Top Russian diplomats met with U.S. officials Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to discuss improving ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting.

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Oklahoma schools chief seeks donations to put Bibles in classrooms
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Oklahoma schools chief seeks donations to put Bibles in classrooms

  • By SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

Oklahoma's top public schools official is continuing his quest to put a Bible in classrooms. Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced this week he's teaming with country music singer Lee Greenwood and seeking donations to buy $59.99 leather-bound “God Bless the USA” Bibles. The move comes one day after a legislative subcommittee in the GOP-controlled Legislature turned down Walters' request for $3 million to pay for the Bibles. Walters announced his Bible mandate last year, prompting a lawsuit from a group of parents and teachers. Some of his proposed policy changes, like a mandate that schools collect immigration status of students, have faced opposition from other GOP leaders.

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AP

George Santos’ ex-fundraiser is sentenced to a year in prison for wire fraud

  • By PHILIP MARCELO - Associated Press

A former campaign fundraiser for ex-U.S. Rep. George Santos has been sentenced to serve one year in prison for impersonating a high-ranking congressional aide while raising campaign cash for the disgraced New York Republican. Sam Miele pleaded guilty in 2023 to a single count of federal wire fraud for his role in the criminal case that led to Santos’ expulsion from office. Miele admitted that in 2021, he solicited donations under the name Dan Meyer, who was then-chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the eventual House speaker before his departure in late 2023.

D'Wayne Wiggins, founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone!, has died at 64
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AP

D'Wayne Wiggins, founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone!, has died at 64

  • By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. - AP Entertainment Writer

D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated group Tony! Toni! Tone! behind the classic songs “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” and (Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” has died. He was 64. A statement released by his family on social media says Wiggins died Friday morning after battling bladder cancer over the past year. Wiggins was a vocalist and bass guitarist of the beloved R&B group, which included his brother Raphael Saadiq and their cousin Christian Riley. The Oakland, California, natives became mainstays of the New Jack Swing movement, blending R&B, jazz and traces of gospel melodies.

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AP

On the Paris runway, Kenzo’s punk revival puts a British spin on streetwear

  • AP

At Paris Fashion Week, Kenzo’s latest evolution trades its signature jungle prints for something sharper: punk-infused tailoring, underground energy, and a touch of British irreverence. For its first dedicated women’s show in eight years, the LVMH-owned house embraced a rebellious streak. Shawl-collared tuxedo jackets melted into kimono shapes, harem pants slouched low, and lingerie peeked from waistbands. The soundtrack? Sex Pistols, Patti Smith and Blondie — setting the mood for a collection that felt more East London than Parisian cool.

French soccer makes special matchday jerseys to mark International Women's Day
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French soccer makes special matchday jerseys to mark International Women's Day

  • By JEROME PUGMIRE - AP Sports Writer

Every player in the top two divisions of men’s soccer in France will have “WO=MAN” written on the back of their jerseys instead of their names this weekend. The French league initiative is centered around International Women’s Day on Saturday. It started Friday with Toulouse’s home game against Monaco. It was continuing on Saturday and Sunday with the other teams in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. The LFP says the “WO=MAN” message highlights “the importance of gender equality not only on the field, but also in the stands.” LED panels around the pitches will display “WO=MAN” and official match balls have the motto written on them.

No. 21 Saint Mary's heads into March Madness seeking 2nd straight WCC Tournament title
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No. 21 Saint Mary's heads into March Madness seeking 2nd straight WCC Tournament title

  • By JOSH DUBOW - AP Sports Writer

In the fast-changing world of college basketball, some things remain constant. Saint Mary’s, the small school in San Francisco’s East Bay region, keeps piling up wins at the rate that only the blue bloods of the sport can match. The Gaes are ranked 21st in the country after winning back-to-back outright regular season titles in the West Coast Conference and head into the conference tournament with a chance to become the first team to repeat as champions other than Gonzaga since Pepperdine in 1991-92.

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AP

Georgia Legislature’s fiercest battles come between Republicans

  • Greg Bluestein - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

ATLANTA — While clashes between Democrats and Republicans are the stuff of Georgia political lore, the real tensions shaping the final sprint of this year’s 40-day session are between the GOP-led House and Senate.

NBA fines Kings' DeMar DeRozan $25,000 for publicly criticizing officials
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NBA fines Kings' DeMar DeRozan $25,000 for publicly criticizing officials

  • AP

The NBA fined DeMar DeRozan $25,000 on Friday for publicly criticizing officials after the Sacramento Kings' loss to the Denver Nuggets. “The refs were terrible,” DeRozan said after the 116-110 loss on Wednesday, according to the Sacramento Bee. The Nuggets had 30 free throws to 14 for the Kings. That included a 13-4 difference in the fourth quarter in which Denver outscored Sacramento 32-17.

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war
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AP

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war

  • By ROB GILLIES - Associated Press

Former central banker Mark Carney looks set to become Canada’s next prime minister after the governing Liberals announce a replacement for Justin Trudeau on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose sweeping tariffs have sparked a surge in Canadian nationalism. That has dramatically revived the Liberal Party’s chances in a general election that’s expected within days or weeks. Carney navigated crises when he was the head of Canada’s central bank and at the Bank of England. He has picked up one endorsement after another from Cabinet ministers and members of Parliament since January.

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AP

NWSL opens investigation of Bay FC following reports of a `toxic' work environment

  • By ANNE M. PETERSON - AP Soccer Writer

An independent investigation has been opened into the coaching staff at Bay FC following publication of a report that described a “toxic” work environment at the club, National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed. The San Francisco Chronicle published an investigation Friday that said at least two formal complaints had been made about the team under coach Albertin Montoya. Two former players, who were not named in Chronicle’s report, described the team environment as toxic and two former Bay FC employees agreed with the assessment.

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AP

Georgia Legislature’s fiercest battles come between Republicans

  • Greg Bluestein - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

ATLANTA — While clashes between Democrats and Republicans are the stuff of Georgia political lore, the real tensions shaping the final sprint of this year’s 40-day session are between the GOP-led House and Senate.

NBA fines Kings' DeMar DeRozan $25,000 for publicly criticizing officials
Sports
AP

NBA fines Kings' DeMar DeRozan $25,000 for publicly criticizing officials

  • AP

The NBA fined DeMar DeRozan $25,000 on Friday for publicly criticizing officials after the Sacramento Kings' loss to the Denver Nuggets. “The refs were terrible,” DeRozan said after the 116-110 loss on Wednesday, according to the Sacramento Bee. The Nuggets had 30 free throws to 14 for the Kings. That included a 13-4 difference in the fourth quarter in which Denver outscored Sacramento 32-17.

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war
Ap
AP

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war

  • By ROB GILLIES - Associated Press

Former central banker Mark Carney looks set to become Canada’s next prime minister after the governing Liberals announce a replacement for Justin Trudeau on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose sweeping tariffs have sparked a surge in Canadian nationalism. That has dramatically revived the Liberal Party’s chances in a general election that’s expected within days or weeks. Carney navigated crises when he was the head of Canada’s central bank and at the Bank of England. He has picked up one endorsement after another from Cabinet ministers and members of Parliament since January.

Sports
AP

NWSL opens investigation of Bay FC following reports of a `toxic' work environment

  • By ANNE M. PETERSON - AP Soccer Writer

An independent investigation has been opened into the coaching staff at Bay FC following publication of a report that described a “toxic” work environment at the club, National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed. The San Francisco Chronicle published an investigation Friday that said at least two formal complaints had been made about the team under coach Albertin Montoya. Two former players, who were not named in Chronicle’s report, described the team environment as toxic and two former Bay FC employees agreed with the assessment.

Sports
AP

Quinerly scores 24, sets up her game winner as No. 16 West Virginia women beat No. 20 K-State 73-69

  • AP

JJ Quinerly made a critical steal to set up her game-winning basket and scored 24 points to lift No. 16 West Virginia to a 73-69 win over No. 20 Kansas State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. The Wildcats attempted a sideline inbounds lob into the key when Quinerly soared in to intercept the ball with a minute to go. She then drove into the lane for a floater that put West Virginia on top 71-69 with 44.2 seconds remaining. Temira Poindexter missed a wide-open 3 from the right sideline before Sydney Shaw iced it with two free throws. The fourth-seeded Mountaineers face the winner of Colorado and TCU in Saturday’s semifinals. Jordan Harrison scored 17 of her 19 points in the second half for West Virginia. Kennedy Taylor scored 21 points for the Wildcats

Sports
AP

Big 12 Conference moves 10 football games to Fridays next fall

  • AP

The Big 12 has moved six of its conference football games to Friday nights next fall, along with another matchup of league teams that won’t count in the standings. Those were among the 10 games involving Big 12 teams selected Friday by the league’s television partners, ESPN and Fox, for Friday night broadcasts. There will be two games on three of those nights. The first will be the opening weekend of the season when Baylor hosts SEC team Auburn, and Colorado is home against ACC team Georgia Tech on Aug. 29.

West Texas reports nearly 200 measles cases. New Mexico is up to 30
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AP

West Texas reports nearly 200 measles cases. New Mexico is up to 30

  • By DEVI SHASTRI - AP Health Writer

Health officials say West Texas now has almost 200 measles cases and New Mexico's case number has tripled to 30. The case counts were updated on Friday. A child died of measles in Texas last week. New Mexico health officials said Thursday they are investigating a possible adult measles death. Federal health officials announced they would send a team to Texas this week. Most of the cases are in people younger than 18 and people who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.

Vols' Josh Heupel says traditional spring game valuable for giving players experience on big stage
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Vols' Josh Heupel says traditional spring game valuable for giving players experience on big stage

  • AP

Tennessee will hold its spring game in the usual scrimmage format on April 12. Coach Josh Heupel said creating a big stage this time of year benefits development. The Volunteers’ spring game attracted more than 58,000 fans in 2023. Neyland Stadium’s spring-game capacity was reduced to 10,000 last year because of a renovation project and the limit will be about 45,000 this year. Heupel said it's important for young players to experience playing in front of a big crowd before the fall. Schools such as Nebraska, Ohio State, Texas and Southern California have scrapped their spring games this year.

Sports
AP

Quinerly scores 24, sets up her game winner as No. 16 West Virginia women beat No. 20 K-State 73-69

  • AP

JJ Quinerly made a critical steal to set up her game-winning basket and scored 24 points to lift No. 16 West Virginia to a 73-69 win over No. 20 Kansas State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. The Wildcats attempted a sideline inbounds lob into the key when Quinerly soared in to intercept the ball with a minute to go. She then drove into the lane for a floater that put West Virginia on top 71-69 with 44.2 seconds remaining. Temira Poindexter missed a wide-open 3 from the right sideline before Sydney Shaw iced it with two free throws. The fourth-seeded Mountaineers face the winner of Colorado and TCU in Saturday’s semifinals. Jordan Harrison scored 17 of her 19 points in the second half for West Virginia. Kennedy Taylor scored 21 points for the Wildcats

Sports
AP

Big 12 Conference moves 10 football games to Fridays next fall

  • AP

The Big 12 has moved six of its conference football games to Friday nights next fall, along with another matchup of league teams that won’t count in the standings. Those were among the 10 games involving Big 12 teams selected Friday by the league’s television partners, ESPN and Fox, for Friday night broadcasts. There will be two games on three of those nights. The first will be the opening weekend of the season when Baylor hosts SEC team Auburn, and Colorado is home against ACC team Georgia Tech on Aug. 29.

West Texas reports nearly 200 measles cases. New Mexico is up to 30
Ap
AP

West Texas reports nearly 200 measles cases. New Mexico is up to 30

  • By DEVI SHASTRI - AP Health Writer

Health officials say West Texas now has almost 200 measles cases and New Mexico's case number has tripled to 30. The case counts were updated on Friday. A child died of measles in Texas last week. New Mexico health officials said Thursday they are investigating a possible adult measles death. Federal health officials announced they would send a team to Texas this week. Most of the cases are in people younger than 18 and people who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.

Vols' Josh Heupel says traditional spring game valuable for giving players experience on big stage
Sports
AP

Vols' Josh Heupel says traditional spring game valuable for giving players experience on big stage

  • AP

Tennessee will hold its spring game in the usual scrimmage format on April 12. Coach Josh Heupel said creating a big stage this time of year benefits development. The Volunteers’ spring game attracted more than 58,000 fans in 2023. Neyland Stadium’s spring-game capacity was reduced to 10,000 last year because of a renovation project and the limit will be about 45,000 this year. Heupel said it's important for young players to experience playing in front of a big crowd before the fall. Schools such as Nebraska, Ohio State, Texas and Southern California have scrapped their spring games this year.

Trump order would deny student loan relief to nonprofit workers engaged in 'improper' activity
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AP

Trump order would deny student loan relief to nonprofit workers engaged in 'improper' activity

  • By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

President Donald Trump is ordering changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that would disqualify workers of nonprofit groups deemed to have engaged in “improper” activities. An executive order being signed Friday directs the Education Department to modify the program to deny loan relief to some borrowers. White House officials said the order would exclude loan forgiveness for people whose work is tied to illegal immigration, foreign terrorist groups or other illegal activity. Congress created the program in 2007 to encourage careers in the government or nonprofit groups. It offers to cancel any remaining student debt after borrowers make 10 years of payments while working in public service.

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AP

New leader takes over Haiti's transitional presidential council as violence persists

  • AP

The council tasked to prepare eventual presidential elections in Haiti has sworn in a new leader, as the country keeps struggling with a persistent gang violence. Fritz Alphonse Jean is an economist and former central bank governor. He has replaced Leslie Voltaire in the rotating presidency of the transitional presidential council, formed in 2024 after a violent gang siege of the capital that forced then Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. The council helps run the country and organizing general elections, aimed for February 2026.

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AP

Daylight saving time is coming and the golf industry can't wait

  • By MARGERY A. BECK - Associated Press

Every year, bills are introduced in state legislatures across the country seeking to end the changing of clocks twice a year. Now with a growing number of states weighing bills that would do away with daylight saving time, many in the golf industry are pushing back. They say that extra hour of daylight at the end of the day is needed for those who can only find time to golf after work or school. A recent survey of stakeholders by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America shows the vast majority favor either keeping the status quo or make daylight saving time permanent.

Flabbergasted Wisconsin elections officials to depose Madison workers over uncounted ballots
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AP

Flabbergasted Wisconsin elections officials to depose Madison workers over uncounted ballots

  • By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

Wisconsin election officials plan to call Madison city workers in for depositions to learn more about how nearly 200 absentee ballots went uncounted in the November election. The uncounted ballots didn't affect any race results but the Wisconsin Elections Commission is investigating how they were missed and whether Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl violated state law or otherwise abused her discretion. Commissioners appeared flabbergasted at the failure to count the ballots during a meeting Friday. The panel voted unanimously to call city workers, including Witzel-Behl, in for depositions, question-and-answer periods in which the subject provides sworn testimony.

Scientists date remains of an ancient child that resembles both humans and Neanderthals
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AP

Scientists date remains of an ancient child that resembles both humans and Neanderthals

  • By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

Scientists have dated the skeleton of an ancient child that caused a stir when it was first discovered because it carries features from both humans and Neanderthals. The child’s remains were discovered 27 years ago in the Lagar Velho rock shelter in central Portugal. Small roots had pierced through the bones, and contamination prevented scientists from determining their age. But new techniques have allowed the researchers to date part of an arm bone to about 28,000 years ago. At the time of the initial discovery, it had not been established that humans and Neanderthals mixed, and that people today carry Neanderthal DNA. The research published Friday in the journal Science Advances.

Trump administration cancels $400M in grants and contracts with Columbia University
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AP

Trump administration cancels $400M in grants and contracts with Columbia University

  • By JENNIFER PELTZ - Associated Press

The Trump administration says it’s pulling $400 million from Columbia University. Multiple federal agencies announced Friday that they're canceling grants and contracts because of what the government describes as the Ivy League school’s lackluster efforts to squelch antisemitism on campus. The notice came after Columbia set up a new disciplinary committee and ramped up its own investigations into students critical of Israel, alarming free speech advocates. Nonetheless, federal Education Secretary Linda McMahon says Columbia has “abandoned” its obligation to Jewish students. Columbia is vowing to work with the government to try to get the money back.

Which US companies are pulling back on diversity initiatives?
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AP

Which US companies are pulling back on diversity initiatives?

  • By The Associated Press

A growing number of prominent companies have scaled back or set aside the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that much of corporate America endorsed following the protests that accompanied the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in 2020. The changes have come in a response to a campaign by conservative activists to target workplace programs in the courts and social media, and more recently, President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at rooting out DEI policies in both the federal government and private sector.