By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales rebounded sharply in August as households boosted purchases of a range of goods while also spending more at restaurants and bars, reinforcing the economy's resilience even as consumers grow more anxious about high inflation.
The stronger-than-expected report from the Commerce Department on Wednesday prompted economists to upgrade their gross domestic product growth estimates for the third quarter. Together with ‌other data on Wednesday showing a surge in import prices last month, strong demand sealed the argument for a widely anticipated interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve later in the day, economists said.
The reports followed ‌data this month showing producer and consumer prices accelerated in August, while the labor market regained its poise after wobbling through much of summer.
"This reaffirms that the economy is more than capable of handling higher interest rates, providing the Fed plenty of scope to hike to get inflation under control," said Bradley Saunders, North America economist at Capital Economics.

#economists #data #month

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue tuning their roster ahead of the upcoming campaign, several recent arrivals and depth contributors have officially received their jersey numbers.
According to longtime Steelers reporter Alan Saunders on X, the team has six updated uniform ******* ignments. He detailed the new numbers for veteran pass-catchers and key developmental pieces across the offense and defense.
Tight end Robert Tonyan: No. 85
Running back Lew Nichols III: No. 31
Cornerback Doneiko Slaughter: No. 40

#saunders #robert

As the Pittsburgh Steelers wrap up their training camp installation, veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph voiced strong enthusiasm for the team's new offensive system. Rudolph credited both new head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio for establishing a dynamic environment and setting a clear path forward.
Steelers beat writer Alan Saunders shared a video of Rudolph commenting on his own performance, reflecting on his summer work, and the staff's leadership via X.
"I think I have done a good job. I think I've had a good camp. I like the way the offense is evolving and trending. Coach McCarthy's got a ton of great concepts and he's worked hard and done a great job with the installation process. Coach Angelico He's great in front of the unit. He really is. He's a great teacher. I am happy," explained Rudolph.
#steelers QB Mason Rudolph said he doesn't have any idea what's going to happen with the four QBs on the roster, but he feels confident in what he's shown. pic.twitter.com/Urn7giX5RI
Rudolph's endorsement offers an encouraging update on a system undergoing significant transformation. Under McCarthy, who ****** umed head coaching duties in Pittsburgh, the offensive staff implemented a modernized scheme packed with diverse passing concepts and refined footwork drills.

#rudolph #offensive #camp

There wasn't much offense in Thursday's preseason opener between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. The unit was held to only 13 points, with multiple failed drives and missed field goals.
However, it was a much different outcome on the defensive side of the ball.
Like the Patriots, the Colts didn't play their starters in the game, but they did play former starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, who turned the ball over twice against New England's backups.
One of the turnovers came on an interception by Patriots cornerback Kindle Vildor, and the other was on a play made by veteran linebacker K.J. Britt, who chased Richardson down and punched the ball free for a fumble. The defense forced two more turnovers later in the game, including another fumble recovery and interception by safety John Saunders Jr.
They did a much better job of limiting Richardson and backup quarterback Riley Leonard through the air than they did in slowing down the Colts' ground game. That is obviously something Vrabel is going to look to improve for next week, with another mobile quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller Jalen Hurts, coming to town for joint practices and the Week 2 preseason game.

#much #week #preseason

The New Orleans Saints are signing defensive tackle Kahlil Saunders, per Nick Underhill.
Saunders, 23, went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before signing with the Miami Dolphins. The former Kentucky Wildcat played five seasons in college and was a four-year starter.
Saunders is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, and is a depth piece for the team after injuries have plagued the defensive line. Bryan Bresee will miss the entire season with a torn ACL, and recent injuries to Davon Godchaux and John Ridgeway III.
Saunders scored an 8.43 RAS score and has tremendous upside for his size. Through his five seasons with the Wildcats, the 6-foot-5 defensive tackle logged 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 77 tackles.
Saunders has a long path to making the final roster as an undrafted free agent, but with injuries to the defensive line, he'll likely see increased playing time in the preseason and a better chance to make a name for himself.

#injuries #foot

The Houston Texans already have several undrafted free agents turning heads in the early stages of training camp.
Defensive back Collin Wright feels as if he's locked up a spot on the active roster with how many forced pass breakups he's had over the past two weeks.
Running back Noah Whittington continues to make plays with the second-team offense, often breaking through the defensive line for a substantial gain.
Even offensive tackle Sam Hagen seems to be making life hard for Houston's decision regarding the trench play.
But could Treyvhon Saunders be another player worth watching entering Thursday's preseason game?

#back #collin #noah

"I'm just a Jack of all trades," jokes Lucy Woodward as she trains at Jersey's athletics track for the final time before the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 23-year-old is set to make history in Glasgow as the first woman from Jersey to compete in a multi-event discipline in the heptathlon later this week.
She is part of a five-strong athletics team from Jersey which sees decathlete Evan Campbell joined by sprinters Zach Saunders, Steve MacKay and Jamie Oldham.
"I don't have any standout events, I always thought if I was good enough at something it might be an easier life to specialise," she tells BBC Jersey at the FB Fields athletics track where she first started multi-eventing aged 10.
"I just think the training is so diverse, every day is different. I like that you can have one bad event and then you can make up for it and it's the most interesting event if you ask me."

#athletics #multi

Between adding a number of notable transfers, searching for a starting center, and both AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders being selected in the NBA draft, it's been an eventful offseason for BYU.
But the most stunning story of the summer belongs to Rob Wright III, the rising junior point guard and lone returning Cougars starter.
In a Powder League pro-am game this past week, Wright scored an eye-popping 101 points — and quickly went viral online for it.
Wright shot 32 of 55 (58%) from the field and made 14 3-pointers to cross the century mark and break the Powder League's single-game scoring record. Unless Wright goes for 102 points in a future outing, it's safe to say his record won't be broken.
The 101-point outburst now serves as a timely reminder that amid all of BYU's intriguing roster additions for the coming campaign, no move carries more importance than that of Kevin Young and his staff recruiting Wright out of the transfer portal to return for another year in Provo.

#dybantsa

The move to Falkirk means Krauhaus links up with former Brentford B forward Ethan Laidlaw, who completed a permanent transfer to the Scottish club earlier this summer following a standout campaign in west London when he contributed 15 goals and 10 ****** ists for the B team.
Falkirk finished sixth in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Speaking on the loan move, B-team head coach Sam Saunders said: "Ben's season at Bromley was successful, and to come away from it with a League Two ****** le and promotion to League One is a brilliant achievement. Now he gets the chance to test himself in a different environment, in a different country, against difficult teams.
"He'll have Ethan out there with him too, which will help him settle in quickly. We think this is a really exciting opportunity for Ben to keep developing as a men's football regular in a good team, and we wish him all the best at Falkirk."
Krauhaus originally joined Brentford from Bromley in January 2024, immediately returning to the Ravens on loan for the remainder of that season, where he helped the club secure promotion into the Football League for the first time in its history, featuring 43 times in all competitions.

One thing to watch from each top five 2026 NBA Draft pick at Las Vegas Summer League originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Basketball devotees understand how little Las Vegas NBA Summer League games predict young players’ futures. But even for the most measured consumer, it’s easy (and enjoyable!) to lose oneself to small-sample Summer League ***** ysis and evaluation, especially for highly touted rookies.
In that spirit, let’s discuss one thing I’m watching for each of the top five picks from the loaded 2026 draft class.
At BYU, possessions rarely began or ended without AJ Dybantsa touching the basketball. A mid-season injury to star teammate Richie Saunders only amplified their future top pick’s offensive responsibilities. Dybantsa already led the nation in scoring and approached the leaders in usage rate, but that figure spiked to a gargantuan 36.8 percent following the Saunders injury.
Dybantsa will handle the ball and create plenty in Las Vegas. He’ll share the floor with some other high-profile prospects (Tre Johnson, Will Riley) and must operate away from the ball, an area where he lacks experience and high-end skill.

The starting lineup is officially set for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway, and teams now know where they'll be making every pit stop during the eero 400.
Following Saturday's qualifying session, NASCAR released the official pit stall ***** ignments for all 38 drivers. While qualifying determines the starting grid, pit selection is another critical advantage, especially at a 1.5-mile intermediate track where green-flag pit cycles often shape the outcome of the race.
Drivers who qualified near the front earned the first opportunity to choose their preferred pit stalls, with teams weighing factors such as opening availability, clear entry and exit lanes, and proximity to pit road traffic.
Not every team had the chance to choose its ideal pit stall.
The No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Kyle Larson failed pre-race inspection twice before passing on its third attempt. As a result, the team lost pit stall selection, and car chief Jesse Saunders was ejected for the remainder of the race weekend.

Wales rugby great Ray Gravell is to be inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.
The former British and Irish Lions centre, who died at the age of 56 in 2007, will be honoured at a special ceremony in Saundersfoot.
His wife Mari and daughters Manon and Gwenan will receive the award and his former team-mates Delme Thomas, Roy Bergiers, Gareth Jenkins and Anthony Buchanan are set to be among the guests.
Former Wales footballers Ian Walsh and Simon Davies are also being honoured, along with St Davids headteacher Rachel Thomas and Atlantic rower Janine Williams.
Gravell won 23 caps for Wales and played in all four Tests for the Lions on their 1980 tour to South Africa.

The mood inside the Don Poier Media Center at FedExForum was noticeably different.
After a tumultuous season that ended with the Memphis Grizzlies missing the postseason, there was finally a sense of optimism. That hope arrived in person June 25 as the Grizzlies introduced their 2026 draft class.
General manager Zach Kleiman, coach Tuomas Iisalo and draft picks Cam Boozer, Karim Lopez and Richie Saunders met with local media for the first time, with family members seated in the audience. Each rookie spoke positively about his first impressions of Memphis.
"Everybody is super friendly, and it's clear everybody has the right goal and mindset of winning and playing hard," Saunders said.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected 24-year-old BYU Cougars guard Richie Saunders at No. 32 in the 2026 NBA Draft, with his grandfather’s invention attracting attention.
Saunders hopes to be an instant-impact rookie after spending four seasons in college before making the jump to the NBA.
The news of his draft selection early in the second round led to many fans discovering that Saunders is the great-grandson of Nephi Grigg, the founder of Ore-Ida, and the inventor of the iconic potato snack, the Tater Tot.
Saunders’ great-grandfather created one of the most iconic snacks in the world with his brother by taking waste product from potatoes and corn to create the Tater Tot.
The invention came after Nephi Grigg and his brother, Golden Grigg, rented a frozen foods plant in Ontario, Oregon, in 1949, with the hope they could expand their existing frozen corn business to include potatoes.

The Memphis Grizzlies have selected guard Richie Saunders with the No. 32 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Saunders, a guard from BYU, is a 6-foot-5 guard who is one of the top shooters in the draft. He suffered a torn ACL in February, cutting his senior season short.
He joins forwards Cameron Boozer and Karim Lopez in the Grizzlies' draft class. Boozer was the No. 3 overall pick out of Duke, and Lopez was acquired by Memphis with the 21st pick after playing in Australia's NBL.
The Grizzlies originally had pick 16 before trading back to 17 and then 21. In total, Memphis gained five future second-round picks to acquire Lopez.
There was talk about the Grizzlies potentially trading out of the 32nd spot, but the team went with Saunders.

Richie Saunders was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 32nd pick in 2026 NBA Draft.
His game grew with every passing year in Provo, and he now looks to provide a spark in Memphis. But that will take some time as Saunders continues to recover from an ACL injury suffered in February.
Here is what he can bring to the Grizzlies.
Saunders shot 38% from three-point range on seven attempts per game in his final season at BYU. When the opportunities arise, you can trust the senior to hit shots from outside the arc.
Saunders is not only a strong shooter from catch-and-shoots, but also in motion retrieving handoffs or after some shot creation of his own. In a league where the three-point shot continues to become a focal point, the 24-year-old’s skill set can be an **** et if the ability can translate to the NBA level.

BROOKLYN — Richie Saunders is Memphis-bound
The Memphis Grizzlies have picked Saunders No. 32 overall in the second round of Wednesday’s NBA Draft.
Saunders will join his former BYU teammate AJ Dybantsa in the NBA, with the latter being chosen Tuesday with the draft’s No. 1 pick by the Washington Wizards.
In 25 contests as a senior for the Cougars this past season before suffering a torn ACL, Saunders averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting just shy of 38% from 3-point range.
During his junior campaign, the Riverton native scored 16.5 points per game, made 43% of his 3-pointers, earned First Team All-Big 12 honors and led BYU to its first Sweet 16 since 2011.

The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, but there's still plenty of talent available heading into Wednesday's second round. Here's who's left on the board for Round 2.
Rankings are from Kevin O'Connor's top 100 prospects entering the 2026 draft.
Thomas has the confidence to "run for president," according to Arkansas head coach John Calipari. You could see that on the court the way he never hesitated to fire, stepped right into the lead role when Darius Acuff was sidelined at Missouri to close the regular season, and willed Arkansas to the SEC championship game with 29 against Ole Miss. He's a legit NBA shooter with deep range, a quick release, and creation juice off the bounce. But he doesn't get to the rim, his shot selection drifts into hero-ball, and there are questions about how he'll deal with NBA physicality at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.
Veesaar is an agile big with real shooting touch, connective playmaking, and baseline big skills with the ability to set screens and catch lobs. He also offers rim protection and is a locked-in help defender. In all three of his collegiate seasons, he made a massive leap in production each year. But he's 227 pounds so his lanky frame can get pushed around, plus he still hasn't fully defined his cornerstone skill.
Saunders is a hard-nosed, two-way wing who plays with manic energy, hustling around the floor hunting for steals on defense and jumpers on offense. The team that gets him knows exactly what they're gonna get out of him. He's also skilled, though, with a quick-trigger jumper, soft touch on floaters, and a feel for moving the ball. With less than ideal size and athleticism, he more likely projects as a solid role player. But he's not a guarantee to succeed at age 25 after tearing his ACL in February, ending his four-year career at BYU.

Steelers-Dolphins trade proposal makes too much sense to ignore originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to improve on all fronts over the next few months, hoping this team will be better than we've seen over the past few years.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, they seem to have more questions than answers at the moment, and there's even a feeling that some of their top players could be available. At the same time, the Steelers are expected to add a few veteran players, including a recent trade proposal with the Miami Dolphins for Jordyn Brooks.
“Trade for Miami linebacker Jordyn Brooks. The Dolphins aren’t going anywhere, and Brooks has one season remaining on his contract. He was an All-Pro and led the NFL in tackles last season and at 28, ought to be ready to cash in one last time. Does he want to spend it playing for a moribund team that has already traded most of its best players? The Steelers could bring him in and give him a contract extension right now,” Alan Saunders wrote.
Brooks has been one of the more underrated players in the NFL over the past two seasons, as he led the league in combined tackles and solo tackles last year with 183 combined and 99 solo.