ALBANY, N.Y. — Ava Poupard, a senior at the University at Albany, has been named as one of the four collegiate award recipients for 2025 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization. Poupard, who competes in lacrosse, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on […]

Originally Published: July 9, 2025 at 3:26 PM EDT

High blood pressure is a surprisingly common condition, but it’s also one that goes under the radar far too frequently.

Also called hypertension, high blood pressure may affect almost half of all adults in the U.S. But many people don’t even know they have the condition.

“Blood pressure is one of the most important vital signs we have,” NBC News medical reporter Dr. Akshay Syal explained on a July 9, 2025, segment on the TODAY show. “Every time you go to a doctor’s office, the reason we check it is because it gives us a little window into your health.”

High blood pressure can come with serious symptoms. And, if left untreated, it also raises your risk for many other conditions down the line, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of your blood pressure numbers and your risks for high blood pressure — even if you don’t think you have hypertension.

Lesser-Known Reasons for High Blood Pressure

Many factors can contribute to an increase in blood pressure, Syal said. That includes genetics, a sedentary lifestyle and high stress levels.

But there are also some risk factors for high blood pressure that aren’t as well known, Syal said.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your airways become blocked during the night, often causing loud snoring along with headaches in the morning, irritability or mood swings, dry mouth when you wake up and other symptoms.

That affects blood pressure because, “at night, if your oxygen levels drop, your heart has to work a little bit harder to get oxygen to those organs,” Syal explained.

He also highlighted these lesser-known contributors to high blood pressure:

• Loneliness
• Pain medication use (particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications)
• Excessive sugar consumption

How to Manage High Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is 120/80, Syal said. “And, honestly, the lower we can get, around 115/75, that’s what we love,” he added. If either of your blood pressure numbers is higher than 120/80, “you really want to talk to your doctor about controlling it,” Syal noted.

“Every organ system in our bodies has arteries and veins,” Syal said. “And that means our blood pressure leads to all of these organs.” So, if you think you might have high blood pressure, “You really want to get this under control as soon as you can,” Syal said.

That may sound scary, but with a doctor’s guidance, there are concrete ways to get your blood pressure on the right track.

“When we have patients in our office, we say, ‘Your blood pressure is high, but there’s something you can do about it,’” Syal said.

Those strategies might include increasing your physical activity, limiting ultra-processed or sugary foods, reducing sodium in your diet, implementing stress management techniques and prioritizing getting good sleep.

Some people may also benefit from medication to manage their blood pressure. Your doctor might also recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home to keep tabs on how you’re improving.

Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova originally appeared on The Spun.

In 2023, Amanda Anisimova took a break from professional tennis to focus on her mental health. Fast forward to this Tuesday, and she picked up the biggest win of her career.

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On Tuesday afternoon, Anisimova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6 (9) to become a 2025 Wimbledon semifinalist. This is the first time in her career that she has reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament. Additionally, she became the youngest American Wimbledon semifinalist since Serena Williams in 2004.

At 23 years old, Anisimova has proven she’s a legit threat to become a Grand Slam champion.

“I mean, its been an extraordinary year for me. So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way,” Anisimova said following her win over Pavlyuchenkova. “Even times like today, when you’re not sure you’re going to cross the finish line, I keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment.”

Over the past few hours, tennis fans in the United States have celebrated Anisimova’s incredible comeback.

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“What an accomplishment. Congrats,” one person said following Anisimova’s win.

“Mental health breaks aren’t failures – they’re strategic resets. Amanda stepped away to rebuild her foundation, not her ranking. That’s championship thinking,” a second person wrote.

“From rock bottom to Centre Court. Amanda Anisimova just turned a comeback into a statement. Rankings don’t measure heart,” another fan said.

“I love this! It’s so essential for everyone to take mental health seriously, even if you’re an athlete. Great job, Amanda,” a fourth person commented.

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Next up for Anisimova is a showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. They faced off in the French Open in June. Sabalenka won that match 7-5, 6-3.

We’ll see if Anisimova continues her magical run at Wimbledon and books a spot in the final.

Related: Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Turns Heads In Stunning Vacation Photos

Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova first appeared on The Spun on Jul 9, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

ATLANTA (Atlanta News First/Gray News) – The Venezuelan man convicted of killing a former University of Georgia student and whose trial set off a national immigration debate during a presidential election year has been ordered to undergo a mental health examination.

Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard, who oversaw Jose Ibarra’s bench trial and sentenced him to life in prison, has ordered the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to conduct the exam using a certified Spanish interpreter.

This past November, Ibarra was found guilty in the February 2024 murder of Laken Riley, whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus after she went missing following a morning run.

Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University at the time of her death.

Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of malice murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole on one kidnapping charge, 20 years on one count of aggravated assault, 12 months in a county jail on one count of hindering an emergency telephone call, 12 months in a county jail on one count of tampering with evidence and five years in prison on one count of Peeping Tom.

The Venezuelan immigrant who entered the United States illegally had waived his right to a jury trial, meaning Haggard heard and decided the case.

Haggard’s order, filed July 3, in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County, instructs the department to determine if Ibarra was “capable of understanding the nature and object of pretrial proceedings, including waiver of jury trial rights.”

Less than a month after their client’s conviction, Ibarra’s attorneys filed a motion for a new trial. In their motion, Ibarra’s legal counsel said the verdict was “contrary to law” and “contrary to evidence.”

Copyright 2025 WANF via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

HELENA, Mont. – Peyton Nelson, a former Capitol High Bruin, is returning to Montana after a year away to join the Montana State track team.

“It’s amazing. It’s been a lifelong dream for me,” Nelson said. “My mom ran track there. She also went to Capitol. Graduated in ’97. So, I think it’s pretty cool to follow in her footsteps.”

Nelson previously ran track at the Division II level with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. There, he achieved success as a national qualifier and conference champion in the 4×400 meter relay.

Nelson has embraced the mindset of betting on himself, a philosophy he carries with him literally. “I actually have that tattooed on me. I have, bet on yourself on my forearm,” he said. 

For Nelson, track is a family affair. His mother ran at Montana State in the late 90s, and his younger brother Cooper recently broke the Capital High 100-meter record.

HAMPTON AND NORTH CAROLINA A&T SELECTED TO PLAY IN 2026 NBA HBCU CLASSIC PRESENTED BY AT&T DURING NBA ALL-STAR 2026

7/8/2025 12:00:00 PM

Dylan Smith

RICHMOND, Va. – The Coastal Athletic Association, Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University have announced that the two storied institutions will compete in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic, presented by AT&T, as part of NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles.
 
In conjunction with the NBA, the date, tip-off time, location and broadcast information will be announced at a later date. For those interested in receiving ticket information about the CAA matchup between these two prominent universities at NBA All-Star 2026, please click the following link.
 
“The CAA is excited to partner with the NBA in showcasing the Hampton and North Carolina A&T men’s basketball programs in a conference matchup set to take place in the NBA HBCU Classic,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “The NBA has been a consistent supporter in bringing elevated exposure to HBCUs. The ability to work with the world’s premier organization for basketball is an incredible opportunity that aligns with the core values of the Conference and its membership in maintaining the importance of being ‘United in Excellence’.  We are eager to see two of our institutions shine at NBA All-Star 2026 in February.”

The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T is a continuation of the NBA’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs.

“We are incredibly honored and excited for Hampton Men’s Basketball to participate in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles” said Hampton University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “This is not only a tremendous opportunity for two historic institutions to showcase the talent, tradition, and excellence of our student-athletes on a national stage, but also a celebration of the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Thank you to the NBA and the CAA for this unbelievable opportunity as we look forward to bringing Pirate pride to the West Coast and providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”
 
“North Carolina A&T State University looks forward to taking our wonderful college basketball rivalry with Hampton University, steeped with rich history of both historically black institutions, and showcase it to the world at the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles,” said North Carolina A&T Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Earl M. Hilton III. “Both schools have produced quality student-athletes from Al Attles to Rick Mahorn and have shaped American history with such prominent figures as the A&T Four and Booker T. Washington. Therefore, it will be an honor to share this international stage with Hampton University. The NBA and the CAA have provided us with a wonderful opportunity, and Coach Ross and our student-athletes will be sure to bring Aggie Pride to LA.”
 
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About the CAA
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the CAA has 13 full members located along the East Coast from Boston to Charleston, S.C. The conference sponsors 24 sports and has produced 17 national team champions in four different sports, 33 individual national champions, 15 national players of the year, 15 national coaches of the year, and 13 winners of the Honda Award. For more information, visit www.caasports.com or follow CAASports on X, Instagram and Facebook.
 
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.  NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness. 
 
About Hampton University Athletics
The primary focus of Hampton University athletics is to enhance the overall student-athlete experience, improve facilities, and foster a culture of excellence. The department of athletics has expanded support services, including academic resources, mental health initiatives, sports medicine, and sports performance programs. The University is also working to enhance our facilities for all 17 sports programs, improve locker rooms, and upgrade our weight training and medical treatment areas.
 
Academic success remains at the forefront. Hampton University has bolstered its academic support services, including tutoring, mentorship programs, and career development workshops. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) plays a critical role in fostering academic excellence. Hampton University student-athletes are held to high academic standards and take pride in their accomplishments in the classroom.
 
Enhancing the student-athlete experience has been a major priority. The University has expanded resources related to health and wellness, nutrition, and mental health support. Hampton University has provided more leadership development opportunities and strengthened the alumni network to help with career placements. Additionally, the department of athletics continually works to improve the overall team resources to ensure our athletes have what they need to succeed.
 
About North Carolina A&T State Athletics
Consistent with the mission statement of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the North Carolina A&T Department of Intercollegiate Athletics looks to provide an intellectual environment where students develop a sense of identification, belonging, responsibility, and achievement that prepares them for leadership and service in regional, national and global communities. The Department of Athletics provides a comprehensive program of intercollegiate competition as an integral part of the total educational experience for all students by supporting 17 varsity teams.
 
Embracing the principles of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, diversity, ethical conduct, and amateurism while facilitating the academic objectives of the student-athletes, the department complies with all conference and association rules and regulations and ensures equal opportunity and access for all students and staff who desire to associate with intercollegiate athletics without regard for race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or religion.
 
Media Contacts:
CAA: Dylan Smith, dsmith@caasports.com
NBA: Brandon Gassaway, bgassaway@nba.com, Karel Calcote, kcalcote@nba.com
Hampton University: Mike Ballweg, michael.ballweg@hamptonu.edu
North Carolina A&T State: Brian Holloway, bmhollow@ncat.edu