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August 23, 2025.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nestor Cortes works against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)

Nestor Cortes silences his Dodgers demons with 6 brilliant innings, pitching Padres into 1st place

Nestor Cortes had one of the lowest moments of his baseball life last October when he gave up the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history to Freddie Freeman. In a new uniform and a new pennant race Saturday night, Cortes faced his Dodgers demons head-on and came out smiling. The veteran left-hander produced six brilliant innings of one-hit ball while the San Diego Padres surged past Los Angeles into sole possession of first place in the NL West with a 5-1 victory. Cortes took a perfect game into the sixth inning, but he didn’t see his stellar performance as redemption.

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Ryan Blaney (12) crosses the finish line to win a NASCAR Cup Series auto race ahead of at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Ryan Blaney’s last-second surge at Daytona denies underdogs a Cinderella moment

Ryan Blaney wins a thrilling race at Daytona International Speedway, securing a spot in NASCAR’s playoffs and keeping Alex Bowman’s championship hopes alive. Blaney was 13th with two laps to go but surged ahead to win by a narrow margin. His victory denies other drivers a chance at the playoffs. The race was intense, with the first 19 cars finishing within half a second of Blaney. This win breaks an 11-race losing streak for Team Penske and Ford. The playoffs begin next Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.

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Chief of Talent at New Schools for New Orleans, Jahquille Ross, walks down a hallway at Alice Hart Charter School in New Orleans, on July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith)

How Hurricane Katrina shaped these New Orleans educators

Hurricane Katrina changed New Orleans’ education system forever, creating the first all-charter school district in the U.S. The Associated Press spoke with three survivors about their experiences. Chris Dier, a teacher, was inspired by the support he received from teachers in Texas after evacuating. Jahquille Ross, now an educator, missed the community and care he felt in New Orleans while attending multiple schools in Texas. Michelle Garnett, a retired teacher, lost cherished memories and materials but found strength in family and faith. Their stories highlight resilience and the lasting impact of dedicated educators.

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San Diego Padres' Nestor Cortes follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)

Nestor Cortes dominates the Dodgers, and the Padres surge into first place with a 5-1 victory

The San Diego Padres have reclaimed the NL West lead with a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nestor Cortes took a perfect game into the sixth inning and combined with three relievers on a two-hitter. Ramón Laureano had a two-run single in the fourth and Xander Bogaerts added a two-run double in the eighth for the Padres, who have surged ahead of the Dodgers during the archrivals’ final series of the regular season by allowing just five hits and two runs in back-to-back wins. Alex Freeland hit his second career homer for the Dodgers.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) runs against Los Angeles Rams safety Malik Dixon-Williams (39) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Shedeur Sanders struggles, Tyler Huntley leads Browns to last-second 19-17 preseason win over Rams

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski went with Tyler Huntley instead of Shedeur Sanders when the Browns had a chance for a winning preseason drive. With Huntley behind center, Cleveland drove to Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal as time expired in a 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Jordan Waters scored a 2-yard run, putting the Rams ahead 17-16 with just over two minutes left. Huntley then led a 46-yard drive, setting up Szmyt’s winning kick. Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass, and Dillon Gabriel directed two scoring drives as the Browns went 3-0 in the preseason. Dresser Winn completed 15 of 23 passes for the Rams.

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FILE - Russia's Maria Sharapova makes a backhand return to Croatia's Donna Vekic during their first round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

Maria Sharapova and Bryan Brothers enter tennis hall, with surprise appearance by Serena Williams

Maria Sharapova has entered the International Tennis Hall of Fame, with Serena Williams introducing her at the ceremony on Saturday night. Williams surprised the crowd and honored Sharapova as a “former rival, former fan and forever friend.” She praised Sharapova for pushing her to be her best. Sharapova, the first Russian woman to reach No. 1 in the rankings, was inducted alongside doubles champions Mike and Bob Bryan. The Bryan brothers shared a speech, thanking coaches and teammates from their record-setting career.

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Retired cardiologist Dr. Joe Bering teaches himself flute on the front porch of his cottage in the Campmeeting section of Mount Gretna, Pa., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Scolforo)

Pennsylvania’s Chautauqua is a summertime haven for lifelong learners

The central Pennsylvania town of Mount Gretna is a throwback to the period more than a century ago when the summertime get-togethers known as Chautauquas were practically a craze. They brought education, entertainment and a dose of religion to communities in the Northeast, across the Great Lakes, into Canada and beyond. These days the little mountain community that’s a two-hour drive west from Philadelphia springs to life every June, July and August. Its year-round population of about 1,000 more than doubles and its picturesque front porches become filled with energetic cottagers who punctuate their days with cooking lessons, nature walks, yoga, professorial lectures, music and plays.

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Tommy Fleetwood, of England, walks off the 11th green during the third round of the Tour Championship golf tournament, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cantlay and Fleetwood tied for Tour Championship lead. Ryder Cup captain Bradley in the mix

Tommy Fleetwood and Patrick Cantlay share the lead going into what figures to be a thriller of a finish at the Tour Championship. Fleetwood hit into the water for double bogey on the 15th and had to settle for a 67. Cantlay birdied four of his last five holes for a 64. They were two shots ahead of Russell Henley. Scottie Scheffler was four behind. Most intriguing was Keegan Bradley and his 63 to be three back. The U.S. Ryder Cup captain is making it hard on himself as he contemplates picking himself as a playing captain.

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Lauren Boden, second from right, Stephanie Everett, right, and other players talk in the dugout during the first day of tryouts for the Women's Professional Baseball League, Friday, Aug 22, 2025, at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Women’s Professional Baseball League launching in 2026 offers new hope for athletes

Victoria Ruelas made history at 12 as the first American girl to play in the Little League World Series in 1989. She’s proud of women’s progress in sports but wishes for more opportunities, especially in baseball. The Women’s Professional Baseball League is launching next year, with tryouts in Washington D.C. The tryouts are open to all players, giving women like Ruelas a chance to chase their professional dreams. They hope to inspire the next generation of girls to see baseball as a viable career.

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Taiwan's Chen Qi-Sheng (24) celebrates after getting the final out of the International Championship baseball game against Aruba at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Nevada to face Taiwan in the Little League World Series final

Garrett Gallegos homered and pitched five innings to help Nevada beat Connecticut 8-2 in their Little League World Series semifinal, setting up a title game against Taiwan. The Las Vegas team is looking for Nevada’s first title, and Taiwan is going for its first since 1996 and No. 18 overall. It lost the title game last year to Florida. The teams play Sunday for the championship. Taiwan beat Aruba 1-0 in the international semifinal.

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler throws to the Texas Rangers in the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Phillies ace Zack Wheeler needs additional surgery, is out for the rest of the season

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler’s season is over. The Phillies say Wheeler has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and will require additional surgery that’s expected to sideline him for six to eight months. That could threaten his availability for the start of the 2026 season. The 35-year-old right-hander, who leads the National League with 195 strikeouts and was considered a Cy Young candidate, had surgery Monday to remove a blood clot from his upper right arm. While the loss is a blow to Philadelphia’s World Series hopes, team officials remain optimistic about their pitching depth and Wheeler’s eventual return.

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Mariners OF Victor Robles activated from 60-day IL, eligible to play while appealing suspension

Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles has been activated from 60-day injured list, and he is eligible to play while he appeals a 10-game suspension. The 28-year-old Robles dislocated his left shoulder while making a leaping catch during a 5-4 loss at San Francisco on April 6. He is in the starting lineup in right field for Seattle’s game against the Athletics. To make room for Robles on the active roster, Seattle designated utilityman Dylan Moore for assignment. Robles was suspended and fined by Major League Baseball for throwing his bat at a pitcher during a rehab game in the minors.

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NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch answers questions during an auto racing news conference at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

NASCAR Xfinity Series points leader Connor Zilisch lands a Cup ride with Trackhouse Racing

Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old driver with seven victories in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series this season, is moving up to the Cup Series in 2026. Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks says Zilisch has signed a multiyear contract to drive full-time next year. Zilisch will replace Daniel Suárez and join teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen on the three-car team. Zilisch has been a Trackhouse developmental driver since 2024 and leads the Xfinity Series points. He has achieved success in various racing series, including winning the 2024 Rolex 24 and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Marks calls Zilisch a rare talent.

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Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Garrett Crochet fans 11 and Trevor Story homers as Red Sox beat Yankees for 8th straight time, 12-1

Garrett Crochet struck out 11 in seven innings, Trevor Story homered and drove in three runs, and the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Yankees 12-1. Boston defeated New York for the eighth straight time after losing the first meeting between the rivals on June 6. The Red Sox, second in the NL East to Toronto, moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Yankees in the division. Boston and New York are both in position for wild-card playoff spots. Crochet took over the major league lead in both innings and strikeouts. The left-hander allowed five hits, including Giancarlo Stanton’s 16th homer.

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Truck driver accused by the Trump administration of being in the US illegally is denied bond

A truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida has been denied bond. The incident has sparked a clash between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The driver, Harjinder Singh, is charged with vehicular homicide and immigration violations. Authorities say Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. Homeland Security criticized California for issuing licenses regardless of immigration status. Newsom’s office stated Singh obtained a work permit during Trump’s presidency, which Homeland Security disputes. Singh is being held in St. Lucie County Jail.

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Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton watches a scrimmage during his basketball camp at the Indiana Pacers Athletic Center, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Westfield, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Tyrese Haliburton hosts youth basketball camp as recovery from Achilles tendon injury continues

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was back on the basketball court and back on his feet. No, he wasn’t running or shooting. It’s far too early for that just two months into his Achilles tendon rehab. But it was progress. And being at the Indiana Pacers Athletic Center in suburban Indianapolis, surrounded by 300-plus eager youth basketball campers, brought back Haliburton’s million-dollar smile, too. It might be the best medicine he’ll get all year since team officials have ruled him for all of next season.

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Venus Williams returns a shot during the mixed doubles competition of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Venus Williams’ age gets attention at the US Open but players think her icon status matters more

Venus Williams is back at the U.S. Open to play a Grand Slam singles match for the first time in two years. There will be those who focus on her age, because at 45, she is the oldest player to compete in singles in New York since 1981. But when the tournament begins Sunday, there are plenty of other entrants and fans who are eager to see Williams return to action because they consider her iconic. She and her younger sister Serena transcended their sport and became important for more than just all of the trophies they won and their time at No. 1 in the rankings.

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Mirra Andreeva returns a shot during a mixed doubles match at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Mirra Andreeva, Vicky Mboko, João Fonseca and Learner Tien are teens to watch at the US Open

Mirra Andreeva, João Fonseca and Vicky Mboko are part of a precocious group of teenagers at the U.S. Open this year. When play begins in New York on Sunday, those three 18-year-olds will be worth keeping an eye on, as will other teens such as Learner Tien and Iva Jovic. They have been rising through the rankings and picking up Grand Slam victories against higher-ranked and more-accomplished opponents. Andreeva already has been a major semifinalist and is the youngest woman since Maria Sharapova to be ranked in the top five. Fonseca was the youngest man since 2011 to reach Wimbledon’s third round.

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A horse dawn carriage takes passengers through a loop in Central Park in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

As bikes and strollers fill Central Park, its managers want to push horse carriages out

The nonprofit that manages Central Park has thrown its support behind a proposal to end the horse-drawn carriages that have been fixtures in the greenspace for more than 150 years. The Central Park Conservancy said in an Aug. 12 letter to city officials that the popular tourist activity has an outsized impact on public safety and park infrastructure. Animal rights groups have long complained the carriages have no place in a busy city and that the horses are frequently overworked and live in substandard conditions. The calls to end the trade come after a carriage horse collapsed and died on a Manhattan street this month.

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Professor Jeffrey Scholes, who is co-director for the Center for the Study of Evangelicalism as well as director for the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, poses for a portrait on the school's campus Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A commuter college thought it could avoid Trump’s education crackdown. Here’s what happened

Administrators at the University of Colorado’s campus in Colorado Springs believed they could avoid the Trump administration’s focus on higher education. The school is in a conservative area of the state and seemed politically neutral. But school officials soon faced challenges as President Donald Trump’s policies affected regional institutions like theirs. Within weeks, the college lost federal grants and faced investigations. School officials scrambled to adapt, renaming websites and job titles to avoid attention. The school still lost three major federal grants and found itself under investigation by the Trump’s Education Department

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President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump was once a Republican Party outsider. Now it’s his GOP and the MAGA faithful are in the lead

Donald Trump was the Republican Party outsider in 2016. Now the party belongs to him. The shift was on display in Atlanta this week as members of the Republican National Committee made Florida conservative Joe Gruters the latest party chairman. Trump had picked Gruters and called him a “MAGA warrior.” The committee’s roster now includes dozens of other loyalists who embrace Trump’s “Make America Great Again” and “America First” approaches. That’s quite a turn from his presidential campaign in 2016. Republicans say Trump has reshaped their party and become much more directly engaged in making sure party leadership reflects his views and interests.

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Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell walks outside of Jackson Lake Lodge during a break at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium in Moran, Wyo., on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Amber Baesler)

Fed Chair Powell faces fresh challenges to Fed independence amid potential rate cuts

Now that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that the central bank could soon cut its key interest rate, he faces a new challenge: how to do it without seeming to cave to the White House’s demands. For months, Powell has largely ignored President Donald Trump’s relentless hectoring that he reduce borrowing costs. Yet on Friday, in a highly-anticipated speech, Powell suggested that the Fed could take such a step as soon as its next meeting in September. It will be a fraught decision for the Fed, which must weigh it against persistent inflation that remains a problem and an economy that could also improve in the second half of this year. Both trends, if they occur, could make a cut look premature.

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