21.   After some shuttle diplomacy by ICANN officials, both sides now cite progress and say formal contracts could be finalized by the end of the year.

22.   Athletic director Barbara Hedges announced the increase Monday, saying the contract was finalized sometime over the past two weeks.

23.   France wants to finalize a contract on patrol boats equipped with sea-to-sea missiles.

24.   Hawaii officials worked late into the night Wednesday to finalize a contract with Jones, a former Hawaii player and assistant coach.

25.   If the contract is finalized, it would be the second time Bettis turned down a more lucrative contract to stay in Pittsburgh.

26.   Ivy declined to release exact numbers on the new deal until the contract is finalized and signed, which could come as early as Thursday.

27.   Larkham, who finalized his contract with the Australian Rugby Union on Friday, also crossed the Cats line in a beautiful backline move which saw him handle twice.

28.   Liverpool defender Steve Harkness arrived in Lisbon on Tuesday to finalize contract terms with the Portuguese first-division club Benfica.

29.   McNair missed four days of training camp while the contract was being finalized.

30.   One of the first orders of business will be finalizing new contracts for Cashman and manager Joe Torre.