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Fox Sports
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Padres are very busy at another trade deadline, adding Mason Miller, Ryan O'Hearn, Ramon Laureano
Associated Press SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres made several bold moves at yet another trade deadline Thursday, adding hard-throwing closer Mason Miller from the Athletics and All-Star first baseman Ryan O'Hearn from Baltimore while swinging five total deals for seven major league players. San Diego general manager AJ Preller picked up Miller and left-hander JP Sears while shipping four solid prospects to the A's. The Padres then got catcher Freddy Fermin from Kansas City before acquiring O'Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano from the Orioles. San Diego also added left-hander Nestor Cortes from Milwaukee and utility infielder Will Wagner from Toronto. Preller was his usual voracious self at the deadline, sending out 14 players and acquiring eight. He traded a big chunk of his thin farm system's best talent — headlined by shortstop Leo De Vries, one of the top prospects in baseball — to acquire Miller, one of the majors' most dynamic relievers, and the dependable Sears. Preller then gave up major league starting pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek for Fermin in a bid to raise the Padres' meager offensive production at catcher. The Padres shipped six prospects — headlined by 6-foot-8 left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman — to Baltimore for O'Hearn and Laureano, two proven major league hitters who should boost the Padres' inconsistent offense. San Diego sent reserve outfielder Brandon Lockridge to the Brewers for Cortés, a 2022 All-Star with the Yankees who is thought to be ready to return to the majors after missing nearly four months with an elbow injury. The Padres entered Thursday in the National League's final wild-card spot at 60-49 after sweeping the New York Mets on Wednesday for their fifth consecutive win overall. San Diego trails the defending World Series champion Dodgers (63-46) by just three games in the NL West, and Preller clearly believes his veteran core has World Series potential. That belief is also underlined by what Preller didn't do. The Padres kept All-Star closer Robert Suarez, who leads the majors with 30 saves, and inconsistent starter Dylan Cease. Both Suárez and Cease can reach free agency this winter, but Preller declined to deal them in moves that almost certainly would have hurt the current team's playoff prospects. Preller's flashiest move was for the 26-year-old Miller, whose fastball averages 101 mph. He has 20 saves in 23 opportunities, a 3.76 ERA and 59 strikeouts for the A's this season. Miller was an All-Star in 2024, and he is under team control through the 2029 season. The Padres already had one of the majors' best bullpens anchored by three All-Stars: Suárez, setup man Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon. San Diego also gave up an impressive package of prospects to get Miller, sending 18-year-old wunderkind De Vries and right-handed pitchers Henry Baez, Braden Nett and Eduarniel Nunez to the A's. De Vries is ranked the No. 3 prospect in the sport by and he was the jewel of a San Diego farm system depleted by years of Preller's aggressive dealing. The Padres also needed bats, and O'Hearn is having the best year of his career for the disappointing Orioles, hitting .283 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs while earning his first All-Star selection as an AL starter. His stellar work against right-handed pitching could boost the Padres, who rank 23rd in the majors in runs despite their star-studded lineup headlined by Manny Machado and Fernando Tatís Jr. Although Luis Arraez is the Padres' everyday first baseman, O'Hearn — who will be a free agent this winter — should ease the Padres' woes at designated hitter, where they've also received substandard production. Laureano, who has a $6.5 million team option for 2026, has split time between right field and left field this season while batting .290 with 15 homers and 46 RBIs. The Padres likely will use him in left, where Gavin Sheets and Bryce Johnson have been unable to produce standout numbers. O'Hearn also can play the outfield. The Padres have lacked offensive production behind the plate all season long, with Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado combining to be one of the least potent catching duos in the majors. Preller didn't hesitate to give up two promising pitchers to land Fermin, who should also be a defensive upgrade behind the plate. Fermin evolved into a capable hitter and a reliable game manager in four seasons with the Royals, but with captain and stalwart Salvador Perez and Luke Maile already on the 26-man roster — and with the Royals' two top prospects, Blake Mitchell and Carter Jensen, also being catchers — the club decided Fermin was expendable. Meanwhile, the Royals were desperate for pitching help with starters Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic and Michael Lorenzen on the injured list. Bergert and Kolek are both capable of moving immediately into the rotation. The 25-year-old rookie Bergert has made seven starts for San Diego in the past two months, and while he hasn't pitched six full innings in any outing, he is 1-0 with a 2.78 ERA in 11 total appearances. Kolek, a reliever as a 27-year-old rookie last season, has been in the Padres' rotation since making his first major league start in May, going 4-5 with a 4.18 ERA. The 30-year-old Fermin is under team control through 2029, making the high price more doable for Preller. Miller began his major league career as a starter in 2023 but moved to the bullpen after he strained his elbow ligament during his rookie season with the A's. He could be a candidate to join the Padres' rotation in future seasons, given San Diego's four additional years of team control. Cortés was part of the Brewers' return for trading closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, but he made only two starts for Milwaukee before getting hurt. Cortés made his final scheduled minor league rehab appearance a few days ago. San Diego also got minor-league shortstop Jorge Quintana. Wagner, the son of Hall of Fame closer Billy Wagner, is batting .237 over 40 appearances this season for Toronto. San Diego gave up catcher Brandon Valenzuela. ___ AP MLB: recommended Item 1 of 3
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P launches drive to educate 80,000
In a bold move to transform the province's education landscape, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government today launched its new 'ILMpact' initiative. Developed in partnership with the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and implemented through the British Council, the programme is designed to enroll 80,000 out-of-school children across eight districts and uplift the overall standard of education. The launch event, held at the Chief Minister's House, was attended by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, Provincial Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Faisal Khan Tarakai, British Council Country Director James Hampson, and senior officials from the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, along with representatives from various partner organizations. Enrolling thousands, reaching the underprivileged Spanning the districts of Battagram, Mansehra, Swabi, Buner, Shangla, Khyber, Mohmand, and Dera Ismail Khan, ILMpact seeks to address the long-standing challenge of high numbers of out-of-school children in the province. Master trainers are set to spearhead the modernisation of teacher training, while capacity-building efforts will extend to Parent-Teacher Councils and School Management Committees in government schools. A central tenet of the programme is its focus on vulnerable groups, girls, underprivileged and special-needs children, and those from minority communities. An accompanying campaign will raise awareness, particularly regarding the importance of girls' education, a cause that Chief Minister Gandapur passionately underscored. A commitment to quality education At the ceremony, Chief Minister Gandapur reaffirmed his administration's pledge to not only widen access to education but also to enhance its quality. "Our government's mission is not just to provide education but to ensure the provision of quality education. From the outset, we have prioritised providing missing facilities in schools," he said. Gandapur added that the government has set an ambitious target for the current year: every child in a government school will have access to a chair and desk, with funds already allocated to meet this goal. The chief minister also linked the ILMpact programme to broader education reforms in the province. "Only an enlightened nation can stand on its own feet, and awareness comes through education. Our focus on girls' education ensures that only an educated mother can raise an educated nation," he remarked. In what officials described as an "education emergency," the provincial government has earmarked 21 per cent of its total budget for elementary and secondary education this year.
News18
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
From Matcha Delights to Italian Summers: What's New on Kolkata's Culinary Map This Season
Kolkata's dining scene is buzzing with fresh flavours, creative concepts, and limited-time menus that are giving the city's gourmands plenty to explore this season. From artisanal Italian fare to Burmese-inspired plated desserts, these culinary experiences promise more than just good food—they offer mood, story, and a slice of something new. Whether you're seeking the indulgence of Fabbrica Originale's truffle-laced pizza, the soulful comfort of Bonne Femme's homestyle global plates, or the vibrant playfulness of Pinkk Sugars' all-new matcha menu, there's something for every palate. Add to that Lucky Tigerr's luxurious lunch menu of unlimited dim sums and mains or the theatrical sweetness of Burma Burma's 'The Sweet Life," and you have a line-up that blends nostalgia with novelty. This curated guide helps you taste the season through bold ingredients, cross-cultural inspiration, and gorgeously designed menus. Here's where to eat in Kolkata this August if you love flavour with flair.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Padres' Michael King makes emphatic declaration about return from injury
The post Padres' Michael King makes emphatic declaration about return from injury appeared first on ClutchPoints. The San Diego Padres may be in the thick of the NL West playoff race, but reinforcements are coming — and one of them just spoke with authority. Michael King, who's been sidelined since May 18th with a nerve impingement in his right shoulder, made it clear this week, he's not waiting around for the calendar to dictate his return. In a piece by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, King gave an emphatic update after his first full bullpen session in nearly two months. He threw 25 pitches Thursday afternoon, wearing his full uniform and hitting 91 mph on the radar gun. 'I'll be back well before that,' he said confidently. 'That would be late.' King didn't commit to a public timeline, but his words and actions made one thing clear — he's pushing aggressively to rejoin the Padres rotation sooner than expected. The bullpen session was originally scheduled as a 'touch and feel,' but King turned it up. 'This one was supposed to be a touch and feel,' the starting pitcher also told Acee, adding. 'But I definitely made it more of a bullpen, just to speed things up. Because I'd like to progress.' That urgency reflects what the 30-year-old reliever turned starter called an 'aggressive buildup,' even revealing he created his own rehab program before the medical staff. That plan includes bullpen sessions, potential minor-league rehab starts, and a push to return long before the team's bobblehead night honoring him on August 20th. Before his injury, King had been one of the most consistent arms in the Padres rotation, posting a 4–2 record with a 2.59 ERA and 64 strikeouts across 55.2 innings. He was especially dominant in April, going 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 43 strikeouts over six appearances, a stretch that helped anchor a Padres staff still searching for stability. Since his absence, San Diego has shuffled starters to stay afloat, but King's return could solidify the rotation just in time for a late-season push. Currently at 49-43 and just one game back of the San Francisco Giants for second in the division, the club is firmly in the NL West playoff race. With upcoming matchups against both San Francisco and Los Angeles, King's presence down the stretch could be the edge they need. While juggling rehab and the impending arrival of his first child any day now, King continues to show he's fully dialed in — physically, mentally, and emotionally. His bold words aren't just about making a return; they're a rallying cry to the clubhouse that this season still has plenty left to fight for. Related: MLB rumors: Jarren Duran, Padres hold 'strongest' trade deadline link Related: Cardinals' Nolan Arenado gets honest about Manny Machado rivalry
Time Magazine
a day ago
- Health
- Time Magazine
How Bureaucracy and Budgets Shape American Medical Research
President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year has made drastic cuts to the National Institute of Health's (NIH) budget, sparking alarm among many. While the level of proposed cuts is unprecedented, calls for efficiency are nothing new. In fact, they echo decades-old efforts to make publicly funded science more accountable. What has gone largely unnoticed, however, is how these reforms reshaped how NIH research is managed—as well as the very definition of what counts as rigorous, worthwhile health research in the first place. Even as the NIH's budget soared over the past half-century, much of that growth came at a price: a narrowing of NIH's scientific imagination. Driven by bureaucratic reforms and the need to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, the agency gradually shifted away from large, community-based, longitudinal studies aimed at understanding what keeps people healthy. Instead, it prioritized smaller, faster studies with statistical significance and quantifiable data, but far less explanatory power about how to stay healthy. In the late 1950s, the NIH was beginning to expand its mission to address chronic ailments like heart disease and cancer. These growing health threats required a fundamentally different kind of science—slower, more complex, and deeply embedded in communities. Early NIH leaders, such as James Shannon, embraced this challenge with a bold vision: government-led, multi-site observational studies tracking large populations over decades. The Framingham Heart Study, launched in 1948, embodied this approach. It aimed to enroll over 5,000 healthy residents of Framingham, Mass., and follow them for at least 20 years to understand how lifestyle factors and social context shaped long-term health outcomes. Read More: RFK Jr. Says Ultra-Processed Foods Are 'Poison'—But That He Won't Ban Them Over the next decade, the NIH became the de facto institution for carrying out this sort of bold population-based investigation into health and disease. But as the 1960s progressed, this vision for the NIH ran afoul of a growing government-wide push for budgetary control. Reforms like Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution and Zero-Base Budgeting demanded that all federal agencies and initiatives define outcomes in advance and justify expenses with quantifiable projections. Large-scale observational studies—by their very nature, exploratory, slow, and expensive—were easy targets for government watchdogs obsessed with efficiency. For example, the Wooldridge Committee, a task force appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson's Office of Science and Technology to review the federal research enterprise, sharply criticized the NIH in 1965 for failing to provide adequate oversight of its biggest studies The committee warned that scientific freedom could no longer excuse a lack of fiscal discipline. The NIH responded, not by defending the long arc of discovery required for understanding the causes of chronic disease, but by adapting. Researchers were asked to project statistical returns on investment. Studies were re-evaluated not just for scientific merit, but for how likely they were to generate measurable results within a budget cycle. Framingham, once a flagship of public health research, was deemed too open-ended. By 1970, it had lost its privileged status and instead had to compete for grants like any university-based project. This shift marked an institutional pivot away from NIH-led, community-grounded studies and towards a more manageable model of research. During this time, the NIH also shelved several other large, prospective population-based studies of health and disease, including the Diet-Heart Study—an ambitious effort to definitively test the role of high-fat diets in causing heart disease. In their place, a new framework for investigating chronic diseases emerged, one built around smaller, investigator-initiated grants awarded to outside researchers. These grants, and the peer-review process that governed their approval, increasingly relied on the tools of biostatistics to demonstrate methodological rigor and fiscal discipline. From an administrative perspective, these outside projects were easier to justify: they were shorter in duration, cleaner in design, and more narrowly focused. Politically, they were appealing too—distributed across universities in different congressional districts, they helped spread NIH funding across the country. By encouraging investigators to design studies with tightly defined objectives, measurable outcomes, and clear statistical models, the NIH was able to present its growing budget as aligned with the broader federal push for transparency and accountability. In effect, the agency avoided deeper scrutiny by embedding oversight expectations into the very structure of scientific inquiry. By doing so, it created the conditions for its outside grant program to flourish. Yet, this shift also produced a subtle, but profound, change in the kinds of questions NIH research was designed to answer. Rather than pursuing the fundamental causes of health and disease, the types of population-based investigations that received NIH grants looked at discrete, isolated lifestyle factors and their relative impact on specific conditions — what have come to be known as risk factor epidemiology. In the case of heart disease, this involved studies on the impact of certain foods on conditions commonly associated with heart disease, especially high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated body mass index. And while these types of investigations yielded a flood of peer-reviewed publications and some effective interventions at the individual level, they also left crucial questions unanswered. After decades of risk factor research, for example, we still do not fully understand the causes of heart disease—or how best to prevent it. Read More: NIH Budget Cuts Are the 'Apocalypse of American Science,' Experts Say In the decades since, many investigators and commentators have criticized the dominance of 'risk factor epidemiology.' Critics include Gary Taubes, a science journalist known for his writing on nutrition science and the history of dietary guidelines, and John Ioannidis, a Stanford researcher who has long argued that most epidemiological studies of nutrition are limited in scope and contradictory. They and others contend that risk factor–driven research has led to public health guidance built on fragile associations and patterns in data that do not reflect causality. These critics often point to the decades-long emphasis on reducing dietary fat to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease as problematic. This advice led many Americans to adopt low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets—a diet that is now linked to obesity, diabetes, and ironically, heart disease. Today, many health experts and institutions have reversed course, encouraging the consumption of healthy fats and warning against excess sugar and refined carbohydrates. The result has been public confusion, eroded trust in nutrition science, and a generation of health advice that, in retrospect, may have done more harm than good. These studies have flourished since the 1970s not because they promised definitive answers on how to stay healthy, but because they appeared to offer a clear return on investment. Their study designs were statistically rigorous and focused on narrowly defined variables and outcome measures, which enabled these projects to routinely yield statistically significant results for the questions they were designed to answer. That gave policymakers and funders the impression that public dollars were driving scientific progress, even as it provided few answers to the biggest scientific questions. Ironically, it was the promotion of this particular style of research—narrow in scope, statistically precise, and managerially friendly—that helped the NIH expand its budget and reach. But the accumulation of these rigorous, but smaller-in-scope, findings rarely translated into an applicable understanding of the complex, long-term, and interconnected forces that truly shape health. Today, as the NIH again faces oversight and budget pressures, the American scientific establishment has a chance to course-correct. The current administration has emphasized health promotion and the importance of diet. But if those goals are to be more than talking points, President Trump, Congress, and the NIH must be willing to invest in the kind of science that can actually reveal what keeps us well. That means returning to community-based, long-term observational studies—even if they are expensive, even if they take decades, and even if they do not fit neatly into the bureaucratic logic of annual performance metrics. Sejal Patel-Tolksdorf is a health policy analyst and former chief research historian at the National Institutes of Health. Her work focuses on the politics and policy of American health research. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
