The biggest storylines on NFL Draft Day

Good morning, everyone. Amp up your protein this evening with one of these 20-minute dinner recipes. The Cajun shrimp bowl has my vote! Now, on to the news.

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NEED TO KNOW

People rehearse ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh. | Gene J. Puskar/AP

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET from Pittsburgh. Here’s what to know.

• Top storylines: This year’s class is solid but unspectacular, but there’s still plenty of intrigue, including where QB Ty Simpson lands and who is WR1. The Cowboys have interesting options, while the Jets face tough choices. Disgruntled Eagles star A.J. Brown could be traded to a new team. Here’s how to watch. [Yahoo Sports]
• Memory lane: The city of Pittsburgh is closing down its entire school system for what's basically a job fair, but that’s hardly the strangest thing to happen in the history of the NFL Draft. Remember those mysterious draft pick prank calls? Relive the weirdest, funniest and most memorable moments. [Yahoo Sports]
• Surprising perks: Heinz is offering the No. 57 overall pick a lifetime supply of ketchup, with support from Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Famer Devin Hester. “It’s an honor to welcome the first ‘Mr. 57’ into the club,” he said. Fans can take advantage of Uber Eats discounts, too. [USA Today]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Former Navy Secretary John Phelan listens as President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla. | Alex Brandon, file/AP

Navy Secretary fired

Navy Secretary John Phelan was ousted from his post, amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The surprise announcement comes as the Navy continues its blockade of Iranian ports. Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting secretary. [CNN]

Judge blocks Virginia maps

The Democrats’ fight to redraw Virginia congressional maps hit a roadblock, after a state court judge halted a redistricting effort passed in a referendum this week, saying the question was “flagrantly misleading.” The state attorney general plans to appeal the ruling. [CBS News]

‘Storage Wars’ tragedy

Darrell Sheets, who appeared on 15 seasons of reality show Storage Wars, was found dead with what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Co-star Rene Nezhoda said he’d been a victim of cyberbullying. “It's just not right, guys,” she said. [Entertainment Weekly]

Playoff drama continues

In the NBA playoffs, a Thunder win over the Suns was bittersweet, with Jalen Williams exiting with a hamstring injury. The Pistons and Magic are neck-and-neck after Detroit pounded Orlando to tie the series. Here’s the latest on Victor Wembanyama’s recovery. [Yahoo Sports]

‘Clayface’ trailer release

DC Studios dropped a first look at body horror film Clayface ahead of the Oct. 23 release, and it’s seriously freaky. The movie, about the Batman villain’s origin story, features “one of the best scripts that we’ve read,” a studio exec said. Watch the teaser. [Hollywood Reporter]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Netflix

Now streaming

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 drops on Netflix, as the show’s heroes settle back into what seems like a normal life… but appearances can be deceiving. Here’s what to know about the new series. [Yahoo Entertainment]

On the diamond

Munetaka Murakami is making history. The White Sox slugger tied an MLB rookie record by homering in his fifth straight game, although it wasn’t enough to top the Diamondbacks. The series finale starts at 3:40 p.m. ET on Fubo. [AP]

On the court

The NBA playoffs roll on! The Knicks-Hawks matchup is first up at 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video, as New York looks to regain momentum; the Cavs also face the Raptors at 8 p.m. ET. Finally, at 9:30 p.m. ET, the Nuggets and Timberwolves fight to break their tie. [SB Nation]

On TV

Richard Gadd, the creator of Baby Reindeer, is back with the limited series Half Man, also starring Jamie Bell. One critic says it’s “riveting and profound.” The show premieres at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. [Variety]

And don't forget to...

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TODAY IN HISTORY

Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Roger Ressmeyer/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

In 1985, the Coca-Cola Company introduced New Coke, reworking the recipe for the much-loved soft drink. It sparked a massive public outcry and, eventually, a reversal. The company last year rolled out a new, President Trump-approved Coke. Here’s what makes it different. [USA Today]

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

Gee Gee Davidson

For Valentine’s Day, 8-year-old Brayden wanted to celebrate his mom, Gee Gee Davidson, with dinner for two. Gee Gee used the opportunity to teach him how to find a restaurant and make a booking — skills to last a lifetime. “When he goes out with friends, family, or his future wife, he will know what to do,” Gee Gee said. [People]

💡 P.S. Your daily advice: Take care when using the USB port on your next flight. The FBI and the FCC have warned that it could put you at risk of "juice jacking" attacks. [Robin Raven]

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