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Biden’s ancestral hometowns prepare warm Irish welcome

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

BALLINA, Ireland (AP) — Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the world’s media as he prepares to welcome a relative — U.S. President Joe Biden.Biden is scheduled to travel to Ireland next week, with a stop in Ballina, the town from which one of his great-great grandfathers left for the United States in 1850. Blewitt, a distant cousin who first met Biden when he came to town as vice president in 2016, said the U.S. leader pledged to return once he’d won the presidency.“He said, ‘I’m going to come back into Ballina.’ And sure to God he’s going to come back into Ballina,” Blewitt said. “His Irish roots are really deep in his heart.”The 43-year-old plumber was among Biden relations invited to the White House for St. Patrick’s Day last month. He says it was a “surreal” experience that included a half-hour private meeting with the president.“He’s a people person. He loves meeting the Irish people,” said Ble...

China flies fighter jets near Taiwan after leader’s US trip

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said, in retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.The Chinese military announced the start of three-day “combat readiness patrols” as a warning to Taiwanese who want to make the island’s de facto independence permanent. The People’s Liberation Army gave no indication whether they might include a repeat of previous exercises with missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday in California, adding to a series of foreign lawmakers who have met Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese intimidation. Beijing responded Friday by imposing a travel ban and financial sanctions against American groups and individuals associated with Tsai’s U.S...

In Africa’s Okavango, oil drilling disrupts locals, nature

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

MOMBASA, Kenya (AP) — Gobonamang Kgetho has a deep affection for Africa’s largest inland delta, the Okavango. It is his home.The water and wildlife-rich lands is fed by rivers in the Angolan highlands that flow into northern Botswana before draining into Namibia’s Kalahari Desert sands. Several Indigenous and local communities and a vast array of species including African elephants, black rhinos and cheetahs live among the vibrant marshlands. Much of the surrounding region is also teeming with wildlife.Fisher Kgetho hails from Botswana’s Wayei community and relies on his pole and dug-out canoe to skirt around the marshes looking for fish. But things have changed in recent years — in the delta and across the country.“The fish sizes have shrunk, and stocks are declining,” Kgetho, whose life and livelihood depends on the health of the ecosystem, told The Associated Press. “The rivers draining into the delta have less volumes of water.”Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caus...

Man escapes standoff inside West Hollywood apartment after shooting neighbor through wall: LASD

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

A man who allegedly shot his neighbor through a wall in a West Hollywood apartment on Friday has escaped and is on the run after a day-long standoff.The suspect was identified as Joshua Findley, 31, by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He is described as a Hispanic man standing 6 feet tall, weighing 210 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He has tattoos on his face, neck, arms and legs.Findley is considered armed and dangerous, authorities said. He also resides in the luxury apartment complex where the shooting took place.Suspect Joshua Findley in photos from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The incident was reported around 8:15 a.m. at The Dylan Apartments on the 7100 block of Santa Monica Boulevard in response to a noise complaint, officials said. A woman in her 50s was transported to a hospital with two gunshot wounds — one to her neck and one to her leg, said LASD. The injuries were not life-threatening. The woman was believed to be alone in her kitchen...

Michigan State and USC square off in first round of NCAA Tournament

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

USC Trojans (22-10, 14-6 Pac-12) vs. Michigan State Spartans (19-12, 11-8 Big Ten)Columbus, Ohio; Friday, 12:15 p.m. EDTFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Michigan State -1.5; over/under is 137.5BOTTOM LINE: The Michigan State Spartans play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against the USC Trojans.The Spartans are 11-8 against Big Ten opponents and 8-4 in non-conference play. Michigan State averages 70.2 points while outscoring opponents by 2.8 points per game.The Trojans are 14-6 against Pac-12 teams. USC averages 72.8 points and has outscored opponents by 5.5 points per game.TOP PERFORMERS: Tyson Walker is scoring 14.6 points per game and averaging 2.5 rebounds for the Spartans. Joey Hauser is averaging 15.4 points and 5.6 rebounds over the last 10 games for Michigan State.Boogie Ellis is scoring 18.0 points per game and averaging 3.7 rebounds for the Trojans. Drew Peterson is averaging 13.2 points and 5.7 rebounds over the last 10 games for USC.LAST 10 GAMES: Spartans: 5-5, averag...

Phillies face the Reds with 1-0 series lead

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

Cincinnati Reds (3-3) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2-5)Philadelphia; Saturday, 4:05 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: Nick Lodolo (0-0); Phillies: Bailey Falter (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Phillies -142, Reds +121; over/under is 8 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Phillies take a 1-0 advantage into the latest game of the series against the Cincinnati Reds.Philadelphia had an 87-75 record overall and a 47-34 record at home last season. The Phillies averaged 3.0 extra base hits per game, including 1.3 home runs.Cincinnati went 62-100 overall and 29-52 on the road a season ago. The Reds pitching staff put up a 4.86 ERA collectively last season while averaging 9.0 strikeouts and 3.9 walks per nine innings.INJURIES: Phillies: Darick Hall: 10-Day IL (thumb), Josh Harrison: day-to-day (ankle), Noah Song: 15-Day IL (back), Cristopher Sanchez: 15-Day IL (left tricep), Bryce Harper: 10-Day IL (elbow), Rafael Marchan: 60-Day IL (hand), Nick Nelson: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Ranger Suarez: 15-...

Atlanta Braves play the San Diego Padres Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

San Diego Padres (4-4) vs. Atlanta Braves (6-2)Atlanta; Saturday, 7:20 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Michael Wacha (0-0); Braves: Charlie Morton (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -164, Padres +140; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves host the San Diego Padres on Saturday.Atlanta went 101-61 overall and 55-26 in home games last season. The Braves scored 4.9 runs per game in the 2022 season while allowing 3.8.San Diego went 89-73 overall and 45-36 on the road a season ago. The Padres averaged 8.1 hits per game last season and totaled 153 home runs.INJURIES: Braves: Michael Harris II: 10-Day IL (back), Collin McHugh: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Fried: 15-Day IL (left hamstring), Huascar Ynoa: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kolby Allard: 60-Day IL (oblique), Tyler Matzek: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Raisel Iglesias: 15-Day IL (shoulder)Padres: Joe Musgrove: 15-Day IL (toe), Robert Suarez: 15-Day IL (elbow), Adam Engel: 10-Day IL (hamstring), ...

Colorado Rockies play the Washington Nationals Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

Washington Nationals (2-6) vs. Colorado Rockies (3-5)Denver; Saturday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Trevor Williams (0-0); Rockies: Austin Gomber (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Rockies -141, Nationals +119; over/under is 10 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rockies host the Washington Nationals on Saturday.Colorado had a 68-94 record overall and a 41-40 record at home last season. The Rockies averaged 8.7 hits per game last season and totaled 149 home runs.Washington had a 55-107 record overall and a 29-52 record on the road last season. The Nationals averaged 8.3 hits per game in the 2022 season with 2.5 extra base hits per game.INJURIES: Rockies: Daniel Bard: 15-Day IL (anxiety), Randal Grichuk: 10-Day IL (hernia), Antonio Senzatela: 15-Day IL (knee), Lucas Gilbreath: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tyler Kinley: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brendan Rodgers: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Sean Bouchard: 60-Day IL (biceps), Ryan Rolison: 60-Day IL (shoulder)Nationals: Luis Garcia: day-to-day (ha...

Cardinals aim to break 4-game slide, play the Brewers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

St. Louis Cardinals (2-5) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (6-1)Milwaukee; Saturday, 7:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Cardinals: Jordan Montgomery (0-0); Brewers: Eric Lauer (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cardinals -141, Brewers +119; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Cardinals, on a four-game losing streak, take on the Milwaukee Brewers.Milwaukee had an 86-76 record overall and a 46-35 record at home last season. The Brewers averaged 7.8 hits per game in the 2022 season with 3.0 extra base hits per game.St. Louis went 93-69 overall and 40-41 on the road a season ago. The Cardinals slugged .420 as a team last season with 3.1 extra base hits per game.INJURIES: Brewers: Justin Wilson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Urias: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Aaron Ashby: 15-Day IL (labrum), Adrian Houser: 15-Day IL (groin), Tyrone Taylor: 10-Day IL (elbow), Jason Alexander: 60-Day IL (shoulder)Cardinals: Packy Naughton: day-to-day (undisclosed), Lars Nootbaar: 10-Day IL (thumb), Paul DeJong: 10-D...

Mets play the Marlins with 1-0 series lead

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:34 GMT

Miami Marlins (3-5) vs. New York Mets (4-4)New York; Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: Trevor Rogers (0-0); Mets: Kodai Senga (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Mets -162, Marlins +138; over/under is 7 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets lead 1-0 in a three-game series with the Miami Marlins.New York had a 101-61 record overall and a 54-27 record at home last season. The Mets pitching staff averaged 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings while giving up 3.7 runs per game in the 2022 season.Miami went 69-93 overall and 35-46 on the road a season ago. The Marlins averaged 7.7 hits per game last season and totaled 144 home runs.INJURIES: Mets: Omar Narvaez: 10-Day IL (calf), Sam Coonrod: 60-Day IL (lat), Bryce Montes de Oca: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tommy Hunter: 15-Day IL (back), Justin Verlander: 15-Day IL (teres major), Stephen Ridings: 15-Day IL (lat), Edwin Diaz: 60-Day IL (knee), Elieser Hernandez: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jose Quintana: 15-Day IL (rib)Marlins: Joey Wendle: 1...