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McConnell Returns to Senate After Months-Long Absence — 4dSen. Mitch McConnell, hospitalized on June 14 and absent from public view for about three months, continues to receive his $174,000 annual salary and has earned roughly $44,000 during the absence, with his staff also pulling in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Reports vary slightly on total office payouts, but all note that a substantial sum was paid to McConnell and his team while he was away from Capitol Hill.

Nicole Hardy It's reasonable to expect some pay adjustment after an extended absence even for health reasons.

McConnell returns after 90 days to cast decisive Senate vote — 3dWheeled onto the floor after 90 days away, the Kentucky senator broke a 47-46 cloture tally, pressed the farm bill, and kept drawing nearly $1 million in combined taxpayer pay through his absence.

Dana Whitfield Wheeling him in just to cast that vote highlights how thin the Senate margins are these days.

Orioles place Jackson Holliday on injured list for second time this season — 2dJackson Holliday was placed on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation and will be eligible to return around Sept. 25, forcing Baltimore to lean on Jeremiah Jackson at second base with Jose Barrero being recalled to bolster infield depth. The move comes as the Orioles near the end of the season with upcoming series against the Yankees and Brewers, while Holliday’s absence has already shifted lineup planning and depth options.

Nicole Hardy Bringing Barrero back helps the infield depth but this timing with the Yankees series makes it tougher overall.

Pulisic Out, 13 Newcomers Join USMNT Roster — 2dMauricio Pochettino’s first USMNT camp for the 2030 cycle omits Christian Pulisic, instead highlighting 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and other teenagers as the squad prepares for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, with Yunus Musah recalled. The move signals a youth-forward rebuild for the program and comes amid talk of a strained Pulisic-Pochettino relationship after Pulisic’s 2025 Gold Cup absence and limited club playing time.

Elena Vasquez Sullivan getting a look at 16 is bold but the lack of experience on this roster could hurt in those friendlies.

Aaron Donald Expected for Rams Return Against GiantsSports — 2dAaron Donald is expected to make his season debut for the Los Angeles Rams against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, with plans to play outlined by multiple reporters as he ramps up after a two-year absence. Coaches and insiders say he’ll play if he feels ready, with the Rams’ exemption period lifted and his practice participation improving as the team weighs readiness for a return in a high-profile home game.

Mexico Antitrust Watchdog Probes Professional Soccer Market — 4dMexico’s National Antitrust Commission opened a formal, ex-officio probe into possible monopolistic practices in the professional football market, prompted by fan complaints and focusing on the absence of promotion and relegation and the concentration of Liga MX’s ownership and broadcasting rights. If violations are found, the FMF could face penalties up to 10% of annual revenue as investigators examine affiliation, organization and access to competitions.

Nicole Hardy It's good the commission is finally checking how Liga MX blocks promotion and locks up TV rights.

2026 College Football Season Brings CFP, Big Ten StakesSports — 3dCollege football moves into a busy week with Oregon trying to rebound against Portland State after a loss, alongside preview coverage of BYU-Colorado State and LSU-Ole Miss, plus a look at the season’s broadcast teams shaping every game. Meanwhile, Washington’s Big Ten era is shadowed by relatively low roster spending and the absence of an NIL collective, raising concerns about financing and competitiveness as it awaits future media-rights payments.

Dolphins Rookie Kyle Louis Expected to Miss Several Weeks With MCL Sprain — 5dMiami Dolphins rookie Kyle Louis, a fourth-round pick who transitioned from linebacker to safety, is expected to miss Week 2 and could be out for an extended period due to a knee injury, potentially impacting Miami’s defensive depth and special-teams role. His absence leaves the Dolphins shorthanded as they prepare to face the 49ers, with coaches emphasizing his versatility and potential future big‑nickel usage.

Suns Center Mark Williams Undergoes Shoulder Surgery — Sep 11, 2026Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn left shoulder labrum and will miss an extended period, with no return timeline announced as training camp approaches, potentially reshaping the Suns’ rotation in his absence. The injury comes amid past trade drama with the Los Angeles Lakers over Williams and underscores asset considerations in that deal’s history.

Nicole Hardy Williams needs to focus on a full recovery before worrying about any past Lakers trade issues.

Weekend Sports Results Span High School, BoxingSports — 6dLocal education and crime updates: A Brooke County principal faces new wiretap charges with bond set at $200,000, and the Brooke High School contract was terminated following the hearing, while a Steubenville senior housing project was halted after human remains were found. In sports, BYU aims to adapt after Sione Moa's absence, while UFC and boxing events reported notable knockouts and sizeable live gates.

Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis after surgery — Sep 9, 2026Rutgers men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell announced he has cancer, underwent successful surgery, and will undergo chemotherapy, with plans to stay involved while Brandin Knight serves as interim leader if he cannot be on the bench. There is no set timeline for his full return, and the program will navigate the season with Knight guiding the team during Pikiell's absence.

Aaron Donald Ruled Out of Rams' Australia Opener — Sep 8, 2026The Los Angeles Rams will not play Aaron Donald in their season opener in Melbourne as he continues his ramp-up after returning from retirement, with coach Sean McVay saying the prudent decision is best for him and the team. This stance is echoed by pundits who expected a cautious approach, and the absence is noted as the 49ers face a strengthened but still cautious opponent.

Braves place Lane Thomas on injured list after batting cage tweak — Sep 10, 2026Braves outfielder Lane Thomas was scratched with left-side tightness and placed on the 10-day IL, with Dominic Smith stepping in at DH and Brewer Hicklen moving to left field as Atlanta navigates the setback and contends in the NL East. Thomas had batted .171 with one homer in 21 games since the trade deadline, and his absence could affect his role going forward.

Chris Dalton Hicklen moving to left could work out if he shows more power than Thomas had lately.

Brock Bowers Expected to Miss Games After Knee Surgery — Sep 9, 2026Raiders tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim and is expected to miss one or two games to start the season, including Week 1 against the Dolphins, with Michael Mayer likely stepping in at tight end. His absence could stretch into Week 2 against the Chargers, leaving the Raiders without their top pass-catching weapon early in 2026.

Tom Gallagher Bowers missing the opener hurts but a quick meniscus trim usually means a fast return, so Mayer has his chance to shine early.

Lady Gaga Reportedly Welcomes First Child — Sep 8, 2026Multiple outlets say Lady Gaga and fiancé Michael Polansky may have secretly eloped and are enjoying a private honeymoon, with fans buzzing after Gaga’s extended public absence and low-profile appearances. Officials have offered no confirmation, even though Gaga previously teased that they were getting married soon after confirming their engagement at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

ACL Tear Ends Magbegor’s World Cup, WNBA Season — Sep 10, 2026Australia forward Ezi Magbegor suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during the FIBA World Cup, ending both her involvement in the tournament and the Seattle Storm’s 2026 WNBA season, with potential implications for her 2027 season. The injury, compounded by Alanna Smith’s absence and Seattle’s poor 8-32 record, leaves Australia facing Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals and the Storm rebuilding around young frontcourt talent as they miss the playoffs.

Rachel Meyers ACL recoveries are never quick, hope she gets the time needed before jumping back into 2027.

Jaclyn Smith Explains Absence From Farrah Fawcett Funeral — Sep 8, 2026Jaclyn Smith details the painful reasons she missed Farrah Fawcett’s funeral due to her mother’s declining health, recounting how she returned to Houston after learning of her mother’s deterioration. She also recalls intimate final moments with Fawcett, including a fond last visit, a cherished final letter Fawcett sent, and the bravery Fawcett showed during her illness, which she discusses in her memoir.

Sydney Airport Cancellations, Delays Mount Amid Controller Shortage — Sep 11, 2026Airservices Australia says staffing shortages among air traffic controllers are driving ongoing cancellations and delays at Sydney and across Australia, with 2,536 flights canceled in the year to August 31, 2026, including 103 at Sydney. The agency is recruiting and seeking retirees to fill rosters of 41 operational positions from 49, but unplanned absences routinely leave a margin of about one in five, contributing to disruptions and prompting safety reviews after near-misses at Sydney.

Chris Dalton The shortage of controllers is hitting travelers hard, but near-misses show safety must come first over filling rosters quickly.

Cowboys guard Tyler Smith undergoes thumb surgery, return timeline uncertain — Sep 8, 2026Dallas Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery and miss four to six weeks, being placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. T.J. Bass will start at left guard in his absence, as Smith targets a potential return around Week 5 or later while the team manages grip strength and roster questions up front.

Nicole Hardy IR with the return designation feels like the right move here. No point risking a longer setback by trying to push through it early in the season.

White Sox Activate Teel, Demote Romo — Sep 4, 2026The White Sox activated Kyle Teel from the injured list and optioned rookie Drew Romo to Triple-A Charlotte, reshaping their catching depth as they push for the AL Central title. Teel’s return, after Romo filled in during his absence, aims to boost offensive production behind the plate for Chicago’s late-season run.

Sam Okafor Teel's bat behind the plate is exactly what this lineup needs down the stretch, glad he's healthy again.

Pacheco Injury Reshapes Lions, College Football Rosters — Sep 11, 2026Across football programs, several key players face extended absences or uncertain returns after injuries: the Detroit Lions’ Isiah Pacheco will miss a prolonged stretch after surgery, forcing more carries for Jahmyr Gibbs and others; Florida’s Eric Singleton Jr. is questionable to play as he recovers from an ankle injury ahead of the Florida–Auburn game. Additionally, Detroit’s Christian Mahogany has a negative initial scan but hip-related concerns keep his status uncertain, Oregon’s Jamari Johnson may miss time after not dressing, and Penn State’s LaVar Arrington II is dealing with a knee setback with a 4–6 week timeline, potentially affecting defensive line rotations.

Liberty's Satou Sabally out for season with second concussion in a year — Sep 3, 2026The New York Liberty announced that Satou Sabally will miss the remainder of the season due to a concussion, impacting their playoff push after she had been sidelined since June. The announcement follows Sabally’s earlier concussion in the 2025 Finals and a later World Cup absence, highlighting ongoing health concerns and durability as she recovers.

Dana Whitfield This is rough for Liberty's depth but Sabally's long-term health matters way more than a title chase right now.

House Bill Would Force Lawmakers Missing In Action To Give Americans Explanation For Absences — Jul 15, 2026Democratic New York Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced a bill Tuesday that would require lawmakers to disclose information about their long absences.

HHS Official Taking a Leave of Absence After Making Incendiary CommentsReporting — Sep 16, 2020Days after accusing government scientists of engaging in sedition, Michael Caputo, the top communications official at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is taking a leave of absence. In a statement…