This year's U.S. Open is a redemption of sorts for American Taylor Townsend American tennis player Taylor Townsend is gearing up for the U.S. Open. She'll take to the court as the top-ranked doubles player. Her story is one of resilience and overcoming preconceived notions. Steve Futterman
How an endangered fish inspired the new name of a Colorado baseball team The city of Grand Junction, Colorado, recently adopted a new name for its minor league baseball team. The name embraces a local, rare and endangered animal, but it didn't come without controversy.
Sue Bird, Seattle Storm’s 4-time WNBA champion, has statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena Associated Press
Grassroots motorsport pulls big tractors and bigger crowds Generations of spectators and competitors take over a small hamlet in Western N.Y. each summer to participate in a motorsport with roots in farming: the tractor pull. Zach Jaworski
Not your playground's jump rope: These jumpers from West Seattle compete around the world On a 90-degree July afternoon inside a karate studio in West Seattle, there was no AC, just a handful of struggling box fans. That wasn't slowing down the 44 kids, aged 7 to 17, who whipped ropes around as turners and jumpers focused on sharpening their Double Dutch skills. Brooklyn Jamerson-Flowers
Immigrants helped kick Kansas City into the international soccer arena Kansas City will be the smallest city in America to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it may not have become a destination on the global soccer map if it weren't for the immigrants who elevated its prominence in the city years ago.
NCAA fines University of Michigan football millions in sign-stealing scandal The NCAA fined University of Michigan football millions of dollars for a scheme to figure out the signs other teams use in games. NPR speaks with Larry Lage, sports reporter for the Associated Press. A Martínez
Saturday Sports: Michigan football fine; Brewers fans celebrate; Venus to the U.S. Open NPR's Scott Simon and sportswriter Michele Steele talk about sports (DRAFT) Scott Simon
Meet John DeMarsico, the artistic director behind NY Mets' baseball cinematic visuals John DeMarsico is the broadcast director for Mets baseball -- and he shoots games like they're movies. Jeff Lunden
At 45, Venus Williams will be the oldest player in the U.S. Open in decades With a wild card invitation, the tennis legend is making history in her return to the U.S. Open later this month as the oldest singles player to take the court in more than 40 years. Alana Wise