See Spot run: Photos from a historic Puppy Bowl
Team Fluff fetched the Lombarky Trophy to win the Puppy Bowl on Sunday. The team narrowly snatched a repeat win away from Team Ruff, which tailed by just 2 points for a final score of 68-66.
But it was Team Ruff who earned the Most Valuable Puppy Award. Foxtrot, a border collie who emerged as a clear contender after scoring his second touchdown of the game, earned the honor.
Mercury brought some much-needed levity to the fierce competition. The Great Pyrenees and Maremma Sheepdog mix took home the Underdog Award for being “the chillest dog on the field.” The Pittsburgh native enjoyed the action while comfortably splayed out in the middle of the turf.
Charlotte, a cocker spaniel, deserves a special shoutout for scoring a touchdown and a field goal simultaneously — a historic first for the 21-year tradition — for Team Fluff.
The Puppy Bowl, airing annually on Animal Planet, aims to raise awareness of the millions of pets in the U.S. that need adoption.

Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.

