SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Lay " 21,632 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Trump says war with Venezuela is possible
President says ‘I don’t rule it out’ when asked about the possibility of conflict during NBC interview
Mississippi-Tulane predictions: CFP picks for first-round rematch
It didn't go well for Tulane the first time it met Mississippi this season. Can the Green Wave change things in the playoff? We make our predictions.
I work in a research lab and have kids under 7. These are the science-based gifts that they've enjoyed most over the years.
I'm a mother of 2 who works in a research lab. These are the STEM-based toys my kids have played with the most over the years.
I work in a research lab and have kids under 7. These are the science-based gifts that they've enjoyed most over the years.
I'm a mother of 2 who works in a research lab. These are the STEM-based toys my kids have played with the most over the years.
The science behind one of the holiday season's simplest gifts
Scented candles have sort of a bad rap as a low-effort holiday gift. But a lot goes into the process of creating them. “Making candles is actually pretty scientific,” said Ashley Rossi, the owner of Noted Candles in Hingham
‘Not clear’ who was behind FCDO hack, says minister, amid reports of China link
Chris Bryant confirms October cyber-attack as the Sun names Storm 1849, a Chinese hacker group, as being responsible
Best player? Surprise package? Review of WSL so far
Former England internationals Ellen White and Fara Williams review the Women's Super League season so far as we head into a winter break.
Kirk’s widow endorses Vance as MAGA infighting rages
Erika Kirk told a Turning Point USA conference that she would work to elect JD Vance president in 2028, at an event in which MAGA divisions were on full display.
Reeves to Ryanair: Take the Guardian’s Christmas business quiz
Do you know your Tesla from your Jaguar? Test your 2025 business knowledge here with our annual quiz …
‘Matter of survival’: South Korean president urges public health cover for hair loss
Medical professionals and some in conservative circles feel argument of Lee Jae Myung may be a bit thin
Trump in the White House: is it time to call it corruption?
Jonathan Freedland is joined by the anthropologist Prof Janine Wedel, as they wade through the most egregious allegations of corruption from Trump’s first year in office
Full-length Replay: Best of Wake Up Barstool
Highlights from Wake Up Barstool, a daily dose of unfiltered takes on the biggest stories in sports, featuring Dave Portnoy and the Barstool crew.
MPS rejects Pius proposal to build sports complex at a public park
After Pius XI Catholic School floated the idea of building a sports complex at a public park run by MPS, school board members are shutting it down.
Glasner says he needs more players to improve his squad
Oliver Glasner believes he needs more players to improve his squad after Crystal Palace drew with KuPS at Selhurst Park.Palace qualified for the next round of the UEFA Conference League after their 2...
Bucks' Antetokounmpo says his focus is on his health rather than rumors about his future
Giannis Antetokounmpo said Thursday he’s focused on getting healthy and helping the Milwaukee Bucks turn their season around, not on rumors about his future plans. Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters for the first time since a Dec. 3 ESPN report indicated that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, were talking with Bucks officials about whether he’s best suited to stay in Milwaukee or get traded. Antetokounmpo strained his right calf in a victory over the Detroit Pistons that night and hasn’t played since.
Nick Saban: Group of 5 should have separate College Football Playoff
Tulane, James Madison part of this year’s CFP
Top 25 Redding-area girls basketball players for the 2025-26 season
See the top 25 Redding-area girls basketball players for the 2025-26 high school season.
Falcons-Cardinals Preview
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Even on a pair of teams that have been eliminated from the NFL playoff race, there are standout performances to admire.
NFL contract incentives to know for Week 16 betting
Here are 30+ contract incentives in play over the next few weeks along with a few player prop picks.
Eagles-Commanders Preview
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Jalen Hurts played the worst game of his career two weeks ago and one of the best of this season last week. Another good one could help the Philadelphia Eagles do something that hasn't happened in two decades: winning consecutive NFC East titles.
College basketball conference rankings: Big 12 tops high-major hierarchy
With nonconference play winding down, here's how the high-major conference hierarchy is shaping up
NBA MVP rankings: The race for the most valuable player award is heating up
We have officially hit the one-third mark of this campaign, so what better time to take stock of an MVP race that is as stacked with top-end talent as it has ever been.
Steelers-Lions Preview
DETROIT (AP) On paper, the Detroit Lions are strong favorites to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in a showdown of 8-6 teams with playoff hopes.
Chiefs-Titans Preview
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs insist they have plenty of motivation left when playing their first game with no hopes of a playoff berth in more than a decade and worse, no Patrick Mahomes.
Sir Keir as Eliot Ness, Radon Liz proving TV gold – all in another year of Westminster psychodrama
With the Christmas recess stopping our politicians causing more havoc, it’s time for the Guardian’s parliamentarian of the year awards
Dallas Cowboys dominate Forbes’ most valuable teams list
Dallas Cowboys valued at $13 billion, leading Forbes' list. Discover how branding and stadium revenue play a crucial role in their success.
Kristin Cabot breaks her silence after Coldplay kiss cam debacle: 'My kids were afraid that I was going to die'
Kristin Cabot, the former head of HR for Astronomer who got caught with her boss in the viral Coldplay kiss cam moment, speaks out for the first time several months after the event.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025
Join Niall McVeigh for updates from the end-of-year ceremony in Salford
Jessica Jones first look in 'Daredevil: Born Again' previews war for New York (exclusive)
'Daredevil: Born Again' season 2 first look reveals Krysten Ritter's Jessica Jones, Matthew Lillard's Mr. Charles, and more players in the war for New York City.
Science Lab: Why NFL players refuse to tank
Welcome to "The Science Lab", a place where football facts and in-depth analysis always triumph over feelings.
Chargers-Cowboys Preview
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Justin Herbert has managed well enough while playing with a broken non-throwing hand to help the Los Angeles Chargers win three consecutive games and close in on a second trip to the playoffs in two seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Free Play Days – Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, NBA 2K26, Fallout 76, Ark: Survival Ascended and More
It's the final Free Play Days of 2025! Play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, NBA 2K26, Fallout 76, Ark: Survival Ascended and much more.
Amon-Ra St. Brown would like to know why the NFL doesn't like his booger-flicking celebration: 'What is bad about that?'
St. Brown said he was told by officials to cut it out after doing the celebration following big plays.
NFL playoff picture: Ranking the 10 most important remaining games
With just three weeks left in the regular season, 17 teams are fighting for 12 playoff spots.
Broncos vs Jaguars Week 15: Keys to victory
Who would’ve thought that at the beginning of the season we’d be able to say that with a win and certain losses on Sunday, the Broncos can secure the top seed in the AFC? Honestly I was hoping we’d be able to clinch a playoff spot, but there is so much more at stake here. […]
History-makers Hearts top at Christmas
It's Christmas 1991, Queen are top of the singles charts with Bohemian Rhapsody - and Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table. Now, more than three decades later, Hearts are guaranteed to be number one on Christmas Day. Celtic's 2-1 defeat at Dundee United on Wednesday night means Derek McInnes' side remain six points clear of the defending champions, who have played a game fewer.
UnitedHealthcare delays controversial RPM policy change
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: United Healthcare delays a key policy change, State AGs write to Meta about misleading pharma ads, and more.
Scientists Intrigued by Huge Structure Under Bermuda
Scientists say they've found an unexpected, 12.4-mile-thick layer of rock lurking below Bermuda's oceanic crust.
Who's playing Thursday Night Football tonight? Where to stream TNF
Who plays on Thursday Night Football tonight live time to kickoff NFL Week 16? When does the game start? Here's what, where, how to stream.
Report: Apple Developing 24-Inch OLED iMac With 600 Nits Brightness
Apple is working on a 24-inch iMac featuring an OLED display, with the aim of completing development as early as 2027, claims a new report out of Korea. According to The Elec, Apple has sent requests for information to Samsung Display and LG Display regarding development of a 24-inch OLED panel for the iMac. Current 24-inch iMacs use a 4.5K Retina display, which is an LCD panel with LED backlighting. The specs apparently being discussed include 600 nits of brightness and a pixel density of 218 PPI.
Russia says it hopes Trump did not make ‘fatal mistake’ after latest US strike on vessel in eastern Pacific kills four
Pete Hegseth says attack took place on Wednesday as Russian foreign ministry warns of ‘unpredictable consequences for the entire western Hemisphere’
Thanks for asking after my health, but actually I’m doing just fine
Friends, family and assorted strangers have been sending thoughts and prayers about my ‘cancer journey’. It is, in the nicest possible way, a lot
Americans’ view on their mental health at record low, according to new poll
Drop is cause for public health concern, but news isn’t all bad as acknowledging struggles is ‘a good sign’, experts say
What’s going on with Donald Trump’s health?
The president’s appearance and schedule have sparked speculation – perhaps fueled in part by his political fortunes
Best Steam Winter Sale 2025 Game Deals
The Steam Winter Sale is offering big discounts on PlayStation ports and several GOTY-nominated games.
Democrats’ showing in Georgia special elections boosts party, unnerves Republicans
Competitive special elections have put once-securely Republican districts in play for Democrats, who seek to inch toward controlling the Georgia House in 2026.
Fantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 15
In this Fantasy Bundesliga article, we’ll highlight 10 players to consider adding to your team ahead of Matchday 15.As a rule of thumb, we’ll try to steer clear of the most obvious picks, instead ...
Taylor Swift Put a ‘Curse’ on Chiefs, Says NFL Star
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua drew attention this week by blaming Taylor Swift for the Kansas City Chiefs’ collapse. The remark came on social media when the Chiefs confirmed an early exit from playoff contention. The conversation also dived deeper into injuries this season and what comes next for the franchise, including Travis Kelce. […] The post Taylor Swift Put a ‘Curse’ on Chiefs, Says NFL Star appeared first on Mandatory.
Potential lack of funding for plan to prevent violence against women ‘deeply concerning’, says victims’ commissioner
Claire Waxman warns government’s delayed strategy to halve violence against women and girls could end up ‘less than the sum of its parts’
Full-length Replay: Portland at Oregon
Beaver State combatants link up at Matthew Knight Arena as the Ducks (5-5) host the Pilots (7-4).
Fortnite Winterfest 2025: Collabs, Cosmetics, Gameplay Changes, And Everything Else To Know
There's less Harry Potter than you'd think.
Bank of England expected to announce pre-Christmas interest rate cut today
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Hartfield Grad Leads Conference in Tackles for Southern Miss Football
Chris Jones has dominated the Sun Belt Conference. The Southern Miss sophomore led the league in tackles and helped USM lead the nation in interceptions this season. He says his roots at Hartfield prepared him for success. He plays in the New Orleans Bowl on December 23.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year: why each shortlisted contender should win
From Hannah Hampton to Lando Norris, our experts give their views on what each of the six nominees
Life beyond Earth? Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock on the mysteries of space
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a space scientist and science educator who has worked on a number of instruments that are revolutionising our view of the cosmos, including the James Webb Space Telescope. This year she will be giving the Royal Institution Christmas lectures, Britain’s most prestigious public science lectures, in which she will be exploring some of the big questions space science still has to answer.
Review of 2025: another fine mess?
John Harris, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look back at the biggest political moments of 2025, and discuss what 2026 might bring
Full-length Replay: Big East Men's: Georgetown at Marquette
The Hoyas (7-3) host the Golden Eagles (5-6) in the Big East opener for both schools.
Trump plays the blame game in White House address. Here are the takeaways.
"Boy are we making progress," Trump said in a speech focused heavily on the affordability issue that has increasingly bedeviled his administration.
Full-length Replay: Big East Men's: Creighton at Xavier
The Musketeers (8-3, 0-0 Big East) seek a sixth straight win as they host the Bluejays (5-5, 0-0).
2025 in Review: Reds playoff run, Bengals struggles headline year in Cincinnati sports
Another year is almost in the books and for fans of Cincinnati sports teams, 2025 represented a bit of a mixed bag.
Google Pixel adds Samsung's navigation button layout in latest Android 16 beta
In the latest Android 16 beta release, Google Pixel phones are adding support for the same navigation button layout as Samsung uses.
ChatGPT's Apple Music Integration Is Now Live
There's now a dedicated Apple Music app for ChatGPT, which allows ChatGPT to make music recommendations and build playlists based on your Apple Music listening history. Apple Music can be added to ChatGPT through the Settings section in the Mac app, website, or iOS app. Apple Music is listed under the apps option, and connecting to it requires signing in with your Apple Account for authorization purposes.
College Football Playoff Predictions: First-Round Winners to The National Champion
FOX Sports' RJ Young reveals this College Football Playoff bracket predictions ahead of the first round of action.
Eliminated Bengals still focused on wins over final 3 games
For the first time since 2020, the Cincinnati Bengals are playing out the string in late December and are eliminated from postseason contention with multiple games left to play. The Bengals’ 4-10 record is a frustrating reality for a team that entered the year with playoff ambitions. “It comes down to being able to win when we need to and showing up in these big games and these big moments,” captain and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. said.
American Academy of Pediatrics loses government funding after criticizing RFK Jr
Cuts, which affect projects focused on issues including early identification of autism, made without prior notice to AAP
Bears' injury report is concerning update for D'Andre Swift
The Bears might be playing short-handed this weekend against the Packers.
Another Notre Dame player will enter the transfer portal
Notre Dame football will lose its third player to the transfer portal once it opens early next month.
NFL awards picks: Does Philip Rivers deserve consideration for CPOY?
SportsLine NFL analyst Josh Nagel gives his analysis and recommended plays for MVP and other season-long NFL awards
Hugh Jackman says his time playing Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn't over
Hugh Jackman says his time playing Wolverine within the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn't over just yet: 'That's what my gut says.'
Full-length Replay: Big East Men's: K-State at Creighton
From CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, NE.
Saturn's moon Titan may not have a buried ocean as suspected, study suggests
New research suggests Titan instead may hold deep layers of ice and slush more akin to Earth's polar seas instead of a buried ocean as long suspected.
GOP lawmaker: These Covid-era fraud-ridden subsidies have made health care more expensive
Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, lays out the Republicans' plan for health care and weighs in on Vice President JD Vance's remarks on the economy on 'Varney & Co.'
A black swan event: Keir actually cracked a good joke at PMQs
MPs from most corners of Commons laughed at the festive gag – but stony-faced Farage failed to see the funny side
Galaxy Z Flip 8 rumors point to a thinner build, better display
Rumors claim that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will introduce major upgrades, particularly a thinner build and performance improvements.
Jack Smith denies politics played any role in Trump prosecutions at House hearing
Special counsel takes full ownership of 2020 election and classified documents cases against former president
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
Xbox Sales Are Down 70% Year-Over-Year With PS5 Down 40%
Xbox, PlayStation and even Nintendo are suffering from very low console sales due to price hikes, economic conditions and more.
Health workers decry hasty House bills to ban gender-affirming care for children: ‘They hurt people’
Two bills mark the first time Congress has voted over national care bans and an escalation of anti-trans rhetoric
OnePlus 15R Hands-on: If only battery and refresh rate were the name of the game
If you stuff a bigger battery and faster display into a device that copies its more expensive counterpart, does that...
The growing scourge of sports microbetting
If the risks associated with sport gambling on college athletes is to be reduced, including the growth of gambling addiction, then microbets on individual player performance or plays during games m…
The most memorable San Diego sports moments of 2025
A look back at the joy and agony for fans, from SDFC's historic season to the Padres' playoff run.
NFL Playoff Projections: Bears vs. Packers highlights some huge Week 16 divisional showdowns
Amid extremist attacks, Senate must stop playing politics with Walker nomination
Each delay sends a message — not only to victims, but to their persecutors — that religious freedom is negotiable.
Venezuela condemns ‘warmongering threats’ as Trump orders oil blockade
Trump has ordered a ‘total and complete’ blockade of sanctioned oil tankers to and from the country
Gil Gerard, ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’ star, dies at 82
Gil Gerard, the actor best known for playing sci-fi hero Buck Rogers, has died. He was 82.
Maga loyalist expands investigation into intelligence officials who angered Trump
Experts decry Jason Reding Quiñones’s ‘fishing expedition’ as subpoenas reportedly issued to John Brennan and others
Marvel Rivals - The Super Hero Team-based PVP Shooter
Play for free Now!! Get ready to Ignite the Battle with Marvel Rivals!
Fort Belvoir Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Youth Sports
Exercise and physical activity play key roles in quality of life, health and mental fitness, according to the World Health Organization, and Fort Belvoir Families have been reaping the benefits of an innovative Fort Belvoir program that has recently been awarded by the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS).
Pro baseball player Duncan Davitt spends offseason as sports reporter
Iowa native and Chicago White Sox minor-league pitcher Duncan Davitt spends his offseasons covering high school sports as a reporter.
'Long term, Brighton are in a great place'
Former Brighton midfielder Dale Stephens believes the current group of players reflects a model the Seagulls have refined over a number of seasons, but stressed that potential alone is no longer enough once players step into the first team environment. Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Stephens believes Brighton's continued reliance on youth has once again put the spotlight on the balance between development and results. Long term, Brighton are in a great place.
Beachy Head Woman may be ‘local girl from Eastbourne’, say scientists
Exclusive: DNA advances show Roman-era skeleton, once hailed as first black Briton, came from southern England
K-Shaped US Economy Leaves Small Businesses Playing Catch-Up
Bankruptcies and loan delinquencies among small businesses are heading higher, and layoffs are mounting.
Faith-based entertainment sees a revival in Hollywood. Defining what it is can be a challenge
LOS ANGELES — At the movies this fall, Josh O’Connor plays a hot priest with a complicated past, Keanu Reeves is an angel who lost his wings, and Elizabeth Olsen has a romantic dilemma in the afterlife. Hollywood, it seems, has found God. But it’s not just starry big-budget Netflix
Starmer urged to ensure rejoining Erasmus is ‘first step to closer relationship’ with EU
British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
MIT grieves shooting death of renowned director of plasma science center
Nuno FG Loureiro, 47, was shot multiple times at his home, and no details about a suspect or motive have been released
Nigel Farage told to apologise by 26 of his school contemporaries
Open letter to Reform UK leader expresses ‘dismay and anger’ at his response to racism and antisemitism allegations
The Anti-Sports Personality of the Year awards 2025
On Thursday night the BBC will honour the heroes. But here are the year’s best dark, devious and downright dumb sporting stories