Gene Hackman died at home a week after wife Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus, authorities say

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Forensic experts came to a heartrending conclusion Friday about the manner of death for actor Gene Hackman — heart failure with complications from Alzheimer's disease on an empty stomach a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease took the life of his wife at their home in Santa Fe.

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Wild slip late against Canucks, take a hit in the Western Conference standings

  • Sarah McLellan - The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Considering the distance between the Minnesota Wild and the teams they’re trailing in the Central Division — rivals who also just bolstered their rosters by the NHL trade deadline — they might want to be more mindful of who’s chasing them.

Nikola Jokic has 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds in Nuggets' 149-141 OT win over Suns
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Nikola Jokic has 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds in Nuggets' 149-141 OT win over Suns

  • By MICHAEL KELLY - Associated Press

Nikola Jokic had 31 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 22 assists and the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Phoenix Suns 149-141 in overtime Friday night after losing a 21-point lead. Jokic became the first NBA player with a triple-double of at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists. He tied his own team record with his 29th triple-double of the season, stretching his career total to 149. Aaron Gordon made a career-high seven 3-pointers and had 27 points for Denver. Kevin Durant scored 29 points for Phoenix, hitting a 3-pointer at regulation buzzer to send it into overtime. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 34 points. On Tuesday night at home, the Suns overcame a 23-point deficit to beat the Clippers.

What one Finnish church learned from creating a service almost entirely with AI
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What one Finnish church learned from creating a service almost entirely with AI

  • By DASHA LITVINOVA and KOSTYA MANENKOV - Associated Press

St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Helsinki has held the first church service in Finland created mostly by artificial intelligence. The congregation heard a dialogue between a long-haired, bearded Jesus in robes and a menacing-looking Satan in modern clothes play out on a large screen in the sanctuary. Also addressing the flock at the Tuesday evening service were avatars of the church’s pastors and a former president of Finland who died in 1986. The widely advertised experimental service drew over 120 people to the church in northeastern Helsinki, much more than on a typical weeknight. The clergy and worshippers said they enjoyed it, but agreed it wouldn’t replace services led by humans anytime soon.

Louisiana death row inmate who is scheduled to die by nitrogen hypoxia challenges the method
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Louisiana death row inmate who is scheduled to die by nitrogen hypoxia challenges the method

  • By SARA CLINE - Associated Press

A death row inmate in Louisiana scheduled to become the first person in the state to be executed using nitrogen gas has asked for his capital punishment to be carried out using a more humane method. In a Baton Rouge federal court on Friday, attorneys for Jessie Hoffman Jr. argued nitrogen hypoxia is cruel and unusual punishment and an infringement on Hoffman's freedom to practice religion. Hoffman is seeking for his scheduled March 18 execution date to be blocked and proposes what he calls more humane methods including death by firing squad and medical-aid in dying. The 46 year old was convicted of the 1996 execution-style murder of Mary Elliott.

Takeaways from the Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa deaths investigation
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Takeaways from the Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa deaths investigation

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Authorities say Gene Hackman spent his final years retired from acting, living with heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Findings from the investigation into the deaths of Hackman and his wife paint a tragic picture of the Oscar-winning actor’s last days. Authorities say he died from heart disease one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a rare disease called hantavirus. Experts believe Hackman was severely impaired because of Alzheimer’s disease and unable to deal with his wife’s death in the last week of his life. The Santa Fe sheriff described the couple as a very private family, which presented difficulties in determining a timeline in their deaths.

Clippers beat Knicks 105-95 to avoid slipping out of West playoff race
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Clippers beat Knicks 105-95 to avoid slipping out of West playoff race

  • By BETH HARRIS - AP Sports Writer

James Harden scored 27 points, Kawhi Leonard added 20 and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the New York Knicks 105-95. The win helped keep the Clippers from dropping out of playoff position in the West. The Knicks, who are third in the East, lost their third in a row. They played without Jalen Brunson, who sprained his ankle in an overtime loss to the Lakers on Thursday and is out at least two weeks. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Schenn scores twice to lift Blues past Ducks 4-3
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Schenn scores twice to lift Blues past Ducks 4-3

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Brayden Schenn scored twice to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Schenn scored his second on a wrist shot with 1:47 left in the third period to put the Blues up 4-2. Zachary Bolduc and Alexey Toropchenko also scored for the Blues. Jordan Binnington made 20 saves. Sam Colangelo, Frank Vatrano and Alex Killorn had goals for the Ducks. Lukas Dostal stopped 18 shots.

Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is laid to rest in Texas after drowning
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Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is laid to rest in Texas after drowning

  • By VALERIE GONZALEZ - Associated Press

The cries of a mother watching from Venezuela through a cellphone pierced through the somber Christian music and gusts of wind as her son's casket was lowered into the ground. Gustavo Alfonso Garcia Olivares died at 24, drowning in the Rio Grande not far from where we he was buried Thursday at the Maverick County Cemetery in Eagle Pass, Texas. The service was streamed live to his parents in Venezuela. It was the first funeral for a migrant by Border Vigil, a human rights organization on the U.S.-Mexico border, one of the world’s deadliest.

Sherwood scores tiebreaking goal late in 3rd, Lankinen has 37 saves as Canucks beat Wild 3-1
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Sherwood scores tiebreaking goal late in 3rd, Lankinen has 37 saves as Canucks beat Wild 3-1

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Kiefer Sherwood scored late in the third period, Kevin Lankinen stopped 37 shots and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Minnesota Wild 3-1. Elias Pettersson opened the scoring for the Canucks on a power play midway through the first period to snap a 15-game scoring drought, and Teddy Blueger added an empty-netter in the final minute. Defenseman Filip Hronek had two assists. Vancouver won its second straight and third in five games to move one point ahead of Calgary for the second wild card in the Western Conference. Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber tied the score with a power-play goal at 7:12 of the third period, and Filip Gustavsson had 17 saves. The Wild snapped a two-game win streak.

Samsonov stops 22 shots and Golden Knights top Penguins 4-0 for fourth straight win
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Samsonov stops 22 shots and Golden Knights top Penguins 4-0 for fourth straight win

  • By W.G. RAMIREZ - Associated Press

Ilya Samsonov made 22 saves for his 15th career shutout and second this season, Mark Stone had a goal and two assists and the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0. Tanner Pearson had a goal and an assist, while Ivan Barbashev and Brandon Saad also scored for the Golden Knights, who have won four straight. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 23 shots for the Penguins, who lost their fourth straight and have dropped eight of their last nine.

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Treysen Eaglestaff scores Summit League-record 51 to lead North Dakota over South Dakota State 85-69

  • By The Associated Press

Treysen Eaglestaff scored a Summit League and school-record 51 points to power North Dakota to an 85-69 victory over South Dakota State in the quarterfinals of the postseason tournament. Geno Crandall set the previous record for the Fighting Hawks, scoring 41 in a victory over Troy during the 2017 regular season. No. 6 seed North Dakota advances to play second-seeded St. Thomas-Minnesota in Saturday’s semifinals.

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Shooting at Toronto pub wounds 11 people, police say

  • AP

Police in Toronto say a shooting at a pub left 11 people wounded. A city spokesperson says 11 adults suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical in the shooting Friday night near the Scarborough Town Centre mall in east Toronto. A suspect remains at large and police say they do not have a description.

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A resort entirely staffed and run by women in Sri Lanka seeks to break gender barriers

  • By BHARATHA MALLAWARACHI - Associated Press

Sri Lanka has opened its first resort that's entirely operated and managed by women. The Amba Yaalu resort opened in January as an example of change in a male-dominated tourism sector that's crucial for the country’s economic recovery after a major crisis. The shortage of skilled women and some of them leaving jobs after getting married have compounded challenges faced by the tourism industry since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and the coronavirus pandemic. The resort has been lauded by women rights activists who have long been concerned about limited career choices of women and their mobility in Sri Lanka.

Zach LaVine outshines De'Aaron Fox to lead the Kings past the Spurs 127-109
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Zach LaVine outshines De'Aaron Fox to lead the Kings past the Spurs 127-109

  • By JOSH DUBOW - AP Sports Writer

Zach LaVine scored 36 points and the Kings beat the San Antonio Spurs 127-109  in De’Aaron Fox’s first game as a visitor in Sacramento. Fox faced his original team for the first time since being traded to the Spurs last month in a three-team deal that brough LaVine to Sacramento. But it was LaVine who shined by scoring 16 points to break the game open in the second quarter on the way to his sixth straight game with at least 20 points. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 25 points.

How a canoe helped turn Hawaiian culture into a source of pride and even influenced Hollywood
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How a canoe helped turn Hawaiian culture into a source of pride and even influenced Hollywood

  • By AUDREY McAVOY - Associated Press

Early crew members of the voyaging canoe Hokulea are gathering in Hawaii to celebrate the vessel's 50th birthday. The Hokulea and its crews proved Polynesians settled their islands by navigating the seas instead of accidentally drifting there on logs. Saturday's celebration marks how their successful travels to Tahiti and around the world revived the traditional skill of navigating using stars, waves and weather instead of a relying on a compass. The canoe also helped turn Hawaiian culture to a source of pride. Original crew members and the public will be gathering at the same Oahu beach where the canoe first launched on March 8, 1975 to commemorate the anniversary.

Hawks, butterflies and a song for her murdered son help Georgia mom reclaim joy after killings
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Hawks, butterflies and a song for her murdered son help Georgia mom reclaim joy after killings

  • By JEFF MARTIN - Associated Press

Ever since a hawk hovered over a vigil for her murdered son and lifted her spirits, Georgia mother Michele Davis has found joy in unexpected ways. Eight years after 17-year-old Carter Davis and his friend were killed in a random attack that sent fear through Atlanta’s northern suburbs, one of Davis’ former students wrote a song about her son. He later made it to the TV show “American Idol,” which plans to air his performance of it during its season premiere on Sunday. Davis sees the song as the latest sign that her son is OK.

Universities are facing big cuts to research funding. At Duke, it's a time for 'damage control'
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Universities are facing big cuts to research funding. At Duke, it's a time for 'damage control'

  • By MAKIYA SEMINERA - Associated Press

Facing the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, Duke University is preparing for the worst. Like research universities around the United States, the private college would see a massive loss from Trump administration cuts to grants from the National Institutes of Health. Duke would be among the hardest hit. In its previous fiscal year, Duke received $580 million in NIH grants and contracts, 11th most in the country among research institutions. The cuts have been delayed temporarily by a court challenge. But universities nationwide have implemented hiring freezes, scaled back research and drawn up contingency plans in case the loss in funding takes effect.

Meet Amy Gleason, the DOGE administrator who may — or may not — be wielding extraordinary power
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Meet Amy Gleason, the DOGE administrator who may — or may not — be wielding extraordinary power

  • By RYAN J. FOLEY and BRIAN SLODYSKO - Associated Press

Amy Gleason, the acting administrator of the U.S. DOGE Service, is not a household name. But as Elon Musk’s effort to dramatically reduce the federal government faces a series of legal challenges, the nurse-turned-programmer has been thrust into the spotlight. Except almost no one has heard of her and everyone knows that Musk is leading the effort. Gleason’s name was only made public after federal judges began questioning whether Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency were complying with the Constitution’s appointments clause, which generally requires people in positions like Musk’s to be appointed and confirmed by the Senate. Gleason did not respond to a request for comment.

Republicans try to go it alone on government funding as shutdown deadline nears
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Republicans try to go it alone on government funding as shutdown deadline nears

  • By KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

House Republicans are looking to what for them is almost unheard of —- approving government funding on their terms with little help from Democrats. Speaker Mike Johnson is teeing up a bill that would generally fund agencies at current levels for the remainder of the budget year ending September 30. It’s a risky approach. Normally, Republicans have had to work with Democrats to craft a government funding measure that both sides can support. Crucially, the strategy has the backing of President Donald Trump, who said, “Let’s get this Bill done!” Congress must act by midnight March 14 to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Alabama minor is jailed with adults pre-trial in violation of federal law
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Alabama minor is jailed with adults pre-trial in violation of federal law

  • By SAFIYAH RIDDLE - Associated Press/Report For America

Activists say an Alabama teenager's incarceration in an adult jail violates federal and state laws that require inmates who are minors to be separated from adults. Djovani Jean-Pierre spent his 17th birthday in the Marshall County jail. He is accused of stealing a firearm and faces up to life in prison if convicted. Activists say minors held in adult facilities are vulnerable to abuse. A sheriff says to abide by federal law and separate him from adult inmates, Jean-Pierre would have to be held in solitary confinement, which could also be detrimental. Jean-Pierre's case highlights the potential dangers of state laws that automatically send teen suspects to adult detention facilities.

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No. 21 Oklahoma State women top Texas Tech 62-59, will play Baylor in Big 12 Tournament semifinal

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Sophomore Stailee Heard scored 24 of her 34 points in the second half to rally No. 21 Oklahoma State to a 62-59 victory over Texas Tech in a Big 12 Conference Tournament quarterfinal at T-Mobile Center. The third-seeded Cowgirls (25-5) will play No. 2 seed Baylor in Saturday’s semifinals. Tenin Magassa had a three-point play and a layup and Heard added two free throws as the Cowgirls scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to take a 46-40 lead. They never trailed again, but the 14th-seeded Lady Raiders (17-17) had a shot to tie it until Jada Wynn missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

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New Jersey police officer killed and a second officer wounded in a shooting, authorities say

  • AP

A Newark, New Jersey, police officer has been killed and another wounded in a shooting. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed two Newark police officers were shot around 6:37 p.m. Friday in the area of Broadway and Carteret. The president of the Fraternal Order of Police-New Jersey State Lodge says in a statement that the officers were shot in the line of duty. The statement says one officer has made the ultimate sacrifice and the other is receiving treatment for their wounds.

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Morrow sets LSU tourney record with 36 points, No. 9 Tigers beat Florida 101-87 to reach SEC semis

  • By STEVE REED - AP Sports Writer

Aneesah Morrow scored 36 points on 15-of-21 shooting while hauling in 14 rebounds as ninth-ranked LSU defeated Florida 101-87 to reach the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. The senior forward’s 36 points were the most ever by an LSU player in conference tournament history and tied for the ninth-most overall. Mikaylah Williams chipped in with 16 points and eight assists for the Tigers, who played without leading scorer Flau’jae Johnson, out with an injury. Liv McGill had 16 points and Jeriah Warren had 14 to lead Florida.

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Spirit win NWSL Challenge Cup in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw with Pride

  • AP

Aubrey Kingsbury made a crucial save in a shootout and the Washington Spirit beat the Orlando Pride 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup. Kingsbury stopped Ally Lemos’ attempt before Tara McKeown converted the Spirit’s fourth penalty kick. It was revenge of sorts for the Spirit, who finished as runners-up to the Pride in the 2024 standings and lost to Orlando in last November’s championship game. It was the Spirit’s second-ever trophy after the 2021 NWSL Championship. Leicy Santos scored on a free kick for Washington and Rafaelle scored for Orlando.

Conley, Reid and DiVincenzo lead the Timberwoloves to 106-104 victory over the Heat
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Conley, Reid and DiVincenzo lead the Timberwoloves to 106-104 victory over the Heat

  • AP

Mike Conley, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo each scored 15 points each and the Minnesota beat the Miami Heat 106-104 on Friday night for their fourth straight victory. Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle finished with 13 each. Edwards, who averages 27.5 points per game, attempted a season-low 10 shots and made four. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was Minnesota’s seventh double-figure scorer with 12 points. Bam Adebayo’s 3-point attempt for Miami at buzzer bounced off the rim. Adebayo had 29 points and 13 rebounds. Tyler Herro added 22 points.

A's announce 3-year Las Vegas sponsorship as club looks toward future move
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A's announce 3-year Las Vegas sponsorship as club looks toward future move

  • By MARK ANDERSON - AP Sports Writer

The Athletics will play in Northern California for at least the next three seasons. They will also represent their future home in Las Vegas and brought four of their star players to drive home that point. The team announced a three-year agreement Friday with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as its official travel partner. Players will wear a patch with Las Vegas’ official logo on their left sleeves beginning in the regular season.