Here are the AP’s top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.
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UPCOMING
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MIDEAST ISRAEL ELECTION PROFILES
DESCRIPTION: AP coverage of the mood in Israel in the leadup to the Israeli election which takes place on Oct. 27. AP text story on the major candidates in the Israeli election, approximately 1,000 words by 0900GMT
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 5:30 a.m. EDT, Video, Text, Photo
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AP POLL-ELECTION CONFIDENCE
DESCRIPTION: A new AP-NORC poll looks at Americans’ confidence in the accuracy of the midterm elections.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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US TRUMP ECONOMY FACT FOCUS
DESCRIPTION: President Donald Trump is trying to convince voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections that the U.S. economy is rocketing upward. But voters say that inflation remains a challenge as the Iran war has pushed up gasoline prices. The economy is neither as strong as Trump has claimed in rallies, nor as weak as consumer sentiment surveys suggest. Fact check story, 850 words.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 7:01 a.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text, DigitalPlans
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US ELECTION 2026 TRUMP SOUTH CAROLINA
DESCRIPTION: President Donald Trump campaigns in Pendleton, South Carolina, near Clemson University.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Video, LiveVideo, Text, Photo
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ENT-ROB REINER
DESCRIPTION: Nick Reiner is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference in Los Angeles in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The hearing is expected to focus on the potential release of transcripts of testimony to the grand jury that indicted Nick Reiner. The defense is opposing their release, while a coalition of media outlets is advocating for their unsealing. Story on merits.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 11:30 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BKC--ALL-AMERICA TEAM
DESCRIPTION: The AP releases its preseason All-America team for men’s college basketball. By John Marshall. Text, photos, agate list at noon Eastern.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, DigitalPlans, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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INTERNATIONAL
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EU--RUSSIA-PRISONER RELEASED
Russia releases imprisoned American man, US envoy Witkoff says on visit to St. Petersburg
SUMMARY: Russia has released a retired American teacher imprisoned on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced the release Wednesday during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Stephen Hubbard, from Michigan, was sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison. Prosecutors claimed he signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The U.S. government under the Biden administration designated him as wrongfully detained. President Donald Trump had previously discussed Hubbard’s release with Putin, expressing hope for his freedom.
WORDS: 204 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 5:25 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2c7e34d6606be242ed4a7473e57110c7&mediaType=text
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AS--AUSTRALIA-LAWMAKER-INJURED
Australian politician who was hit by car has lost both legs
SUMMARY: Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines had had both legs amputated after she was rammed repeatedly by a driver on Monday outside her electorate office, her husband says. The 65-year-old independent politician remains in a critical condition on Wednesday in a Melbourne hospital where she was flown by helicopter within hours of an apparent escalation in political violence that has shocked Australia. Phil Haines gave the family’s first public comments on her condition since she was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV in her hometown of Wangaratta. He said her left leg was amputated on Monday and the other leg was amputated on Wednesday.
WORDS: 1001 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 4:29 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7c1691a1e308b2bdbede5e4d56d2852&mediaType=text
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EU--FRANCE PROTESTS-CULTURAL TRADITION
The history behind France’s proud tradition of protests
SUMMARY: France is known for its vibrant protest culture, where activism is seen as a social duty and part of the national identity. From high fuel taxes to better pay for farmers, the French take to the streets with passion. Protests are considered a rite of passage for young people and a way to drive change beyond voting. However, recent unrest that has been marked by looting and fires has been the worst in years. Experts suggest this is due to a government perceived as cracking down rather than listening, leading to growing mistrust among the public.
WORDS: 877 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 4:26 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7c362a35d57e974e026f1e57062cf467&mediaType=text
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EU--HUNGARY-MAGYAR-INTERVIEW
AP Exclusive: Hungary’s Magyar vows accountability for Orbán era while holding firm on migration
SUMMARY: Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is actively pursuing former officials accused of corruption and power abuses. In an exclusive interview with AP on Tuesday, he said efforts to recover assets misused under predecessor Viktor Orbán are underway. Magyar’s government, which defeated Orbán’s far-right party in April, established the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office in July. This “superauthority” aims to uncover corruption cases quickly. Magyar has also applied to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, reversing Orbán’s refusal. While some former officials face charges, Magyar acknowledges pressure for faster results. He emphasizes building a democratic country that complies with EU rights.
WORDS: 1121 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 4:01 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d55d79e603b3d7d03157531bc4ba9dd3&mediaType=text
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EU--RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR
Trump envoy Witkoff to meet Putin in St. Petersburg for Ukraine war talks
SUMMARY: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in St. Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This visit follows meetings the previous day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre suggests Russia may be open to diplomacy. Witkoff’s meetings suggest a push for U.S.-led peace efforts, though no breakthrough is imminent. Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on settlement terms, however. U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring Zelenskyy to make a deal. Tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have recently resurfaced.
WORDS: 459 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 3:54 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3f00c0c6fd10bab948c2c3f8502e0a91&mediaType=text
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EU--FRANCE-PROTESTS-FACT FOCUS
FACT FOCUS: Trump and Republicans blame France’s immigrants for riots without evidence
SUMMARY: U.S. President Donald Trump and leading Republicans are trying to leverage widespread riots in France ahead of midterm congressional elections by making unsubstantiated claims that the social unrest in Europe is caused by Muslim migrants. France has been rocked by violence during nationwide demonstrations over the high cost of living and in support of students’ grievances over underfunded schools. Trump says immigrants to France are to blame. French authorities do not make that connection. It is difficult to know the exact sociological makeup of the protesters. But accounts of the protests and images of the unrest seem to show they are representative of France’s diverse society.
WORDS: 1068 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 1:34 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6c26eb78303dbf5a904bd41e0728052&mediaType=text
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CN--CANADA-ALBERTA-SEPARATION
Alberta voters overwhelmingly reject separation process in a victory for Carney
SUMMARY: Voters in Alberta have overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with four-fifths of votes counted showing 75% support for staying. This result boosts Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for national unity amid trade tensions with the U.S. The referendum wasn’t a direct vote on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future separation vote. Carney says the result allows Canadians to move forward together and accelerate efforts to diversify trade and develop infrastructure. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the results, noting widespread support for remaining in Canada. Despite the proposal’s failure, separatist leaders say their movement won’t disappear.
WORDS: 803 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 9:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed0d58ef051859ce12052e75d2d6e8a0&mediaType=text
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UNITED STATES
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US--FLORIDA-EXECUTION
Florida puts 77-year-old man to death for a deputy’s killing in its 18th execution this year
SUMMARY: Florida has carried out its 18th execution of the year under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ aggressive use of the death penalty in his final term. Seventy-seven-year-old William Reaves was pronounced dead Tuesday evening after a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1986 shooting death of Indian River County Deputy Richard Raczkoski. Reaves was Florida’s eighth prisoner over age 70 to be executed this year in the nation’s busiest death chamber. Last year, Florida set a state record with 19 executions for a single year. It’s set to tie that mark if another execution is carried out next month as scheduled.
WORDS: 805 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 1:43 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:902a20ec504bc82b17008a6b3771beb2&mediaType=text
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US--MIGRANT DEATHS-TRACTOR TRAILER
Guatemalan man gets 30 years for role in smuggling tragedy that killed 53 people in Texas
SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors say a Guatemalan man who was extradited to the U.S. to face charges related to a smuggling attempt that left 53 migrants dead was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday. The migrants had been transported through Texas in a sweltering tractor-trailer with no air conditioning in June 2022. Prosecutors say 50-year-old Rigoberto Ramon Miranda Orozco admitted to arranging the travel and accommodations for two of the people who died and one who was seriously injured. Others, including the truck’s driver, still face sentencing in what became the nation’s deadliest smuggling attempt along the U.S.-Mexico border.
WORDS: 678 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 10:19 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a749643d69479d8d54d8450efe6fd598&mediaType=text
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US--CORNELL RAPE INVESTIGATION
Woman who accused students of rape says Cornell president’s response made her feel ‘unsupported’
SUMMARY: A woman who accused seven Cornell University students of raping her at a fraternity house says the university’s president questioned why she waited to report the alleged assault, leaving her feeling disbelieved and unsupported. In an Oct. 14 letter obtained by The Associated Press, the woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, described a secondhand account of President Michael Kotlikoff’s remarks shortly after she reported the alleged assault in November 2024. The letter comes as Cornell faculty prepare to vote on a resolution expressing no confidence in the administration’s ability to address sexual assault on campus following widespread criticism.
WORDS: 912 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 8:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6458e37f9a48946c51ebedaa4df15586&mediaType=text
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US--BOEING 737 MAX 10
FAA clears the way for airlines to put Boeing’s long-delayed 737 Max 10 into service
SUMMARY: The U.S. government has certified Boeing’s 737 Max 10 airliner for passenger service after years of delays. The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday said production of the largest version of Boeing’s bestselling 737 family has been approved after extensive safety reviews and thousands of hours of test flights. The Max 10 was introduced in 2017 but faced technical and safety-related concerns that slowed its certification. The certification marks a milestone in Boeing’s efforts to restore its reputation. The new model is designed to carry more people while using less fuel, appealing to airlines facing high jet fuel costs.
WORDS: 741 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:44 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a18eb4a039f37a6f67d40edceb28f52c&mediaType=text
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS
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US--ELECTION 2026-TRUMP-VANCE-ECONOMY
A ‘golden age’ vs. ‘we’re working on it’: Trump and Vance give different pitches on the economy
SUMMARY: When Vice President JD Vance speaks on the campaign trail about the high costs Americans are facing, he often says he understands that people are hurting. But in the way President Donald Trump talks about affordability concerns, the pain is often his. Depending on which Republican is speaking, Americans are getting a different perspective on how bad things are with the economy. Trump says “the golden age of America is upon us.” Vance walks a tightrope to show that he knows voters are feeling an economic pinch while still selling them on Trump’s agenda.
WORDS: 1066 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 12:01 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:32f0045310b772b886e2fa8099b6f8e9&mediaType=text
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US--ELECTION-2026-THE LATEST
The Latest: Trump campaigns in North Carolina as part of final GOP push before midterms
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has arrived Greenville, North Carolina. It’s the latest stop on his Republican midterm rescue mission. Trump is hoping that $5,000 checks can boost GOP turnout in the elections. But even some of his devoted fans are doubting those government payouts would arrive. This most recent offer could reveal how much voters still trust him as they decide control of Congress on Nov. 3. Earlier Tuesday, Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a $25 million program to encourage the public to blow the whistle on suspected fraud in the U.S. government as they ramp up efforts to end the abuse of federal programs and dollars.
WORDS: 3127 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 9:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a298dcb9327bbad29c0bcc9e61955edb&mediaType=text
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BUSINESS
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FINANCIAL MARKETS
Asian shares are mixed, with Kospi up 3% after US stocks rally on strong earnings
SUMMARY: Asian shares are mixed with Japan and South Korea tech stocks advancing following a broad rally on Wall Street. The Kospi in Seoul gained 3.3%. South Korean AI company Elice, whose 32% drop Tuesday in its first day of trading spooked markets, rebounded on Wednesday. Its shares hit the upward limit of 29.9%. Brent crude oil gained 1.5% to $110 a barrel. On Tuesday, most of the U.S. stock market rose following strong profit reports from Equifax, Hasbro and other companies. The S&P 500 added 0.3% and the Dow rose 1%. Swings for stocks in the artificial intelligence industry left the Nasdaq composite with a modest loss of less than 0.1%.
WORDS: 693 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 2:54 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4fa93685cd49e51e7ff0d840fdd38b0d&mediaType=text
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US--SPACEX-RESULTS
Elon Musk’s SpaceX reports a profit and he hints at a possible merger with Tesla
SUMMARY: SpaceX reported a bigger quarterly profit than expected Tuesday as its satellite communications and artificial intelligence businesses boomed. The company run by Elon Musk posted net income in the three months through September of $4.4 billion, or 35 cents per share. That’s more than double what Wall Street had expected. Revenue soared by 161%. The stock rose in after-hours trading. Musk said that for next month’s launch of its Starship rocket, SpaceX will attempt to grab both the booster and ship with mechanical arms upon return to base. On a call with analysts, Musk suggested a merger with his electric car company Tesla might be in the works.
WORDS: 682 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:05 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:67064446bf0afdf529db55bdec82af69&mediaType=text
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HEALTH/SCIENCE
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AF--CONGO-EBOLA-MENTAL HEALTH
Congo’s Ebola outbreak leaves grieving families struggling with fear and stigma
SUMMARY: The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is taking a psychological toll on families dealing with loss, fear and stigma. Experts say the outbreak has compounded existing trauma in a region already devastated by conflict. Losing relatives to disease outbreaks is always difficult, but responders say grief can be especially severe with Ebola in a country where the disease is viewed by many as evil due to rumors and misconceptions. The risk of transmission also limits contact with the patients even after death, depriving families of closure and the opportunity to observe their preferred burial rites. The World Health Organization says the psychological effects of Ebola outbreaks can persist long after the immediate crisis, often taking the form of anxiety and mood disorders.
WORDS: 831 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 2:14 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:933a503b293dba6f828a5a6f086c025e&mediaType=text
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MED--BE WELL-NAVIGATING ORGAN TRANSPLANTS-TAKEAWAYS
How the US organ transplant system works and what to ask to improve your chances
SUMMARY: There are ways patients can try to improve their chances of getting organ transplants. With about 100,000 people on the U.S. transplant list, more organs are needed even as many others go unused because the right recipient wasn’t found in time. Variation between transplant hospitals, such as their criteria for accepting new patients and how often they decline donated organs, can make a difference. Publicly available information can help patients compare options and learn to ask about things such as waiting times and offer acceptances.
WORDS: 858 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:15 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0dc437bacaad5a6caa48a50d5ced70ca&mediaType=text
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MED--NAVIGATING ORGAN TRANSPLANTS
Arizona woman’s 3-year wait for an intestine shows the US organ transplant system’s complexity
SUMMARY: A car crash destroyed a 25-year-old Phoenix woman’s small intestine, leaving her dependent on IV nutrition and often too sick to get out of bed. It would take three years and getting on more than one hospital’s waiting list for her to receive an intestine transplant. While those are rare, her journey shows how the transplant system often struggles to inform patients about options that can be difficult to navigate on their own. Among them are where to seek care, whether to get on multiple hospitals’ transplant lists, and how to discuss if you’d accept a less-than-perfect organ rather than continue waiting.
WORDS: 1575 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:14 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3425ccda44a49c027dbd35a4cfd38100&mediaType=text
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CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT
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CLIMATE-WARMING PROJECTIONS
UN projections say world is losing ground in fight to curb climate change, faulting US a bit
SUMMARY: Humanity is losing more ground in its fight against climate change. If all the countries do what they promise to do in the fight to curb climate change, the world will still warm this century by another 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 degrees Celsius) from now, the United Nations now projects. That’s about two tenths of a degree Fahrenheit (0.1 C) warmer than last year’s projection. The UN says much of that change is due to the United States abandoning its climate efforts. Experts fault the U.S. for dramatically increased emissions when other nations were cutting.
WORDS: 1056 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 1:07 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0eff0561e0af1f3d7421a96d9db02ba9&mediaType=text
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EDUCATION
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US--ELECTION 2026-EDUCATION-CHILDCARE COSTS
It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
SUMMARY: Rising childcare costs are a factor for parents weighing how to vote in November’s midterm elections. In Pennsylvania’s hotly contested 7th Congressional District, both candidates are making childcare part of their pitch to voters. Democratic nominee Bob Brooks supports universal prekindergarten and increased federal childcare assistance. Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the incumbent, favors bigger tax breaks for families paying for childcare and employers who subsidize it for their workers. Childcare costs have rose faster than inflation from from 2020 to 2024. The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy said it has spent $60 million this year to support Democratic candidates, who have historically favored bigger-ticket childcare investments.
WORDS: 1225 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 12:04 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c89a04f522011206d4f92bac7bf1b2da&mediaType=text
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ENTERTAINMENT
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ENT--CHRISTINA APPLEGATE-HEALTH
Christina Applegate says her doctor told her she was misdiagnosed with MS
SUMMARY: Christina Applegate has revealed her doctor says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She shared this Monday on her podcast “MeSsy” with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Applegate first announced her MS diagnosis in 2021. She still experiences symptoms like needing a wheelchair despite the misdiagnosis. She says the news is confusing, especially since she and Sigler have become advocates for MS awareness. Applegate feels she has let people down. Applegate has been open about her health struggles in her memoir.
WORDS: 503 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:10 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:767e4e74de36f5f98fcd44e201016aee&mediaType=text
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SPORTS
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BKN--76ERS-LEBRON’S DEBUT
LeBron James talks smack with Knicks fans, drops 14 points in victorious 76ers debut
SUMMARY: Knicks fans enjoyed giving LeBron James a hard time in his 76ers debut. James gave it right back on the court with a nice debut for the Sixers. James had 14 points and nine rebounds, and the Sixers ruined the Knicks’ championship party with a 106-100 win on Tuesday night. Philadelphia rolled out a potent lineup, including James and newcomer Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Fans are eager to see how the stars will coexist. Philly is buzzing with excitement ahead of James’ home debut on Thursday against Cleveland.
WORDS: 826 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:36 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b6c9211be53c93ddca644533dae75ce7&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS-NFL
NFL defends Eagles’ handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood clots while union calls for an investigation
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles are not being punished for how they handled quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood clots, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills offered a passionate defense of how the Eagles treated Hurts at the NFL owners’ meetings on Tuesday. That followed a statement from the league that said officials had been in contact with Philadelphia’s medical personnel and the Cleveland Clinic in London throughout the process. Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season after a blood clot traveled from his left calf to his lungs. The players’ union has called for an investigation of the situation.
WORDS: 733 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 8:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bab3a577071323ab1f22451ab5fb408d&mediaType=text
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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL
South Carolina is No. 1 in women’s preseason AP Top 25, followed by UConn and USC
SUMMARY: South Carolina is ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 women’s basketball poll. The Gamecocks received 23 first-place votes from a 31-member national media panel. UConn, Southern California, Duke and Michigan round out the top five. This marks the fifth time in seven years that Staley’s team has been ranked No. 1 in the preseason. South Carolina will face five ranked teams in the first month, including UConn, USC and Duke. UConn, which lost to South Carolina in the Final Four last season, garnered six first-place votes. USC picked up the other two.
WORDS: 731 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 6:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03d95695b9ea06f8bde1b88c32cef9c0&mediaType=text
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