Is it possible to build hype around a new professional sport franchise if it does not play in its home city?
Those behind the Belfast Wolves, founding members of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), think 'yes it is' and they have ambitions to attract new audiences to the sport.
Stormont was packed during a summer of international cricket, but the Wolves are so-far playing exclusively on the road. Its owners hope Belfast will host matches next year.
Until it gets its ducks in a row, the franchise's backers are working hard to get the brand known and build a fanbase.
Large crowds enjoyed a summer of international cricket at Stormont [Getty Images]

#sport #summer #Cricket

What a difference a week makes.
Michigan opened the Kyle Whittingham Era last week needing some game-clock malpractice and a Hail Mary to survive against Western Michigan.
Seven days later, the Wolverines put together a nasty defensive effort, overcome a host of costly penalties and roll to a 17-10 win over No. 11 Oklahoma in the Big House.
Remember when Whittingham unintentionally made a stir by questioning QB Bryce Underwood's status as the starter last week? Well, he made sure to clear the air after Underwood — mostly with his feet — helped Michigan beat OU.
"Bryce is our quarterback," he said.

#bryce

Private equity advisers are racing to leverage AI and automate the services they provide to fund managers and their investors. Law firms, such as Kirkland & Ellis, have been among the most active adopters.
The dominant name in private fund formation and sponsor-backed M&A, the firm rolled out its own AI platform in June, built with Palantir and designed to reshape the repetitive, boilerplate elements of fund formation work, such as drafting limited partnership agreements, closing investor commitments and conducting compliance.
Earlier this year, Kirkland reportedly earmarked $500 million to develop a proprietary AI tool over three to four years, no small sum even for a law firm that generated $10.6 billion in annual revenue last year.
Erica Berthou
Erica Berthou, a partner at Kirkland and a member of the firm's executive committee, recently spoke with PitchBook about how AI could reshape the practice of law—including how it will change the economics of legal work—and how the adoption of AI may affect practitioners, especially the young talent.

#kirkland #private

Chicago White Sox amateur scouting director Mike Shirley resigned on Saturday in the wake of an internal investigation into verbal harassment allegations, according to The Athletic.
Shirley was reportedly placed on administrative leave after the White Sox received an anonymous tip about his conduct at last month's Area Code Games in Long Beach, California. He was alleged to have made racial and ****** ist comments both about coworkers and in front of coworkers.
The White Sox human resources department reportedly launched an investigation into Shirley, interviewing members of his scouting department. It remains unclear what findings the investigation made.
This reportedly wasn't the first time Shirley faced an internal investigation over his behavior. In 2022, he was investigated after a former employee left the club and flagged his behavior toward scouts from underrpresented groups. The tip was made to MLB and later passed on to the White Sox, whose investigation did not find any bias in his hiring practices or behavior.
This latest investigation reportedly included allegations of vulgar language about women and their bodies.

#investigation #made #behavior #scouting

Updated Sept. 11, 2026 2:42 pm ET
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1420 ET – Gold futures hold steady as a pullback in oil prices helps offset the impact of an inflation report that increased expectations for a Fed interest-rate rise next week. Front-month gold settles little changed on the day in New York at $4,366.20 a troy ounce, and is down 1.4% for the week. Gold and silver remain within a range of strong support, says Peter Cardillo of Spartan Capital, and if the Fed does raise interest rates next week “it’s symbolic since the bond market had already tightened.” Silver settles up 0.4% at $64.554 a troy ounce, down 2.3% from a week ago. (anthony.harrupwsj.com)
1306 GMT – Gold prices rebounded after oil prices fell more than 2.5%, easing some inflationary concerns. Futures in New York rise 0.3% to $4,422.40 a troy ounce, but remain on track for a weekly loss. U.S. consumer prices accelerated in August, bolstering market expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates next week. According to the FedWatch tool, traders are now pricing in a nearly 87% probability that the U.S. central bank will raise interest rates next week, from around 67% earlier on Friday. Still, “while the markets appear to be placing their proverbial bets on a hike, it’s likely that members of the FOMC won’t be quite as unequivocal,” says Kyle Rodda from Capital.com. “The doves on the committee, of which there are many, are likely to argue the case that the dip in annual core inflation justifies patience.” (giulia.petroniwsj.com)

#week #Gold #next #rates

At the end of Stage 1, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series field filed down pit road for standard pit stops, but things quickly went very wrong.
On the narrow pit road, there was a check-up that led to Rajah Caruth and Nick Sanchez spinning. It was an accordion effect as cars piled in, pushing each other into the wreck.
Caruth's car clipped crew members of Brent Crews' No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing, who also narrowly avoided being crushed by Sanchez's out-of-control car. It was a truly frightening moment that could have resulted in severe injuries, but thankfully, everyone was okay.
That was such a close call for Bryan Backus on the rear of the No. 19.

So glad to see him get up. pic.twitter.com/duFSFNxVnz
Most of the field was trapped behind the accident scene, unable to move. NASCAR was forced to immediately red flag the race.

#stage #caruth

DUNDEE – This is Erin Down's fifth year as the girls swimming coach at Monroe.
She remembers having just five athletes for the Monroe County Championships her first season.
She has helped her alma mater build steadily over the years. The Trojans had 23 girls compete Saturday in the Southeast Michigan Independent Swimming League Relays on Saturday, Sept. 12.
That depth was crucial as Monroe held off Grosse Ile by 8 points to capture the championship trophy.
More: Monroe County Region high school football roundup for Friday, Sept. 11

#monroe #sept #girls #championships

UCLA football looks to build on a strong showing from their Week 1 rout of Cal in their home opener when they host San Diego State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The Bob Chesney era in Westwood couldn't have started on a better note as the Bruins rode dominant performances from their run game and defense -- their two biggest weaknesses last season -- to pull away late from what had been a shootout with the Golden Bears through the first three quarters.
Senior running back Anthony Woods led the way on the ground with 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while JMU transfer Wayne Knight added three more scores on 71 yards. That opened up some opportunities for Nico Iamaleava to take shots downfield, which the quarterback converted for some big plays late in the first half.
The Aztecs -- now a member of the new-look Pac-12 -- are coming off a strong season debut of their own, a 53-20 blowout over Portland State.
Follow along for live coverage from USA TODAY Sports on UCLA vs. San Diego State:

#state #diego

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel doesn't have any regrets about his decision to rest the starters during the three-game preseason slate.
However, it was clear that the team showed rust in Wednesday's 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Vrabel opted to use the preseason to focus on the roster depth and preserve the health of the starters.
That's a decision that he continued to defend after the disappointing loss in the season opener.
"Playing the backups for the Eagles or the Colts for eight plays, I don't think was going to prepare us for what we saw last night," Vrabel told media members. "I thought we handled the environment; I thought we did. I know the execution wasn't good enough, but the line of scrimmage, penalties, the operation, those things gave us a chance. Some other things didn't give us a chance."
Mike Vrabel on if he regrets not playing any Patriots starters in the preseason.

"Playing the backups of the Eagles or Colts for eight plays I don't think was going to prepare us for what we saw last night." pic.twitter.com/L1efdmrmsk

#starters #colts #regrets

One of the biggest and most controversial trades happened this offseason when the L.A. Rams traded for Myles Garrett. The organization entered the season with more expectations than ever, but its campaign began in embarrassing fashion, as the San Francisco 49ers dominated the Rams 27–7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) poses with general manager Les Snead (left) and coach Sean McVay at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The fans were disappointed with star pass rusher Myles Garrett, as his performance was really disappointing and he made virtually no impact in his Rams debut.
During a recent episode of "The Odd Couple," Fox Sports Radio host Rob Parker criticized several members of the Rams before turning his attention to the former Cleveland Browns star and saying:
"Myles Garrett was so terrible. He was a zero. He had nothing. Go look in the box score. His name's not even in there. You know why? He didn't do anything. No pressures. No sacks. No tackles. Nothing—not even a half tackle. Nothing. I would have rather had Mrs. Garrett from 'The Facts of Life' than Myles Garrett on my football team last night. That's how bad it was."

#Rams

A mother whose teenage son died from a rare form of cancer has been sharing his story to raise awareness of the symptoms and keep his memory alive.
Jake Swinscoe, from Salisbury in Wiltshire, died just two weeks before his 14th birthday in April 2024, 10 months after being diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer.
His mother Lynsey said before his diagnosis she thought Jake was suffering from hay fever and had no idea a runny nose and watery eyes "could be potential symptoms of cancer".
She said the thing Jake was scared about "wasn't dying" but not being remembered, telling his mum: "I want to be well-known and not forgotten".
Disabled man 'devastated' after no-fault eviction

#wiltshire #april

Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, HoopsHype is releasing rankings at every position. While Fred VanVleet was rated rather low as a point guard, Rockets star Kevin Durant was recently ranked as one of the best in his position. In a list of the top 27 small forwards in the NBA, Durant placed fifth after averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 ***** ists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks in 78 appearances last season.
The Duke duo of Jayson Tatum and Cooper Flagg were ranked first and second, respectively, before the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers (Jaylen Brown) came in at No. 3. No. 4 is a much more controversial choice, as Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder was given the nod over Durant despite playing in just 33 contests last year. Kawhi Leonard (Raptors), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Brandon Ingram (Clippers) and Brandon Miller (Hornets) rounded out the top-10.
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@B...
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#season #ranked

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed a year ago at a university in Utah, was remembered by Lucas Miles, a vice president at Turning Point USA, on the second night of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

#kirk #utah #lucas

Comedian Bill Maher spent the first night of Rosh Hashanah taking aim at Macklemore and other anti-Israel celebrities, arguing that calling the war in Gaza a genocide is fueling a global rise in antisemitism.
During Friday night's episode of HBO's "Real Time," Maher first criticized members of the Democratic Party who have spoken out against Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.
"Because nowhere has this moral confusion become more obvious than in a place called Gaza," Maher said. "A little strip of land that was not part of the original Israel, but they won in a war launched against them, but then gave back, gave back as a peace gesture — did they tell you that part on TikTok, kids?"
Bill Maher Blasts Democratic Party, Says It Is Fine With Religion 'As Long As That Faith Isn't Jewish'
Bill Maher arrives for the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on June 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

#first

GREEN BAY − One day after the Green Bay Packers released wide receiver Bo Melton and signed him to the practice squad, they elevated him to the active roster for the team's Week 1 contest against the Minnesota Vikings.
A core member of special teams and a depth piece in the wide receiver room, Melton along with linebacker Kristian Welch were elevated from the practice squad to the 48-man roster for game day.

#packers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California labor leader behind a proposal to tax billionaires has been accused of harassing and intimidating several women who work for an affiliated union.
The allegations against Dave Regan, president of the SEIU United Healthcare Workers West, are detailed in an investigative report commissioned by SEIU California and obtained Friday by The ******* ociated Press. It includes interviews with several current and former SEIU members and others who say Regan tried to intimidate union leaders into supporting the billionaires' tax, which goes before voters in November.
The Los Angeles Times was the first to report on the allegations.
The report also includes allegations that Regan physically ******* aulted an SEIU leader more than 15 years ago amid a political dispute and that more recently he engaged in harassing behavior against other women who work for the organization.
Regan acknowledged using curse words with union leaders but denied the physical ******* ault allegation.

#regan #seiu #report #harassing

Fashion designer Todd Snyder remembers the first time he learned a celebrity was a fan of his work. It was 2013, just two years after he launched his eponymous menswear brand following career-making turns at Ralph Lauren, Gap Inc. and J. Crew.
"We were all sitting there together because it was maybe only five of us in the company. We were still very small," Snyder recalls. "The guy who runs our e-comm said, 'Oh my God, Ryan Gosling just ordered from us!' We were small enough that we could see orders when they came in."
More from Variety
'The Uprising' Star Woody Norman on the 'Power Trip' Playing King Richard II and Going Meatless at Age 10 After Working With Joaquin Phoenix
Emmys 2026 Party Guide With Katherine LaNasa, Quinta Brunson and Richard Gadd

#snyder #crew

R&B singer Bilal is facing allegations from Jamila Raegan, the mother of his adult son Bashir, who claims the artist has left her to handle their son's care alone. In an emotional Instagram post, Raegan also accused Bilal, whose full name is Bilal Oliver, of abuse and said she had protected him for more than half her life. "I'm not okay because I've spent over half of my life protecting an abuser," she wrote before identifying the singer by name.
Raegan said Bashir has multiple disabilities, including autism and bipolar disorder, and claimed Bilal has shown "complete disregard" while she manages their son's needs. "I am caring for him alone while his father continues to live his life," she wrote.
Raegan did not detail what **** istance she believes Bilal has withheld or provide specific information about her abuse allegation in the post.
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Bashir is a frequent presence on Raegan's Instagram page, where she has shared photos, videos, and personal updates about their life together over the years. In her latest message, she credited relatives, friends, and members of her community with helping support her.

#bilal #Instagram #shop

Sourav Ganguly is widely regarded as one of the most influential captains in Indian cricket history. During his career, "Dada" was known for several memorable moments on and off the field, from making Steve Waugh wait at the toss and celebrating shirtless on the Lord's balcony to clashes with coaches Greg Chappell and John Buchanan, arguments with Shane Warne, and refusing to walk after Graeme Smith claimed a catch.

But former Australia captain Michael Clarke has shared another story that shows a lighter side of Ganguly.

In his book Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians, author Boria Majumdar quotes Clarke recalling an incident involving Ganguly and Ricky Ponting during a toss in India, although Clarke admits he does not remember which match it was.

"One of Clarke's favourite anecdotes goes thus: Ganguly and Ricky Ponting were out at the toss during one of the matches in India — Clarke doesn't specifically remember which one — and Ponting had the coin in hand. Just as he flipped the coin, Ganguly, if Clarke is to be believed, said, 'Head-Tail'.

"'Trust me, mate, that's what Ricky told me,' Clarke says, cracking up. 'Ricky said he couldn't fathom what had happened with Dada having said Head-Tail. [And, apparently it was said at the speed of lightning.] It had taken Ricky a second or two to come to grips with the situation and by that time the coin had come down. Ganguly just picked it up and said to Ricky, "We'll bat" and walked off. India had won the toss and were batting. Ricky did not really know what to do or say and all he did was tell us in the dressing room exactly what happened at the toss," Clarke was quoted as saying in the book.

Clarke is not sure which match the incident took place in.

According to available records, Ganguly won five tosses against Ricky Ponting, and all of those came outside India; twice during the 2003 World Cup and three times in the 2003-04 VB Series. That means Clarke may have mixed up the venue while recalling the story, as Ponting would have been the one calling the toss if the match had been played in India.

Clarke, however, clearly states that he does not remember the exact match in which the incident happened.

#clarke #ponting

Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford met his wife, Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart, in 2002.
The couple got engaged in 2009 and tied the knot over a year later. Ford, who is a dad to four children from his two previous marriages, also adopted Flockhart's son, Liam.
They've been supporting each other's careers over the years, with color-coordinated red carpet appearances and sweet shoutouts in acceptance speeches.
Back in 2002, Harrison Ford wasn't on Calista Flockhart's radar. "I remember loving him on Mosquito Coast, but I really didn't think about him," the actress said of Ford at the time. But that all changed after they met at the 59th Golden Globes with a meet-cute straight out of a '90s rom-com. Ford officially caught Flockhart's attention when he accidentally spilled wine on her dress mid-conversation. The comical moment apparently sealed the deal for Flockhart, and the two began dating from that point on.
"I'm in love. Romantic love is one of the most exciting and fulfilling kinds of love, and I think there is a potential for it at any stage of your life," Ford said in a 2003 interview, a year after meeting Flockhart. "I was not surprised that I was able to fall in love, and I wasn't surprised that I did."

#ford #actress #think #surprised

Former Duke Blue Devil Mark Williams and the Phoenix Suns have some bad news: Williams suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder, was operated on Thursday, and is expected to be out for several months.
That's terrible news for Williams, but it could be very positive news for fellow Brotherhood member Khaman Maluach.
Expected to be Williams' understudy and to eventually become the starting center for the Suns, now there's a lot of pressure on Maluach to produce now.
He entered the NBA last year as a very raw rookie, but like we saw at Duke, he's a fast study. He got a lot out of his time in the G League, and we expect he'll continue his rapid improvement.
Obvious pivot could become Suns' calling card after Mark Williams' injury

#duke #mark #devil

Bayern Munich defended forward Michael Olise after he caused a stir this week due to a post-match interview, in which he only replied with extremely monosyllabic answers.
"Michael Olise is someone who wants to play football, and off the pitch is not his forte. It's a big thing in the media, but on other channels he's being celebrated just as much for his conduct. What's most important to us is that he shows his ability on the pitch," Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said in a news conference on Saturday.
"And the kids and teenagers can identify with it a bit more than perhaps we can," he added.
Following the 5-0 win over Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League on Thursday, Olise was named "Player of the Match" and appeared in an interview with broadcaster DAZN.
"I don't know," Olise said when asked how it felt to score a stunning goal. The reporter then asked how moments like that happen and the France international replied: "I shoot. Then it goes in, or it doesn't."

#match #pitch #asked

Class of 2027 Nebraska football commit Jailen Hill has been suspended for the rest of his senior year. This comes as he was ruled ineligible through August 2027.
The infraction came after it was found that Hill participated with Miami Carol City before he was officially enrolled. In addition, he lived with a representative of the school's athletic program.
He officially committed to Nebraska on June 16 and began practicing with Carol City in mid-July. He officially enrolled on August 13.
In addition to practicing early, an FHSAA investigation found that his eligibility paperwork was not signed by his legal guardian. Instead, someone else ****** ociated with the football program signed the paperwork. USA Today's Alex Martin reported this.
The corner is currently a member of a Nebraska football recruiting class that ranks 18th in the country according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

#Nebraska #enrolled

Barcelona are preparing to reward Gerard Martin for his rapid rise under Hansi Flick, with the club planning improved financial terms and a longer contract for the versatile defender, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Martin's current Barcelona contract runs until 2028 and contains a €100 million release clause, but the club wants to revise that agreement after the 24-year-old became an increasingly trusted member of Flick's squad.
The move forms part of Barcelona's focus on securing the futures of their younger players following a busy transfer window.
On that note, Hamza Abdelkarim has already renewed his contract, but the club's work on retaining trusted talents is continuing.
Martin is already aware of Barça's intentions and the fact that the proposed changes would include a higher salary and an increased release clause, while Barcelona also want to extend the deal beyond its current 2028 expiry.

#Barcelona #current

Stephen "The Bullet" Bunting's love for darts was formed at a young age while watching his dad play at their local pub.
"I think I was about 12 or 13," he remembered. "Hood up, sneaking around, sitting at the back, being very quiet with a bag of crisps and a fizzy orange."
Nearly three decades later, and now a father himself, everything has gone full circle for Fazakerley's finest.
His elder son now watches him play... albeit in sold-out arenas across the country rather than in their local boozer.
"In darts, if it goes wrong there's only you that can change it," said the 41-year-old Bunting, who now lives in St Helens.

#darts #play #local #love

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, sparked social media backlash after posting his 9/11 message on his X account.
"They didn't just attack America that day they attacked the idea of America," El-Sayed said.
"The notion of a nation brought together by ideals — a place where freedom and commitment to justice bind us, even if, at times, we struggle to fully realize it," the controversial far-left candidate continued.
"Today on 9/11 we remember the lives that were taken from us in a terrible act of terrorism."
Cbs News Takes Heat Over Report On Dem Hopeful Abdul El-sayed's Now-deleted 9/11 Posts

#abdul #America #democratic

HOLMES TOWNSHIP - Wynford used its retro act of a strong rushing attack to snap a two-game losing streak and beat Buckeye Central 41-6 in Northern 10 play Friday night.
The Royals (1-1, 2-2) ran for 492 yards and six touchdowns, led by Deegan Lutz's 246 yards and Braylon Wells' 209 — they both had a trio of scores.
MORE N10: Anschutz, Guegold propel Lucas to first conference win as a member of N10
"We came out and were physical tonight," first-year Wynford coach Andy Amlin said. "We lacked focus the last two weeks and I thought we had that. I thought we executed offensively a lot better than we had."
The hosts took a 14-0 lead thanks to Wells' two-yard burst and Lutz's 18-yard run in the first quarter. Wells then ripped off a 63-yard touchdown with 5:18 left in the first half for a three-score margin.

#yards #thought #holmes

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the playoffs, and baseball's best team left no doubt.
Garrett Mitchell hit the Brewers' first grand slam of the season, one of four homers for Milwaukee in a 20-0 rout of the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night that secured a playoff berth that had long been inevitable.
Manager Pat Murphy celebrated with a toast to his players and clubhouse staff. Afterward, the locker room was subdued, because these Brewers (92-56) hope to accomplish much more.
This will be Milwaukee's fourth straight trip to the playoffs and eighth in nine seasons.
"It's not something to take lightly because it's really hard to do," Murphy said. "We want to see how far we can go and how complete this can be. Remember that the message to the team is that we checked off one box, but we've got a lot more to go."

#milwaukee #brewers #garrett #cincinnati

NEW YORK (AP) — Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer in the second inning off rookie Nolan McLean, and the New York Yankees beat the New York Mets 6-4 on Friday night.
Ben Rice also homered as the Yankees won for the 17th time in 24 games and moved a season-high 23 games over .500 on a night the team remembered the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Rookie Spencer Jones added an RBI single in the first inning and Ryan McMahon hit an RBI single in the eighth as the Yankees remained three games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East and moved 5 1/2 ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card.
Carlos Rodón (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits in a season-high 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander notched two of his eight strikeouts on slugger Juan Soto, who heard boos from Yankee fans before each at-bat.
Bellinger homered after catching the ceremonial first pitch from Brielle Saracini, whose father Victor Saracini was the pilot on United Airlines Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

#yankees

NEW YORK (AP) — Twenty-five years ago, Brielle Saracini was 10 years old and trying to cope with losing her father, Victor Saracini, the pilot on United flight 175, which was taken over by the 9/11 hijackers and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Spurred on by a friend, she wrote a letter to Derek Jeter, met the Yankees captain at Yankee Stadium and formed a lifelong friendship.
On Friday, as New York commemorated the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, Saracini threw out the ceremonial first pitch with Jeter watching from the mound before the Yankees hosted the crosstown Mets.
"I remember just talking about anything and everything and anything that kind of came through my mind that day and you just made it so comfortable and I remember just feeling normal for a day, which was hard to do," Saracini said while sitting next to Jeter at a news conference. "The odds were stacked against me that day but I remember just taking a minute and just having normal conversations and just feeling like a kid."
Jeter remembers trying his best in a tough situation.

#saracini #normal