Daily News 19

Author: DN19 Newsroom

  • Seattle Mariners vs. Athletics Series Preview

    Seattle Mariners vs. Athletics Series Preview

    After a brutal August gauntlet against playoff contenders and heavy travel, the Seattle Mariners returned home expecting a comfortable series against the Oakland Athletics. Instead, the 2026 Mariners’ confounding nature persisted, dropping the series to a depleted A’s roster. Only Bryan Woo’s heroics prevented a sweep. Seattle salvaged a series win over Texas previously, but a sweep was necessary to revive flickering playoff odds, which sit at 6.2% as of Thursday night. The Mariners now arrive in Sacramento essentially needing perfection.

    Series Schedule and Win Probabilities

    Game Time (PT) Mariners Starter Athletics Starter Mariners Win% Athletics Win%
    Game 1 Friday, September 11 | 6:40 pm RHP George Kirby LHP Jeffrey Springs 64.1% 35.9%
    Game 2 Saturday, September 12 | 6:40 pm RHP Bryan Woo LHP Gage Jump 60.8% 39.2%
    Game 3 Sunday, September 13 | 1:05 pm RHP Bryce Miller RHP Jacob Lopez 58.1% 41.9%

    Team Overview: Two Struggling Clubs

    Category Mariners Athletics Edge
    Batting (wRC+) 100 (9th in AL) 95 (12th in AL) Mariners
    Fielding (FRV) -42 (15th) -38 (14th) Athletics
    Starting Pitching (FIP-) 99 (8th) 119 (15th) Mariners
    Bullpen (FIP-) 103 (11th) 102 (8th) Athletics

    Neither team ranks above average in most categories. The Mariners hold a slight edge in starting pitching and offense, while Oakland’s bullpen and defense grade out marginally better. Both lineups and defenses are below average, making starting pitching the critical differentiator.

    Athletics Lineup: A Roster Gutted by Injury

    From last week’s series preview: The biggest reason why the Athletics have struggled so much since June is because their lineup has been absolutely gutted by injuries; Brent Rooker (knee), Shea Langeliers (knee), Nick Kurtz (thumb), Tyler Soderstrom (hip), and Jacob Wilson (shoulder) have all succumbed to season-ending injuries. Those five are the core the team was building around so to have all of them sidelined at once has been a huge blow. There have been some positives despite all the struggles. Zack Gelof has been the team’s best hitter when he’s been on the field — he’s missed a bunch of time with a handful of minor scrapes and bruises. The demise of Lawrence Butler has been greatly exaggerated as well; since June 10, he’s put up a 131 wRC+ with nine home runs.

    Player Pos Bats PA K% BB% ISO wRC+
    Henry Bolte CF R 407 27.8% 8.1% 0.126 111
    Jeff McNeil 1B L 464 11.2% 5.8% 0.103 85
    Zack Gelof 3B R 373 25.5% 7.2% 0.207 109
    Lawrence Butler RF L 473 26.4% 11.6% 0.138 85
    Carlos Cortes LF L 344 16.3% 8.1% 0.142 97
    Max Muncy DH R 273 31.9% 7.7% 0.163 87
    Donovan Walton 2B L 124 16.9% 13.7% 0.168 126
    Alika Williams SS R 200 22.5% 4.0% 0.156 88
    Jonah Heim C S 307 19.5% 6.5% 0.173 69

    Game 1: George Kirby vs. Jeffrey Springs

    Pitching Matchup

    Pitcher IP K% BB% HR/FB% GB% ERA FIP
    Jeffrey Springs 130 18.2% 9.1% 17.9% 34.4% 6.02 6.07
    George Kirby 159.1 19.3% 5.5% 11.0% 43.7% 4.18 3.81

    Jeffrey Springs Pitch Arsenal

    Pitch Usage vs RHB Usage vs LHB Velocity Stuff+ Whiff+ BIP+ xwOBA
    Four-seam 43.1% 45.2% 91.4 89 73 93 .357
    Cutter 3.5% 0.8% 87.8 91
    Changeup 32.0% 4.9% 79.5 111 115 83 .267
    Slider 16.3% 41.6% 84.1 97 69 67 .383
    Sweeper 5.0% 7.4% 77.4 97 27 116 .409

    From a previous series preview: Jeffrey Springs has managed to survive pitching in Sutter Health Park by generating a ton of weak contact. His .255 BABIP was the ninth lowest among qualified pitchers last year and it’s even lower this season. He allows a ton of contact in the air and all that elevated contact hasn’t turned into damage like you might expect. It’s mostly just weak fly balls that are easily caught. He’s also throwing a little harder this season, though his strikeout-to-walk ratio is almost an exact mirror of what he posted last year. His best pitch is still his changeup and that’s what allows him to run a slightly reverse platoon split. After a decent start to the season, Springs has been absolutely terrible over the last three months; since the beginning of June, his ERA is over eight! The last time he faced the Mariners, though, he went seven scoreless.

    Kirby holds a clear advantage in command and FIP, but Springs’ unique ability to suppress hard contact at Sutter Health Park makes him dangerous despite poor surface numbers. The changeup remains his weapon against right-handed hitters.

    Game 2: Bryan Woo vs. Gage Jump

    Pitching Matchup

    Pitcher IP K% BB% HR/FB% GB% ERA FIP
    Gage Jump 96.2 24.9% 10.6% 9.6% 38.4% 5.12 3.74
    Bryan Woo 156.1 25.0% 5.2% 9.8% 37.6% 4.03 3.34

    Gage Jump Pitch Arsenal

    Pitch Usage vs RHB Usage vs LHB Velocity Stuff+ Whiff+ BIP+ xwOBA
    Four-seam 48.1% 42.0% 96.3 101 106 100 .348
    Sinker 3.4% 10.9% 95.1 88
    Changeup 12.4% 0.2% 87.6 94 90 129 .298
    Curveball 12.7% 4.2% 82.3 126 83 89 .260
    Slider 22.8% 21.7% 87.2 116 86 86 .310
    Sweeper 0.7% 21.0% 83.8 116 110 77 .194

    From a previous series preview: The Athletics top pitching prospect entering the season, Gage Jump made his major league debut at the end of May — against the Mariners no less — and has pitched through an up-and-down rookie campaign. He’s shown flashes of brilliance at times, but he’s also been prone to big blowups that spiral out of control. He’s got three different breaking balls that make up the bulk of his pitch mix with a four-seamer as the foundation and a sinker and changeup to round out the repertoire. His low arm angle helps his fastball play up from an already impressive 96 mph from the left side, giving the pitch excellent movement across both planes. Right now, he’s much more of a thrower than a pitcher, filling the middle of the zone with his hard stuff and spraying his secondaries around the edges of the zone. That lack of command is the one thing holding him back from truly bringing the entire package together. Jump has a bright future ahead of him. However, he’s been getting hit hard, much of it on the fastball, a pitch that should by the metrics be a killer. He should be fun to watch.

    Woo’s elite command (5.2% walk rate) contrasts sharply with Jump’s 10.6% walk rate. Jump’s three breaking balls and high-velocity four-seamer offer high upside, but inconsistent command leads to volatile outings. Seattle’s patience at the plate could force Jump into high-leverage mistakes.

    Game 3: Bryce Miller vs. Jacob Lopez

    Pitching Matchup

    Pitcher IP K% BB% HR/FB% GB% ERA FIP
    Jacob Lopez 111 21.1% 10.8% 11.0% 31.6% 4.78 4.99
    Bryce Miller 102.1 24.3% 7.0% 14.2% 37.2% 4.22 4.29

    Jacob Lopez Pitch Arsenal

    Pitch Usage vs RHB Usage vs LHB Velocity Stuff+ Whiff+ BIP+ xwOBA
    Four-seam 30.8% 43.2% 90.4 92 95 120 .275
    Sinker 2.2% 5.9% 89.7 81
    Cutter 24.7% 8.0% 86.2 87 106 105 .343
    Changeup 11.3% 0.0% 82.6 82 70 72 .406
    Slider 31.0% 43.0% 76.2 116 89 115 .237

    From a previous series preview: Jacob Lopez was a surprise last year. Never regarded as a top prospect, and a throw-in in the Jeffrey Springs trade a few years ago, he had a stretch of 13 starts last summer where he ran a 2.64 ERA and a 3.08 FIP. He ran into the Mariners on August 24, allowed nine runs, and was placed on the IL with an elbow strain the next day. His raw stuff just isn’t that impressive; his fastball barely averages 90 mph and a slow looping slider is hardly optimized for whiffs. Still, some deception in his throwing motion allows his stuff to play up a bit. After a rough start to the year, Lopez has been a much more solid starter in the second half: ERA (first half | second half): 6.83 | 2.75 Opponents’ Slash Line: .293/.381/.495 | .209/.288/.350 Hopefully Lopez can find one last first-half outing in him.

    Miller carries a higher strikeout rate but surrenders more home runs (14.2% HR/FB). Lopez’s second-half transformation (2.75 ERA, .209/.288/.350 opponent slash) makes him a tougher out than full-season numbers suggest. His slider (116 Stuff+) and deceptive delivery neutralize right-handed bats. The Mariners saw Lopez at his worst on August 24; the version they face Sunday resembles the effective second-half starter.

    AL West and Wild Card Standings Context

    AL West

    Team W-L W% GB Run Diff Recent Form
    Astros 75-72 .510 — -40 L-L-W-L-W
    Rangers 72-75 .490 3.0 -41 L-W-W-L-L
    Mariners 69-78 .469 6.0 -74 L-W-L-W-W
    Athletics 59-88 .401 16.0 -187 W-L-W-L-W
    Angels 56-90 .384 18.5 -73 W-L-L-W-W

    AL Wild Card Race

    Team W-L W% WC GB Run Diff Recent Form
    Yankees 84-62 .575 +10.5 +131 W-L-W-W-W
    Red Sox 80-67 .544 +6.0 +82 W-W-W-L-L
    Guardians 74-73 .503 — -16 L-W-L-W-L
    Blue Jays 73-74 .497 1.0 -39 W-L-L-W-L
    Rangers 72-75 .490 2.0 -41 L-W-W-L-L
    Orioles 71-76 .483 3.0 -27 L-L-W-L-W

    The Mariners gained a game in the Wild Card standings this week and are now closer to the final Wild Card spot than the AL West lead. Houston plays Tampa Bay and Texas faces Arizona this weekend. Minnesota and Cleveland meet head-to-head — a Twins series win would help Seattle by keeping the third Wild Card threshold below .500. Baltimore and Toronto also square off; chaos benefits the Mariners, though an Orioles series win is the preferred outcome.

    Bottom Line

    Seattle’s path requires a sweep against a bad but feisty Oakland team playing its final home series at Sutter Health Park. The pitching matchups favor the Mariners on paper, but Springs’ home-ballpark mastery, Jump’s electric stuff, and Lopez’s second-half revival present genuine upset risk. The offense must capitalize against a vulnerable Athletics bullpen and defense. With playoff odds hovering near 6%, every game carries elimination-level stakes.

  • Salma Hayek Pinault, Paris Hilton, and Simone Biles Brought the Party to Kering’s Caring for Women Dinner

    Salma Hayek Pinault, Paris Hilton, and Simone Biles Brought the Party to Kering’s Caring for Women Dinner

    Paris Hilton arrived at the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women dinner with a clear focus on the evening’s next act: she was scheduled to DJ the event’s first after-party. “I’m just excited to see all my friends and just all to be here for such an amazing cause to support women. It’s so important,” she told Vanity Fair. “It’s a thing that I do all the time.”

    A Night of Philanthropy and High-Profile Support

    Following a cocktail hour featuring crab cakes, crunchy yellowfin tuna, and Champagne, guests moved into a larger atrium for the seated dinner. The annual gala supports the Kering Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the luxury conglomerate Kering, which owns fashion houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga.

    Established in the mid-2000s, the foundation operates across the UK, US, France, Italy, Mexico, and South Korea. Its mission centers on ending intergenerational gender-based violence and childhood sexual violence.

    Celebrity Advocacy Amplifies the Mission

    The presence of high-profile figures underscores the cause’s visibility. “When you have Simone Biles, when you have Pamela Anderson, Dakota Johnson, being there and with their name fully associated with the cause of fighting violence against women, it makes a difference,” François-Henri Pinault, Kering’s chairman and CEO, told Vanity Fair before the event.

    Guests, including Dakota Johnson, enjoyed a three-course meal capped with petit fours for dessert.

    Confronting a Taboo: The Foundation’s Origins

    Reflecting on the foundation’s inception, Pinault noted the shift in public discourse over nearly two decades. “When we started [the foundation] back in 2007, the situation was different. But not that the situation was easier. No one was talking about that, to be honest,” Pinault said regarding the focus on gender-based violence. “What drove me to choose that cause for the group was that it was taboo. And thanks to Salma I was discovering the reality of the situation.”

    Emerging Threats: Technology-Facilitated Violence

    Pinault warned that new challenges are emerging, particularly across digital platforms. “What’s happening online in terms of violence on women, it’s crazy,” he said, later adding in his speech that one in three women and girls will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes.

    Addressing the crowd directly, he outlined the scale of the digital threat. “Over the past year, we have seen a dramatic rise in gender-based violence enabled by technology,” he told the crowd. “This can lead men, especially young men, to believe that misogyny is simply part of manhood. This, too, cannot become the new normal.”

  • Original Ideas Like ‘Widow’s Bay’ Dominated This Year’s Emmy Races

    Original Ideas Like ‘Widow’s Bay’ Dominated This Year’s Emmy Races

    Emmy Nominations Prove Original TV Ideas Still Dominate Over IP Adaptations

    As Emmy week approaches and the industry celebrates another strong season of television, it is time to retire the persistent narrative that Hollywood has run out of original ideas. A close look at the 2025 nominees across comedy, drama, and limited series categories reveals a clear trend: the vast majority of contenders are built on fresh concepts, not pre-existing intellectual property.

    Drama Category Led by Original Concepts

    The drama field is a showcase for original storytelling. HBO Max’s The Pitt, created by R. Scott Gemmill, stands out as a sensation. While it carries the DNA of classic medical procedurals, it introduces unique narrative beats and a modern critique of the U.S. healthcare system.

    Other drama nominees follow the same pattern. Hulu’s Paradise originates from Dan Fogelman’s post-apocalyptic vision. Jonathan Tropper conceived Apple TV+’s Your Friends and Neighbors—adding to a hot streak that includes his creation of Apple’s Lucky. Debora Cahn developed Netflix’s The Diplomat, while Vince Gilligan brought his singular voice to Apple TV+’s Pluribus. Julian Fellowes, known for Downton Abbey, crafted HBO Max’s The Gilded Age.

    Only two drama nominees are adapted from existing IP. Apple TV+’s Slow Horses is based on Mick Herron’s “Slough House” novels, adapted by Will Smith. HBO Max’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms draws from George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas, set within the Game of Thrones universe.

    Comedy Field Rich with Original Voices

    The comedy race is equally dominated by originals. Apple TV+’s newcomer Widow’s Bay, a horror-comedy from writer Katie Dippold, has emerged as a poster child for how fresh ideas can earn major recognition. Its primary competitor, HBO Max’s Hacks, concludes a celebrated five-season run as the brainchild of Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, and Lucia Aniello.

    The category is deep with creator-driven projects:

    • Apple TV+’s Shrinking comes from Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein.
    • Netflix’s Nobody Wants This was created by Erin Foster and based on her life.
    • Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building originated with Steve Martin and John Hoffman.
    • ABC’s Abbott Elementary was inspired by Quinta Brunson’s teacher mother.
    • FX’s The Bear is Christopher Storer’s creation.

    Just one nominated comedy adapts existing IP: Apple TV+’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, adapted by David E. Kelley from Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel.

    Limited Series Defies Adaptation Trend

    Limited and anthology series are traditionally strongholds for adaptations, but this year breaks the mold. The two frontrunners are originals: Netflix’s Beef (created by Lee Sung Jin) and HBO Max’s DTF St. Louis (from Steven Conrad). Netflix’s The Beast in Me, created by Gabe Rotter, is also original.

    Peacock’s All Her Fault adapts Andrea Mara’s 2021 novel, scoring a rare point for IP. FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette occupies a gray area—based on real-life figures and inspired by a biography—making it difficult to classify strictly as IP or original.

    Creative Era Persists Amid Industry Challenges

    As Emmy season wraps, the data offers a positive counterpoint to industry anxieties. Amid concerns over AI-generated content, social media fatigue, and real-world negativity, television remains in a remarkably creative era.

    This is not to dismiss IP-based storytelling. Projects like Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Lanterns, and the new A Different World demonstrate highly creative reimaginings of familiar franchises.

    But for the 2025 Emmy cycle, originality wins regardless of who takes home the trophies on September 14—whether it’s The Pitt or Pluribus in drama (likely The Pitt), Hacks or Widow’s Bay in comedy (heart says Hacks; gut says Widow’s Bay), or Beef or DTF St. Louis in limited series (a toss-up that changes hourly).

  • Tom Hiddleston Asked If Loki Is Dying Again in ‘Doomsday’ — The Exchange Didn’t Go Well

    Tom Hiddleston Asked If Loki Is Dying Again in ‘Doomsday’ — The Exchange Didn’t Go Well

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    Tom Hiddleston Dodges Spoilers on Loki’s Fate in Avengers: Doomsday

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to keep fans guessing with a steady stream of theatrical releases and Disney+ series. Anticipation for the Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday has reached a fever pitch, especially after the confirmed cast list revealed Tom Hiddleston’s return as Loki. During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hiddleston was pressed on whether the God of Mischief would meet his end once again in the upcoming blockbuster. His effort to avoid spoilers was both telling and highly entertaining.

    Hiddleston’s Hilarious Attempt to Avoid Spoilers

    When asked if he or Patrick Stewart would hold the record for most on-screen Marvel deaths after Doomsday, Hiddleston debated Loki’s previous demises before offering a response that perfectly illustrated Marvel’s notorious secrecy. He said:

    “I’m not as well-versed in the Patrick Stewart lore. Look, if I keep going down the path of the end of this sentence, I will find myself revealing things that… it depends what you …I’m going to stop. I have to stop.”

    A video of the exchange shows the 45-year-old actor visibly struggling to navigate the question without breaching his confidentiality obligations. After more than a decade guarding franchise secrets, Hiddleston managed to exit the interview without revealing significant details—much to the chagrin of fans hungry for clues.

    MCU Actors Known for Accidental Spoilers

    Hiddleston’s discipline stands in contrast to several of his co-stars. Tom Holland has developed a reputation for letting plot points slip during interviews, while Mark Ruffalo famously spoiled the ending of Avengers: Infinity War prior to its theatrical release. Hiddleston, however, has historically remained tight-lipped, and he was not about to break that streak regarding Loki’s role in the next Avengers film.

    Loki’s Previous Deaths in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Longtime viewers of the Marvel movies in order will recall that Loki has “died” multiple times. He appeared to perish in Thor’s arms during Thor: The Dark World, though that was later revealed as an illusion. The original timeline version of the character was killed by Thanos in the opening moments of Avengers: Infinity War. Most recently, the Loki Season 2 finale depicted a variant of the character assuming a multiversal role, physically holding the timelines together at the End of Time.

    What’s Next for the God of Mischief?

    Given Loki’s new multiversal stature, his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday is one of the film’s biggest question marks. He appeared briefly in the movie’s trailer, but his exact function—and whether he will face another death—remains unknown. Answers will arrive when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026, as part of the 2026 movie release slate. Fans are hoping the trickster god survives the mysterious conflict.

  • TSCL Predicts 3.5% COLA With One Month Until Announcement

    TSCL Predicts 3.5% COLA With One Month Until Announcement

    The Senior Citizens League Predicts 3.5% COLA for Social Security in 2027

    The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) has released its final prediction for Social Security’s 2027 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), forecasting a 3.5% increase. This projection is 0.1 percentage points lower than last month’s estimate but remains 0.7 percentage points higher than the 2.8% COLA applied for 2026 and a full percentage point above the 2.5% adjustment for 2025.

    Key Details Behind the 2027 COLA Projection

    The Social Security Administration will announce the official 2027 COLA on October 14, 2026, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for September. The government calculates the COLA by averaging the yearly change in the CPI-W for July, August, and September. The August CPI-W, released today, came in at 3.5%, while the July CPI-W, released last month, registered 3.4%.

    What This Means for Beneficiaries

    If TSCL’s projection holds, the average monthly benefit check will rise by $67.90. The current average beneficiary receives $1,940.08 per month; a 3.5% COLA would increase that amount to $2,007.98. The adjustment applies a percentage increase to all benefit checks. For example, a beneficiary currently receiving $2,000 per month would see their check grow to $2,070 under the predicted COLA. The new COLA takes effect on January 1, 2027.

    Senior Dissatisfaction With Recent COLAs

    Seniors have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the last two COLAs. According to TSCL’s 2026 Senior Survey, 89% of older Americans believed the 2026 COLA was too low and that their monthly benefits would fall behind inflation. The survey also found that 44% of seniors rely entirely on Social Security for their income.

    Expert Commentary: Shannon Benton on COLA Limitations

    TSCL Executive Director Shannon Benton highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the final CPI-W reading and the structural shortcomings of the current COLA mechanism:

    “The biggest thing we’re watching with the COLA announcement coming are short-term shocks to the economy that push inflation way up or down in the next 30 days. Of the three CPI-W figures used to calculate the COLA, two are already in.”

    “No matter if the COLA announcement comes in slightly higher or slightly lower than our prediction, seniors will probably end up disappointed in the long run. The reality is that older Americans allocate their budgets differently than people still in the workforce, so inflation hits them differently. The CPI-W captures the experience of urban wage earners, which doesn’t represent the average senior’s budget.

    “The COLA only happening once a year puts life on hold for a lot of seniors. When prices rise, they don’t rise next January when your benefit check goes up. They rise right now. We need to consider COLAs that compound quarterly or monthly so seniors can keep up throughout the year when inflation comes in above Federal Reserve targets, like in 2026.”

    About The Senior Citizens League

    The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) is one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan seniors’ groups. Established in 1992 as a special project of The Retired Enlisted Association, its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. citizens, and protect and defend the benefits seniors have earned and paid for. TSCL consists of vocally active senior citizens concerned about the protection of their Social Security, Medicare, and veteran or military retiree benefits. To learn more, visit https://seniorsleague.org/about-us/.

    About the TSCL COLA Model

    TSCL issues a new prediction of the next Social Security COLA each month using its statistical model. The model incorporates the Consumer Price Index, the Federal Reserve interest rate, and the national unemployment rate to make its predictions, updating throughout the year in response to economic conditions. A new version of the model, v1.2, was released in January 2025. This version updates data handling to align with the federal fiscal year rather than the calendar year and reduces each prediction’s reliance on previous predictions made throughout the federal fiscal year. For additional information about the model, contact Alex Moore, TSCL’s statistician, at [email protected].

    Contact Information

  • Sources: Patriots to Add DaQuan Jones on 1-Year Deal

    Sources: Patriots to Add DaQuan Jones on 1-Year Deal

    The New England Patriots are expected to sign veteran defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, according to sources who spoke with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Friday.

    Contract Details and Role

    The 12-year veteran will receive a $3.5 million base salary as part of the agreement. Jones arrives in New England as a proven interior presence, having started all 51 regular-season games he appeared in over the past four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, along with eight postseason contests under former head coach Sean McDermott.

    Reunion with Mike Vrabel

    The signing reunites Jones with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The two spent three seasons together with the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2020, when Vrabel served as Tennessee’s head coach. That familiarity should ease Jones’ transition into New England’s defensive scheme.

    Depth Chart Impact

    Jones joins a defensive tackle room that currently features Milton Williams, Cory Durden, and Christian Barmore at the top of the depth chart. Joshua Farmer and Leonard Taylor III project as the primary backups. The addition provides valuable experience and rotational depth at a position that relies heavily on fresh legs.

    Production and Durability

    Since 2022, Jones has recorded 10 regular-season sacks and posted a 37% run stop win rate, which ranked sixth on the Bills during that span. His 2023 campaign was interrupted by a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery and forced him to miss 10 games, but he returned to form in 2024.

    Career Timeline

    A fourth-round selection by the Titans in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Jones spent his first seven professional seasons in Tennessee, starting 93 of 99 games played. He played the 2021 season with the Carolina Panthers, starting all 17 games. Across his career, the 34-year-old has accumulated 20 sacks and 372 tackles.

    ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Alaina Getzenberg contributed to this report.

  • FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026: USA’s Paige Bueckers on Overcoming Historic Italian Challenge: “We find ways to win”

    FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026: USA’s Paige Bueckers on Overcoming Historic Italian Challenge: “We find ways to win”

    Italy’s defense, energized by a partisan crowd in Berlin, held the USA to the program’s lowest-ever shooting percentage from the floor at 29 percent, marking the squad’s worst World Cup field-goal performance at 28.6 percent. The three-point victory represented the closest margin for the Americans since a narrow win over Australia in 2010, and the first single-digit triumph since 1979.

    Lawson Emphasizes Resilience After Narrow Escape

    Addressing media including Olympics.com, head coach Kara Lawson framed the sluggish offensive showing as a valuable lesson rather than a crisis.

    “(The odds) say we won’t shoot 29% in the paint again,”

    Lawson reflected, underscoring the statistical anomaly of the performance.

    “My takeaway is that even if we do, we have enough to win; we’re tough enough to win either way.

    You have to be honest with yourself as an individual and as a team when you have a performance that is below your level. I know our history is so accomplished at our federation; I know all the expectation is for us to win. But it is hard to win a World Cup.

    You have to be able to win in different ways because every team plays stylistically different. Italy played with great force and passion, and controlled the game for large parts.

    The World Cup is supposed to be challenging, and we’re supposed to have moments where we’re not at our best. The teams that can persevere and have a resilient mindset are the ones that are able to win. That’s what makes it so satisfying at the end.

    Every game is information for us. Every time you get exposed in certain ways, you can look back and improve. We’ll grow from it.”

    Tournament Outlook Shifts Toward Adaptability

    The victory, while unconvincing on the stat sheet, reinforces a championship trait: finding ways to win when the primary game plan falters. Italy’s physical, high-pressure approach disrupted the USA’s rhythm for extended stretches, forcing the defending champions to rely on defensive intensity and clutch execution down the stretch. Lawson’s message signals a pivot from style points to substance, positioning resilience as the defining metric for the remainder of the World Cup campaign.

  • Céline Dion Duets With Young Fan Ahead of Paris Comeback Concert

    Céline Dion Duets With Young Fan Ahead of Paris Comeback Concert

    Céline Dion fulfilled a young fan’s “childhood dream come true” during a spontaneous encounter outside her Paris hotel on Friday, just hours before her highly anticipated comeback performance on Saturday.

    Surprise Duet Delights Waiting Fans

    The 20-year-old admirer, known on social media as Sacha, had been waiting among a crowd of supporters when he approached the Canadian superstar with a request to sing together. Dion initially declined the invitation but quickly changed her mind, joining the fan for an impromptu duet that delighted onlookers.

    “You are such a good singer,” the Grammy winner exclaimed after their shared performance, offering high praise to the overwhelmed fan.

    Ongoing Connection With Supporters

    This interaction continues a pattern of Dion regularly engaging with fans gathered outside her accommodations during her stay in the French capital. The singer has taken time to greet, photograph, and converse with devoted followers who have lined up for hours hoping for a glimpse of the global icon.

    Comeback After Health Challenges

    Saturday’s concert marks a significant milestone in Dion’s return to the stage following her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological condition that affected her singing voice. The disorder forced her to cancel tour dates four years ago and largely withdraw from public life while focusing on treatment and recovery.

    When announcing the new tour dates via Instagram in March, Dion expressed her enthusiasm about returning to performing: “I’m so ready to do this”.

    The Paris shows represent the European leg of her comeback tour, signaling a triumphant return for one of music’s most powerful vocalists after a challenging health journey that tested both her voice and spirit.

  • Trump Administration and FBI Target Foreign Nationals in U.S. Fraud Crackdown

    Trump Administration and FBI Target Foreign Nationals in U.S. Fraud Crackdown

    FBI Captures ‘Most Wanted’ Medicare Fraud Suspect Khalid Satary; Targets Foreign Nationals in Broad Crackdown

    The FBI has apprehended Khalid Ahmed Satary, an alleged mastermind behind a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme, marking the third capture from the bureau’s new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list in just five weeks. The arrest underscores an intensifying federal effort to pursue foreign nationals accused of defrauding U.S. government programs from overseas.

    FBI Nabs Alleged $547M Medicare Fraud Mastermind

    In late July, federal agents arrested Khalid Ahmed Satary in the Middle East. FBI Director Kash Patel stated Satary participated in a conspiracy that fraudulently billed Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests between 2016 and 2019.

    “The arrest of Khalid Ahmed Satary and return to the U.S. is the third Most Wanted Fraudster capture from this FBI and our partners in just five weeks — continuing the historic run of success for this new initiative,”

    Patel told Fox News Digital.

    Satary, who previously appeared on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, allegedly used bogus genetic testing schemes and doctor bribes to execute the fraud.

    Administration Targets Foreign Nationals in Fraud Crackdown

    The Trump administration is escalating efforts to target foreign nationals accused of exploiting U.S. government programs. Last week, the FBI released its “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list highlighting alleged suspects as part of a broader crackdown. Officials say the involvement of foreign actors in multiple schemes has heightened concerns about overseas exploitation of federal funds.

    Among those named is Onur Simsek, a Turkish national believed to be living in Turkey. Federal prosecutors accuse Simsek of leading a defense procurement fraud scheme that secured U.S. military contracts by falsely certifying Turkish-made parts as tested and qualified—potentially rendering critical military equipment inoperable.

    Turkish National Accused of Infiltrating Defense Supply Chain

    According to the Justice Department, Simsek and his co-conspirators operated a U.S.-based front company between April 2019 and February 2022 to obtain contracts supplying parts for Navy submarines, Marine Corps armored vehicles, Army M-60 tanks, and other military equipment. Prosecutors allege the parts were manufactured in Turkey, then repackaged to conceal their country of origin before being sold to the U.S. government.

    The scheme allegedly involved collaboration with Yuksel Senbol, who was sentenced to prison for conspiracy to defraud in 2024. An arrest warrant for Simsek was issued in Tampa, Florida, in October 2023. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

    “Simsek’s alleged procurement fraud deprived taxpayers of value, denied honest businesses fair opportunity, and diverted critical resources from American warfighters,”

    General Services Administration Administrator Ed Forst said in a statement.

    “Under President Trump and Vice President Vance, GSA will continue working relentlessly to identify and hold accountable those who try to cheat the federal marketplace and steal from the American people.”

    The GSA Office of Inspector General assisted in the investigation.

    Vice President Vance Cites ‘Clear Pattern’ in Immigrant Community Fraud

    Foreign nationals have become a focal point in the administration’s broader fraud investigations, including scrutiny of an alleged Medicaid and child care fraud scheme involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community that led to clashes between federal agents and protesters earlier this year.

    In an interview with Fox News Digital last month, Vice President JD Vance said authorities have observed what he described as a “clear pattern” in some fraud cases involving immigrant communities.

    “You definitely see patterns in certain communities,”

    Vance said.

    “It’ll start as maybe one Somali person takes advantage of the system, or realizes you don’t even have to have children to get money from these programs. You could just claim that you have children, there’s no verification. Then, word spreads like wildfire, and that program gets tapped into by the same members of that community.”

    ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ Initiative Yields Early Results

    The FBI’s new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list is designed to help law enforcement locate and apprehend fugitives accused of large-scale fraud schemes. The initiative has already resulted in three captures in five weeks, including Satary’s arrest.

    The White House has also launched an interactive map tracking billions in suspected fraud and exposed what it terms a “transshipment scam” costing the U.S. up to $26 billion, pointing to China as a primary actor.

    Meanwhile, the Justice Department recently charged Ohio defendants in an alleged $30 million Medicaid scheme targeting children’s programs, and the FBI added an alleged COVID fraudster accused of taking $5 million from a kids’ meal program to its Most Wanted list.

  • CBS Files Motion to Dismiss Ex-‘Matlock’ Writer’s Lawsuit

    CBS Files Motion to Dismiss Ex-‘Matlock’ Writer’s Lawsuit

    CBS is moving to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former writer on the upcoming Matlock reboot, forcefully denying allegations of racial and sexual harassment as fabrications and outright lies. The legal battle centers on claims made by John Lowe against showrunner Jennie Urman Snyder, producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber, and CBS Studios.

    Original Lawsuit Alleges Hostile Work Environment

    Filed in June in Los Angeles Superior Court, Lowe’s complaint seeks unspecified damages. The suit alleges that Snyder and producers allowed sexually explicit and discriminatory conduct to fester on set. Specific accusations include Snyder referring to the Juneteenth holiday with a racial slur and another producer making a sexually suggestive late-night phone call to Lowe.

    CBS Counters with Anti-SLAPP Motion to Strike

    In a stern rejection filed on the eve of the 2026-2027 TV season, CBS’s legal team—representing CBS Studios, Snyder, Renna, and Lieber—argues that Lowe’s termination claims implicate California’s anti-SLAPP statute. The defense asserts that the allegations that he was unlawfully terminated as a writer on Matlock and that he is entitled to recover lost wages implicate California’s anti-SLAPP statute and support the instant motion to strike because Defendants’ decision to not reengage Lowe as a writer was a creative decision in furtherance of their exercise of free speech on a matter of public interest.

    Defense Disputes Timeline and Specific Claims

    The response provides specific employment dates, stating Lowe was hired in October 2023 and departed in July 2024—not July 2025 as implied in the complaint. CBS’s legal team contends Snyder never used the alleged racial slur and that no witnesses corroborate the claim.

    Furthermore, the filing characterizes the lawsuit as retaliatory. CBS’s legal team wrote, Lowe was never subjected to race or sex harassment as he claims, and as this case progresses, Defendants are confident that Plaintiff’s malicious and unsupported attacks will be publicly exposed for what they are: retaliation by a desperate man who was not renewed as a writer because his performance deficiencies detrimentally impacted CBS’ ability to convey the messages it desired.

    CBS Studios Stands by Producers After Investigation

    A CBS Studios spokesperson reinforced the network’s position, citing a thorough internal investigation.

    As stated in the motion and following a thorough investigation, we are confident that Lowe’s accusations are demonstrably inaccurate and maliciously fabricated, and will not allow them to go unchallenged.

    False allegations are deeply damaging, both to those wrongly accused, and to anyone with a serious and legitimate claim of discrimination. We stand firmly behind our producers and look forward to the truth coming to light.