Williams) and for the low cost of a seventh-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. It never really worked out for him as he was unable to play his way onto the field after battling a calf injury, and with a new defensive coordinator in place in Christian Parker plus the cap savings that this move provides, the writing was on the wall.

It should be noted that the trade was hardly a failure for the Cowboys. They paid a late draft pick to get a look at a player, they got one, and now they are moving on before being financially tied to him. That is the proper way to assess and try to improve your roster, and sometimes you are going to have misses.

Candidate Vilajoana makes his ambitions clear

Barça presidential race: Kane enters the debate

The campaign for the FC Barcelona presidency is heating up. Running against Joan Laporta, Xavier Vilajoana has brought up a high-profile name: Harry Kane.

According to Vilajoana, the English striker would be the perfect candidate to succeed Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires this summer. Vilajoana insists he wants to focus on developing homegrown talent while also bringing in world-class players to reignite the club’s sporting ambitions.

As is often the case during election season, transfer promises are part of the campaign rhetoric. But in reality, a move for Kane from FC Bayern Munich to Catalonia appears unlikely in the short term.

It's official now!

Transfer: Lamine N'Diaye takes charge of USM Alger

USM Alger (USMA) officially announced on February 20 the appointment of Lamine N'Diaye as the team's head coach until the end of the season.

Lamine N'Diaye is the new head coach of USM Alger. The Senegalese coach has signed with the Algerian club until the end of the current season, with an option to extend his contract if the club's management is satisfied with the results at the season's conclusion.

Just two weeks after leaving TP Mazembe, the 69-year-old coach embarks on a major new challenge. With his vast experience and deep knowledge of African football, he has been chosen to lead the Red and Black back into the race for the Algerian league title. A continental mission also awaits him in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Leonardo Bonucci has paid a glowing tribute to AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri, describing his former Juventus manager as the greatest he has ever worked under.

Speaking in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, via MilanNews, the retired Italy international, who had a brief and largely difficult spell at Milan earlier in his career, was asked to reflect on the coaches who shaped him.

His words on Allegri were unequivocal.

“In terms of intuition, Allegri was the greatest coach I ever had,” Bonucci said.

ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Sometimes he made decisions that seemed absurd, but they produced results. Being a coach allows you to see the full picture, as a player and as a human being. In that sense, Max is a master, a phenomenon. He never speaks negatively. Complaints? Never. He knows how to put players in the best possible conditions.”

Not just Milan coach Allegri, Bonucci has kind words for Gattuso

The retired defender also reflected warmly on another figure with strong Milan connections, Gennaro Gattuso, who coached Bonucci during his time at San Siro.

The defender recalled a period of difficulty and credited the former midfielder’s straightforward approach with helping him rediscover his best form.

“When I had the fortune of being coached by him at Milan, we were coming through a difficult period,” Bonucci said of Gattuso.

ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He told me: ‘Leo, when you’re going through a tough time, you have to keep things simple.’ And so that’s what we did, a 4-3-3, nothing complicated. He gave confidence to all of us.”

Both Allegri and Gattuso remain prominent figures in the Milan conversation, making Bonucci’s reflections particularly timely.

Arsenal will lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as they look to secure a good result in the North London derby. The Gunners were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw away at Wolverhampton Wanderers recently, so they would be eager to return to winning ways this weekend.

Mikel Arteta will set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this clash. Martin Odegaard could play from the start of this game if he can recover in time from a knock.

4-3-3 Arsenal Predicted Lineup To Face Tottenham Hotspur

Defence

David Raya will feature in goal for the Gunners after he conceded two goals in his last appearance. Gabriel will function alongside William Saliba at the centre of the Arsenal backline as they look to keep things solid at the back during the game.

Jurrien Timber will hope to catch the eye as the right-back, while Piero Hincapie hopes to prove his worth on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: David Raya of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 18, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Midfield

Arteta could opt for a midfield three of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard as they focus on winning the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park and creating some inviting chances in the final third.

Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard will have to settle for a spot on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Gabriel Martinelli will hope to put his pace to good use on the left flank, while Bukayo Saka looks to make a difference as the right-winger if he can pass a late fitness test. Viktor Gyokeres will lead the line for the Gunners up top. He has to find a way to be a constant menace in the final third.

Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus will be named on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the final quarter of the game if the Gunners are in need of a goal by then.

Happy Friday one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of question marks heading into the offseason and the 2026 NFL Draft will be a chance to change some perceptions.

My buddy Charles McDonald and his running mate Nate Tice had a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Yahoo! Sports and have the Cardinals adding offensive line talent.

3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami

The Cardinals have question marks at quarterback under new head coach Mike LaFleur, and could feasibly draft just about any position here and it would make sense given the state of their roster. Other players in this class might rise as pure offensive tackles, but Mauigoa has earned the right for a chance at right tackle at the next level. Mauigoa is a mauling run blocker with clean technique who seldom gets caught out of position. Whether he ends up at right tackle or kicks inside to guard, he is a great fit for a Cardinals team that desperately needs more talent up front to complement left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who has shown flashes of future stardom but got caught up in this franchise’s messiness.

Boring, but makes sense. When you look at the Cardinals offseason needs, fixing their offensive line is a big portion of it.

What would you make of it?

Andy Reid responds to rumors of Chiefs reunion with Tyreek Hill originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their dominant streak in the AFC come to an end in 2025. After making the postseason every season since 2014, including five Super Bowl appearances and three wins, the Chiefs missed the playoffs and finished with a 6-11 record. The lack of true No. 1 receiver hurt Kansas City more so than it had in previous seasons since trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.

Hill, however, has been released by Miami. This comes after suffering a season-ending leg injury in 2025, and Miami looking to begin rebuilding. When asked about a potential reunion with Hill, Andy Reid kept things rather close to the vest.

“I don’t even know if Tyreek [Hill] is healthy right now to do anything," Reid said via Adam Schefter. "I’m sure he’s working hard on that part of it, trying to get all that straightened out. We talk about everything so there’s nothing happening there, but we know what you know and he’s out there cranking away trying to get himself back to where he can play, period.”

Hill was with the Chiefs from 2016-21, earning six Pro Bowl appearances. He helped the Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

More NFL news:

• Buffalo Bills now know the asking price for Brian Thomas Jr.

• Bills trade rumor tracker: Latest updates on Buffalo's deadline pursuits

• 49ers tight end George Kittle begs NFL to do something about MetLife Stadium turf after another serious injury

• Buffalo Bills hire two‑time Super Bowl head coach in key role

• Justin Jefferson teases Buffalo Bills with latest trade comments

ESPN’s Top 100 quarterback list ignores Ohio State’s championship history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Bill Connelly’s Top 100 quarterbacks of the 2000s is an enjoyable, thoughtful read. It’s data-driven, historically aware and bound to spark debate, which is exactly what a list like that should do. But the ESPN rankings also reveal something interesting.

At Ohio State, championships apparently do not move the needle the way statistical dominance does.

Three Buckeye quarterbacks who won national championships as starters are not on the list: Craig Krenzel, Cardale Jones, and Will Howard. Meanwhile, these Ohio State quarterbacks are ranked: C.J. Stroud (No. 22), Justin Fields (No. 34), Troy Smith (No. 40), J.T. Barrett (No. 75), and Braxton Miller (No. 89).

This is not personal. Every Buckeye quarterback on the list earned his place. Smith won the Heisman. Stroud was a two time finalist. Fields finished third in the Heisman voting in 2019 after accounting for 51 total touchdowns. Barrett rewrote the Big Ten record book. Miller was one of the most dynamic players of his era and a two time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Were there Buckeyes snubbed from the list? 

Ohio State offers a fascinating case study. The list celebrates sustained excellence, but does not appear to value championship execution in the same way.

Take the case of Cardale Jones. He was thrust into the starting job late in 2014 as Ohio State’s third string quarterback and responded with one of the most difficult postseason runs in college football history, winning the Big Ten Championship, the College Football Playoff semifinal and the national championship.

The following season, Jones opened as the full time starter and went 8-0 before eventually being replaced by J.T. Barrett. All told, he finished 11-0 as a starter. His overall numbers were modest, but an undefeated record across 11 starts, including three postseason victories on the biggest stage, is rare air. His career numbers do not scream Top 100.

Hype over stats for the top 100 QBs? 

But if peak matters, and it clearly does elsewhere on the list, that stretch qualifies as one of the most consequential quarterback runs of the era.

Krenzel’s resume is even more straightforward. He went 24-3 as a starter, quarterbacked Ohio State to the 2002 national title and was a two time Fiesta Bowl MVP. He was not a statistical marvel. He was a winner. And in Columbus, that season still defines a generation.

More: Dallas Cowboys predicted to trade up for Ohio State star in 2026 NFL Draft

Howard’s resume goes beyond one championship run. At Kansas State, he appeared in 34 games and left as the program’s all time leader in passing touchdowns with 48, helping lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022. He then transferred to the Ohio State Buckeyes for his final season, started all 16 games and guided the Buckeyes to a 14 win campaign and a College Football Playoff national championship. He was named MVP of both the Cotton Bowl and the national championship game.

Ohio State exposes the list’s philosophical trade off. Is it ranking quarterbacks based on how much they produced, or how much they won? Because in Columbus, those are not always the same thing.

More: Former Buckeyes WR says biggest adjustment is actually going to class

This is not about tearing anyone down. At Ohio State, the list rewards production and accolades. It just does not appear to reward the one thing Buckeye fans ultimately remember most, championships. And that is worth examining.

More college football news: 

• Teddy Bridgewater's fiery reaction after Florida passes bill in his name
• Travis Hunter and wife Leanna Lenee announces new addition
• NFL Combine snubs: Championship standouts and postseason MVPs left out
• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• 10 worst Super Bowl halftime shows of all time

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Despite bearish pressure and weak US economic data, Bitcoin's recovering hashrate and new onchain security protocols raise the chance for a surge to $70,000.

The prediction market's Dutch arm, Adventure One, allegedly offered illegal bets, including on elections in the Netherlands.

As Bitcoin and altcoins continue to sell off, venture capital is raising millions for blockchain-based financial infrastructure, while real-world assets continue to draw capital.

The United States Supreme Court ruled on Friday that President Donald Trump could not use national emergency powers to levy tariffs during peacetime.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that tariffs could help pay down the $38 trillion, and growing, US national debt.

Crypto illiquidity is pressuring DeFi lending companies, but Wall Street giants continue to increase their exposure to the world’s largest Ethereum treasury company.

The failure of the bulls to start a strong recovery in Bitcoin and the major altcoins suggests that the bears intend to remain active at higher levels.

Bitcoin’s mining difficulty climbed to 144.4 trillion after January storms briefly slashed hash rate, while some US miners offset downtime by selling electricity back to the grid.

After four years contributing, BGD Labs said it would be leaving the DAO, citing changes to the organization and taking an “adversarial position“ to its liquidity protocol.

Bitcoin stayed rangebound within a "downward trajectory" as the Supreme Court concluded that some US trade tariffs were illegal and liable for a refund.

Private equity, which has the second-highest risk weighting, carries a 400% weight under the current Basel III banking framework.

Tanzania is well-known for its majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro and sprawling plains of the Serengeti, but a new frontier is being carved out in the heart of East Africa. The landscape of domestic travel is being reshaped as the Ministry of Health leads a campaign to position the country as a top international healthcare destination. A significant milestone was recently achieved in Dar es Salaam, where a diverse group of stakeholders met to discuss the future of the Medical Tourism Programme. This initiative is more than just a local effort; it is a comprehensive national endeavour aimed at combining the strengths of the government, the private sector, and various institutional bodies into a single, robust strategy.

A Collaborative Vision for Excellence

The evolution of a nation’s healthcare sector into a global attraction requires more than just modern facilities; it necessitates a shared vision. During the recent consultative sessions, a collaborative atmosphere was fostered where perspectives from across the socioeconomic spectrum were gathered. The preparation of the strategic plan is being guided by the collective wisdom of industry experts who are tasked with identifying the unique opportunities inherent in the Tanzanian landscape. By bringing together these various voices, the Ministry of Health ensures that the resulting strategy is not only ambitious but also grounded in the practical realities of the medical and hospitality sectors.

The dialogue in Dar es Salaam was centred on the necessity of a unified front. It was emphasized by officials that for Tanzania to be perceived as a credible hub for medical services, the synergy between public health objectives and private sector innovation must be seamless. The insights provided by stakeholders are being utilized to bridge the gap between current capabilities and the high standards expected by international medical travellers. This collaborative approach ensures that the strategic roadmap will be comprehensive, addressing everything from specialized surgical procedures to the nuances of patient aftercare in a tropical setting.

Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

No strategic transformation is without its hurdles, and the meeting served as a vital forum for the identification of existing challenges. It was acknowledged by the participants that while the potential for growth is immense, certain infrastructural and regulatory obstacles must be cleared. These challenges are being systematically reviewed to ensure that the final strategic plan contains actionable solutions. By candidly discussing the limitations currently faced by healthcare providers and travel facilitators, the Ministry of Health is better positioned to create a resilient framework that can withstand the pressures of a competitive global market.

Conversely, the opportunities identified during the sessions were multifaceted. Tanzania’s existing reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination is being leveraged as a cornerstone of the medical tourism agenda. The integration of world-class medical treatments with the country’s renowned wellness and safari experiences is seen as a major competitive advantage. The intent is to offer a holistic journey where medical procedures are complemented by the restorative power of Tanzania’s natural beauty. This dual-pronged appeal is expected to attract visitors not only from neighbouring African nations but also from across the globe, seeking both physical healing and mental rejuvenation.

Presidential Momentum and the Road Ahead

The momentum behind this initiative has been significantly amplified by the overarching vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The inclusion of medical tourism in the national agenda is seen as a pivotal move that provides the necessary political will and motivation for the strategy’s success. This high-level endorsement ensures that the development of the medical tourism sector is treated with the urgency and importance it deserves. The government’s objectives are being aligned with international best practices to ensure that when the strategy is fully implemented, Tanzania will stand as a beacon of medical excellence in the region.

As the strategic plan moves toward finalization, the focus remains on the ultimate goal: establishing Tanzania as a central hub for medical services. The experiences and ideas collected from stakeholders are being distilled into a solid strategy that prioritizes quality, accessibility, and the unique Tanzanian touch of hospitality. The world is being invited to witness a transformation where healthcare meets heritage and where the “Haven of Peace” (Dar es Salaam) becomes a sanctuary for those seeking health and wellness. The future of Tanzanian travel is being rewritten, and it is a future where the stethoscope and the suitcase go hand in hand.

Strategic Foundations and International Standards

The Ministry of Health is pursuing international accreditation and service standardisation to ensure the programme’s long-term viability. It is understood that an international patient’s trust is based on proven quality. As a result, the strategic plan is expected to establish rigorous benchmarks for participating hospitals and clinics. Tanzania is preparing to compete with established medical tourism giants by bringing its medical facilities up to global standards. This rigorous focus on quality control is intended to reassure visitors that the care they receive in Dar es Salaam or Arusha is comparable to that of any global metropolis.

Furthermore, the logistical aspects of medical tourism, such as visa processing for patients and the training of specialised medical “concierges”, are being integrated into the national plan. The ease of entry and the comfort of stay are regarded as critical components of the medical service itself. As the strategy nears completion, the world can expect a more streamlined, patient-centred approach that will make choosing Tanzania for healthcare a simple decision for international travellers.

Imagine the tears of joy when a grandmother in Abu Dhabi hugs her grandson from Charlotte for the first time. This dream becomes a reality on March 20, 2026. Etihad Airways is opening a golden gate between these two vibrant cities. This is not just a flight; it is a bridge built on love and curiosity. Travelers will feel the warm embrace of Southern hospitality and Arabian grace. This connection promises to change lives and create memories that last forever.

Etihad Airways Makes History in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Transportation often highlights the value of global reach. Etihad Airways is now the first Middle Eastern carrier to serve the state. The airline will fly from Abu Dhabi to Charlotte four times a week. These flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This route covers a massive 7,407 miles. It is now the longest nonstop flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

The U.S. Department of Commerce tracks how international travel impacts local growth. This new route will bring thousands of visitors to the American Southeast. Charlotte is famous for its banking, technology, and NASCAR heritage. Visitors from the UAE can explore the lush Appalachian Mountains. They can also enjoy the beautiful Atlantic coast beaches. Every new visitor helps local shops, hotels, and restaurants thrive. Tourism officials expect a significant rise in international spending across the region.

Seamless Travel with U.S. Customs Preclearance

Travelers will enjoy a very smooth journey. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates a facility in Abu Dhabi. This is located at the Zayed International Airport. Passengers clear U.S. immigration before they even fly. This means they land in Charlotte as domestic passengers. They can skip the long lines and head straight to their loved ones. This convenience makes Abu Dhabi a preferred gateway for global explorers.

A Modern Marvel in the Skies

Etihad Airways will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this route. The aircraft features a special two-class layout. There are 28 private Business suites for ultimate comfort. These seats turn into fully flat beds. The Economy cabin offers 262 ergonomic seats. Every passenger gets access to high-speed Wi-Fi and great movies. The Federal Aviation Administration ensures these planes meet the highest safety standards.

Connecting the World Through Abu Dhabi

The flight schedule is designed for easy connections. Flight EY15 leaves Abu Dhabi at 3:35 AM. It arrives in Charlotte at 10:40 AM. The return flight, EY16, leaves Charlotte at 3:10 PM. This timing is perfect for people coming from India or Australia. It connects the “Queen City” to over 40 global destinations. Travelers can reach the Maldives or Bangkok with just one stop. This opens the world to residents of North Carolina.

Strengthening Cultural Ties

Tourism is about more than just sightseeing. It is about understanding different cultures. The U.S. Department of State encourages cultural exchange programs. This flight allows students and artists to travel more easily. It fosters a deeper bond between the United States and the UAE. Business leaders can now meet face-to-face more often. This will lead to new innovations and shared success.

Quotes from Leadership Perspectives

Airport officials state that this route is a milestone for the region. They believe it proves Charlotte is a top-tier global hub. Etihad leadership mentions that North Carolina is a vital market for growth. They aim to provide a service that feels like home. Tourism boards say they are ready to welcome the world with open arms. They see this as a new era for North Carolina travel.

A Future Full of Wonder

The launch was moved forward due to very high demand. This shows how much people want to explore new horizons. The “American Southeast” is ready for this influx of global energy. Families will no longer feel worlds apart. Business travelers will find new opportunities across the ocean. The sky is no longer a limit; it is a path to friendship.

Your Adventure Starts Here

As the sun rises over the Charlotte skyline, a new era begins. You can almost feel the excitement in the crisp morning air. This flight represents a promise of new beginnings and grand adventures. Whether you seek the desert sands or the rolling hills, the path is now clear. Travel heals the soul and broadens the mind. Let Etihad Airways take you on a journey that fills your heart with wonder. The world is waiting for you to take that first step toward discovery.

The strengthening of diplomatic and cultural bonds between nations is often reflected in the ease of movement and the promotion of educational exchange. Recently, significant announcements have been made by the French government regarding the facilitation of travel for Indian nationals and the long-term integration of Indian scholars into the French academic system. In a move designed to simplify international journeys, visa-free transit has been established for Indian citizens traveling through French airports. Furthermore, a bold initiative has been launched to ensure that 30,000 students from India are hosted within French higher education institutions by the year 2030. This dual approach is viewed as a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between India and France, fostering a deeper level of cooperation in both the tourism and education sectors.

New Provisions for International Transit

The logistical hurdles often faced by Indian travelers during international layovers are being addressed through specific policy changes. It has been confirmed that an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is no longer required for Indian passport holders when they remain within the international zone of a French airport while waiting for a connecting flight. This exemption is particularly significant for those traveling to destinations outside the Schengen Area. By removing this administrative layer, the transit experience is made more seamless, and the attractiveness of French airports as global hubs is significantly enhanced.

The decision is seen as a gesture of trust and a recognition of the growing volume of Indian travelers who utilize European gateways for global commerce and leisure. This policy change is expected to benefit thousands of passengers annually, reducing the time and financial resources previously allocated to securing transit documentation. It is important to note that while the transit visa requirement is waived for the international zone, standard entry requirements still apply for those wishing to exit the airport and enter French territory.

Ambitious Targets for Academic Integration

Beyond the realm of short-term travel, a visionary goal has been set for the academic sector. The French administration has expressed a clear desire to welcome a substantial number of Indian students over the next decade. By the year 2030, the target is set at 30,000 enrollments, a figure that represents a significant increase from current levels. This objective is not merely about numbers; it is about creating a diverse and vibrant intellectual environment where Indian talent can flourish and contribute to the global knowledge economy.

To facilitate this growth, specialized programs and support structures are being developed. The Classes Internationales (International Classes) initiative is one such program designed to assist Indian students in transitioning into the French education system. These classes provide intensive French language training and academic preparation, ensuring that students are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen fields of study, whether in engineering, management, arts, or the sciences.

Strengthening the Educational Pipeline

The commitment to Indian students is further evidenced by the organization of large-scale events such as the Choose France Tour. This event serves as a platform for Indian students and their families to interact directly with representatives from leading French universities and grande écoles. During these sessions, detailed information is provided regarding scholarships, course structures, and the lifestyle awaiting students in France.

Education is viewed as a vital bridge between the two nations. By inviting Indian youth to study in France, a generation of professionals is created who are familiar with both cultures. This familiarity is expected to lead to increased collaboration in research, business, and technology. The French government has also introduced measures to allow Indian alumni of French institutions to maintain a connection with the country through extended post-study work opportunities and specialized visa categories for former students.

Strategic Implications for Bilateral Relations

The announcements regarding visa-free transit and student mobility are part of a broader narrative of cooperation that has been cultivated over several decades. The relationship between India and France is characterized by mutual respect and a shared vision for a multipolar world. These policy shifts are timely, coinciding with renewed efforts to boost people-to-people ties and economic synergy.

The focus on the year 2030 provides a clear roadmap for stakeholders in both countries. For Indian educational consultants, airlines, and students, these updates provide a stable framework within which future plans can be made. The emphasis on hosting 30,000 students is complemented by the creation of specialized visa pathways for Indian professionals, ensuring that the benefits of a French education can be translated into meaningful career trajectories both in Europe and back in India.

Enhancing the Student Experience

A significant portion of the strategy involves making France an accessible destination for those who may not have previously considered it due to language barriers. The introduction of more English-taught programs across various disciplines is a testament to the adaptability of the French higher education system. While the learning of the French language is still encouraged as a means of social integration and professional advantage, it is no longer the sole gatekeeper for entry into world-class institutions.

Support services for international students are also being prioritized. From assistance with housing to navigating the local bureaucracy, efforts are being made to ensure that the arrival and stay of Indian students are as comfortable as possible. The presence of a large and growing Indian diaspora in France further provides a sense of community and support for newcomers, making the transition to a new country less daunting.

Future Outlook and Connectivity

As the global landscape of education and travel continues to evolve, the proactive stance taken by France positions it as a preferred partner for India. The removal of transit visa requirements and the focus on academic expansion are indicative of a long-term investment in the Indo-French relationship. The impact of these decisions will be monitored closely by both governments to ensure that the goals are met and that the quality of the exchange remains high.

In conclusion, the path toward 2030 is marked by a clear intention to open doors and build bridges. The convenience of visa-free transit and the ambitious student recruitment targets are more than just policy updates; they are a reflection of a deep-seated friendship and a commitment to a shared future. Through these initiatives, the movement of people and ideas between India and France is set to reach unprecedented levels, benefiting the economies and societies of both nations in the years to come.

Across major cruise destinations such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, an interesting travel trend is gaining traction. While port days traditionally signal exploration historic towns, beach excursions, and guided tours an increasing number of seasoned cruise travelers are opting to remain onboard when their ship docks. According to guidance from official tourism authorities and maritime regulators such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Cruise Lines International Association, port days are designed to provide flexibility for passengers. While shore excursions remain a highlight of cruising, travelers are not obligated to disembark at every stop. In fact, remaining on the vessel during docking hours can offer unexpected advantages. As cruise ships berth in bustling ports from tropical Caribbean harbors to centuries-old Mediterranean cities thousands of passengers often head ashore simultaneously. For some travelers, this creates the perfect opportunity to experience the ship itself in a calmer, more relaxed environment.

A Slower Morning Without the Rush

Port-intensive itineraries frequently require early wake-up times to maximize time ashore. Many cruise lines publish detailed docking schedules and shore excursion timelines in advance through their official portals and onboard daily programs. Travelers planning excursions typically rise early to prepare, attend meeting points, or catch tender boats to shore. However, passengers who choose to remain onboard can enjoy a dramatically different pace. Without the need to meet excursion departure times, travelers can sleep in and ease into the morning. Breakfast venues whether buffet-style dining rooms or seated restaurants are significantly less crowded once most guests have disembarked. Lines shorten, reservations are easier to secure, and service can feel more personalized. Official cruise guidance provided through line-operated apps and daily bulletins often notes that while onboard casinos and certain retail shops close in port due to local regulations, restaurants, lounges, and wellness facilities typically remain open. The result is a quieter, unhurried start to the day an experience many frequent cruisers value just as much as exploring a destination.

Pool Deck Peace and Open Lounge Chairs

Pool decks and sun lounges are among the most competitive spaces on sea days. Cruise industry best-practice policies discourage reserving lounge chairs for extended periods without use. Even so, high demand often creates early-morning competition. On port days, this dynamic shifts.

When the majority of guests leave the ship, expansive sundecks become noticeably less crowded. Lounge chairs that are typically claimed at dawn remain available well into the morning. Hot tubs and pools see lighter usage. Travelers can read, nap, or relax without the constant movement and noise common on full sea days. For passengers who prioritize onboard relaxation, port days can transform the vessel into what feels like a private resort.

Spa Discounts and Hard-to-Book Appointments

Wellness facilities rank among the most popular amenities on modern cruise ships. According to industry information shared by the Cruise Lines International Association, onboard spas are one of the fastest-growing segments in cruise guest spending. On sea days, appointments for massages, facials, and other treatments are often fully booked. With everyone onboard and limited time between ports, demand peaks quickly. Port days, however, present a different scenario. Cruise lines frequently promote port-day spa specials through their official daily programs or cabin communications. These promotions may include discounted massages, pedicures, and skincare treatments. Availability tends to improve as many guests opt for shore excursions instead of onboard services. Travelers who remain onboard often find it easier to secure preferred time slots without waiting lists. Wellness areas including thermal suites and relaxation lounges also tend to be less crowded, creating a more serene environment.

Gyms, Specialty Areas, and Premium Upgrades Feel More Exclusive

Modern cruise ships increasingly resemble floating resorts, offering state-of-the-art gyms, private lounge decks, and specialty-access areas that require an additional fee. Fitness centers are particularly popular during sea days. On port days, these facilities experience a noticeable drop in traffic. For guests who value structured workouts, dock days provide uninterrupted access to equipment and a more comfortable exercise environment. Premium-access areas can feel especially elevated during port stops. For example, guests who have purchased access to private lounge areas offered by Norwegian Cruise Line may find the space significantly quieter while the ship is docked. With fewer occupants, these areas deliver on their promise of exclusivity: upgraded loungers, dedicated bar service, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Understanding What Closes in Port

While many amenities remain open, certain facilities typically close while a cruise ship is docked. Casinos must suspend gaming operations in port to comply with local jurisdiction laws. Similarly, some onboard retail shops may close due to customs and tax regulations. Official maritime and port authority regulations often coordinated through national transport agencies and local governments require these closures to ensure compliance with international and domestic law. Passengers who plan to stay onboard should review the daily program to understand which venues remain accessible and which will temporarily pause operations.

When Skipping a Port Makes Sense

Choosing to remain onboard is not ideal for every traveler or every itinerary. First-time visitors to iconic destinations may prioritize exploration, guided tours, and cultural immersion.

However, experienced cruisers often identify circumstances where staying aboard enhances their vacation:

• Revisiting a port they have previously explored
• Limited interest in available excursions
• Long itineraries with multiple consecutive port days
• A desire for dedicated rest and recovery time

Government tourism boards consistently emphasize that cruise travel is designed to offer flexibility, allowing guests to tailor their experience. For travelers seeking balance, skipping just one port stop during a busy itinerary can create space for deeper relaxation.

The Ship as the Destination

Modern cruise vessels are engineered to function as destinations in their own right. According to industry data shared by the Cruise Lines International Association, cruise lines continue investing heavily in onboard experiences expanding wellness centers, culinary offerings, entertainment venues, and private-access spaces. For many travelers, the ship itself becomes a central attraction. On port days, when crowds thin out, guests can fully appreciate features that might otherwise feel busy. Quiet lounges, panoramic observation decks, specialty dining venues, and private cabanas become easier to enjoy without advanced planning. Instead of navigating crowded tourist streets ashore, some passengers prefer uninterrupted ocean views from a near-empty deck.

The Bottom Line

As cruise ships dock across the Caribbean and Mediterranean, thousands of passengers continue to head ashore in search of adventure. Yet a growing segment of experienced travelers is discovering that remaining onboard at least once during a voyage can transform the cruise experience. A relaxed morning without alarms, empty lounge chairs under the sun, easier spa appointments, quieter gyms, and a heightened sense of exclusivity combine to create a different kind of vacation day. Cruising has always offered choice. For some travelers, the most rewarding port day may be the one spent entirely on the ship while it is docked.

The towering Great Wall and the neon-lit skylines of Shanghai have suddenly become much closer for thousands of families across Canada. For years, the dream of walking through the Forbidden City was often sidelined by the daunting hurdle of biometric appointments, complex itineraries, and the $140 application fee that felt like a wall of its own. But as of February 17, 2026, that barrier has crumbled. There is a profound sense of reconnection in the air; you can hear it in the excited chatter at Vancouver International Airport and see it in the eyes of grandparents in Toronto who can finally book a flight to see their grandchildren on a whim. This isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a human story of families being reunited and entrepreneurs finally having the freedom to shake hands on a deal across the Pacific without a three-week wait for a stamp in a book.

The Breaking News: 30 Days of Freedom in the Middle Kingdom As of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the People’s Republic of China has officially launched a unilateral visa-free pilot program for ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom. Announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 15, the policy allows Canadians to enter mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa. This exemption covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit. According to official notices from the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, the policy will remain in effect through December 31, 2026, marking a significant—albeit temporary—diplomatic thaw.

The “Carney Effect”: A New Strategic Partnership The roots of this travel revolution lie in the “New Strategic Partnership” forged in January 2026. Following the first official visit to Beijing by a Canadian Prime Minister in over eight years, Mark Carney and President Xi Jinping reached a consensus to revitalize bilateral ties. The partnership resolves a year of retaliatory tariffs on steel and electric vehicles while opening massive doors for Canadian agri-food and energy sectors. Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand confirmed the news on social media, stating that the move will make travel easier, support business exchanges, and strengthen the essential people-to-people ties that define the two nations.

Travel Logistics: What You Need to Know Now While the visa requirement has vanished for stays under 30 days, travelers must still adhere to standard border protocols. Upon arrival at any Chinese port of entry, biometric fingerprinting is still mandatory. Experts recommend carrying proof of accommodation and an onward or return ticket, as border inspectors retain the discretion to verify the purpose of the visit. For those planning to stay longer than 30 days or those seeking employment or long-term study, a traditional visa issued by a Chinese consulate in Canada is still required.

Economic Impact: A “Bigger and Better” Trade Corridor The elimination of visa hurdles is expected to cause travel between the two nations to “explode.” Industry analysts at Kensington Tours have already reported a 100% growth in inquiries for China trips over the past week. Beyond tourism, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce estimates that removing processing delays could save frequent-flyer executives over $2,000 annually and shorten deal-closing timelines by several weeks. This is especially vital for the canola and beef industries, which are seeing a resurgence as tariffs drop from 85% to 15% under the new strategic alignment.

The Countdown: A Limited-Time Opportunity It is important to note that this policy is currently a pilot program with a hard expiry date of December 31, 2026. While officials have hinted that the waiver could be made permanent if visitor flows rebound, travelers are being urged to capitalize on the opportunity now. As of February 18, Global Affairs Canada (travel.gc.ca) was still in the process of updating its official travel advice, which previously warned of the cumbersome and expensive visa process.

A Cultural Bridge Across the Pacific Ultimately, as the first visa-free flights from Canada touch down in Beijing this week, the real success of this diplomacy is measured in the human connections it fosters. We are witnessing a moment where “Great Power” politics takes a backseat to the simple, universal desire to explore, learn, and reconnect. Whether it’s a student from Montreal heading to a cultural exchange or a business leader from Calgary exploring clean-tech opportunities, the sky has truly become the limit. The “New Strategic Partnership” has built a bridge that reflects the world as it is today—divided in some areas, but more connected than ever in others. For the Canadian traveler in 2026, the Middle Kingdom isn’t just a destination on a map; it’s a neighbor that has finally left the porch light on.

Qatar Airways, a leading airline operating from Hamad International Airport, has shifted its strategic focus under the leadership of its new CEO, Hamad Al-Khater. Appointed in December 2025, Al-Khater’s priority has been mending ties with Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, which had been strained in recent years due to disputes regarding the condition of its A350 aircraft.

In his inaugural interview after taking office, Al-Khater detailed his first official overseas trip to Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France. The trip, which occurred in January 2026, involved in-depth discussions with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. The two leaders focused on essential issues such as aircraft delivery schedules, technical coordination, and the long-term stability of their business relationship.

The Airbus A350 Conflict and Resolution

Qatar Airways was one of the early adopters of Airbus aircraft, and a significant portion of its fleet is made up of Airbus models. However, their partnership hit a rough patch in 2022 when Qatar Airways raised concerns about flaking paint on the Airbus A350. Airbus initially disagreed with the airline’s assessment, leading to legal disputes that even attracted political attention.

At the height of the conflict, Airbus canceled Qatar Airways orders for the A321 aircraft, further straining the commercial and diplomatic channels between the two companies. The tensions between the two entities persisted for several months, but by the end of 2023, both sides reached a resolution, and the canceled orders were reinstated.

Al-Khater has since described his meeting with Faury as “brilliant” and “fantastic.” He noted that it was a key moment in rebuilding their critical aircraft partnership. The positive tone continued with Faury visiting Qatar in the company of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to further solidify the renewed cooperation between the two companies.

A New Era for Airbus Aircraft in Qatar Airways Fleet

Despite the turbulence in their relationship, Qatar Airways continues to rely on Airbus aircraft to a significant extent. The airline has more than 60 Airbus jets on order, with deliveries expected for both the A350 widebody and A321 narrowbody aircraft. Al-Khater emphasized that the A321LR model, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, will play a critical role in expanding the airline’s network. The new A321LR aircraft will allow Qatar Airways to efficiently serve secondary cities in Europe and emerging Chinese destinations, all while maintaining the airline’s capacity for long-haul flights with its widebody fleet.

Qatar Airways has long been known for its commitment to fleet harmonization. The airline aims to gradually phase out older aircraft and replace them with newer, more efficient models. The goal is to expand its fleet to nearly 400 aircraft by 2040, ensuring that the airline remains competitive in the ever-growing global aviation market.

Rolls-Royce and Engine Reliability Concerns

As part of the ongoing fleet development, Qatar Airways also faces challenges with engine reliability. The Airbus A350-1000 models rely on Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines, which have faced criticisms regarding their durability. Tim Clark, the president of Emirates Airlines, had previously expressed concerns about the engine’s performance, citing it as one of the reasons his airline did not place orders for Airbus’s larger aircraft.

Al-Khater acknowledged these challenges, specifically noting that there was a “slightly acute challenge” with the engine’s durability. However, he reassured that the airline continues to monitor engine performance closely in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. Regular technical assessments are being conducted to address and resolve any issues, ensuring the continued safe operation of the aircraft.

Boeing and the Expanding Fleet Commitments

While Airbus remains a key player in Qatar Airways fleet, the airline has also deepened its commitment to Boeing. Following a record order placed during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East in May 2025, Qatar Airways secured 210 twin-aisle aircraft from Boeing, including the highly anticipated 777X program. The first batch of Boeing 777X jets is expected to arrive in 2027, marking a significant step forward for Qatar Airways in terms of fleet modernization.

Al-Khater expressed confidence in Boeing’s leadership under CEO Kelly Ortberg, noting that the company had provided stronger assurances regarding delivery reliability. This expanded partnership with Boeing further diversifies Qatar Airways fleet, which continues to evolve in response to growing demand for air travel.

Strategic Vision for Growth and Fleet Expansion

As Qatar Airways charts a path toward future growth, its strategic vision involves maintaining balanced relationships with both Airbus and Boeing. The airline is committed to managing its fleet expansion with discipline, ensuring that its aircraft orders align with market demand. Additionally, Al-Khater identified emerging markets like India, Australia, Africa, and Gulf states as key regions for growth, positioning Qatar Airways to capture premium demand as these economies diversify away from oil dependency.

Under Al-Khater’s leadership, Qatar Airways remains focused on meeting the growing demand for international travel while maintaining a competitive edge in fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The airline’s continued investment in its fleet and strategic partnerships ensures it will remain a leading player in the global aviation industry.

The Buddha’s profound footprints have shaped Asia’s spiritual geography for centuries. In a significant step towards revitalising these ancient connections, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia, the Union Ministry of Tourism, and the Bihar Tourism Department recently convened a high-level strategic dialogue. This collaborative effort, carried out via a sophisticated digital forum, was intended to strengthen bilateral ties and elevate Bihar’s “Buddhist Circuit” as a top destination for Cambodian pilgrims and international visitors alike.

A Shared Heritage Reimagined

The profound historical significance of Bihar was elegantly articulated during the session, with particular emphasis placed on the state’s status as the epicentre of Buddhist philosophy. It was within the boundaries of modern-day Bihar that Prince Siddhartha attained supreme enlightenment and began the dissemination of teachings that would eventually shape the cultural fabric of Southeast Asia. The meeting served as a platform to remind global stakeholders that the spiritual roots of Cambodia and Bihar are inextricably intertwined.

Through a comprehensive presentation, the Cambodian government and various tourism investors were briefed on the sacred geography of the region. The state’s role as a global guardian of Buddhist traditions was highlighted, reinforcing the idea that a journey to Bihar is not merely a vacation but a return to the source of one’s spiritual identity.

Strategic Infrastructure and Heritage Preservation

A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the extensive physical and structural transformations currently being undertaken by the state government. It was noted that substantial investments are being directed toward the modernization of visitor facilities and the enhancement of connectivity between sacred landmarks. The development of a specialized corridor in Bodhgaya was showcased as a flagship project, intended to streamline the experience for the thousands of devotees who congregate at the Mahabodhi Temple annually.

Furthermore, the architectural landscape of Bihar is being enriched through the construction of monumental replicas and new centres of learning. It was revealed that stupa replicas are being developed at Kesaria, while the Buddha Samyak Stupa in Vaishali and the Pataliputra Karuna Stupa in Patna are nearing various stages of completion. These sites, along with the dedicated Vipassana Centre in the capital city, are being positioned as centres of both historical reflection and contemporary practice.

Expanding the Map: Beyond the Known Landmarks

While Bodhgaya remains the heart of the pilgrimage, the scope of the “Know Bihar” initiative extends to the far reaches of the state. It was emphasized that locations such as Rampurwa, Lauriya Nandangarh, and Areraj are being integrated into comprehensive travel itineraries. The ancient educational legacy of the region is also being revitalized, with the ongoing renovation of the Vikramshila University ruins in Bhagalpur cited as a key priority.

The rugged beauty of Vanavar in Jehanabad and the lush serenity of Venuvan in Rajgir were also presented as essential stops for the modern traveller. By diversifying the available destinations, the tourism department aims to encourage longer stays, proposing itineraries that range from ten to thirty days. This approach is intended to provide visitors with a deeper, more immersive understanding of the diverse landscapes that hosted the Buddha’s travels.

Cultural Synergy and Culinary Diplomacy

In an effort to make Cambodian visitors feel a sense of home while abroad, a unique cultural initiative was announced: the planned establishment of a dedicated Cambodian restaurant in Bodhgaya. This move is viewed as a form of “culinary diplomacy”, designed to cater to the specific tastes of Southeast Asian travellers while simultaneously fostering a cross-cultural appreciation for Cambodian traditions among the local population.

The strengthening of ties is not limited to physical infrastructure. A joint branding exercise was proposed, aimed at linking the majesty of Angkor Wat with the spiritual sanctity of Bodhgaya. This dual-destination marketing strategy is intended to position the two regions as complementary pillars of the world’s Buddhist heritage, encouraging a seamless flow of travellers between India and Cambodia.

Collaborative Growth and Future Prospects

The response from Cambodian representatives and tourism stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong appetite for closer collaboration. It was confirmed that the Bihar government will provide full institutional support for a variety of promotional activities. This includes organising “familiarisation trips” for travel agents and the media, planning mega-events, and maintaining a strong presence at international travel and trade fairs.

The meeting ended with a shared vision for a revitalised spiritual corridor. By combining modern amenities with ancient history, Bihar is positioning itself as a welcoming, secure, and profoundly moving destination. The collaboration between the Indian and Cambodian governments is expected to result in a significant increase in spiritual tourism, ensuring that the Buddha’s teachings continue to serve as a link between these two historic nations.

The landscape of international mobility has been significantly altered as China implements a bold new strategy to welcome the world. Through the expansion of the visa-free entry program, a total of 50 countries are now permitted to access the mainland for durations of up to 30 days. This development is viewed as a monumental step in the nation’s post-pandemic recovery, aimed at stimulating international tourism and fostering deeper global economic ties. By removing traditional bureaucratic hurdles, the Chinese government has streamlined the process for millions of potential visitors, ensuring that the travel industry receives a much-needed boost in the coming fiscal quarters.

A Significant Policy Transformation

A dramatic shift in diplomatic and entry protocols has been observed as the list of eligible nations continues to grow. What was once a restrictive environment characterized by complex application processes and stringent requirements has been replaced by a more inviting framework. It is noted by experts that the duration of stay has been doubled from the previous 15-day limit in many instances, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the country’s vast cultural and commercial landscapes.

This policy is not merely a temporary measure but is seen as a cornerstone of a broader initiative to re-establish China as a premier global destination. The expansion is directed at a diverse array of nations, ranging from European powers to Southeast Asian neighbors, creating a multilateral bridge that facilitates easier movement for business, leisure, and family reunions.

The Scope of the Expanded Visa Waiver

The specifics of the announcement reveal that the 30-day window is designed to accommodate a variety of travel purposes. Whether the intent is for transit, tourism, or visiting relatives, the administrative burden has been effectively neutralized for citizens of the 50 designated countries. This extension is particularly beneficial for long-haul travelers who previously found a two-week window insufficient for navigating the geographical scale of China.

Furthermore, the integration of these changes into the national immigration system has been completed with efficiency. It is reported that port-of-entry procedures have been optimized to handle the anticipated surge in arrivals. The focus remains on providing a seamless transition from the aircraft to the city streets, ensuring that the first impression of the country is one of modernization and hospitality.

Economic and Tourism Implications

The revitalization of the hospitality sector is expected to be a primary outcome of this legislative update. Hotels, transport services, and local attractions are being prepared for an influx of visitors who now have the liberty to plan more extensive itineraries. By allowing a full month of stay without a visa, the potential for per-capita spending is greatly increased, which directly benefits local economies and SMEs within the tourism supply chain.

Moreover, the business sector is anticipated to reap significant rewards. Short-term trade missions and corporate meetings can now be organized with much shorter lead times, as the necessity for consular visits has been eliminated for many. The ease of entry is projected to strengthen supply chain collaborations and encourage foreign investment by making the country more accessible to international executives and entrepreneurs.

Strategic Global Positioning

From a geopolitical perspective, the move is interpreted as a signal of openness. At a time when global travel trends are shifting, China’s decision to lower barriers is a proactive attempt to maintain competitiveness. The selection of the 50 countries reflects a strategic balance, targeting key markets that have historically contributed to the nation’s tourism revenue while also reaching out to emerging partners.

The passive nature of this policy rollout ensures that the benefits are felt universally across all provinces. Major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are expected to see the most immediate impact, but the 30-day duration also encourages travel into the interior regions. Cultural sites in Xi’an, the natural beauty of Yunnan, and the technological centers of Shenzhen are now within easier reach for the global community.

Navigating the New Entry Requirements

While the requirement for a physical visa sticker has been removed for these 50 nations, certain protocols remain in place to ensure security and order. Travelers are still required to hold valid passports and may be asked to provide proof of onward travel or accommodation details upon arrival. The oversight provided by the National Immigration Administration ensures that while the door is open, the integrity of the borders is maintained through sophisticated digital monitoring.

It is emphasized by officials that the 30-day period is strict, and extensions must be handled through the appropriate local channels should an emergency arise. However, for the vast majority of travelers, this timeframe is considered the “sweet spot” for balancing a deep-dive cultural experience with the practicalities of international travel schedules.

Future Outlook for International Mobility

As the world watches the results of this expansion, there is speculation that further countries could be added to the list in the future. The success of this phase will likely be measured by the increase in total visitor numbers and the absence of regulatory complications. If the current trajectory continues, the model used for these 50 countries could become the standard for China’s engagement with the rest of the world.

The long-term vision involves a China that is more integrated into the global travel network than ever before. By fostering an environment where spontaneous travel is possible, the country is rewriting the narrative of its relationship with international guests. The cultural exchange facilitated by these millions of interactions is expected to yield dividends in soft power and mutual understanding for decades to come.

Conclusion and Global Impact

In summary, the decision to expand the visa-free entry to 50 countries for a 30-day duration represents a landmark change in policy. It is a reflection of a nation confident in its ability to host the world and eager to showcase its progress. The ripples of this decision will be felt across the global travel industry, setting a precedent for how major economies can utilize visa policy as a tool for economic and diplomatic growth.

Florida Joins Hawaii, Texas, California, New York, Nevada and More US States in Becoming Major Economic Driver in US Tourism, This is What You Need To Know is no longer just a headline. It is the reality shaping the future of the US tourism sector. Florida joins Hawaii, Texas, California, New York, Nevada and more US states in becoming a major economic driver in US tourism, and this is what you need to know right now. Across the USA, momentum is building. Across the Americas, US travel is accelerating.

First, Florida leads with record-breaking numbers. Then, Hawaii strengthens high-value travel. Meanwhile, Texas, California, New York and Nevada reinforce their positions as pillars of US tourism. As a result, Florida joins Hawaii, Texas, California, New York, Nevada and more US states in becoming major economic drivers in US tourism in ways that are transforming the broader US tourism sector.

Moreover, domestic US travel remains powerful. International demand continues to reshape the USA travel map. Consequently, the US tourism sector is not slowing. It is expanding. It is evolving. It is competing globally across the Americas.

Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story because Florida joins Hawaii, Texas, California, New York, Nevada and more US states in becoming major economic drivers in US tourism, and this is what you need to know to understand the full impact.

Tourism remains one of the most powerful economic drivers in the United States. Each year, millions of travellers move across state lines for leisure, business, family visits and major events. In 2025, the US tourism sector continued to demonstrate both scale and resilience, with early government releases confirming record performance in at least one major state and sustained strength in others.

While final annual figures for many states are still pending publication, preliminary data already provide important insight into travel patterns across the country. Florida has officially confirmed a record-breaking year, welcoming 143.3 million visitors in 2025 — the highest annual total in its history. Hawaii has published detailed partial-year statistics showing continued high visitation levels and stable visitor spending. Other major tourism states, including California, New York, Texas and Nevada, are expected to release their full annual reports later in the year.

The available data illustrate several key trends. Domestic travel remains the foundation of the US tourism economy, accounting for the overwhelming majority of state-level visitation. International arrivals continue to contribute meaningfully, particularly in gateway states with strong global connectivity.

This report presents a structured overview of 2025 tourism statistics across selected US states, based strictly on officially released government data. It aims to provide clarity on confirmed figures, highlight emerging trends and identify where final data remain forthcoming, offering a transparent snapshot of the US travel landscape in 2025.

Florida Sets New Tourism Record in 2025 with 143.3 Million Visitors, Governor DeSantis Announces

Record-Breaking Year Reinforces Florida’s Position as America’s Top Travel Destination

Florida has achieved another historic milestone in tourism, welcoming an estimated 143.3 million visitors in calendar year 2025, according to preliminary figures released by VISIT FLORIDA and announced by Governor Ron DeSantis. The total marks the highest annual visitation in the state’s history, further cementing Florida’s status as the leading domestic travel destination in the United States.

The 2025 total represents a 0.2 percent increase over 2024 levels. Officials noted that final confirmed figures are expected later in the spring as additional data becomes available.

Fourth Quarter 2025 Delivers Highest Q4 Visitation on Record

The fourth quarter of 2025 proved especially strong, with an estimated 33.5 million visitors travelling to Florida between October and December. This marks the highest fourth-quarter visitation ever recorded for the state and reflects a 0.6 percent increase compared to Q4 2024.

Of the Q4 total, domestic travellers accounted for approximately 30.31 million visits, while international travellers contributed around 3.2 million visits. Domestic visitors represented 90.5 percent of total fourth-quarter arrivals, with international travellers accounting for 9.5 percent.

Air travel activity also rose during the period. Enplanements at 19 Florida airports reached 27.4 million in Q4 2025, an increase of 2.8 percent compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Domestic Travel Continues to Drive Florida’s Tourism Growth

Domestic visitors remained the dominant force behind Florida’s tourism performance in 2025. Americans accounted for 131.1 million trips to the state, representing 91.5 percent of total annual visitation. This share increased slightly from 91.4 percent in 2024.

Overseas visitation reached 9.3 million in 2025, while Canadian travellers accounted for 2.9 million visits. Canadian travel remained consistent with historical patterns, typically representing around two percent of Florida’s total visitation.

Preliminary data also show a shift in transportation patterns. Approximately 35.8 percent of domestic visitors travelled by air, while 64.2 percent arrived by non-air modes, reflecting a slightly smaller share of air travel compared to the previous year.

International Markets Show Strong Year-Over-Year Growth

Florida recorded notable growth from several key international markets in 2025. Visitation from Brazil increased by 10.4 percent compared to 2024, making Brazil the second-largest international source of visitors to the state. Argentina recorded a 17.8 percent increase in visitors year over year.

Spain also experienced 10.4 percent growth and entered the top ten overseas origin countries for Florida. Additional European markets, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy and the Netherlands, contributed to continued international strength.

VISIT FLORIDA officials stated that the organisation remains focused on expanding international visitation through targeted marketing strategies.

State Leaders Credit Strategic Investments for Continued Success

Governor Ron DeSantis attributed Florida’s record-setting performance to strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety and environmental stewardship. He emphasised that these efforts ensure Florida remains a destination where families can travel with confidence while supporting sustained tourism industry growth.

Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, highlighted the role of local businesses and tourism partners in delivering high-quality visitor experiences. Secretary J. Alex Kelly of the Florida Department of Commerce described Florida as the nation’s leading domestic travel destination and linked the milestone to investments supporting job growth, small businesses and infrastructure improvements.

With preliminary estimates confirming a historic year, Florida’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and leadership within the national travel economy.

Hawaii: Sustained High Visitation and Strong Economic Contribution

Hawaii has not announced a record-breaking annual total for 2025. However, official state reporting confirms sustained high visitor volumes and steady economic contribution. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s official 2025 visitor statistics report, the islands continued to attract millions of visitors throughout much of the year.

From January to October 2025, O‘ahu welcomed approximately 4.76 million visitors. Maui received around 2.07 million visitors. Kaua‘i recorded roughly 1.19 million arrivals. Hawai‘i Island attracted about 1.46 million visitors.

These figures confirm that Hawaii remains one of the most visited destinations within the US tourism sector. The report also indicates increases in average daily visitor spending on several islands. This suggests that overall economic impact per visitor remains significant.

Tourism is central to Hawaii’s economy. It supports hospitality employment, aviation routes, small businesses and public revenue streams. Although Hawaii has not declared a new annual record for 2025, its consistent visitor flows illustrate the resilience of US travel demand.

The data reinforce that the USA tourism economy is not dependent on one single state. Hawaii continues to contribute meaningfully to the broader US tourism sector across the Americas.

California: Awaiting Official 2025 Annual Totals

California is traditionally one of the largest tourism markets in the United States. The state attracts domestic travellers and international visitors to major cities, coastal regions and national parks. However, as of early 2026, California has not yet published a complete annual tourism total for 2025 on its official government platforms.

This absence does not indicate decline. Annual tourism reports require extensive data collection and verification processes. Historically, California has ranked among the top states for international arrivals within the US tourism sector.

California’s tourism economy is diverse. It includes urban tourism in Los Angeles and San Francisco, coastal leisure travel, wine region tourism and national park visitation. International visitors frequently enter the USA through California’s major airports, contributing significantly to inbound US travel statistics.

When California releases its official 2025 annual tourism report, it will provide clearer insight into state-level performance. Until then, there is no confirmed record-breaking figure for the state in 2025.

California remains a structural pillar of the US tourism sector. Its long-term significance within the USA travel economy continues, even as official 2025 totals are pending.

New York: A Major Gateway State Pending Final 2025 Data

New York is one of the most internationally recognised tourism destinations in the United States. It serves as a primary gateway for inbound international US travel. However, like California, New York has not yet published a final annual tourism total for 2025 on its official state government platforms.

Historically, New York attracts millions of domestic and international travellers annually. Urban tourism in New York City plays a central role in the US tourism sector. Visitors travel for leisure, business, conferences and cultural experiences.

The absence of confirmed 2025 annual totals reflects reporting cycles rather than confirmed performance decline. Comprehensive tourism reporting requires finalised data from airports, hotels and economic surveys.

New York’s significance in the US tourism sector remains substantial. International travellers frequently enter the USA through New York’s airports. The state contributes meaningfully to service exports and economic output.

Until official 2025 totals are released, there is no government confirmation of record-breaking visitation for New York in 2025. However, its position within the broader US travel economy remains strong and historically influential across the Americas.

Nevada: Entertainment Tourism Leader Awaiting 2025 Confirmation

Nevada plays a distinctive role within the US tourism sector. The state, particularly Las Vegas, is globally recognised for entertainment, conferences and leisure travel. However, as of early 2026, Nevada has not yet published a complete official annual tourism total for 2025.

Historically, Nevada attracts significant domestic and international travel flows. The state’s tourism economy is centred around hospitality, conventions and large-scale events. It represents a unique segment of the USA travel ecosystem.

Like other major states, Nevada’s final annual tourism figures require detailed reporting processes. Until official 2025 totals are released, there is no confirmed record-breaking annual figure for the state.

Nevada remains strategically important within the US tourism sector. Its visitor economy supports employment, state revenue and infrastructure development. When final 2025 data become available, a more comprehensive assessment of Nevada’s performance can be made.

For now, Florida remains the only state with confirmed record-breaking tourism statistics in 2025.

Texas: A Large Domestic Tourism Market Awaiting Full Reporting

Texas represents one of the largest domestic tourism markets in the United States. The state combines business travel, cultural heritage tourism and urban leisure markets. However, as of early 2026, Texas has not yet released an official annual tourism total for 2025 on its government platforms.

Texas benefits heavily from domestic US travel flows. Major cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio attract visitors for conferences, business and leisure activities. The state’s size and population support a substantial internal tourism economy.

Although Texas remains a significant contributor to the US tourism sector, no official record-breaking 2025 total has been confirmed at this stage. As with other large states, finalised annual reporting requires time for data consolidation and verification.

Texas continues to play an important role in the broader USA tourism system. Its domestic travel strength contributes to the resilience of the US tourism sector across the Americas.

Avora Residences has officially announced the launch of its flagship vessel, Lumina, set to debut in January 2028. This groundbreaking luxury residential cruise is poised to redefine what it means to live at sea, offering a unique blend of opulence, exclusivity, and adventure. Designed for those who seek the ultimate in comfort and freedom, Lumina promises to deliver an unparalleled living experience aboard a state-of-the-art vessel. With luxurious villas, world-class amenities, and the freedom of the open ocean, Avora is setting a new benchmark for high-end cruising and residential living. This innovative concept combines the finest elements of modern luxury with the freedom of travel, making Lumina a revolutionary addition to the world of luxury living at sea.

Avora Residences is setting sail with an ambitious vision to redefine luxury living at sea. The brand has officially launched its website and unveiled its debut vessel, Lumina, which will embark on its first journey in January 2028, departing from Lisbon, Portugal. Combining world-class residences with the unparalleled freedom of the open ocean, Avora Residences offers a truly exclusive lifestyle for those seeking comfort, elegance, and adventure.

A key milestone in Avora’s journey is a strategic collaboration with Villa Vie Residences, a contemporary luxury brand offering residential living. This partnership positions Avora as the ultimate luxury counterpart to Villa Vie’s ground-based properties, creating an extraordinary synergy between the two brands. Through this alliance, both brands aim to elevate the concept of modern luxury, focusing on expanding access and freedom, core elements of today’s most coveted lifestyles.

The Lumina Experience: A Floating Luxury Oasis

Aboard Lumina, residents will have access to seven exclusive villa categories, with sizes ranging from 301 to 1,173 square feet. Every villa has been meticulously designed to cater to those who demand the finest in quality, blending sophisticated design with exceptional comfort. From private retreats to spacious, expansive living spaces, Lumina offers a range of options that ensure each resident’s needs are met.

The journey to ownership begins with the Dawn Villa, starting at $545,000, providing an accessible yet luxurious introduction to life aboard Lumina. For those seeking more lavish accommodations, the most opulent offering—the Lumina Villa—comes with a price tag of $4,288,000. Additionally, for those looking for flexibility, five-year ownership options are available, starting at $219,600. This allows potential residents to enjoy the lavish lifestyle of Avora Residences without long-term commitments.

Monthly fees reflect the size and exclusivity of the villa, ranging from $8,355 for a Dawn Villa to $28,525 for the grand Lumina Villa. Each fee ensures access to an unparalleled range of amenities and services designed for a life of comfort and sophistication.

Onboard Amenities: A World of Luxury and Comfort

Living aboard Lumina is an extraordinary experience, with an array of premium amenities designed to cater to every desire. Residents can enjoy a diverse selection of world-class dining options, each helmed by renowned chefs committed to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences. The spa, featuring a sauna, hot tub, and steam room, offers the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploring the seas.

Fitness enthusiasts can stay active in the state-of-the-art fitness center, which includes yoga classes and personalized training programs. For those with a passion for culture, Lumina offers live theater performances, a curated art gallery, and guest lectures on various topics, ensuring that the onboard experience remains enriching and engaging.

Business travelers will appreciate the fully equipped business center, complemented by Starlink internet connectivity, ensuring a reliable and fast connection no matter where in the world the ship sails. This connectivity allows residents to balance work with pleasure, making it easier than ever to remain productive while enjoying life on the open ocean.

Inclusive Luxury Services

As part of the Lumina experience, residents will enjoy an array of luxurious services that elevate everyday living. From premium cocktails, wine, beer, and freshly brewed barista coffee included in the package to white-glove housekeeping and laundry services twice a week, no detail is overlooked. All gratuities and port charges are covered, further enhancing the carefree lifestyle that residents can enjoy.

A dedicated concierge service will cater to every need, whether it’s arranging personalized excursions or fulfilling more specific requests. This all-encompassing service ensures that residents can immerse themselves fully in the luxury cruise experience without concern for day-to-day logistics.

A Unique Partnership: Reciprocal Access with Villa Vie Residences

The partnership between Avora Residences and Villa Vie Residences offers an added bonus: reciprocal access privileges for residents of both brands. This collaboration extends the luxury experience across multiple locations, giving residents access to Villa Vie’s high-end residential offerings, further enriching their lifestyle options. This reciprocal access provides residents with an integrated luxury experience that seamlessly blends land and sea living, offering unparalleled flexibility.

Setting New Standards in Luxury Living at Sea

Avora Residences and its flagship vessel, Lumina, are reshaping what it means to live luxuriously aboard a cruise. By combining the finest elements of residential living with the flexibility of cruising, Avora offers an extraordinary lifestyle for those who desire a life of comfort, adventure, and opulence. With its wide range of villas, all-inclusive amenities, and unique partnership with Villa Vie, Avora Residences sets a new benchmark for luxury living on the water, offering residents an unprecedented way to experience the world.

Google introduced its Titan M2 security chip with the Pixel 6 devices back in 2021, and it's still present in the Pixel 10 family, but it's obviously getting a little bit long in the tooth after more than four years. The good news is that a new rumor claims the Titan M3 is coming later this year to the Pixel 11 series alongside the Tensor G6 SoC. It's unclear exactly what will be new in the Titan M3, but it is allegedly codenamed Google Epic, so clearly it will be a massive improvement over its predecessor - otherwise why call it that? For reference, note that the Titan M2 handles...

Motorola's Razr 2025 and Razr Ultra 2025, also known as the Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra outside of North America, are now finally being updated to Android 16 in the US, days after Google launched the first beta of Android 17. So we definitely can't praise Motorola for being fast with this release - Google rolled out Android 16 in June of last year. Anyway, if your Razr or Razr Ultra (2025) is from T-Mobile or Verizon, you should be notified about the update very soon, if you haven't been already. The new build number for Verizon is W1UC36H.96-35-1 for the Razr and W1VL36H.59-55-5 for the...

Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have become central figures in the United States’ soccer renaissance, each carrying the weight of expectation from fans dreaming of a historic run on home soil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Pulisic once set the benchmark for American success in Europe, Balogun has now written his name into UEFA Champions League history, signaling a generational shift in American attacking talent at club level.

Across the Atlantic, their clubs have served as proving grounds for two different eras of U.S. soccer excellence. Pulisic’s early breakout years redefined what was possible for an American in elite European competition, while Balogun’s latest feats show that the new generation is not just catching up, but surpassing previous standards.

Pulisic’s breakthrough season in 2016 remains one of the most influential chapters in modern American soccer history. At just 17 years old, he became a regular starter at Borussia Dortmund, quickly setting a cascade of youth records with both the national team and his club.

His rapid rise included becoming the youngest American to appear in a World Cup qualifier, the youngest U.S. player to score for the senior national team, and the youngest American to score in the UEFA Champions League. Pulisic’s impact was immediate, blending technical brilliance with fearless attacking play against Europe’s elite defenses.

He also made history by becoming the first U.S.-based player in Germany to score in the Bundesliga, domestic cup, and Champions League in the same season. By the end of his teenage years, Pulisic had already accumulated a record list that positioned him as the face of American soccer’s European breakthrough. Years later, his move to Milan further elevated his Champions League legacy, where he continued to deliver on the biggest stage and set benchmarks for American attackers in Europe.

Balogun’s breakthrough moment in the Champions League

While Pulisic laid the groundwork, Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the leading symbols of the next U.S. generation. The striker delivered a defining performance for Monaco in a high-profile UEFA Champions League playoff clash against Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice inside the opening 20 minutes.

Balogun struck after just 55 seconds, heading in a cross from Aleksandr Golovin before doubling the lead minutes later, sending shockwaves through European soccer. His explosive start against the French champions highlighted his predatory instincts and composure at the highest level.

However, despite Monaco’s early dominance, the match swung dramatically after Golovin was sent off. PSG mounted a comeback to secure a 3-2 victory, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg.

The record revealed

Midway through the season, Balogun’s scoring spree led to a landmark achievement for American players in Europe. He surpassed Christian Pulisic’s mark for the most goals scored by an American in a single UEFA Champions League season, reaching five goals in nine matches.

Pulisic had previously set the standard with four goals in a single Champions League campaign for AC Milan, a record that stood as a symbol of American progress in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Balogun’s brace against PSG pushed him past that milestone, rewriting the history books. The achievement marked the highest single-season Champions League goal tally ever recorded by an American player.

Certain players command respect not just through goals and assists, but through the way they adapt, connect, and elevate those around them. At Milan, American star Christian Pulisic has done exactly that, earning admiration from a teammate who also shares the dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo at international level.

In a recent interview, тхе Portuguese winger spoke warmly about Christian Pulisic, highlighting not only his soccer qualities but also his intelligence, professionalism, and rapid adaptation to Serie A. The praise adds another layer to Pulisic’s growing influence at the club, where he has quietly become one of the most decisive figures in recent seasons. Before delving deeper into his words, it is time to reveal the identity of the admirer.

Rafael Leao, Milan’s Portuguese star and Cristiano Ronaldo’s international teammate, delivered glowing praise for Christian Pulisic in an interview with CBS Sports. His words painted a picture of a player who has integrated seamlessly into Italian soccer while maintaining a decisive impact on the pitch. “Now we know each other on the pitch. This season we’ve had a few injuries, we haven’t had great opportunities together,” Leao said.

“He’s a great player, one of the best in recent seasons“, he added. The Portugal international ace went even further, emphasizing how much trust he has in the American when they share the field. “I expect a lot. When he plays, and I’m on the pitch, I’m like: ‘Yeah, Christian will do something.’”

Perhaps the most striking part of his praise came when he highlighted Pulisic’s adaptation off the pitch. “When he arrived, he understood the league fast. He speaks Italian almost perfectly, even with an American accent.” The 26-year-old also described Pulisic as “a great player, one of the best in recent seasons,” underlining his status as a key figure at the club.

Pulisic’s impact at Milan despite injury challenges this season

Christian Pulisic’s influence at Milan has been undeniable, even during periods of physical setbacks. He is currently the club’s top scorer this season, with 10 goals and two assists in 22 appearances, a remarkable return given his intermittent fitness issues.

The American has struggled with bursitis in recent weeks, limiting his availability and rhythm, and he has yet to score in 2026. Still, his contributions earlier in the campaign laid the foundation for Milan’s attacking output, and his presence remains vital for the club’s ambitions. Leao’s comments reflect the perception inside the dressing room: when Pulisic plays, he is expected to create something decisive.

Growing reputation in Italy

With both Pulisic and Leao returning to fitness, Milan’s attacking options look significantly stronger. Their availability could allow the coach to deploy them in their natural positions, unlocking the attacking trident that was initially envisioned at the start of the season.

Beyond statistics and formations, Leao’s words highlight something deeper: The American’s growing reputation in Italy. Adapting quickly to Serie A is no small feat, particularly for a foreign player arriving with massive expectations. His linguistic and cultural integration, combined with his performances, have made him a respected figure among teammates and fans alike.

For a USMNT player in Europe, such praise from a Portuguese star who plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo is particularly significant. It reinforces the idea that Pulisic is no longer just a high-profile signing; he is a trusted, influential leader within the squad.

As they prepare to begin their 2026 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami are already looking ahead. Lionel Messi’s team could sign a Manchester United star who is a five-time UEFA Champions League winner.

According to SunSport, Casemiro is being considered by the Herons as a potential reinforcement this summer. “Miami are one of several clubs weighing up a move for the former Real Madrid midfielder,” the report states.

That interest, apparently, is mutual. “Casemiro, who turns 34 next week, was spotted enjoying a mini winter break in Miami with wife Anna this week,” SunSport added, before claiming that the midfielder “was in Florida to scout the area as he weighs up his options after the World Cup in the summer.”

Casemiro is under contract with Manchester United through June 30 of this year and, although he had the option to extend it for one more season, he recently announced his decision to leave the English side at the end of the current campaign. At that point, he will become a free agent and be free to negotiate with any club in the world.

Inter Miami would benefit from Casemiro’s arrival

It makes perfect sense that Inter Miami would be interested in signing Casemiro. At the end of last year, they lost one of their biggest stars, Sergio Busquets, who decided to retire after winning the MLS title in early December.

That departure left a major void in central midfield, a key position for any team, and one that will not be easy to fill. During the current transfer window, the Herons signed a player in that role: David Ayala, a 23-year-old Argentine midfielder who stood out over the past four seasons with Portland Timbers.

Ayala’s contribution will undoubtedly be valuable, considering his MLS experience and his youth, which provides more physical range than Busquets offered. However, the young midfielder lacks the European pedigree and overall quality of Busquets, and that difference could become evident over time.

Given that scenario, Casemiro’s profile would be a natural fit in Miami. Like Busquets, he brings vast experience at the highest level of European soccer, having played a key role in five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and remaining a prominent figure in the Premier League with Manchester United.

Inter Miami face competition for Casemiro

Naturally, a player of Casemiro’s caliber becoming a free agent will attract interest from multiple clubs. Beyond Inter Miami’s reported pursuit, other teams are said to be targeting the 33-year-old Brazilian star.

“The five-time Champions League winner has also drawn interest from FC Porto and Sao Paulo, who he joined as a schoolboy and turned pro,” The Sun reports. “Sao Paulo are set to offer Casemiro a two-year deal with an option to work for the club at the end of his contract.”

Emotional ties could ultimately play a decisive role in Casemiro’s decision. In that regard, Sao Paulo and Porto may hold an advantage, as the midfielder previously played for both clubs. Other options reportedly include a move to Saudi Arabia, as well as interest from LA Galaxy, Inter Miami’s MLS rival.

Back in October, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona after four losses to them in the current La Liga. However, the focus turned to Vinicius‘ reaction after then-manager Xabi Alonso substituted him for Rodrygo with around 20 minutes left. Carlo Ancelotti recently revealed he spoke with him.

Vinicius’ reaction was notably loud for a player of his importance, yelling “Me?” several times before leaving the field and even making a gesture toward Alonso that came across as disrespectful. Former Real Madrid player Jorge Valdano raised the issue with Ancelotti on his Universo Valdano show.

Ancelotti didn’t shy away: “The reaction was bad. I spoke with Vini about this. The player must respect the manager, who can make mistakes, his teammates, and the players coming on. He’s very passionate. I think he has improved a lot in his attitude. The Vinicius who plays for Brazil is different as a person from the one at Real Madrid.”

Ancelotti speaks on his time with Álvaro Arbeloa

Ancelotti was the manager of the club until he left in 2025 to take charge of Brazil. He was finishing one of his most successful runs with Real Madrid, including a pair of Champions League titles in his second stint at the club.

The Italian had already managed the club from 2013 to 2015 before returning years later. In that period, he worked with the current Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa.

Asked about Arbeloa as a player he said: “He didn’t play very much because it was Daniel Carvajal’s spot. But he was an important presence in the dressing room, a great professional. I wish him the best.”

The difference for Vinicius from Arbeloa to Alonso

There seemed to be a colder relationship between Alonso and the players from the first day. Arbeloa has taken a different approach, trying to be close to them and at times acting more like a teammate than the manager.

Arbeloa was very complimentary when talking about Vinicius at his most recent press conference: “Since I took over, he has been sensational. He decides matches, scores great goals, and puts the team on his back. He isn’t afraid.”

Speculation over Barcelona’s center forward position for next season has been a hot topic for months. Julian Alvarez has been linked to the role, and now Pau Cubarsi has given his explicit approval regarding the Argentine’s qualities.

During an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Cubarsi was specifically asked about Alvarez and didn’t hesitate to share his opinion. “Julian, as everyone knows, is a spectacular player. I’ve played against him a lot and had to mark him,” the center-back began. “He’s a top-level striker, and I think he’s Barça level.”

Indeed, Cubarsi and Alvarez have faced each other several times, always in matches between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. They have met six times across La Liga and Copa del Rey, with three victories for Los Blaugranas, two for Los Colchoneros, and one draw. In those encounters, Alvarez scored three goals.

Beyond the praise for Julian, Pau Cubarsi also emphasized that Barcelona’s current options at center forward — Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres — are up to the task. “Rober and Ferran are also at a spectacular level. They’re doing very well and help us in every aspect,” the 19-year-old defender explained.

The future of Julian Alvarez

Although Julian Alvarez’s current season is far from his best since arriving in Spain — registering 13 goals and six assists in 35 appearances — that hasn’t stopped his name from being linked to several major European clubs.

In addition to rumors of a possible return to the Premier League with Arsenal, the most persistent reports point to Barcelona’s interest. Even the interim president of the Catalan side commented on Alvarez’s potential signing. “There has already been some rapport. We have known everyone for years, and so one day, as always, it will be very nice,” Rafael Yuste said last week.

Cubarsi also talks about Lionel Messi

In the same interview with Mundo Deportivo, Pau Cubarsi also mentioned another star from the Argentina national team besides Julian Alvarez. In a rapid-fire Q&A segment, the Barcelona defender was asked who he would like to take a photo with, and he didn’t hesitate: “Messi.”

Finally, when asked about a dream he still wants to achieve, Cubarsi surprisingly didn’t mention winning the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona or the World Cup with Spain. Instead, he pointed to a goal much closer in time. “Well, the Finalissima. Trying to be there and play alongside Messi,” said the young defender.

Match Overview

Matchday 6 of the Liga Profesional Argentina delivers a marquee rivalry showdown as Racing Club and Boca Juniors (2-1-2) collide in a matchup loaded with early-season implications. Boca enter after a frustrating draw against Platense and are still searching for consistency, knowing a strong result could reignite their push up the standings.

Racing, meanwhile, have rebounded from a three-game skid with consecutive victories and look determined to keep their momentum alive. With both clubs aiming to position themselves firmly in the title race, this clash could prove pivotal in shaping the championship picture—don’t miss one of the most anticipated games of the round.

The upcoming showdown between and has finally been confirmed. Benavidez was last in action in November when he successfully defended his WBC light heavyweight title for the first time with a seventh round stoppage victory over Anthony Yarde. ‘The Mexican Monster’ was initially expected to return with another title defence for his next bout as […]

The post David Benavidez cruiserweight world title shot against Gilberto Ramirez now official appeared first on Boxing News.

Microsoft found 31 companies hiding prompt injections inside "Summarize with AI" buttons aimed at biasing what AI assistants recommend in future conversations.

The post Microsoft: ‘Summarize With AI’ Buttons Used To Poison AI Recommendations appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 21-ci turuna start verilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun gününün sonuncu qarşılaşması Sumqayıtda baş tutub.

“Sumqayıt” doğma meydanda “Qəbələ” ilə üz-üzə gəlib. Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionunda baş tutmuş görüşün baş hakimi Fərid Hacıyev olub. Bu oyunda qapılara qol vurulmayıb.

Xatırladaq ki, turun ilk oyununda “Turan Tovuz” “Zirə”yə 2:0 hesabıyla qalib gəlib. 21-ci turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 21-də və 22-də keçiriləcək. Bu turun “Neftçi” – “Qarabağ” matçı isə təxirə salınıb.

Premyer Liqa
21-ci tur
20 fevral

“Sumqayıt” – “Qəbələ” 0:0
Hakimlər: Fərid Hacıyev, Rəhman İmami, Tərlan Talıbzadə, İslam Məmmədov.
VAR: Cavid Cəlilov.
AVAR: Eyyub İbrahimov.
Hakim-inspektor: İmanxan Sultani.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Eldəniz Musayev.
Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu, 19:30.

Sumqayıt: 1. Mehdi Cənnətov (k), 7. Rüstəm Əhmədzadə, 19. Roi Kehat, 72. Rayan Senhadji, 6. Sedrik Badolo, 33. Danilo Beskorovaynı, 23. Ronaldo Vaskes, 71. Masaki Murata, 80. Keffel Resende, 11. Aleksa Yankoviç, 25. Abdul Raşid Mumini.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 22. Xəyal Fərzullayev, 12. Murad Ağamalıyev, 3. Höccət Haqverdi, 29. Emil Mustafayev, 8. Səbuhi Abdullazadə, 24. Sənan Muradlı, 75. Nadir Orucov, 37. Nihad Orucəli, 97. Vüsal Paşayev, 10. Nikola Ninkoviç, 95. Nsana Simon.
Baş məşqçi: Saşa İliç.

Qəbələ: 93. Rza Cəfərov, 7. Turan Manafov, 13. Nicat Əliyev (k), 24. İsmael Akinade, 33. Seydina Keyta, 50. Adriel Ba Lua, 3. Eduardo Kunde, 6. Xayme Syerra, 8. Sambu Sissoko, 16. İsaak Amoa, 30. Prins Ovusu.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Səlahət Ağayev, 11. Asif Məmmədov, 28. Murad Musayev, 22. Fərid İsgəndərov, 74. Süleyman Damadayev, 66. Nuğay Rəşidov, 10. Şahin Şahniyarov, 27. Eşqin Əhmədov, 21. Ziya Şəkərxanov, 12. İbrahim Sanqare, 14. Domi Massumo, 70. Paulo Kimbila
Baş məşqçi: Kaxaber Sxadadze.

Voleybol üzrə qadınlar arasında Azərbaycan çempionatında (Yüksək Liqa) 2025/2026 mövsümünün 14-cü turuna yekun vurulub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Günün ilk matçında “Turan” Tovuzda UNEC kollektivini 3:0 (25:10, 25:18, 25:14) hesabı ilə üstələyib.

Ardınca isə “Murov” “Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası” komandasını 3:2 (22:25, 22:25, 26:24, 25:20, 15:10) hesabı ilə məğlub edib.

Turun ötən gün baş tutmuş görüşlərində “DH Volley” “Gənclər”ə 3:0, “Abşeron” isə “Azərreyl”ə 3:2 hesabı ilə qalib gəlmişdi.

Yüksək Liqa
14-cü tur
20 fevral

“Turan” – UNEC 3:0 (25:10, 25:18, 25:14)
Tovuz Olimpiya İdman Kompleksi.

“Murov” – “Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası” 3:2 (22:25, 22:25, 26:24, 25:20, 15:10)
“Murov” VK-nın idman zalı.

Xallar: Turan – 34. DH Volley – 32. Milli Aviasiya Akademiya – 24. UNEC – 20. Gəncə – 20. Abşeron- 14. Azərreyl – 15. Murov – 9. Gənclər – 0.

Como have confirmed their squad for Saturday’s Serie A fixture at Juventus, and Cesc Fàbregas will be without three notable players for the trip to Turin.

Nico Paz misses out after picking up a yellow card in the draw with Milan and reaching the limit.

The suspension comes as a timely blow for Como given the Argentine‘s influence in their attacking play.

Addai and Goldaniga also remain sidelined through injury, though Alvaro Morata returns to the squad after serving his own suspension, as per IlBianconero.

Como suffer injury blows for Juventus clash

Fàbregas himself will be in the dugout after escaping a touchline ban, despite a heated altercation with Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri that attracted considerable attention in the build-up to the match.

The stakes are high for both sides, though perhaps more so for Como.

Fabregas’ men drew 1-1 with Milan in their last outing and currently sit four points behind Juventus in the table.

A win on Saturday would cut that gap and put significant pressure on those around them, while defeat would see Juventus pull seven points clear, a potentially decisive margin at this stage of the season.

For Juventus, the match is the first in a demanding run of fixtures that also includes the Champions League second leg against Galatasaray and a crucial Serie A encounter with Roma, making maximum points against Como all the more important before the schedule intensifies.

Antonio Conte could hand Alisson Santos a surprise start when Napoli travel to Atalanta on Sunday.

The Serie A clash kicks-off at 15:00 CET on Sunday and January addition Alisson looks set to start, according to Sky Sport, via IlNapolista.

The Brazilian forward, formerly of Sporting Lisbon, has made an immediate impression since arriving at the club, netting a late equaliser off the bench in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Roma.

That cameo appearance may have been enough to convince Conte to hand him a place in the starting XI, with Santos potentially lining up in the front three alongside Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Højlund.

Napoli team news: Conte keeps things fresh amongst injury crisis

In midfield, Eljif Elmas could drop into a deeper role to partner Stanislav Lobotka, with Scott McTominay dropping to the bench as a result.

Fellow Scot Billy Gilmour would then be among the substitutes, likely to feature from the bench.

Matteo Politano may also find himself left out of the starting lineup, with Mazzocchi set to take his place on the right flank.

Gutiérrez is expected to operate on the left side.

At the back, Conte looks set to continue with a back three of Sam Beukema, Juan Jesus and Alessandro Buongiorno, providing the defensive foundation the Napoli head coach demands.

Between the posts, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is again expected to be preferred to Alex Meret, continuing what has become an established pattern in recent weeks.

Sassuolo could move up into eighth place tonight with a win over last-placed Verona, as the Neroverdi look to take advantage of a struggling Gialloblu side.

Fabio Grosso’s side can leapfrog both Lazio and Bologna this evening, with those two sides playing later in the weekend.

Despite Sassuolo‘s negative goal difference, they have been performing well under Grosso and look destined for a mid table finish.

Verona, meanwhile, are more fragile. With just two wins from 25 games this season, the Veronese side are in troubled waters and currently float nine points adrift from safety.

Verona have conceded 43 goals this season and have not been efficient at the other end either, scoring just 19.

Sassuolo vs Verona – Official Starting Lineups

SASSUOLO (4-3-3): Muric; Coulibaly, Walukiewicz, Idzes, Ulisses; Thorstvedt, Lipani, Koné; Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté

HELLAS VERONA (3-5-2): Montipò; Bella-Kotchap, Nelsson, Edmundsson; Bradaric, Niasse, Al-Musrati, Harroui, Frese; Bowie, Sarr

20-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 26

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Verona

vs

Season Analytics

Sassuolo

Positions

Verona

SEASON TOTAL

SAS HOME

4

2

6

9

5

11

Last matches

15-02-2026		Udinese	W	1 - 2
08-02-2026		Inter	L	0 - 5
31-01-2026		Pisa	W	1 - 3
25-01-2026		Cremonese	W	1 - 0
17-01-2026		Napoli	L	1 - 0

08-02-2026		Inter	L	0 - 5
25-01-2026		Cremonese	W	1 - 0
06-01-2026		Juventus	L	0 - 3
03-01-2026		Parma	D	1 - 1
21-12-2025		Torino	L	0 - 1

10

20

Position

SEASON TOTAL

VER AWAY

1

5

7

2

9

14

Last matches

	2 - 1	L	Parma		15-02-2026
	0 - 0	D	Pisa		06-02-2026
	4 - 0	L	Cagliari		31-01-2026
	1 - 3	L	Udinese		26-01-2026
	0 - 0	D	Cremonese		19-01-2026

	2 - 1	L	Parma		15-02-2026
	4 - 0	L	Cagliari		31-01-2026
	0 - 0	D	Cremonese		19-01-2026
	2 - 2	D	Napoli		07-01-2026
	3 - 0	L	Milan		28-12-2025

Sassuolo

Verona

Starting lineups

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

37

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Defender

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

3

Martin Frese

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

73

Moatasem Al-Musrati

Midfielder

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

Substitutes

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

3

Josh Doig

Defender

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

50

Darryl Bakola

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

92

Luca Monticelli

Attacker

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

71

Davide De Battisti

Defender

30

Luca Szimionaș

Midfielder

41

Isaac

Attacker

99

Jurgen Peci

Midfielder

Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing the PSG attacker Bradley Barcola at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has struggled to secure regular opportunities at PSG and needs to leave the club to play more often. Moving to the Premier League would be ideal for him. Liverpool and Arsenal need more quality on the flanks, and the French International could be ideal for them. He will add explosive pace, technical ability and unpredictability in the final third.

He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and sitting on the bench at PSG will not benefit him.

Liverpool needs a player with his skill set. They have not been able to replace Luis Diaz properly, and Barcola could be the ideal alternative. Similarly, Arsenal need more quality on the flanks. They have invested in players like Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, but they have been quite underwhelming since joining the club. Arsenal need more cutting-edge from the flanks, and the French attacker could help them improve.

The report from Fichajes claims that Liverpool and Arsenal would not hesitate to pay a premium for the player in the summer. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. He has the technical attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and he will look to establish himself as a key player for either club.

Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. The move would be ideal for all parties.

Despite not starting regularly, the 23-year-old has recorded 13 goal contributions already this season. His numbers will only improve when he plays regularly at a high level.

The post Liverpool join Arsenal in race for 23-year-old speedster with 13 goal contributions appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sint-Truiden striker Keisuke Goto has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has been excellent since joining the Belgian club on loan from Anderlecht. He has been able to find the back of the net regularly, and his performances have attracted the attention of Chelsea and Tottenham. According to a report from Sports Boom, both clubs are interested in the 20-year-old Japanese international, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

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Goto has shown that he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition. He is a young player with significant potential, and he could develop into a star with the right guidance. The player could be available for €15-20 million, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea or Tottenham decide to pay up. He has 16 goal contributions this season.

Chelsea need more cutting-edge in the final third. They need someone who can lead for them and find the back of the net regularly. The 20-year-old Japanese attacker could be the ideal fit.

Similarly, Tottenham needs more quality in the final third. They have struggled to find the back of the net regularly, and it needs to be seen whether the 20-year-old can solve that problem.

The asking price is quite nominal for a player of his potential, and the deal could look like a major bargain in future. It remains to be seen where he ends up.  Both Premier League clubs have the finances to get the deal across the line.

The post Chelsea and Tottenham queue up for 16-G/A star who is tearing it up in Europe appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Away win Best odds: 4/5 Bookmaker: ZetBet Both fresh from emphatic 3-0 victories, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool meet again at the City Ground on Sunday for another Premier League showdown. The Tricky Trees ushered in the Vítor Pereira era with a superb European triumph over Fenerbahçe, while Liverpool enjoyed a commanding FA Cup win […]

The post Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool appeared first on Soccer News.

Well, it appears that the chip startup Taalas has found a solution to LLM response latency and performance by creating dedicated hardware that 'hardwires' AI models. Taalas Manages to Achieve 10x Higher TPS With Meta's Llama 8B LLM, That Too With 20x Lower Production Costs When you look at today's world of AI compute, latency is emerging as a massive constraint for modern-day compute providers, mainly because, in an agentic environment, the primary moat lies in token-per-second (TPS) figures and how quickly you can get a task done. One solution the industry sees is integrating SRAM into their offerings, and […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/this-new-ai-chipmaker-taalas-hard-wires-ai-models-into-silicon-to-make-them-faster/

New research suggests that when given the option between marriage and domestic partnership, same-sex couples in the United States overwhelmingly choose marriage. The findings indicate that marriage retains a distinct and powerful status due to its legal benefits, social clarity, and perceived level of commitment. This study was published in the Journal of Marriage and Family.

Social scientists have debated the status of marriage in American society for decades. One prominent theory, known as deinstitutionalization, suggests that the social norms and rules surrounding marriage are weakening. This theory posits that marriage is becoming less distinct from cohabitation, or living together without being married. For same-sex couples, this question has been particularly complex. Historically excluded from marriage, many couples relied on alternatives like domestic partnerships to secure legal recognition.

Domestic partnerships are legal relationships available in some jurisdictions that grant couples some of the rights and responsibilities of marriage. Before marriage equality was established federally, debates occurred within the gay rights movement regarding the value of marriage.

Some activists argued for assimilation into the tradition of marriage. Others advocated for domestic partnerships as a way to reject what they viewed as a patriarchal or overly traditional institution. The researchers aimed to understand if same-sex couples viewed these two forms of union as equivalent or if they preferred one over the other when both were legally available.

“The percentage of American adults who are married has been steadily declining in recent decades. One question we need to ask ourselves is: is the institution of marriage in decline or perhaps even dying?” explained study author Michael J. Rosenfeld, a professor of sociology at Stanford University.

“One way to think about the question is to ask: what are the alternatives to marriage? Domestic partnership laws in some states, California as an example, were designed to offer the same rights and benefits as marriage. So when given the choice between marriage and domestic partnership, what did couples choose and why?”

For their study, the researchers utilized two primary sources of data. The first was an administrative dataset from the California Secretary of State. This included records of all domestic partnerships filed in California from January 2000 to November 2020. The researchers identified same-sex couples within this data by analyzing the first names of the partners. They used a database from the Social Security Administration to determine the probability of a name being male or female.

Couples were categorized as same-sex if both names had a greater than 95 percent probability of belonging to the same gender. This process identified 48,310 same-sex domestic partnerships. The researchers then compared these registrations with data on same-sex marriages from the American Community Survey. This allowed them to track how the uptake of domestic partnerships changed after same-sex marriage became legal in California in late June 2013.

The second data source was the 2022 “How Couples Meet and Stay Together” survey. This is a nationally representative survey of adults in the United States. The sample included 92 individuals currently in same-sex relationships. These participants were asked explicitly whether they would prefer to be married or in a domestic partnership. They were also asked to write open-ended responses explaining the reasons for their preference.

The analysis of the California administrative data showed a dramatic shift in behavior following the legalization of same-sex marriage. In the years prior to 2013, thousands of same-sex couples registered as domestic partners. However, immediately after the Supreme Court decision that allowed same-sex marriage in California, new domestic partnership registrations dropped significantly.

In the second half of 2013, same-sex couples in California chose marriage over domestic partnership at a ratio of more than 22 to 1. This preference persisted over time. Even years later, between 2016 and 2018, new same-sex marriages outnumbered new domestic partnerships by a ratio of about 13 to 1. This suggests that for the vast majority of couples, domestic partnership was a temporary substitute rather than a preferred alternative.

The national survey results supported the findings from the California administrative data. Among the respondents in same-sex relationships, the preference for marriage was dominant. About three times as many respondents preferred marriage compared to those who preferred domestic partnership.

When asked to explain their reasoning, participants provided clear distinctions between the two institutions. The most common reason for preferring marriage was practical and legal. Respondents noted that marriage offers federal benefits and tax advantages that domestic partnerships do not. They also highlighted portability, which refers to the ability of their legal status to be recognized in other states or countries. Domestic partnerships often lack this recognition outside the jurisdiction where they are performed.

Beyond legal rights, the social and symbolic nature of marriage played a major role. Many participants described marriage as signifying a higher level of commitment than domestic partnership. They viewed domestic partnership as a “marriage-lite” option or a status that implied a less serious bond. Respondents also noted that marriage is a term that is immediately understood by families, friends, and coworkers. This social intelligibility allows couples to communicate the nature of their relationship without needing to explain complex legal terms.

A minority of respondents did prefer domestic partnership. Their reasons often aligned with the theories of those who critique traditional marriage. Some viewed marriage as having too much historical baggage or religious connotation. Others preferred domestic partnership specifically because it felt like a lower level of commitment. This aligns with the idea of a “menu of options,” where couples can choose the legal status that best fits the intensity of their relationship.

The researchers concluded that marriage remains a highly resilient institution. Rather than fading in importance, the distinctiveness of marriage appears to have been reinforced by the fight for marriage equality. Same-sex couples, having studied the institution from the outside for years, appear acutely aware of the specific advantages marriage provides.

“My findings show that same-sex couples overwhelmingly chose marriage over domestic partnership, even though many in the gay rights movement predicted that same-sex couples might prefer the newer and less traditional option of domestic partnership,” Rosenfeld told PsyPost. “Marriage is a durable and flexible institution that is thousands of years old and is not going away.”

As with any study, there are some limitations. California was unique in offering a domestic partnership system that granted nearly all state-level rights of marriage. Most other states did not offer such a robust alternative, making direct comparisons difficult in other regions. Additionally, the number of same-sex couples in the 2022 survey was relatively small, which limits the ability to generalize the survey findings to the entire population with high precision.

Future research could examine how these preferences shift for younger generations who have grown up in a world where marriage equality is the norm. It remains to be seen if the specific legal and cultural distinctions between marriage and other forms of union will continue to hold the same weight as the political context evolves.

The study, “What Happened to the Marriage Alternatives? Same-Sex Couples in the United States and the Distinctiveness of Marriage,” was authored by Michael J. Rosenfeld and Alisa Feldman.

Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının XXI turunun “Sumqayıt” – “Qəbələ” oyunundan (0:0) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Saşa İliç jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırdı.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşdü…

– Oyunun ilk 20 dəqiqəsində yaxşı oyun göstərdik. Lakin fasiləyə yaxın katastrofik vəziyyət yarandı. İkinci hissədə bir az oyunu düzəltdik, amma qələbə qazana bilmədik.

– Futbolçular sanki şanslara məsuliyyətsiz yanaşırlar… Belə şey var, ya bizə elə gəlir?
– Belə deməzdim. Sadəcə ötürmələrdə, qərarlarda səhvlik olur. Bu, məsuliyyət məsələsi deyil.

– Roy Kehatın durumu necədir?
– Hələ dəqiq nəsə deyə bilmərəm. Birinci gün dəqiq bilinəcək.

– Ardıcıl üç oyundur, qələbə qazana bilmirsiniz. Bu, avrokubok mübarizənizə necə təsir edəcək?
– Qarşıda oyunlar var. Ciddi, çətin matçlar olacaq. Çalışacağıq ki, yaxşı nəticələr əldə edək.

Şahin Cəfərov

According to the Telegraph, Aston Villa are very keen to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer when his contract at Fulham expires at the end of the season. The attacking midfielder/winger is also believed to be of interest to Everton, and while it’s not easy to imagine a product of Liverpool’s academy opting to […]

The post Aston Villa aim for free Harry Wilson transfer appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Aston Villa aim for free Harry Wilson transfer appeared first on Soccer News.

Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson has vowed to "continue to seek an end to this debilitating and unnecessary atmosphere of conflict" after a fan protest during Thursday's Europa League game left the Scottish champions fearing disciplinary action.

European governing body Uefa's disciplinary body will review reports from officials at the game against Stuttgart before deciding what, if any, action will be taken after it was held up for more than three minutes when tennis balls were thrown on to the Celtic Park pitch.

It is the latest in a long line of protests this season as fans expressed disappointment at the direction the board of directors have taken the club.

And it proved to be sobering night on the pitch too as Martin O'Neill's side lost the first leg of their knockout play-off 4-1.

• Scotland set to lose second Champions League place
• Celtic's O'Neill seeks 'utopia' after Euro setback
• Celtic v Hibs, Bartley & Chermiti in focus

"Last night was deeply disappointing for the club in many respects," Wilson said. "This started with an orchestrated disruption of the game, causing a delay to an important match.

"Over the past two weeks, I have met with a range of supporters groups and individual supporters.

"I have met in good faith with representatives of the Green Brigade and was hopeful that progress could have been made; indeed this remains the case. I also met in good faith with representatives of the Celtic Fans Collective.

"When I came into this role, I asked for unity inside the stadium to support the team while trying to resolve other issues. I want to see suspensions lifted and differences set aside, but this cannot be unconditional."

Wilson had taken over as interim chairman after former chief executive Peter Lawwell stood down in December citing "abuse and threats".

However, relations appeared to be thawing in January when the Celtic Fans Collective praised Wilson's appeal for unity and appealed for common ground while again calling for changes to the club's hierarchy.

However, the latest tennis ball protest led to criticism from team boss O'Neill.

"Last night's disruption and the reasoning behind it illustrate the difficulty we face and have repeatedly had to contend with," Wilson added.

"This is not intended to deflect from other issues that affect the club and are fully recognised. However, the possibility of further disruptions needs to be addressed urgently.

"Surely the priority must be to give Martin and our players every opportunity to achieve their objectives within the remainder of the season.

"On that basis, I will continue to seek an end to this debilitating and unnecessary atmosphere of conflict."

• Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views
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Top Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Ryan Ward is in his fourth spring training with the team, but after a dominant year in Triple-A last season, he’s hoping to fully break through to the majors.

Ward, an outfielder, played for the Oklahoma City Comets last year, leading the Pacific Coast League in home runs (36), RBIs (122) and total bases (315).

He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and was named to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in November.

With him turning 28 years old in the coming days, Ward has experience in the organization, though he told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain an expiring contract left him with doubts about the future.

Fortunately, “all got answered with one phone call.”

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“I’ve been here for seven years, this will be my eighth year,” Ward told Sonja Chen of MLB.com. “It was starting to get real, like, is it gonna be staying here or going to free agency? So when they called me, and being able to stay here and be with this organization and all the people here, it was really exciting.”

What Does Ward Bring to the Table?

As mentioned, Ward has years of experience in professional baseball, and it was initially thought he could replace Michael Conforto, who left in free agency, but the big-ticket signing of Kyle Tucker filled in that spot.

That said, Ward could be the top option to step in if Tucker, Andy Pages or Teoscar Hernandez are unable to take the field.

Perhaps that’s why the Dodgers kept him despite exploring trade options for the valued prospect.

Ward’s Mindset With MLB Debut on the Line

Ward told McKain that he realizes this spring training could go a long way in determining his baseball future.

“To me it’s like, ‘Okay, you’re going to get your opportunity, you better be ready.’ So [I’m] really taking advantage of all this time and getting myself into the best spot possible to earn that opportunity,” Ward said.

It’s a continuation of his mindset last season. Even as he drew fans’ attention for his MVP season, he was more focused on trying to “kick the door down” and get into the majors.

“I love the sport, I appreciate it more than anything,” he said. “But I’m trying to control what I can control … keep your feet where they are, focus on what’s at hand.”

Wisconsin’s House on Thursday passed a bill that would allow for statewide online sports betting, after Indian Country in November had put the brakes on the bill and its Senate counterpart due to heavy opposition by the commercial industry.

Using a “special order of business,” General Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called the lightly amended HB 601 on the final day of the regular session, and it passed through second and third readings. All votes were by voice, and there was no discussion. The bill was set to immediately be sent to the Senate.

The General Assembly is set to adjourn Friday, leaving little time for the Senate to react, though a “last general floorperiod” session is set for March 17-19, and a “limited business floorperiod” is set April 14-16, so it’s possible that the issue could come up during one of those sessions.

Should the Senate take up the bill — its version was also put on hold in the fall — and Gov. Tony Evers sign it, the state’s tribes would have exclusivity for online sports betting. The bill allows for any bet placed in the state of Wisconsin to be considered made on tribal land if it flows through a server in Indian Country. The only other tribe in the U.S. with such an agreement is Florida’s Seminole Tribe, which has a monopoly on online sports betting in the Sunshine State.

In November, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino CEO and General Manager Dominic Ortiz told the audience of a tribal podcast that the Wisconsin tribes pulled the bill from a floor vote after a heated hearing during which Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) lobbyist Damon Stewart testified against the bill, saying, “This bill won’t get the job done because national brands cannot operate.”

Concern from the commercial industry stems from a requirement in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) that requires a revenue share of 60% to the tribes and 40% to the operator for a partnership agreement. In Wisconsin, tribes are the only qualified wagering license holders, and companies like bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, or FanDuel — all SBA members — would have to partner with one for market access. The split would mean that operators would pay a partner tribe 60% of revenue — a number higher than any state tax rate in the U.S.

If passed, Wisconsin would be unique

In Florida, the same situation exists, and the Seminoles have been live with their Hard Rock Bet platform since November 2023. While the tribe and Hard Rock have indicated that they are open to partnerships, no other commercial operator has entered the state, likely due to the cost from the IGRA-required split.

Ortiz in November said that the commercial industry is “paddling against Niagara Falls in a canoe” due to the rights afforded state-compacted tribes under IGRA. In Wisconsin, the tribes have long had control of Class III gambling via compact, and in 2021, the Oneida Nation was the first to renegotiate its compact to add in-person sports betting.

Each tribe in the state has a “Me-Too Clause” in its compact, meaning that if one tribe renegotiates a new situation, others can follow when their compacts are opened. Since 2021, other tribes in the state have added retail sports betting. The current legislative proposal would apply to all tribes.

Danish international Josefine Hasbo has signed a new contract with Boston Legacy Football Club. After being traded from Gotham FC at the beginning of February, Boston has secured her for the next three years, the Massachussets club announced today.

After playing collegiate soccer for Harvard University (helping them win the Ivy League in 2023) and representing Denmark in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro, she’s ready for NWSL.

“Joining Boston Legacy FC is a very special moment for me,” said Hasbo. “Boston is a city that lives and breathes sports, and I’m excited to help build something that reflects that energy and pride. My time at Harvard gave me a deep connection to this city, and I cannot wait to be part of creating a team that the entire community can believe in.”

Feb. 20—Libby native Konnor Ralph capped his first Winter Olympics with a fifth place finish in Freeski Big Air Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina games. The 23-year-old, who now calls Helena home, was part of a group of outstanding performers in the finals that left broadcasters and fans awestruck. Ralph was seeded last entering the Freeski Big Air medal round, but scored an 86.5 in his first jump. He didn't land his second jump, putting the pressure on for his third and final jump. Ralph didn't disappoint, scoring 91.5 and giving him a total score of 178 that vaulted him into fifth. Norway's Tormod Frostad claimed the gold medal with a total score of 195.50. He landed all of his jumps, including a final round 98.50. Ralph's teammate, Mac Forehand, also enjoyed an outstanding finals as he landed all of his jumps on the way to a silver medal. Forehand scored 193.25, including 98.25 on his last jump. Austria's Matej Svancer grabbed the bronze medal with a 191.25. American Troy Podmilsak was fourth with a score of 184.50, giving the U.S. three of the top five in the event. Ralph has steadily improved his World Cup rankings since he began competing internationally in 2021-22. That season, Ralph ranked 78th overall, including 40th in Freeski Slopestyle. He jumped into the top 20 next year with a No. 19 ranking in Slopestyle. This season, Ralph is ranked No. 4 in Slopestyle and No. 5 in Big Air. Last week, Ralph finished ninth in the Freeski Slopestyle, his first Olympics. Through Wednesday's competition, Team USA is third in the medal count with 24. Seven are gold, 11 are silver and six are bronze. Norway is first with 33 medals, including 15 gold. Host Italy is second with 26, including nine gold medals. Montana's other Olympian, 23-year-old Jake Sanderson of Whitefish, is part of a team that will play in the semifinals Friday with a berth in the gold medal game on the line. Slovakia is the opponent. Sanderson, who plays for Ottawa in the NHL, had two assists against Germany. The U.S. romped through the Group C preliminary round, outscoring Latvia, Denmark and Germany by a combined 16-5. Sweden gave the Americans a tougher game in Wednesday's quarterfinals, with the U.S. winning 2-1 in overtime on Quinn Hughes' goal. The Americans will play Slovakia at 1:10 p.m. Friday in the semifinals. A win puts them in the gold medal game against the winner of the Canada-Finland game, set for 8:40 a.m. Friday. The gold medal game is scheduled to be played at 6:10 a.m. Sunday.

Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images

Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest stars in boxing — and still, he has yet to win a world title.

In an era of the sport that crowns Lewis Crocker, Mario Barrios and Rolando "Rolly" Romero as welterweight world champions, the opportunity has never been greater for Garcia to finally claim one of the sport’s ultimate prizes. On Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Garcia challenges WBC welterweight champion Barrios with the chance to change the narrative of his career.

Barrios enters the fight on the back of successive draws with Abel Ramos and a 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao — results that have done little to cement his authority as champion. If Garcia is ever going to win a world title, this has to be the moment. The question now is whether he can seize it — and in doing so, legitimize himself not just as one of boxing’s biggest attractions, but also as one of its top fighters.

WBC welterweight title: Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia

After failing a drug test for the banned substance ostarine following his no-contest with Devin Haney in April 2024, Garcia was banned from the sport for a year. He returned to challenge Romero for the WBA (regular) welterweight title this past May at Times Square, losing a decision in an easily forgettable fight.

Garcia claimed to have sustained a hand injury going into the Romero bout and required surgery afterward, keeping him out of the ring for another nine months, meaning he has registered just one bout in the past 22 months. Now, coming off a defeat and a drug ban, Garcia somehow walks into another world title shot.

Barrios, the former interim champion, was upgraded to full WBC champion in 2024 and has fought twice since, drawing with Ramos in November of that year and Pacquiao this past July. Fun fact: Neither man involved this weekend has had their hand raised in victory in almost two years — and this is a world title fight.

Garcia's fight with Romero was historically dreadful, with the pair recording the third-lowest combined punch output (490 punches) for a 12-round fight in CompuBox's 40-year history. Although Garcia's fight with Haney was a lot more dramatic, it also set the record for the third-fewest punches thrown in a 12-round fight (499 punches) at the time it took place. 

Garcia-Barrios will almost certainly be another low-output encounter. Both are tall welterweights who are unlikely to close the distance with regularity in this matchup, nor will they force the pace — that isn't what Garcia does, and Barrio will be wary of his foe's power and speed. I expect to see both men utilizing their jabs in this matchup and for it to be fought at long range. Both men can also be hit and hurt, although it is unknown how Garcia's power will carry to 147 pounds. Barrios is not a puncher.

Garcia has been hurt in the body before in fights, as is common for tall fighters with long torsos, most noticeably in a seventh-round knockout defeat at the hands of Gervonta "Tank" Davis in April 2023. Barrios also fought Davis in 2021 and was taken out in the 11th round of their 140-pound title bout.

Barrios' body work and his jab will be his keys to victory. Barrios is slow, which gives Garcia a significant advantage in hand speed. Garcia needs to counter Barrios and land his money punch, which is his lightning-quick left hook. 

Barrios is unlikely to just walk into Garcia's power shots, though, and so Garcia will need to set them up behind feints and jabs — something he was unable to do against Romero. Garcia didn't use his right hand much at all in the Romero fight. The right hand will be key against Barrios because it can help set up the left hook after it. 

But the most important factor in this fight: What version of the unpredictable Garcia is going to show up? At times, he has looked unfocused and caught between styles. Garcia is training with his father, Henry Garcia, for Saturday's fight. The elder Garcia was Ryan's first-ever trainer and could be the man to provide him with the stability and mental comfort that he requires.

If Garcia is focused, disciplined and comes with a game plan, he should get the job done against the unimpressive Barrios. 

Garcia has spent years as one of boxing’s biggest names without the résumé to match. On Saturday night, against one of the weakest champions in the sport, he finally has no excuses left.

Pick: Ryan Garcia

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IBF super lightweight title: Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte

Richardson Hitchins makes the second defense of his IBF super lightweight title against the highly-rated contender Oscar Duarte in the night's chief support.

The unbeaten Hitchins outboxed Liam Paro in December 2024 to capture the belt and made a successful defense this past June against another Australian, George Kambosos.

Duarte edged Kenneth Sims Jr. in a Fight of the Year candidate in an August WBA title eliminator. The Mexican has won four straight fights since being knocked out by Garcia in December 2023.

Hitchins vs. Duarte features one of boxing's most common style matchups — pure boxer vs. pressure fighter. While Hitchins is a tremendous long-range boxer and mover, he will be tested fiercely by Duarte's pressure, volume and body-punching.

Duarte can look to Hitchins' IBF final eliminator with Gustavo Lemos in April 2024 for inspiration. In that fight, Hitchins struggled with Lemos' front-foot aggression and ability to close the space. Ultimately, Hitchins eked out a razor-close decision, but many were left unconvinced. The fight gave weight to the argument that Hitchins struggles with competent pressure fighters — and it's a debate Duarte will put to bed one way or another on Saturday night.

Lemos had faster feet than Duarte and was able to overwhelm Hitchins with volume at times. Duarte, on the other hand, focuses more on power rather than volume. He is muscle-bound and very strong on the inside. Duarte, however, has slow feet and could struggle to close the gap on the longer Hitchins.

One of the most important factors in this fight is the training teams. Duarte has one of the world's best trainers, Robert Garcia, in his corner. Garcia only recently guided Raymond Muratalla to an upset win over Andy Cruz and had a terrific November 2025, with Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez adding another world title to his collection and Vergil Ortiz Jr. making easy work of Erickson Lubin. 

Hitchins' corner, on the other hand, has been more chaotic: A mix of voices, Shakur Stevenson on the phone giving advice, and a lack of clear, tangible instructions in contests where adjustments are necessary — namely, the Lemos bout.

Both men will struggle with the IBF's 10-pound rehydration clause, as both are considered big for the weight class. Hitchis, in particular, has publicly declared that his time 140 pounds is limited and he plans to go up to welterweight. To his advantage, he has experienced the second-day weigh-in for his past three fights, while Duarte has never had to restrict his rehydration. 

When Duarte makes the 140-pound limit on the day before the fight, he will then have to be careful about how much food and fluid he can put back into his body. If he wakes up on the morning of the fight above 150 pounds, he may need a trip to the sauna to cut weight less than 12 hours before he is scheduled to step into the ring.

It's a very tough fight to call. How Hitchins deals with pressure and the weight could be decisive. But the champion has to have the edge in this one.

Pick: Richardson Hitchins

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WBA super lightweight title: Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka

Saturday's third world title fight between Gary Antuanne Russell and Andy Hiraoka was almost canceled on fight week.

Japan's Hiraoka was dealing with a visa issue that was only resolved late Tuesday, so he'll be in the U.S. for just over 48 hours when he enters the ring. Japan is a 10-plus-hour flight from the U.S. and is 17 hours ahead — Hiraoka has very little time to acclimate to the timezone and shake off the jet lag. He will no doubt be doing so while trying to make championship weight, as well. It's far from an ideal situation for Hiraoka, who was already heading into the bout as an underdog.

Russell won a dominant unanimous decision over Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela this past March to capture the WBA super lightweight belt. In the fight before, Russell lost a close split decision to Alberto Puello. 

Hiraoka, who has never tasted defeat, challenges for world honors for the first time. Hiraoka is also suffering from inactivity after recording just one bout in the last two years, which was a ninth-round TKO win over Ismael Barroso in September 2024. 

Russell, a southpaw volume-puncher with crunching power, was able to pour on the pressure on Valenzuela in the second half of their bout, hurting him on multiple occasions. Russell's output and stamina will be an issue for anyone in the 140-pound division. 

Russell's lone loss comes against a left-hander, Puello. In that fight, Russell struggled to let his hands go. He was beaten to the punch by Puello and couldn't pin him down consistently. Hiraoka is a tall, sharp southpaw with the footwork and skills to give Russell some of the same problems.  

Hiraoka's defense will need to be on point to avoid Russell's volume and power. Puello had success punching in between Russell's attacks and countering Russell enough to make him hesitant to throw. Even so, the fight between Russell and Puello was very close and Russell has improved since then. Hiraoka will no doubt attempt to utilize some of the same tactics Puello had success with, but the Japanese fighter is not as compact defensively as Puello, hasn't fought at the world level before, and risks suffering from ring rust due to his prolonged inactivity.

Hiraoka is a very live underdog, but Russell's experience at the top level, coupled with Hiraoka's less-than-ideal fight week circumstances, should tip the odds in favor of the champion.

Pick: Russell

Undercard quick picks

• Super lightweight: Frank Martin def. Nahir Albright

• Super middleweight: Bektemir Melikuziev def. Sena Agbeko

• Middleweight: Amari Jones def. Luis Arias

• Heavyweight: Joshua Edwards def. Brandon Colantonio

• Super featherweight: Mohammed Alakel def. David Calabro

Uncrowned will have full live coverage Saturday night and round-by-round results of the action.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Venus Williams is getting a wild card into the singles and doubles draws for the BNP Paribas Open next month in the Southern California desert.

The 45-year-old will be making her first appearance in the tournament since 2024, when she lost in the first round as a wild card. She's a three-time semifinalist, most recently in 2018. She boycotted the event between 2002 and 2016 after a controversial incident in 2001.

“It’s an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams,” tournament director Tommy Haas said Friday. ”Venus is a legend of the game, and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen."

It will be Williams' 10th career appearance in the tournament, which runs March 4-15. A year ago, she was given a wild card, but didn't accept it.

“I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California,” Williams said.

She most recently competed in the Australian Open, losing in the first round in singles and doubles.

Williams is scheduled to compete in the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, that starts Saturday and runs through March 1.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Liverpool Eyeing Bundesliga Defender as Planning Begins Ahead of Summer Window

Liverpool’s recruitment team appear to be preparing for an important reshuffle on the left side of defence, with a fresh report from German outlet Bild placing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown firmly in the frame. As Andy Robertson edges closer to the final year of his current deal and uncertainty surrounds the wider depth chart, the need for long term succession planning has become increasingly obvious.

Bild claim Brown has emerged as one of Europe’s most closely monitored young defenders, attracting attention from several elite sides. Barcelona and Manchester City scouts are reportedly regular visitors, drawn to a profile that combines attacking ambition with composure in possession. The same report adds that the 22-year-old is also “on the list” at Liverpool, alongside Arsenal and Real Madrid, suggesting the race remains wide open heading into the summer.

From a recruitment perspective, the link makes sense. Liverpool’s model under Arne Slot has leaned towards technically confident full backs capable of stepping into midfield areas, and Brown’s evolving role at Frankfurt aligns with that tactical shift.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad Planning Shapes Recruitment Strategy

Robertson’s contract situation inevitably colours the conversation. With no extension agreed and the 2025-26 expiry looming, Liverpool must decide whether to refresh the position or risk entering a transitional phase without a clear successor. Kostas Tsimikas returning from Roma will present another decision point, while academy option Owen Beck’s injury setbacks have limited internal solutions.

Brown’s development trajectory offers intrigue. Bild report that Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche views the defender as the club’s next major sale, continuing a model that has previously seen high value departures. A reported valuation of around 65 million euros reflects both the competition for his signature and the premium placed on modern full backs who can influence play in central areas.

Under new head coach Albert Riera, Brown has even been deployed as an inverted playmaker during build up phases. That tactical flexibility will not have gone unnoticed at Anfield, where positional fluidity has become a key requirement for defenders operating in advanced systems.

Market Competition Could Drive Summer Battle

Liverpool’s interest, as outlined by Bild, arrives within a crowded field. Barcelona’s stylistic fit and Manchester City’s track record of developing technically gifted defenders represent significant competition. Arsenal and Real Madrid being mentioned reinforces the sense that Brown’s next move could shape a major European storyline.

Frankfurt appear resigned to a departure, mirroring last year’s Hugo Ekitike situation. Brown and Ekitike developed a strong understanding during the 2024-25 campaign, a detail that may further pique Liverpool’s interest given their familiarity with the forward’s trajectory. For Frankfurt, the expectation of a sizeable transfer fee aligns with a business model built on strategic player trading.

From Liverpool’s perspective, any move will hinge on broader squad priorities. A left back capable of inverting into midfield would suit the evolving tactical demands under Slot, yet the club’s recruitment team are known for patience rather than reactionary spending.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, this report sparks immediate curiosity. Nathaniel Brown’s profile sounds tailor made for the tactical evolution many fans have noticed under Arne Slot. The idea of a left back who can drift centrally, dictate possession and still provide width feels aligned with how the current side has begun to reshape its attacking structure.

There is also an emotional element to any discussion around the left back position. Andy Robertson remains a hugely respected figure at Anfield, and supporters will naturally feel conflicted about planning beyond him. Yet football moves quickly, and proactive recruitment has often defined Liverpool’s strongest eras. If Brown truly sits “on the list”, it signals the club are thinking ahead rather than waiting for a decline before acting.

The reported valuation would raise eyebrows among fans who remember more measured spending in previous windows. Some may question whether that fee represents value, especially with other areas of the squad potentially needing reinforcement. However, the growing importance of multifunctional full backs in modern systems means elite options rarely come cheap.

Ultimately, supporters will watch this story closely. Competition from Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid suggests Liverpool would need a compelling sporting project to win the race. For many fans, the prospect of a young, technically gifted defender learning within Slot’s system carries genuine excitement, even if the deal remains at an early stage for now.

49ers' Christian McCaffrey's brother hired by Chargers as running backs coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Christian McCaffrey. He's been a superstar since his debut, and he's on the Hall of Fame track.

But, he's not the only McCaffrey in the NFL. Luke McCaffrey is a wide receiver with the Washington Commanders, but his other brother, Max McCaffrey, is not a player in the NFL. And yet, he's still involved in the league.

The Los Angeles Chargers announced their coaching staff for the 2026 season, and Max McCaffrey, the eldest McCaffrey brother, is now the Chargers' running backs coach.

Max McCaffrey named Chargers RB coach

"Max McCaffrey joins the Bolts as running backs coach after spending the last three seasons (2023-25) as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins under current Chargers Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel," the Chargers announced.

While Christian McCaffrey has carved out a potential Hall of Fame career, Max didn't last long in the NFL as a player. He spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and also with the 49ers.

He didn't have the most successful playing career, but since becoming a coach, he's been carving out a solid resume. McDaniel bringing him to the Chargers is a good sign that he's trusted and has a role in the NFL as a coach.

More: 49ers adding another WR is a 'must' with Brandon Aiyuk all but cut this offseason

The McCaffrey family has very strong ties to the NFL, dating back to Ed McCaffrey's time in the league as a wide receiver. While Christian has been the best player of the McCaffrey brothers, Max is putting together a solid coaching resume.

What makes this such a fun hire for the Chargers is that Christian will be able to play against his brother and the Chargers in Los Angeles during the 2026 season.

49ers-Chargers doesn't have a set date, but it should be a fun matchup between two Super Bowl hopefuls in 2026. And, both teams will have a McCaffrey involved in the running backs, one as a player and the other as a coach.

More 49ers news:

• 49ers' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
• San Francisco 49ers get massive trade update on Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
• 49ers predicted to draft Trent Williams replacement in Round 1 of ESPN mock draft
• The San Francisco 49ers have made a hire for defensive coordinator
• Broncos, Bucs, 49ers listed as top landing spots for $66 million former Pro Bowl tight end
• 49ers predicted to add 77-sack former $135 million Pro Bowl pass rusher to pair with Nick Bosa
• Former Seahawks and 49ers legend believes Niners should trade for top-tier receiver

MILAN (AP) — Canada advanced to the gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after Nathan MacKinnon scored the go-ahead goal with 35.2 seconds in a 3-2 win over Finland on Friday.

The tournament favorite had trailed 2-0 before Sam Reinhart cut the deficit in the second period and Shea Theodore tied it midway through the third period.

Canada was awaiting the result of Friday's other semifinal: United States vs. Slovakia.

The final is Sunday afternoon in Milan, hours before the Olympics closing ceremony.

Sidney Crosby did not play for Canada because of an injury. It was not immediately clear if the 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins star would be available Sunday.

Crosby appeared to injure his right knee in the second period of the quarterfinals against Czechia on Wednesday night.

Finland will play in the bronze medal game on Saturday night.

Rijpma-de Jong gets Dutch another speedskating gold

Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong of the Netherlands won her first Olympic gold, and sixth career medal overall, by finishing first in speedskating’s 1,500 meters.

Rijpma-de Jong finished in 1 minute, 54.9 seconds, as thousands of Dutch fans roared in the stands. She was 0.06 faster than silver medalist Ragne Wiklund of Norway. Canada's Valerie Maltais took bronze.

Earlier at these Games, Dutch women also took gold at shorter distances — Femke Kok in the 500 and Jutta Leerdam in the 1,000.

Japanese star Miho Takagi, who won consecutive silver medals in the 1,500 meters at the past two Olympics, finished sixth.

Canada women stunned in curling semifinals

Sweden beat top-ranked Canada 6-3 to advance to the gold medal game in women's curling. The Swedes, ranked No. 12, will face Switzerland in Sunday's final.

Sweden has won the women’s competition three times since curling returned to the Olympic program in 1998.

Switzerland beat the United States 7-4 in Friday's other semifinal and will be aiming for its first women’s gold at the Olympics.

Canada will play the U.S. for bronze on Saturday.

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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

As spring quickly approaches and summer visits are right around the corner, there's no better time to take a look ahead at the top prospects in the 2027 class.

First up, USA TODAY High School Sports is focusing on the quarterbacks.

No position is sought after more than the quarterback position, regardless of level. A team's success rests on the shoulders of their signal-callers whether it be in high school, college or the NFL.

As good as the 2026 QB class was, the 2027 class looks like it could rival and maybe even surpass that talent.

Standouts like Elijah Haven have been shining for years while rising stars like Andre Adams have quickly taken the spotlight and risen up the rankings in the last few months.

1. Elijah Haven

School: Dunham School (Baton Rouge, LA.)

Height: 6-5