Search Results for: news

In terms of chaos, this year's Sweet 16 field is historic

By at least one measure, this is the most chaotic Sweet 16 field to date. The seed numbers of the 16 remaining teams add up to 94, the highest total since the NCAA Tournament expanded in 1985. The previous record of 89 was set in 1986. This year’s regional semifinals include 15th-seeded Oral Roberts, 12th-seeded Oregon State, 11th-seeded Syracuse, 11th-seeded UCLA and eighth-seeded Loyola Chicago. Three No. 1 seeds did make it through — Gonzaga, Michigan and Baylor. It’s the sixth straight Sweet 16 appearance for Gonzaga and the fourth for Michigan, the nation’s longest two active streaks.

Analysis: Suns' Chris Paul merits mention in NBA MVP race

There is no definition for what makes someone the Most Valuable Player in the NBA. If it’s the best player, LeBron James should have way more than four trophies. If it’s the best player on the best regular-season team, then Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the correct pick in each of the last two seasons. Of late, it’s often been the leading scorer; Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and James Harden recently won MVPs in scoring-title seasons. If it’s the player most valuable to a contending team, it might be time to make a case for Chris Paul.

Trio of upsets mark 2nd day of women's NCAA Tournament

The women's NCAA Tournament became a lot less predictable with double-digit seeds pulling off a trifecta of upsets. BYU, Belmont and Wright State advanced to the second round Monday with surprising victories. The upsets came a day after the better seeds opened play by winning all 16 game. But on Monday, No. 11 seed BYU held off sixth-seeded Rutgers to get things started. Wright State became the first 13th seed in nine years to win, ousting No. 4 seed Arkansas. And Belmont won its first-ever NCAA game beating No. 5 seed Gonzaga. 

Oral Roberts protected from hype as No. 15 seed in Sweet 16

Oral Roberts will avoid some of the distractions Florida Gulf Coast had to deal with during its NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2013. The team known as Dunk City was the first No. 15 seed to make it past the first weekend of the tournament. Oral Roberts is the second. Oral Roberts is in the tournament bubble in Indianapolis as a precaution against COVID-19. There will be limited access to players and coaches before Saturday's game against Arkansas. Michael Fly was an assistant on the 2013 FGCU team. He says the media frenzy took a toll.

One Good Thing: An artist preserves Wuhan's COVID memories

Memories from the height of the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan are etched in the mind of artist Yang Qian, those of fear and desperation, but also unity and resilience. She is channeling those memories into artwork to preserve the memory of the central Chinese city’s 76-day lockdown that upturned the lives of some 11 million people. In a way, that’s an extension of her work as a volunteer delivering vital supplies to hospitals and residents during the traumatic period, as well as a reflection of the pride many residents take in having weathered the outbreak and the draconian measures taken to bring it under control.

Diamondbacks' Gallen has sore forearm, might miss opener

The Arizona Diamondbacks might be missing their best pitcher on opening day. Starter Zac Gallen is being evaluated for soreness in his right forearm and his status is uncertain to begin the season on April 1. The 25-year-old Gallen said he first felt the injury when he was jammed during batting practice about 10 days ago. Gallen went 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA during the pandemic-shortened season, striking out 82 in 72 innings. Elsewhere around spring training, Houston star José Altuve lined into a triple play and Angels slugger Mike Trout drove in three runs during a 10-run inning.

Report: California wildfire sparked when tree hit power line

Officials say a Northern California wildfire that killed four people and destroyed more than 200 buildings last year was sparked when tree branches came into contact with Pacific Gas & Electric power lines. Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection seized equipment belonging to PG&E after the Zogg Fire tore through rural communities in Shasta and Tehama counties. Cal Fire said Monday that the investigation has determined that the blaze was caused by a pine tree contacting electrical distribution lines owned and operated by the utility. PG&E officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Colorado marks latest mass tragedy after 10 killed

Police say 10 people have been killed in a shooting at a Colorado supermarket, including a police officer. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said Monday night that a lone suspect is in custody and is getting medical treatment. Police refuse to speculate on a motive, saying the investigation has just begun. Herold identified the slain officer as 51-year-old Eric Talley, a member of the Boulder police department since 2010. The identities of the other nine victims were not immediately disclosed as police were still notifying their family members. The attack in Boulder stunned a state that has seen several mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting.

Biden to talk up health insurance cost cuts in visit to Ohio

President Joe Biden is going to Ohio to showcase health insurance cost cuts at what may be the best time for Democrats to talk up the Affordable Care Act since it became law. Biden’s COVID-19 relief law pumps up “Obamacare” subsidies for premiums to address longstanding problems of affordability, particularly for people with solid middle-class incomes. His appearance Tuesday in Columbus will highlight how more taxpayer assistance means in effect that consumers who buy their own policies through HealthCare.gov will pay hundreds of dollars less out of their own pockets. The enhanced subsidies come online starting April 1.

Mobley Bros. lead No. 6 seed USC to 85-51 rout of Kansas

Isaiah Mobley scored 17 points, younger brother Evan had 10 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 6 seed Southern California routed Kansas 85-51 to reach the Sweet 16. It was the worst loss in 49 trips to the NCAA Tournament for the No. 3 seed Jayhawks. USC ended the first half on an 11-0 run to take a 40-21 lead and never looked back. Marcus Garrett scored 15 points to lead Kansas, which was out-rebounded 43-27.

GOP firebrand US Rep. Mo Brooks enters Alabama Senate race

A conservative firebrand and staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump who came under fire for remarks preceding the attack on the U.S. Capitol has joined the Alabama GOP primary field to replace Sen. Richard Shelby. Rep. Mo Brooks announced his entry into the race Monday night. Brooks joins former Trump ambassador Lynda Blanchard in the Republican primary, which is expected to attract a number of other hopefuls. Shelby announced earlier this year that he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2022. Brooks has been criticized for his fiery speech at the pro-Trump rally that preceded the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Brooks has said his remarks were only intended as a pep talk for the next election cycle.

Germany extends virus lockdown till mid-April as cases rise

Germany is extending its lockdown measures by another month and imposing several new restrictions in an effort to drive down the rate of coronavirus infections. Chancellor Angela Merkel announced early Tuesday that the measures include largely shutting down public life for several days over Easter. Speaking after a lengthy video call with the country’s 16 state governors, Merkel stressed that regions with high rates of infection would need to pull an “emergency brake” agreed at a previous meeting three weeks ago. Amid concern over the rise in Germans traveling abroad on holidays, authorities also agreed on a blanket requirement for air travelers to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to Germany.

Big Ten comeback: Michigan topples LSU 86-78

Top-seeded Michigan salvaged the Big Ten’s best hope for NCAA Tournament glory Monday with an 86-78 win over talent-rich LSU.  Chaundee Brown and Eli Brooks scored 21 points each for the roller-coaster ride of a victory. The Wolverines used a 14-1 run over the decisive stretch midway through the second half to pull away and preserve. It's a glimmer of hope for a conference that has mostly tanked these four days in Indianapolis. After the win, Michigan and Maryland were the only teams left for the Big Ten, which placed a nation-leading nine in the bracket. 

Zegarowski, Creighton beat Ohio 72-58 to reach NCAA Sweet 16

Marcus Zegarowski scored 20 points to help Creighton beat Ohio 72-58 in the NCAA Tournament. That secured the program’s first trip to the round of 16 in 47 years. Damien Jefferson added 15 points for the Bluejays, the fifth seed in the West Region. They'll next face No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga in the the Sweet 16. Creighton hadn't reached a regional semifinal since 1974. Dwight Wilson III scored 12 points to lead Ohio. The 13th-seeded Bobcats shot 32% and made 7 of 30 3-pointers after their upset of 2019 champion Virginia in the first round.

Fox meteorologist Dean turns into fierce Cuomo critic

Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean has turned into one of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's fiercest critics after both of her in-laws died of the coronavirus last spring in elderly care facilities. Dean is frequently in the media suggesting Cuomo should be investigated or even jailed for his policies. She is credited for helping keep the spotlight on New York's brief policy of transferring COVID-19 patients to nursing homes. Some people — including her friend Meghan McCain — suggest Dean has a future in politics. But she's also made some dubious claims about the policy, and her advocacy raises ethical issues for Fox News.

Australia PM wants more women in politics after new scandal

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s prime minister said on Tuesday he was shocked and disgusted by the latest sex scandal to rock his government and vowed to do more to attract women into politics. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a…

Oklahoma can't hang with Timme, Gonzaga; top seed advances

Undefeated Gonzaga continued to roll behind a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds from Drew Timme as the top-seeded Bulldogs beat No. 8 seed Oklahoma 87-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga won its 32nd straight game dating to last season. The Sooners were the first power conference opponent for Gonzaga since its victory over Virginia in late December. It didn’t matter all that much. Oklahoma became the 25th straight team beaten by double digits by the Bulldogs. The Zags advanced to their sixth straight Sweet 16 and will next face either Creighton or Ohio in the West Region. Austin Reaves scored 27 points for Oklahoma.

Colorado baker sued again over alleged LGBTQ bias

A Colorado baker who won a partial victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple is on trial in a lawsuit brought by a transgender lawyer. The trial is over Jack Phillips' refusal to make a pink and blue birthday cake celebrating Autumn Scardina's gender transition. It began Monday. Phillips' lawyer says the case isn't about discrimination, but about Phillips' objection to the cake's message. His arguments echo those made in the Supreme Court case. Scardina filed her lawsuit after the state agreed in a settlement with Phillips to stop pursuing her complaint.

Column: Love him or hate him, Gragson has NASCAR talking

Noah Gragson once again has the NASCAR industry abuzz after a showdown with Daniel Hemric at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Xfinity Series driver has made headlines on and off the track for his driving and his confrontational nature, but Gragson remains unapologetic. He believes if people are talking about him, then Gragson is doing his job. Many don't care for his attitude, but reigning in Gragson could rob the sport of a fiery personality at a time NASCAR needs colorful characters. 

Antetokounmpo won't play Monday night due to knee sprain

Two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has a sprained left knee and won’t play in the Milwaukee Bucks’ game Monday night against the Indiana Pacers. The NBA’s injury report lists Antetokounmpo as out for the game due to the knee issue. Antetokounmpo played 34 minutes Saturday and had 26 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds in a 120-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The 6-foot-11 forward has averaged 28.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 9.8 assists during the Bucks’ current six-game winning streak.

The Latest: NHL postpones Oilers-Canadiens game

The NHL has postponed Edmonton’s game at Montreal after two Canadiens players were placed in the league’s COVID-19 protocol. Forwards Joel Armia and Jesperi Kotkaniemi became Montreal’s first players to enter the protocol since the season began on Jan. 13. The postponement of the game was the 38th overall this season for coronavirus-related reasons, and first to involve the seven-team all-Canadian North Division.

Miami's South Beach confronts disastrous spring break

Florida’s famed South Beach is desperately seeking a new image. Amid another out-of-control spring break, officials say it may be time to change the hip neighborhood’s vibe as a law-breaking, party-all-night oasis. On Saturday, officials enacted an 8 p.m. curfew after street parties devolved into fights, stampedes and destruction of property. Some city officials said they should have taken more stringent measures earlier instead of reacting in the middle of the chaos. Tourists, meanwhile, say the curfew has put a huge damper on the vacations they had been looking forward to and for which they paid good money. 

Lewis, Alabama women win in return to NCAA tourney, top UNC

Jordan Lewis had a career-high 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to help seventh-seeded Alabama beat No. 10 seed North Carolina 80-71 in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. It was a triumphant return to the NCAAs for the Crimson Tide, who were playing their first game in the tournament since 1999. The Crimson Tide made eight straight trips to the NCAAs from 1992-99 that included a run to the Final Four in 1994. Stephanie Watts led the Tar Heels with a season-high 29 points, hitting seven 3-pointers.

Police: NYPD officer in hot water shoots at Atlantic Ocean

A New York City police officer who’s been arrested twice for alleged brutality was arrested again Sunday after police on Long Island say he fired a pistol into the Atlantic Ocean while off duty. Police say David Afanador was carrying a loaded pistol and three loaded high-capacity magazines when officers investigating a report of shots fired in Long Beach saw him walking off the beach around 6:50 a.m. Sunday. Afanador was charged last year with putting a Black man in a banned chokehold. The NYPD had placed him on restricted assignment, and he is not authorized to carry firearms. Afanador was arraigned Monday by video on weapons charges. A message seeking comment was left with his lawyer.