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☆ Trump’s NATO Threat Reflects a Wider Shift on America’s Place in the World
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Peter Baker | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When former President Donald J. Trump told a campaign rally in South Carolina last weekend that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO allies who “didn’t pay,” there were gasps of shock in Washington, London, Paris, Tokyo and elsewhere around the world. But not in South Carolina. The visceral rejection of the American-led security architecture constructed in the years after World War II serves as a reminder of how much the notion of U.S. leadership in the world has shifted in recent years. Alliances that were once seen as the bulwark of the Cold War are now viewed as an outdated albatross by a significant segment of the American public that Mr. Trump appeals to. While polls show most Americans still support NATO and other alliances, the increasingly vocal objections in some quarters hark back to a century ago when much of America just wanted to be left alone.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, “, Trump’s Organizations: Trump, “, NATO Locations: South Carolina, Russia, Washington , London, Paris, Tokyo, Moscow, United States, Iraq, Afghanistan, America

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is confident the Oakland Athletics will be playing in Las Vegas starting in 2028. “There’s going to be bumps along the road.”The Nevada Legislature approved $380 million in public financing last June for a $1.5 billion stadium on the Las Vegas Strip that is expected to be completed for the 2028 season. “I am confident that the deal in Las Vegas is solid and that the A's will build a stadium in Las Vegas and play there in 2028,” Manfred said. It’s unclear whether the A’s will play 2025 home games in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco or a minor league stadium in Las Vegas. We need to know before that exactly where they’re going to be, because it will impact travel issues, whatever, if they’re not in Oakland.”___

Persons: Rob Manfred, you’re, you’ve, it’s, Manfred, “ There’s, “, ” Manfred, it'll, they’re, ” Organizations: — Baseball, Oakland Athletics, Las Vegas, ” The, ” The Nevada Legislature, MLB, Oakland Locations: TAMPA, Fla, that’s, ”, ” The Nevada, Las Vegas, Bally’s, Oakland , Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland

☆ I was able to keep my office romance a secret for 2 years. We've now been married for over a decade.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Shana Westlake | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I was in the office alone on a Saturday, muddling through, when Paul walked in. Staggered shifts meant we rarely arrived together, and by the end of the night, everyone was too exhausted to notice when we left in the same car. Late-night games meant some shifts didn't end until very early in the morning. That fight confirmed that our relationship was strong enough to survive shift work. Nearly 18 years later, I have no regrets about my office romance.

Persons: hoots, they'd, we'd, Paul, Facetime, Alex, Evi Organizations: Service, MLB, Boston, American League, Business, Major League Baseball, schmoozing Locations: Cleveland

“World Series Champions. Bochy noted the challenges in winning one World Series, but also made reference to what the Chiefs accomplished last Sunday. Of the 169 players who became free agents after the World Series, more than half were still without a team when the week began. Molina managed Criollos de Caguas in winter ball and Puerto Rico in the recently completed Caribbean World Series. The Yankees and Brewers swapped relievers with left-hander Clayton Andrews going to New York and right-hander Johan Quezada going to Milwaukee.

Persons: ”, I’ve, Bruce Bochy, Bochy, Chris Young, ” Young, Shohei, Seattle’s Julio Rodríguez, Elly De La Cruz, Ian Happ, ” Happ, “, NL Cy Young, Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Yasmani Grandal, Shintaro Fujinami, Phil Maton, Scott Alexander, Spencer Turnbull, Tommy John, Craig Counsell, Bob Melvin, Pat Murphy, Mike Shildt, Melvin, Carlos Mendoza, That’s, Stephen Vogt, Terry Francona, Ron Washington, Phil Nevin, Joe Espada, Dusty, ” Espada, I’m, ” MOLINA, Yadier, Molina, Criollos, John Mozeliak, Louis, Peyton Burdick, Burdick, Clayton Andrews, Johan Quezada, Jay Cohen, Stephen Hawkins, Marc Berman, Chuck King, ___ Organizations: Texas Rangers, ”, Rangers, Kansas City Chiefs, Chiefs, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Dodger, Mariners, Super Bowl . Young Cincinnati, Cubs, NL, New York Mets, Philadelphia, NL Central, Chicago, Brewers, Padres, National League, American, Houston, Louis Cardinals, Puerto, ” Cardinals, Baseball, Cardinals, Marlins, Triple, The Yankees, AP Baseball Locations: Surprise , Arizona, ” Texas, Texas, Seoul, South Korea, Peoria , Arizona, Las Vegas, Goodyear , Arizona, Florida, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Oakland, Milwaukee, San Francisco, San Diego, Cleveland, Caguas, Puerto Rico, Miami, Jacksonville, New York

NEW YORK (AP) — The mild-mannered Franklin — the first Black character in the “Peanuts” comic strip — gets to shine in his own animated Apple TV+ special this month in a story about friendship. Franklin is a newcomer who bonds with Charlie Brown and is welcomed to the Peanuts universe in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin," which premieres on Friday. Franklin and Charlie Brown soon enter a soap box derby competition and their friendship is tested before a deep bond is forged. In the new special, Franklin is specifically asked to come sit with his new pals on their side during a pizza party celebration. So to have him years later spotlight Franklin in a TV special seems almost divine intervention.

Persons: Franklin —, Franklin, Charlie Brown, Robb Armstrong, Charles Schulz, ”, Armstrong, Scott Montgomery, ” “, Stevie Wonder, Little Richard, James Brown, John Coltrane, he's, Linus, he’s, Raymond S, ” Franklin, Schulz, Martin Luther King Jr, Charlie Brown’s, Charlie Brown's, “, “ They’re, Persi, Mickey Mouse, Jeff Morrow, Berry's, Johnny B, Goode, Billy Preston, Coltrane, ” Armstrong, —, revering Schulz, someone’s, I’m, ” ___ Mark Kennedy Organizations: Apple Locations: Franklin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — At least eight people were injured in a shooting at the end of the parade to celebrate the Super Bowl win by the Kansas City Chiefs, sending terrified fans running for cover and marring yet another high-profile public event in gun violence. After the Denver Nuggets’ championship parade last year, a shooting took place in downtown Denver that injured two people, though police said they didn’t believe the incident was associated with the actual celebration. Also last year, an argument resulted in shots being fired at a parking lot near the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship parade. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years.

Persons: Michael Hopkins, Lisa Money, “, you’ve, ”, Kevin Sanders, ” Sanders, Lisa Augustine, Laurel Gifford, Jill Jensen Chadwick, Mike Parson, Parson, ” Parson, Rick Burkholder, Andy Reid, Nobody, Throngs, Clark Hunt, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, prophetically, ___ Organizations: KANSAS CITY, Super, Kansas City Chiefs, Fire Department Battalion, Police, Social, Kansas, Mercy, Mercy Kansas City, Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, University of Kansas Health, Missouri Gov, ” Chiefs, Arrowhead, Denver Nuggets, Texas Rangers, Chiefs, New England Patriots, 49ers, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Eagles Locations: KANSAS, Mo, Kansas City , Kansas, Lenexa , Kansas, Mercy Kansas, “, Denver

☆ Super Bowl’s historic ratings show that the NFL is at the apex of its powers
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

That ratings figure was up 7% from last year’s Big Game, which previously held the title for the most-watched Super Bowl of all-time. 120 million viewers watched the sporting event on CBS, the largest audience ever for a single network, the company said. The record-breaking Super Bowl capped a strong season for the NFL, with the NFC championship game on Fox averaging 56 million viewers and the AFC championship game averaging 55 million on CBS. The epic conclusion to an already epic season proved that the NFL is at the apex of its powers. No other event rivals the star power the Super Bowl draws.

Persons: “, ”, Austin Karp, ” Karp, Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, Gavin Newsom, Jay, Tim Cook, LeBron James, Jimmy Kimmel, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Paul Rudd, Martha Stewart, Mark Wahlberg, Kendall Jenner, Shaquille O’Neal, Sean McManus, John Ourand Organizations: New York CNN, National Football League, peerless, NFL, CBS, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, NFC, Fox, AFC, Sports Business, NBA, MLB, Pew Research Center, Super Bowl, CBS Sports Locations: New York, Las Vegas, U.S, Las, America

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Japanese high school baseball star Rintaro Sasaki has signed a national letter of intent to play at Stanford in 2025, the school announced Tuesday night. Sasaki will graduate in March from Hanamaki-Higashi High School, the school that produced major league star Shohei Ohtani. Sasaki hit a Japanese high school-record 140 home runs and was projected to be the No. 1 pick in the Nippon Professional Baseball Draft, but decided to go to a U.S. college. "He may be the most high-profile international prospect to play college baseball in the United States in a long time.

Persons: Rintaro Sasaki, Sasaki, Shohei Ohtani, “, David Esquer, ” Sasaki, Stanford Organizations: STANFORD, Calif, Stanford, Higashi High School, Nippon Professional Baseball Locations: Hanamaki, U.S, Stanford, United States

☆ Police Announce an Arrest in the Theft of a Jackie Robinson Statue
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Julie Bosman | More About Julie Bosman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

A 45-year-old Kansas man has been charged in the theft of a life-size bronze statue of the baseball legend Jackie Robinson from a park in Wichita, Kan. The police in Wichita said on Tuesday that the motive for the crime was probably to sell the statue for scrap metal. The man, Ricky Alderete, was charged on Monday with felony theft, aggravated criminal damage to property and making false information, the police said. “The investigation has not revealed any evidence indicating this was a hate-motivated crime,” Lieutenant Moses said. “Instead, we believe this theft was motivated by the financial gain of scrapping common metal.”

Persons: Jackie Robinson, Ricky Alderete, Aaron Moses of, Moses Organizations: Wichita Police Department Locations: Kansas, Wichita, Kan

☆ Jenny Cavnar makes history as the first woman to serve as an MLB team’s primary play-by-play announcer
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a woman will be the primary play-by-play voice of a major team. NBC Sports California said Tuesday it has chosen Jenny Cavnar, a broadcasting veteran with nearly two decades of baseball experience, for the prestigious role. “It is a dream come true to join the broadcast team for the Oakland A’s and their rich baseball history,” Cavnar said in a release. Doris Burke is among the NBA’s most well-respected color commentators, and she has been broadcasting national games for ESPN for 11 years. And in 2018, Andrea Kremer and Hannah Storm called an NFL game for Amazon, the first all-woman booth for a professional football national broadcast.

Persons: Jenny Cavnar, ” Cavnar, Cavnar, ”, Jenny, Matt Murphy, “ She’s, who’s, Suzyn Waldman, Jessica Mendoza, Doris Burke, Andrea Kremer, Hannah Storm, Chanda Rubin, CoCo Vandeweghe Organizations: New, New York CNN, Major League Baseball, NBC Sports California, Oakland Athletics, Oakland, “, Colorado Rockies MLB, NBC, MLB, NBC Sports, Yankees, ESPN’s, ESPN, Amazon, Tennis Channel, English Premier League, Sky Sports Locations: New York, Bronx

☆ Tommy Hilfiger’s homecoming show sets stage for all-American new chapter
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Nick Remsen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Tommy Hilfiger has set the stage for a new chapter at his eponymous megabrand — and he did so by coming home. Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior/Tommy Hilfiger In photos: Looks from Tommy Hilfiger's "elevated" Fall-Winter 2024 fashion show Prev NextFrom streetwear to sailing gear to sporty and preppy, often with a frisson of celebrity, it’s this lifestyle-driven approach, which is perhaps less about the fashion than it is the feeling, that is the key to Hilfiger’s modern — and continued — success. Elliot Grainge and Sofia Richie Grainge attend Hilfiger's show. Richie Grainge herself has evolved her stylistic approach from an ostentatious Los Angeleno verve into a look that’s more low-key highbrow. “Sofia is a style icon, and she’s also just an incredible person.”Gigi Hadid and Tommy Hilfiger walk the runway at the Tommy Hilfiger's Fall-Winter 2018 show during Milan Fashion Week on February 25, 2018.

Persons: Tommy Hilfiger, —, Hilfiger, ”, ” Tommy Hilfiger, Robert R, McElroy, à, Filippo Fior, Tommy Hilfiger Filippo Fior, Tommy Hilfiger's, Sofia Richie Grainge, Tommy, Damson Idris, Sonam Kampoor, Noah Beck, Jacob Rott, Chris Appleton, Halima Aden, Jasmine Tookes, Elsa Hosk, Elliot Grainge, Rob Berry, Kelly Rutherford, Lily van der, Blake Lively, Serena, Richie Grainge, ” Hilfiger, “, she’ll, Gigi Hadid, she’s, ” Gigi Hadid, Daniele Venturelli, Richie, we’ve, We’ve, Thomas Iannaccone, Corey Tenold, Hilfiger’s, NYFW, ebullience Organizations: CNN, Oyster, Grand Central, New, Hilfiger, HBO, Warner Bros ., verve, Milan, Penske Media, New York Locations: New York, Madison, New York City, —, Sofia, “ Sofia, American

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Slugging free agent outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler has agreed to a $42 million, three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal was pending a successful physical. Soler played 137 games for the Marlins last season, batting .250 with 36 home runs and 75 RBIs. He spent 102 games as DHThe games played were third-most in his 10-year big league career with the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City, Atlanta and the Marlins. San Francisco hopes to contend in the NL West after hiring Melvin from division rival San Diego to replace Gabe Kapler following two straight years missing the playoffs.

Persons: Jorge Soler, Farhan Zaidi, Bob Melvin, Zaidi, Soler, San Francisco, Melvin, San, Gabe Kapler Organizations: FRANCISCO, San Francisco Giants, Associated Press, San, Baseball, Miami, Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Royals, Kansas City, Braves, NL West, The Giants Locations: San Francisco, Cuba, Kansas City, Atlanta, San, San Diego

☆ Opinion: Jon Stewart’s brilliant return
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Opinion Bill Carter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Stewart waves goodbye backstage after taping the last episode of "The Jon Stewart Show" in 1995. M. Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images Stewart appears on an episode of CNN's "Crossfire" with Paul Begala, left, and Tucker Carlson in 2004. Ethan Miller/Getty Images Stewart signs an autograph on the Emmys red carpet in 2009. Zach Gibson/Getty Images Stewart appears on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2019. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty Images Stewart smiles as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks by him on Capitol Hill in 2019.

Persons: Bill Carter, CNN —, Bill Carter Bill Carter, Jon Stewart, ” Stewart’s, Stewart, “, ”, Joe Biden, Travis Kelce, ” Stewart, —, Abdel Fattah el, Biden, ” Jon Stewart, Victoria Will, College of William & Mary, William, Mary Athletics Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Lesly Weiner, Mike Piazza, Jeff Kravitz, Catherine McGann, Ron Galella, Jennifer Beals, Guillermo Diaz, Universal Pictures Stewart, Tracey McShane, Steve Eichner, Adam Sandler, Corey Sipkin, Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, CNN Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Colbert, Scott Gries, Todd Plitt, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Samantha Bee —, Ethan Miller, Kevork Djansezian, Mark Peterson, Bill Kotsatos, Nathan, Maggie, Tomorrowland Speedway, David Roark, Benjamin Lowy, Bill O'Reilly, Jamie McCarthy, Valentino, Tracey, Jo, Anne McArthur, Barack Obama, Pete Souza, Trevor Noah, Noah, Brad Barket, Comedy Central Stewart, Alex Wong, Rossum, James Devaney, John Feal, Zach Gibson, Scott Kowalchyk, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Bill Clark, Twain, Kevin Wolf, Matt Wilson, Donald Trump, Biden’s forgetfulness, Trump, Jack Paar, Dulcé Sloan Organizations: The New York Times, CNN, HBO, Comedy Central, “ CBS, Super, College of William &, Mary Athletics, MTV, Getty, Miramax, Everett, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Television Critics Association, Caulfield, MTV Networks, Comedy, Tomorrowland, Walt Disney, Disney, Cancer Moonshot Initiative, New York Knicks, FealGood, CBS, Kennedy Center, Performing Arts, Daily, Democratic, Biden Locations: TikTok, Gaza, Mexico, Egypt, Williamsburg , Virginia, New York, Washington , DC, Florida, Washington ,, Pennsylvania

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Veteran baseball broadcaster Jenny Cavnar is the new primary play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics, hired by NBC Sports California. Cavnar becomes the first woman to handle primary play-by-play duties in major league history — set to be the voice for most of the A’s games during the upcoming 2024 season. She became the first woman in a quarter-century to handle play-by-play for an MLB game in 2018. “It is a dream come true to join the broadcast team for the Oakland A’s and their rich baseball history,” Cavnar said in a statement. “Growing up the daughter of a baseball coach, I have loved the game from a young age, along with the stories, history and relationships the game provides.

Persons: Jenny Cavnar, Cavnar, ” Cavnar, Dallas Braden Organizations: OAKLAND, — Veteran, Oakland Athletics, NBC Sports California, Colorado Rockies, MLB, Colorado State University, Oakland, Athletics Locations: Calif

☆ Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been close since they were kids. Here's a timeline of their decade-spanning friendship.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Jessica Booth | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

1980s: Affleck and Damon met as kids after their moms introduced them. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon became friends in the 1980s. Getty / Carlo AllegriAccording to a Parade interview from 2007, Affleck first met Damon in the early 1980s when they were 8 and 10, respectively. None of the other kids knew what it was I did, how it worked, or anything," Affleck told Parade. During an appearance on "Conan" in 2019, Damon said Affleck defending him in a fight when they were young really cemented their friendship.

Persons: Affleck, Damon, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Getty, Carlo Allegri, Matt Organizations: Cambridge Rindge Locations: Cambridge , Massachusetts

☆ I thought having a baby at 42 would stop me from getting old. I just delayed the inevitable.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Kim Anton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Peacocks run wild in our neighborhood, so on our way home from Mommy and Me, or sports practice, or an AP exam, my daughter would say, "Go Peacock Way," and we'd take the road to see the gorgeous creatures. Our only child had plenty of love and life for us, and when she was 9, I wanted another one. Either way, although I was 42, I wanted another peanut, a punkin, a darling little snuggle bunny. Alone in my car, I take Peacock Way.

Persons: —, GYN, I'd, She'd, Lucy, David Cassidy, we'll, I've Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Jon Stewart marks ‘The Daily Show’ return
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Stewart waves goodbye backstage after taping the last episode of "The Jon Stewart Show" in 1995. Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images Stewart holds an award won by "The Daily Show" in 2003. M. Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images Stewart appears on an episode of CNN's "Crossfire" with Paul Begala, left, and Tucker Carlson in 2004. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty Images Stewart smiles as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks by him on Capitol Hill in 2019. Matt Wilson/Comedy Central's The Daily Show Jon Stewart is back on "The Daily Show."

Persons: Jon Stewart, Jack Paar’s, Stewart, “, Taylor Swift, ”, ” Stewart, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Victoria Will, College of William & Mary, William, Mary Athletics Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Lesly Weiner, Mike Piazza, Jeff Kravitz, Catherine McGann, Ron Galella, Jennifer Beals, Guillermo Diaz, Universal Pictures Stewart, Tracey McShane, Steve Eichner, Adam Sandler, Corey Sipkin, Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, CNN Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Colbert, Scott Gries, Todd Plitt, —, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Samantha Bee —, Ethan Miller, Kevork Djansezian, Mark Peterson, Bill Kotsatos, Nathan, Maggie, Tomorrowland Speedway, David Roark, Benjamin Lowy, Bill O'Reilly, Jamie McCarthy, Valentino, Tracey, Jo, Anne McArthur, Barack Obama, Pete Souza, Trevor Noah, Noah, Brad Barket, Comedy Central Stewart, Biden, Alex Wong, Rossum, James Devaney, John Feal, Zach Gibson, Scott Kowalchyk, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Bill Clark, Twain, Kevin Wolf, Matt Wilson, Robert Hur’s, Trump, Dulcé Sloan, ” Jordan Klepper Organizations: CNN, Comedy Central, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, College of William &, Mary Athletics, MTV, Getty, Miramax, Everett, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Television Critics Association, Caulfield, MTV Networks, Comedy, Tomorrowland, Walt Disney, Disney, Cancer Moonshot Initiative, New York Knicks, FealGood, CBS, Kennedy Center, Performing Arts, Daily Locations: Williamsburg , Virginia, New York, Washington , DC, Florida, Washington ,

☆ What MAGA World Gets Wrong About the N.F.L. and Taylor - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Jane Coaston | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The National Football League is an American cultural behemoth: Ninety-three of 2023’s 100 most-watched television broadcasts were N.F.L. Among those who will be watching the game is National Review senior editor Charles C.W. A native of England, Cooke has become an avid football fan (specifically, of the Jacksonville Jaguars) and has written about his growing understanding of America’s one true national sport. He has also written about some on the Right’s aversion to the N.F.L., particularly as some concoct convoluted conspiracy theories involving singer Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, the Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, while others denounce professional sports as a whole. As Cooke wrote in National Review, “Online, one can say that Taylor Swift is a ‘Deep State psyop’ and prompt a million Lost Boys to clap their hands in glee.

Persons: —, Charles C.W, Cooke, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, ’, ” Organizations: Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, National Football League, National Review, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chiefs, National, Boys, 49ers Locations: American, England

Now, if a league or network isn't doing something to appeal to younger fans, they are behind the times. Nickelodeon will air its fifth NFL game on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs face the San Francisco 49ers for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Networks and leagues also continue to experiment with social media and creating more viral highlights to keep younger fans interested. “There’s just so many more tools now at our disposal to address the complex consumption habits of young fans. The pie has many more pieces to it for young fans,” Lehanski said.

Persons: Vince Lombardi, Sean McManus, “, ” McManus, they've, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Travis Kelce, it's, ”, Hans Schroeder, “ I’ve, Nate Burleson, Marvel, Dave Lehanski, Goofy, SpongeBob, Bruce Beck, Julie Sobieski, ESPN's, “ There’s, ” Lehanski, ___ Organizations: CBS, NFL, Nickelodeon, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, CBS Sports, Media, Disney, ESPN, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Nielsen, NHL, Big City Greens, NBA, Business Development, Innovation, Walt Disney Company, MLB Little, Williamsport, . Networks Locations: London, Williamsport , Pennsylvania

The biggest upcoming football event for many of the N.F.L. owners and business executives who will populate luxury boxes at the Super Bowl this weekend is not, perhaps surprisingly, the game. It actually won’t take place until six weeks later, in Orlando, Fla., when football executives gather for the National Football League’s annual meeting — an event that has particular significance this year. Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League have already relaxed their ownership rules. But the N.F.L.

Persons: Arthur Blank, Greg Penner Organizations: National Football, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Atlanta Falcons, Home Depot, Walmart, Denver Broncos Locations: Orlando, Fla, Florida

☆ Is Patrick Mahomes the greatest QB ever? The Kansas City Chiefs superstar is making his case at age 28
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The NFL has a host of candidates that can lay claim to this title, but Patrick Mahomes is already making his case, just seven seasons into his NFL career. This was supposed to be the year where a few cracks might be appearing in the Chiefs dynasty, but we have been taught to never bet against the Kansas City quarterback. “He has become an international star, but he’s also elevated Kansas City alongside him,” Nate Taylor, Chiefs writer for The Athletic, told CNN Sport. Kansas City has a new international airport, it’s very nice. Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesWith a 14-3 overall playoff record, Mahomes has already matched Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning’s postseason win total for his entire career.

Persons: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Mahomes, Jamie Squire, I’ve, ” Nate Tice, podcaster, ” Patrick Mahomes Sr, –, “, ”, Tice, he’s, ” Nate Taylor, ’, Terrance Williams, Taylor, He’s, “ He’s, Steph Curry’s, ’ ”, Tom Brady, Brady, Vince Lombardi, Gregory Shamus, Peyton Manning’s, Joe Montana, ” Tice, Jason Behnken, Kelce, Lamar Jackson, Sarah Stier, “ Patrick’s Organizations: CNN, NFL, Football, Kansas City Chiefs, Chiefs, Star, Kansas City, CNN Sport, The Athletic, AFC, Super, Philadelphia Eagles, of Fame, Mahomes, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens Locations: Kansas, America

☆ Opinion | Mr. President, Ditch the Stealth About Health
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Maureen Dowd | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Once, when my father was in West Virginia on police business, a man approached him and demanded to know about “rumors” that President Franklin Roosevelt was “crippled.” The man threatened to beat up my father or anyone who said F.D.R. (I have a picture of my father, in a fedora, guarding Roosevelt at a Senators baseball game, with the president standing up with the help of his braces to throw out the first pitch.) Like others around Roosevelt, my dad kept a tight lip about the paralysis of the president, who did not want to seem weak. With the help of a complicit press corps, a censoring Secret Service and a variety of ruses, F.D.R. was even able to campaign giving the impression that he was mobile.

Persons: Franklin Roosevelt, Roosevelt, West Virginia ruffian Organizations: D.C, Senators, West Virginia Locations: West Virginia

Tim McGraw — his name also the title of one of Swift's early breakout hits — delivered the game ball. Swift joined other Philly luminaries Patti LaBelle and John Oates as 2008 World Series anthem singers. Hackash said the team mostly worked through Swift’s family, including her parents Scott and Andrea, to snag an appearance. Her first Reading game was kind of a stepping stone to get something on tape to send to the Sixers. Former Sixers manager of game operations Kathy Drysdale said in 2002 that Swift’s voice caught her attention immediately on a tape submitted by Scott Swift.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift, Francis Scott Key, Travis Kelce, belting, ”, Stone, “, ” Swift, —, Tim McGraw —, Patti LaBelle, John Oates, Bucky, askew, Rob Hackash, Hackash, Scott, Andrea, ” Hackash, Allen Iverson, Kathy Drysdale, Scott Swift, ” Drysdale, Matt Cord, ” Cord, ‘, Jeremy Carroll, Tim McGraw, Kelce, ___ Organizations: PHILADELPHIA, The U.S, NASCAR, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies, Philly, Reading Phillies, Baseball, Reading, Swifts, Sixers, 76ers, Reading Eagle, Wyomissing High, Former Sixers, Wells, Center, ”, Lincoln Financial, Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs Locations: , Pennsylvania, The, Wyomissing , Pennsylvania, Nashville, Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Philly

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler was suspended through the 2024 World Series on Friday by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, who concluded he directed team staff to fabricate injuries to create open roster spots. “I cooperated fully and transparently with MLB’s investigation, and I accept their decision,” Eppler said in a statement. No other Mets personnel were disciplined by the commissioner's office, a second person familiar with the investigation said, also on condition of anonymity. Eppler, 48, was the Mets general manager from November 2021 until he quit last Oct. 5, three days after owner Steven Cohen hired David Stearns as president of baseball operations. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended in January 2020 through that year’s World Series for their roles in the team using a video camera to steal signs.

Persons: Billy Eppler, Rob Manfred, Manfred, Eppler, “, ” Eppler, Eppler’s, Jay Reisinger, Steven Cohen, David Stearns, A.J, Hinch, Jeff Luhnow, Alex Cora Organizations: Former New York Mets, Mets, Associated Press, Major League Baseball, MLB, IL, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, WME Sports, Astros, Red Sox Locations: Houston

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani walked through his new spring training clubhouse wearing a simple white T-shirt with one word “BOSS” across the front in big, dark capital letters. The two-time Most Valuable Player might not be in charge of these Los Angeles Dodgers, but there's little doubt who commands the most attention. “Try to get along with all the guys and teammates.”The Dodgers had their first official workout of spring training on Friday, with pitchers and catchers reporting. Los Angeles could start a lineup that includes fellow All-Stars like Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy and Will Smith. The Ohtani deal was even richer than many expected and then days later, Los Angeles landed right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto with a $325 million, 12-year deal.

Persons: Shohei Ohtani, ”, Ohtani, baseball's, ” Ohtani, “, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman haven't, Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy, Will Smith, Ohtani's, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dave Roberts, he's, ” Roberts, I've, Taylor Swift, harkened, Barry Bonds Organizations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers, San, San Francisco Giants Locations: GLENDALE, Ariz, San Diego, Seoul, South Korea, Angeles, Los Angeles, Arizona

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