Greenland biathlete pursues Olympic dream while anxious about ‘terrifying’ threats to her homeland
Greenland biathlete Ukaleq Slettemark is used to the stress of competing on the world stage as she tries to qualify for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. But she’s dealing with an extra level of anxiety as President Donald Trump continues to say he wants to take over her country. Speaking from the World Cup in Germany, Slettemark says the threats are terrifying. Her family is having trouble sleeping and people back home are scared. Trump reiterated his intention to take over Greenland on Wednesday, saying “anything less than that is unacceptable.” Slettemark said they are “first and foremost” athletes, and are not political commentators, but said the threats from the U.S. are making life difficult.
Diversity still a major issue at the Winter Olympics. The US is making some strides
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — USA Bobsled and Skeleton is set to unveil its Olympic rosters, with most women competing likely being women of color. This could make the 2026 U.S. Olympic winter roster the most diverse ever. In 2018, 21 athletes of Black or Asian descent were part of the team, about 8% of the total. The 2026 team could surpass that. Some top American medal hopefuls include Black women like bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and speedskater Erin Jackson. Despite challenges, representation is growing, with athletes like Mystique Ro and Kaysha Love leading the way.
John Harbaugh interviews in person for the Giants’ coaching vacancy, AP source says
John Harbaugh interviewed in person with the New York Giants for their head coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press. The person said Harbaugh spent most of Wednesday at the team facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Super Bowl-winning former Baltimore Ravens coach is believed to be the Giants’ top candidate. Harbaugh has also spoken to the Atlanta Falcons, who recently hired retired quarterback Matt Ryan as their president of football. Young QB Jaxson Dart, one of the biggest draws for New York, was reportedly involved in meetings with Harbaugh.
NFL playoff weekend sets a record with 12 fourth-quarter lead changes
The NFL has experienced an unprecedented playoff weekend with the first four games featuring a combined 12 lead changes in the fourth quarter. This surpasses the previous postseason record of 10 set in 2007. The weekend began with a thrilling game between Carolina and the Los Angeles Rams, ending with Matthew Stafford’s decisive touchdown pass. Buffalo and Jacksonville also traded leads before the Bills secured a win. Chicago pulled off a historic comeback against Green Bay, marking the Bears’ seventh win this season when trailing in the final minutes. Meanwhile, New England and Houston delivered strong defensive performances, advancing to the next round.
Left-hander Ranger Suárez and Boston Red Sox agree to $130 million, 5-year contract, AP source says
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that left-hander Ranger Suárez and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $130 million, five-year contract. A 30-year-old who became an All-Star in 2024, Suárez spent his first eight major league seasons with Philadelphia. He was 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA last year, striking out 151 and walking 38 in 157 1/3 innings. He did not make his season debut until May 4 because of lower back stiffness. Suárez is 53-37 with a 3.38 ERA in 119 starts and 68 relief appearances.
Miami’s Columbus High will have some CFP champions on Monday night, no matter what happens
MIAMI (AP) — Classes at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami are canceled Tuesday. The school will be celebrating alumni in the College Football Playoff title game between Indiana and Miami. The game is Monday night in South Florida. Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, and Miami’s coach, Mario Cristobal, are both alumni. The school is buzzing with excitement and divided loyalties. Columbus has seven graduates involved in the game. The community is deeply connected, with many families knowing each other. The game is a special moment for the school, showcasing the success of its alumni on a national stage.
‘Time to stick out your neck,’ college CEO tells schools on contract that regulates paying players
OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — The head of the new regulatory body for college sports said “if there was a time to stick out your neck, it’s now,” in urging schools to sign an agreement sent out nearly two months ago pledging to abide by new rules that govern how they pay players. Bryan Seeley, the CEO of the 7-month-old College Sports Commission, used his presentation at the NCAA convention Wednesday to thank leaders from four schools who put out a statement backing the agreement, while urging others to sign on.
Oregon QB Dante Moore says he’ll return to the Ducks rather than declare for the NFL draft
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has decided to return to the Ducks next season rather than declare for the NFL draft. The 20-year-old Moore announced his decision on Wednesday on ESPN. Moore completed nearly 72% of his throws for 3, 565 yards, with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. Oregon finished 13-2. Moore had been forecast to be the second quarterback selected in the NFL draft, behind Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
Surprised but not shocked, the Steelers prepare for life after Mike Tomlin
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II says he wasn’t shocked by coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down after 19 seasons. Rooney described Tomlin’s choice as more “family-related” than “football-related.” Tomlin’s departure means the Steelers are searching for just their fourth head coach since 1969. Rooney declined to get into specifics about what the team might be looking for, though each of Pittsburgh’s past three coaches arrived as relative unknowns before taking the Steelers to the Super Bowl multiple times. Tomlin’s departure figures to signal the end of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ time with the club. Rooney says Rodgers’ decision to play in Pittsburgh was primarily to play for Tomlin.
NASCAR driver Greg Biffle’s North Carolina home burglarized weeks after plane crash, officials say
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Sheriff’s deputies are investigating an alleged break-in at the North Carolina home of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who died last month in a plane crash along with six others. The alleged theft was reported on Jan. 8. Investigators believe someone entered a safe in the Mooresville home. Sheriff Darren Campbell and his office said a backpack, $30,000 in cash, guns and racing memorabilia are missing. No arrests have been made. A public memorial service for Biffle and the others killed is scheduled for Friday in Charlotte.
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