Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • Fidium Fiber Internet Outages Affect Maine, Other New England States

    Fidium Fiber Internet Outages Affect Maine, Other New England States

    Fidium Fiber customers across Maine and Northern New England experienced a widespread internet and phone service outage Thursday afternoon, with service fully restored by early evening.

    Outage Reports Surge Across Three States

    Dozens of customers in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire reported connectivity issues on Downdetector beginning around 3 p.m. In Maine, outages were concentrated in the Midcoast region, Manchester, Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook, among other communities.

    The Portland Conservatory of Music posted on Facebook that it was without internet or phone service due to the disruption.

    Company Acknowledges ‘Technical Issues’

    A Fidium Fiber spokesperson said around 3:40 p.m. that the company was “experiencing technical issues” but did not specify the root cause or provide an estimated restoration time.

    “Our teams are working to restore services and systems as quickly as possible,” said Kyle Thweatt in an email, responding to questions from the Portland Press Herald.

    Network Issue Identified, Traffic Rerouted

    In an update around 5 p.m., Thweatt confirmed Fidium Fiber had experienced a network issue and was rerouting traffic while attempting to fully restore service. The outage also temporarily impacted the company’s website as a surge of customers sought service information. Both the website and Fidium’s phone support services were back online shortly after, according to Thweatt.

    “We are continuing to stabilize service and fully restore any remaining impacted customers,” he said.

    Service Fully Restored by 5:45 p.m.

    Around 5:45 p.m., Thweatt confirmed service was restored across the network.

    “We understand how disruptive an outage can be and appreciate our customers’ patience as we worked to restore service,” he said.

    Next Steps for Affected Customers

    Customers still experiencing issues are advised to restart their equipment or call Fidium Fiber at 1-844-434-3486 for assistance.

    Staff Writer Drew Johnson contributed to this story.

  • Abbott Says Midterms Are ‘Common Sense’ vs. ‘Crazy’

    Abbott Says Midterms Are ‘Common Sense’ vs. ‘Crazy’

    Texas Gov. Greg Abbott framed the upcoming November elections as a stark ideological battle during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday, telling supporters the contest represents “a choice between common sense and crazy.” Speaking at the American Airlines Center on September 10, 2026, the three-term governor seeking an unprecedented fourth term declared that Republicans will prevail because voters prioritize safety and border security.

    Abbott Frames Election as Choice Between ‘Common Sense and Crazy’

    “I’m here to tell you that Republicans are going to win this year because Americans want safe communities and secure borders, and Republicans will deliver on that need,” Abbott said during his eight-minute address. The governor, who has become a national conservative figure largely due to the billions Texas has spent securing the border with Mexico, faced a receptive crowd that repeatedly rose to cheer.

    With images of Big Bend and the Texas flag displayed behind him, Abbott praised President Donald Trump and repeatedly criticized “the Democrats running on the statewide ticket.” His Democratic opponent, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin, and state Rep. James Talarico, who is challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton, were not mentioned by name.

    “Common sense always wins. It will win this year, too,” Abbott said. “Together we are going to demolish the Democrats. We are going to keep Texas red.”

    Attacks on Democratic Opponents Without Naming Them

    The governor’s rhetoric marked a departure from his campaign’s earlier direct attacks on Hinojosa. This week, his staff labeled her a “gender bender” for supporting transgender children and “Job Killer Gina” for opposing certain tax cuts for the wealthy. In his speech, Abbott instead targeted their policy positions in spirit, criticizing their defense of transgender rights, efforts to stop a border wall, opposition to voting restrictions, and resistance to private school vouchers.

    “They’re gaslighting the public on affordability,” Abbott said.

    Legislative Achievements Highlighted

    Abbott ticked off recent legislative wins, including state funding for 100 miles of border wall, the creation of the largest private school voucher program in the nation, and a constitutional amendment banning a state income tax that garnered bipartisan legislative support and voter approval last year.

    “I stopped the craziness,” he said.

    California Used as Foil

    The governor also took a familiar swipe at California, drawing a contrast between Texas and its western neighbor.

    “Democrats are not safe,” he told the crowd. “They voted to defund police. That’s not Texas. That’s California Crazy.”

    Noticing a section of attendees seated under a California sign, Abbott added, “With all due respect to the California delegation here.”

    Democratic Response: ‘A Snoozefest’

    State Democrats dismissed the speech. “At a time when working people are struggling under Abbott’s agenda of giving data centers the biggest tax breaks in the country, shuttering neighborhood public schools, and enabling Flock cameras to surveil Texans without cause, he’s patting himself on the back at an event where the cheapest ticket is $20,000,” Hinojosa said in a statement.

    Party officials characterized the address as “a snoozefest.”

  • Manchester United vs Sabah: Champions League Live Coverage

    Manchester United vs Sabah: Champions League Live Coverage

    Manchester United Begin Champions League Campaign Against Azerbaijani Side Sabah

    Manchester United kick off their return to the Champions League on Thursday evening with a home fixture against Sabah FC, the Azerbaijani league leaders who have made a remarkable start to their European adventure. The match at Old Trafford gets underway at 8pm BST, marking United’s first appearance in Europe’s premier club competition since the 2023-24 season.

    Team News and Line-ups

    Michael Carrick has named a strong starting XI, blending experience with new signings. Leny Yoro makes his first Champions League start for the club at centre-back alongside Lisandro Martínez, while Patrick Dorgu debuts at left-back in place of the rested Luke Shaw. In attack, Benjamin Sesko earns his first start of the season after scoring off the bench against Everton, supported by Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo. Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo anchor the midfield.

    Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Martínez, Dorgu; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
    Substitutes: Darlow, Mee, Dalot, Maguire, Mount, Rashford, Zirkzee, Andrey Santos, Heaven, Lacey, Fletcher T, Amass.

    Sabah (4-2-3-1): Pokatilov; Zedaka, McCarthy, Dashdamirov, Puchacz; Rakhmonalev, Lepinjica; Parris, Simic, Nwachukwu; Mickels.
    Substitutes: Ramazanov, Mirzammadov, Kahibulaev, Isaev, Rustamli, Mutallimov, Almeida, Du Queiroz, Fernandes, Mukhtarov, Mbina.

    Carrick: “We’ll Give Sabah Maximum Respect”

    Speaking to TNT Sports before the match, Carrick emphasized his side’s focus while acknowledging the threat posed by their opponents.

    “Carrick tells TNT they’ll give Sabah maximum respect. They’ve won a lot of matches, play attractive, attacking football, and they’ll be a challenge, but he’s mainly focused on United.”

    The United manager explained that Shaw was withdrawn as a precaution after suffering cramp at the weekend, and that the team selection reflects a desire for balance without excessive rotation. Carrick believes his squad has improved since last season, citing better attacking combinations and a growing understanding of a dominant, controlled playing style.

    “Shaw came off with cramp at the weekend so they opted not to take a chance on him, but they wanted freshen things up and get the balance right. He’s got a good squad and thinks this is a good team, but he didn’t want to change too much as that makes things difficult. Though results haven’t been great, Carrick thinks United have improved from last season, with some good attacking and combination play. He wants his team to be ready from the first whistle and other scat, then off he goes.”

    Sabah’s Remarkable Journey

    Sabah arrive in Manchester sitting second in the Azerbaijani Premier League with three wins from three matches. Their manager’s backstory has drawn widespread attention, described as “a movie; the movie Slumdog Millionaire wishes it was.” The manner of their qualification for the Champions League group stage has also been highlighted as incredible.

    Fan Perspectives: Carrick’s Credibility and Historical Patterns

    Reader correspondence reflects a mix of optimism and caution regarding Carrick’s tenure and United’s European prospects.

    “Carrick is not given the credit he deserves,” says Krishnamoorthy V. “So many heavyweights have come and gone after SAF and few have been as quiet and as effective as Carrick. He should be given more freedom and a longer term to stabilise and deliver. They may not go far in this new Swiss scheme but their focus should be top four and constant presence in Big Cup.”

    Another supporter, John Brennan, identifies a recurring pattern in post-Ferguson United seasons:

    “It feels like there has been a certain pattern to United over the years since Fergie left in that there is usually a decent/good season usually achieving Champions League qualification followed by a drop-off the following season due to the additional games in Champions League and the defeats that usually come with that,” reckons John Brennan. “I’m thinking of 23-24 under Ten Haag, 21-22 under Solskjær and, going further back, 18-19 under Mourinho. If this pattern holds (and the results so far this season suggest that it might), I can see a draw tonight followed by a comfortable win for Man City at the weekend and all of a sudden Carrick is going to be under pressure.”

    Matt Dony offers a broader view on United’s place in the competition:

    “Yes, there are reasons both emotional and mythological why United need to be in the Champions League,” concedes Matt Dony. “But there are equally emotional and mythological reasons why, to fans of other clubs, their Champions League return being on a Thursday night against a relative European minnow is objectively funny. It sort of doesn’t feel like a Champions League night. Not that that will matter one jot to the players and fans. And it shouldn’t, obviously. A club like United clearly belong here. It’s a footballing shame that they’ve been so far away for so long. I’m not convinced Carrick is the long-term solution, but I hope he enjoys an extended European adventure. (Just not too extended, obviously.)”

    Tactical Talking Points

    Analysts note that United’s defensive structure will be tested. Yoro’s start is seen as a significant step in his development, with the Frenchman potentially offering a long-term solution to the lack of pace in the current first-choice centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Martínez. However, Martínez’s playmaking ability makes him difficult to displace.

    In attack, the decision to start Sesko as a reference-point centre-forward represents a shift from Carrick’s preferred three all-purpose attackers. The Slovenian’s aerial presence and finishing variety add a new dimension, though questions remain about service from wide areas where Mbeumo and Cunha tend to prioritize individual action over crossing. Rashford, likely to feature from the bench, is viewed as a potent late-game option with improved creativity.

    Early Kick-offs Elsewhere

    In other early Champions League fixtures, Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 with Roma, while PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk also finished level at 1-1.

    A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off to remember the victims of the recent tragedy in Nepal.

  • 5-Star NaVorro Bowman Jr., Son of Ex-NFL Star, Commits to UConn Basketball

    5-Star NaVorro Bowman Jr., Son of Ex-NFL Star, Commits to UConn Basketball

    Five-star guard NaVorro Bowman Jr., son of former NFL standout NaVorro Bowman, announced his commitment to UConn on Thursday, giving the Huskies the highest-ranked committed player in the 2027 recruiting class. Bowman Jr. shared the news with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

    Official Visit Secures Commitment

    Bowman Jr. took an official visit to UConn last weekend in Storrs. The trip was expected to be the first of four September visits that also included Illinois, Texas, and Arizona. However, head coach Dan Hurley and the Huskies secured his commitment before he could take the remaining visits, forcing other programs to pivot their recruiting strategies.

    Elite Scoring Profile and International Success

    Ranked No. 12 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2027, Bowman Jr. has starred on both grassroots and international circuits over the past several months. He ranked among the elite scorers on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring and summer, averaging 20.5 points in 20 games with Team Why Not. That average placed fifth among all players with 10 or more games. He added 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting just over 33% from three-point range.

    Bowman Jr. also helped lead USA Basketball to the gold medal at the FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Turkey in July, averaging 11.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

    Early Commitment Shapes 2027 Class

    The Notre Dame High School (California) product becomes just the third five-star 2027 prospect to announce his commitment at this stage of the cycle and the first top-15 recruit to make his decision. He represents Hurley and UConn’s first commitment in the 2027 class and immediately provides a cornerstone piece around which the Huskies can build their recruiting class.

    Backcourt Outlook and Roster Context

    UConn should field one of the elite backcourts in college basketball this season with Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins, though neither player may remain in Storrs for the 2027-28 campaign. Program stalwart Solo Ball will return after his redshirt season, while incoming freshman Junior Country is generating significant early buzz. Those two should combine with Bowman Jr. to form a talented perimeter group for the 2027-28 season.

    Family Background and Father’s Coaching Decision

    Bowman’s father spent eight seasons as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers before finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders. The elder Bowman earned All-Pro honors four times and appeared in three Pro Bowls. He stepped down as the Los Angeles Chargers linebackers coach after last season to be more involved with his son’s recruitment.

    “His son is an elite hooper,” Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said at the time. “He wants to be a dad and help guide him through the process of college and selecting a college.”

  • Kyren Williams Fantasy Week 1 Start/Sit: RB1 Upside in Play

    Kyren Williams Fantasy Week 1 Start/Sit: RB1 Upside in Play

    Kyren Williams Week 1 Fantasy Outlook: Start or Sit Against Favorable Matchup?

    Kyren Williams enters Week 1 ranked 18th among running backs, but his matchup suggests significant upside. He faces the sixth-worst pre-contact rush defense in the NFL, a vulnerable unit that could unlock an RB1 performance if his workload holds steady.

    Volume Trends Support Heavy Usage

    Williams opened the 2025 season with 17 or more carries in three consecutive games, establishing himself as the clear focal point of the backfield. Even with Blake Corum on the roster, a 50/50 split in September appears unlikely. The offense operated at peak efficiency last year, and regression toward the mean may actually reinforce Williams’ bell-cow role before any significant schematic adjustments occur.

    Passing Game Involvement Adds Floor

    Beyond raw carries, Williams projects as the featured option in the passing game. His route participation remains high, and the coaching staff continues to default to him in close-game situations. That dual-threat profile raises his floor considerably, especially in PPR formats.

    Ranking Adjustment Reflects Matchup Leverage

    Based on the favorable defensive matchup and expected volume, Williams now sits roughly half a dozen spots higher in Week 1 rankings compared to preseason projections. He represents a potential “pump-and-dump” candidate — a player to start confidently this week before reassessing once the Monday morning dust settles.

    Set Your Lineups With Confidence

    For managers finalizing roster decisions, PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer provides customized recommendations based on league settings and scoring format. For a complete positional breakdown, consult PFN’s Week 1 Fantasy Rankings covering every position.

    This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

  • Will GTA 6 Be on Xbox Game Pass at Launch?

    Will GTA 6 Be on Xbox Game Pass at Launch?

    GTA 6 is just a few months away, and pre-orders are already live at the $80 price point. However, if you were planning to access the game through an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you will need to adjust your expectations. Grand Theft Auto VI will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, and the same restriction applies to PC players. This means casual gamers hoping to avoid purchasing a $600 console cannot rely on the subscription service as a workaround.

    Will GTA 6 Come to Xbox Game Pass Later?

    While a future addition to the Xbox Game Pass library is probable—previous Grand Theft Auto titles have joined the service—any such arrival would likely take considerable time. Furthermore, Xbox Game Pass is implementing strict monthly limits on cloud gaming starting in November 2025, the same month GTA 6 is scheduled to release.

    Understanding Xbox Game Pass Offerings

    Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription providing online console multiplayer access and a rotating library of games. The $22.99 per month Game Pass Ultimate tier includes over 500 titles, encompassing select launch-day releases, and does not require an Xbox console. However, not all games are added to the service, and major third-party releases rarely appear on day one.

    Take-Two’s Stance on Subscription Services

    Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar Games’ parent company), addressed the publisher’s perspective on subscription models during a GamesIndustry.biz live event in 2022.

    “We’ve supported various subscription services and we’re happy to do so,” Zelnick said at the time. “Our scepticism has been around making frontline console products available day and date with subscription. That doesn’t make any sense to us, because economically speaking, we don’t think consumers are prepared to pay for that. And we can’t afford to turn our business upside down in a way that doesn’t make sense economically. There always has to be an intersection between what the consumer wants and what the publisher is able to do. And you know, it doesn’t make sense to do that for our properties.”

    Historical Precedent: GTA 5 on Game Pass

    Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has cycled in and out of Xbox Game Pass several times—in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025—typically remaining for a few months before removal. Its most recent stint ended on April 15, 2026. Notably, GTA 5’s first Game Pass inclusion occurred more than six and a half years after its initial launch.

    The Bottom Line for Launch Day

    Whether GTA 6 follows a similar timeline remains unknown. For players determined to experience the game at release later this year, the only option is to purchase it outright for play on Xbox or PlayStation consoles.

  • Fenerbahçe vs Roma: UEFA Champions League Head-to-Head Record & Key Stats

    Fenerbahçe vs Roma: UEFA Champions League Head-to-Head Record & Key Stats

    Champions League Standings After Matchday 1: Early Leaders Emerge

    Twelve clubs claimed maximum points on the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League, while four sides settled for draws and a further eight teams have yet to play. At the bottom of the table, twelve clubs suffered defeats in their first outing.

    Perfect Starts for Dozen Teams

    Paris Saint-Germain sit top of the early standings after a 6-1 victory, leading on goal difference from Barcelona, who won 5-1. Sporting CP and Stuttgart each recorded 3-1 wins, while Manchester City kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 success. Aston Villa, Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund all posted 3-2 victories. Liverpool and Real Madrid earned identical 2-1 wins, and Arsenal alongside AEK Athens completed the winning dozen with 1-0 margins. All twelve teams have three points from one match played.

    Four Sides Share the Spoils

    Fenerbahçe, PSV Eindhoven, Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk each picked up a point after drawing their opening fixtures. Each club sits on one point with a record of 0-1-0.

    Eight Clubs Yet to Feature

    Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt, Como, Lens, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, Sabah and Slavia Prague have not yet kicked off their campaigns. All remain on zero points with a 0-0-0 record.

    Twelve Teams Searching for First Points

    At the other end of the table, Villarreal, Club Brugge and Lille each lost 2-3. Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan fell 1-2, while LASK and Napoli were beaten 0-1. Galatasaray and Viking both lost 1-3, Porto went down 0-2, Feyenoord suffered a 1-5 defeat, and Slovan Bratislava conceded six in a 1-6 loss. All twelve teams have zero points from one match played.

  • ‘College GameDay’ Live in Texas for No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas Week 2 Showdown

    ‘College GameDay’ Live in Texas for No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas Week 2 Showdown

    College GameDay Heads to Austin for Week 2 of 40th Season

    ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot travels to Austin, Texas, for Week 2 of its 40th season, broadcasting live from the lawn of the LBJ Presidential Library at The University of Texas. The show airs Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN, ESPNU, Disney+, and the ESPN App, ahead of a high-stakes primetime matchup as No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

    Celebrity Guest Picker Glen Powell Returns

    Actor Glen Powell, currently completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and set to graduate this spring, returns as celebrity guest picker. His appearance comes one week after Season 2 of Chad Powers debuted on Hulu on Disney+. Powell previously served as celebrity guest picker during Week 2 of the 2022 season, also a Texas home game against No. 1 Alabama, going 7-5 with his picks that week.

    Texas Hosts Ohio State in Primetime Showdown

    Texas will host College GameDay for the 11th time, carrying a 5-5 record in previous hosting appearances — including a Week 2 matchup in 2006 against No. 1 Ohio State, a game the Buckeyes won 24-7. Saturday’s show marks Texas’ 29th all-time appearance on the program. Ohio State extends its own record with its 69th College GameDay appearance.

    GameDay Cast and Record-Setting Start

    Host Rece Davis is at the helm for his 12th season, joined at the desk by GameDay analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban. College football insider Pete Thamel, college football analyst “Stanford Steve” Coughlin, and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims round out the GameDay cast for the 2026 college football season.

    Coming off its most-watched season ever, College GameDay is off to another record-setting start. Last week’s episode delivered the show’s second-highest season debut on record and ranks among its top three regular-season episodes all time.

    Show Highlights & Guests

    • Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian joins College GameDay live on set ahead of the No. 4 Longhorns’ home game against No. 1 Ohio State (7:30 p.m. on ABC).
    • Oregon head coach Dan Lanning joins College GameDay live from Stillwater ahead of the Ducks’ showdown against Oklahoma State.
    • The GameDay Film Room with Nick Saban, the seven-time national champion and legendary college football head coach, returns. This week, Saban breaks down how Oklahoma’s defense shut down Michigan’s offense in last year’s meeting ahead of Saturday’s rematch.

    Feature Segments

    “The Man in the Red Bandanna”

    Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player and volunteer firefighter, was working at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, when two hijacked airplanes struck the twin towers. Twenty-five years later, his heroism and legacy endure through one of the most powerful traditions in sports: Boston College football’s Red Bandanna Game.

    “Arch Manning”

    Since birth, Arch Manning has been enrolled in a masterclass on the hardest position in sports, taught by the family who knows it better than anyone else — his own. As Arch begins his junior campaign under center for the Texas Longhorns, the world is watching to see if he can carry the Manning family mantle and accomplish what none in his lineage have: win a national championship. Pete Thamel reports.

    “Boise State’s Blue Turf”

    Forty years ago, a decision made in a small corner of the country sent shockwaves across college football, changing the identity of a school forever and creating one of the most iconic symbols in the sport. Jen Lada takes viewers inside the bold choice to play ball at Boise State University on what has become known as “The Blue.” Jen Lada reports.

    “Points Means Pushups”

    Starting the season in mid-season form is no easy task — a reality that applies as much to mascots and cheer squads as it does to players, particularly those asked to perform push-ups and more for every point their program scores. Jess Sims puts her Peloton expertise to work helping some of those struggling out of the gates. Jess Sims reports.

    Pat McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” Contest Returns

    Pat McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” Contest, a fan-favorite segment, returns to College GameDay for its fourth season, with The Home Depot coming on as the Presenting Sponsor. Fans who arrive early will have a chance to be selected from the onsite pit and attempt a 33-yard field goal. Throughout his time on the show, McAfee has awarded more than $6 million of his own money through contest prizes and charitable donations. Full details, including official rules, can be found here.

    Extra Yard for Teachers Week Kicks Off

    The College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers and ESPN’s Take Back Sports will kick off Extra Yard for Teachers Week, with celebrations running from Saturday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Sept. 19. As in years past, ESPN will celebrate educators across its programming with on-air and social content, encouraging viewers to nominate outstanding teachers at CFP-Foundation.org. ESPN commentators will also distribute DonorsChoose gift cards to deserving educators, and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will spotlight teachers during its Week 3 show at Ole Miss. Together, the College Football Playoff Foundation and ESPN have invested more than $4 million since 2014 to support teachers and coaches.

    ESPN College GameDay Scavenger Hunt Comes to Austin

    The ESPN College GameDay Scavenger Hunt continues in Austin, giving fans an interactive way to engage with the show throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s live broadcast. The contest opened Wednesday, Sept. 9, via a dedicated digital microsite. Fans can complete one challenge per day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with tasks ranging from snapping photos at campus landmarks to answering trivia about past editions of College GameDay.

    Fifteen winners will be selected at random from participants who complete all three tasks. Each winner, plus one guest, receives access to a premium seating area near the front of the College GameDay broadcast within camera view and exclusive College GameDay merchandise. Additional participants will also win official ESPN College GameDay merchandise.

    ESPN collaborated with experiential agency Assembli on the interactive digital and on-site fan experience, with Flowcode connecting the initiative inside the new College Football ESPN Fan House.

    Countdown to GameDay Returns

    Harry Douglas and Harry Lyles Jr. return for their fifth season as co-hosts of ESPN’s social and digital pre-pregame show, Countdown to GameDay, with Sims joining the duo this season as a co-host, reporting live from the College GameDay site each week. The show is available weekly at 8:20 a.m. across ESPN on YouTube, Facebook, and the ESPN App.

  • Packers RB Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Charges

    Packers RB Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Charges

    Packers RB Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Charges in Wisconsin Court

    GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs entered no contest pleas to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property during a court appearance Thursday in Brown County Circuit Court.

    Sentencing Details and Deferred Judgment Agreement

    The court fined Jacobs $1,000 plus court costs on the battery charge. On the criminal damage to property count, the judge accepted a deferred judgment agreement. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2027.

    During the proceeding, Jacobs addressed the court directly: “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility,” Jacobs said during the hearing.

    Conditions of the Deferred Judgment

    The no contest plea on the property damage charge comes with five court-ordered conditions:

    • No further criminal acts
    • No contact with the victim
    • Supervision
    • Counseling
    • Pay restitution to the victim

    Jacobs’ legal team — attorneys David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld, and Clarence Duchac — issued a statement confirming the criminal damage to property charge will be dismissed after 12 months upon successful completion of the deferred judgment agreement.

    “With this agreement, Josh has accepted responsibility for his conduct and resolved this matter,” Jacobs’ attorneys said in the statement. “Today’s resolution is set against a career long history of Josh’s community work while in the NFL, which has centered on the circumstances of his early life.”

    Jacobs left the courthouse Thursday without speaking to reporters.

    NFL Commissioner Exempt List and Potential Suspension

    The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner exempt list on August 27 after charges were filed stemming from an alleged incident on May 23 involving a woman at Jacobs’ home near Green Bay. With the plea entered, the league is expected to remove Jacobs from the exempt list and instead impose a suspension.

    Under the collective bargaining agreement, the standard suspension for domestic violence cases is six games.

    Details from the Criminal Complaint

    According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video captured a portion of the alleged incident in Jacobs’ garage. The document states the woman was attempting to exit the garage when Jacobs “grabbed her and threw her to the ground and she struck her head, suffering an injury,” according to the complaint.

  • Texas Softball Announces 2027 SEC Schedule

    Texas Softball Announces 2027 SEC Schedule

    Texas softball unveiled its 2025 Southeastern Conference schedule on Tuesday, setting the stage for 24 conference matchups as the Longhorns defend back-to-back Women’s College World Series championships.

    The slate features four home series at Red and Charline McCombs Field against Florida, Alabama, Missouri, and Mississippi State. Texas opens SEC play at home against the Gators before alternating road and home series through early May.

    Texas Softball 2025 SEC Schedule Highlights

    • March 12–14: vs. Florida (Home)
    • March 19–21: at Tennessee
    • March 26–28: vs. Alabama (Home)
    • April 2–4: at Arkansas
    • April 9–11: vs. Missouri (Home)
    • April 16–18: at LSU
    • April 23–25: SEC Bye Week
    • April 30 – May 2: vs. Mississippi State (Home)
    • May 6–8: at Auburn (Regular-season finale)

    From Texas Athletics: “The Longhorns open conference play at home against Florida on March 12-14 before hitting the road to Tennessee on March 19-21. Texas returns to the friendly confines of McCombs Field to host Alabama on March 26-28. The Longhorns will head to Fayetteville, Arkanasas, for its second SEC road series at Arkansas on April 2-4. Texas hosts Missouri at McCombs Field on April 9-11 and travels to Baton Rouge, La., to take on the LSU Tigers on April 16-18. Following their SEC bye week on April 23-25, Texas returns to conference action hosting the Mississippi State Bulldogs on April 30-May 2 at McCombs Field. Texas wraps up the regular season on the road at Auburn on May 6-8.”

    Texas enters the season as the two-time reigning national champion, having captured the WCWS title in both 2023 and 2024. The program’s move to the SEC adds a new layer of competition to an already dominant roster.

    Beyond the diamond, Longhorns athletics remain a focal point across Texas sports media. Coverage this week has centered on the No. 4 football team’s monumental season-opener against No. 1 Ohio State, with outlets analyzing quarterback Arch Manning’s debut, offensive line questions, and the high-stakes recruiting battles surrounding the program. Texas volleyball also dropped a match to SMU on Monday night.