COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — I've now watched through glass and bars as 11 men were put to death at a South Carolina prison. None of the previous 10 prepared me for watching the firing squad death of Brad Sigmon on Friday night.

I might now be unique among U.S. reporters: I've witnessed three different methods — nine lethal injections and an electric chair execution. I can still hear the thunk of the breaker falling 21 years later.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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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.

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.

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

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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

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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

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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.

Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez lead No. 4 UCLA past Nebraska 85-74 as Bruins reach Big Ten semis
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Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez lead No. 4 UCLA past Nebraska 85-74 as Bruins reach Big Ten semis

  • By MICHAEL MAROT - AP Sports Writer

Lauren Betts finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks, and Gabriela Jaquez added 23 points and nine rebounds as No. 4 UCLA reached the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals with an 85-74 victory over Nebraska. Kiki Rice had 14 points and nine assists to help the Bruins rebound from last weekend’s loss to crosstown rival Southern California. UCLA will face No. 13 Ohio State, a 60-59 winner over three-time defending tourney champ Iowa, the No. 11 seed Nebraska played its third game in three days after starting play as the No. 10 seed. Britt Prince had 24 points to lead the Cornhuskers.

Wiggins, Williams lead Thunder past Blazers 107-89 with Gilgeous-Alexander held out for rest
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Wiggins, Williams lead Thunder past Blazers 107-89 with Gilgeous-Alexander held out for rest

  • AP

Aaron Wiggins scored 30 points, Jaylin Williams had his first career triple-double, and the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-89 with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench. Gilgeous-Alexander was held out for rest, missing a game for just the second time this season. The Thunder were also without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. They still had more than enough to win their sixth straight game. Williams finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Scoot Henderson scored 22 points and Shaedon Sharpe added 19 for the Blazers.

Quickley scores season-high 34 points as Raptors overcome Kessler's 25 boards and beat Jazz 118-109
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Quickley scores season-high 34 points as Raptors overcome Kessler's 25 boards and beat Jazz 118-109

  • AP

Immanuel Quickley scored a season-high 34 points and the Toronto Raptors overcame a dominant rebounding effort by Walker Kessler to beat the Utah Jazz 118-109. Quickley added five rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the Raptors’ third straight win. Scottie Barnes had 22 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Kessler led the Jazz with 18 points while setting career highs with 25 rebounds and eight blocks. Keyonte George also scored 18 points for the Jazz. Utah, last in the Western Conference, suffered its fourth straight loss.

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Raiders acquire QB Smith from Seahawks

Geno Smith is heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. That's according to a person with knowledge of the trade who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn't announced the deal and said the Raiders are sending the Seattle Seahawks a third-round pick for Smith. The 34-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback reunites with new Raiders coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will seek a new starter. Smith threw for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns with 15 interceptions last season.

Morant's 31 points, Bane's 27 points, 16 rebounds, lead Grizzlies past Mavericks 122-111
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Morant's 31 points, Bane's 27 points, 16 rebounds, lead Grizzlies past Mavericks 122-111

  • AP

Ja Morant scored 31 points, including the game’s final seven, and Desmond Bane had 27 points and a career-high 16 rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies rallied in the fourth period to beat the Dallas Mavericks 122-111. Reserve Brandon Williams scored a career-high 31 points and Naji Marshall had career bests with 29 points and 17 rebounds for the Mavericks, who have lost four consecutive games and six of their last seven. The Grizzlies finished on an 18-4 run to snap a season-long four-game losing streak.

Violent and sudden. What a firing squad execution looked like through my eyes
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Violent and sudden. What a firing squad execution looked like through my eyes

  • By JEFFREY COLLINS - Associated Press

An Associated Press journalist has served as a media eyewitness to the execution of Brad Sigmon by firing squad Friday in South Carolina. He reports that the firing squad is both faster and more violent than lethal injection. A hood was put over Sigmon’s head, and an employee opened the pull shade shielding where three prison system volunteer shooters were. About two minutes later they fired. There was no warning or countdown, and the abrupt crack of the rifles startled those in the room. A white target with a red bullseye that had been on his chest disappeared instantly as Sigmon’s whole body flinched. Soon a doctor came out to examine Sigmon, and he was declared dead at 6:08 p.m.

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AP

China imposes retaliatory tariffs on Canadian farm and food products

  • By SIMINA MISTREANU - Associated Press

China has announced retaliatory tariffs on some Canadian farm and food imports, after Canada imposed duties in October on Chinese-made electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products. The new duties become effective March 20, according to a statement by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council on Saturday. Additional 100% tariffs will be imposed on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes and peas, and additional 25% tariffs will apply to pork and aquatic products. The tariffs add to global trade tensions already high, with rounds of tariff announcements by the United States, China, Canada and Mexico.

Tribes, Native American students file lawsuit over Bureau of Indian Education firings
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Tribes, Native American students file lawsuit over Bureau of Indian Education firings

  • By GRAHAM LEE BREWER - Associated Press

Three tribal nations and five Native American students have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of failing its legal obligations to tribes when it cut jobs at Bureau of Indian Education schools last month. The lawsuit filed Friday says firings at Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New Mexico have left students and staff with unsafe conditions, cancelled classes and delayed financial aid, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by the Pueblo of Isleta, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

NBA-leading Cavaliers win 13th straight game, rallying to edge Hornets 118-117
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NBA-leading Cavaliers win 13th straight game, rallying to edge Hornets 118-117

  • By RICHARD WALKER - Associated Press

Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points and the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers rallied for their 13th straight victory, 118-117 over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Darius Garland added 20 points to help the Cavaliers improve to 53-10. Evan Mobley scored 19 points, De’Andre Hunter had 15, Jarrett Allen 14 and Sam Merrill 12. Miles Bridges scored 46 points for Charlotte. His shot from halfcourt at the buzzer was off the mark. The Hornets have lost nine straight to fall to 14-48. Cleveland led 67-54 early in the second half and was up 87-83 after three quarters. Charlotte rallied with a 21-8 run for a 104-95 lead with 5:41 to play. The Cavaliers responded by outscoring the Hornets 25-15 to end the game.

Hidalgo, No. 6 Notre Dame take over down stretch to beat Cal 73-64 in ACC quarterfinals
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Hidalgo, No. 6 Notre Dame take over down stretch to beat Cal 73-64 in ACC quarterfinals

  • By AARON BEARD - AP Basketball Writer

Hannah Hidalgo scored 25 points and No. 6 Notre Dame took over down the stretch to beat California 73-64 in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Olivia Miles added 14 points and six assists for the second-seeded Fighting Irish, the tournament’s reigning champion. Notre Dame won the regular-season meeting in a blowout but trailed by six points midway through the third quarter in this one. Notre Dame ran off a 12-0 go-ahead burst. Lulu Twidale scored 16 points to lead the Golden Bears. Cal committed 28 turnovers that led to 28 points for the Irish.

Storm dumps heavy snow on northern Arizona, gridlocking Interstate 40
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Storm dumps heavy snow on northern Arizona, gridlocking Interstate 40

  • AP

A winter storm has dumped heavy snow across northern Arizona, playing a major factor in a more than 15-mile backup on a major interstate. Semitrucks and other vehicles were stalled on Interstate 40 westbound between Flagstaff and Williams for at least an hour late Friday as the sun set. The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the snow along with a two-vehicle crash that caused an injury contributed to the backup. The storm was the biggest of the winter season so far, following a dry stretch that left Flagstaff and many other cities across the West well below normal for precipitation to date.

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Dayton tops VCU 79-76 to prevent Rams from clinching Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season title

  • By The Associated Press

Javon Bennett scored 22 points and Dayton prevented VCU from clinching the Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season title with a 79-76 victory, ending the Rams’ nine-game win streak. VCU (25-6, 15-3) leads second-place George Mason by a half-game. The Patriots end the season at Richmond on Saturday. The Flyers (22-9, 12-6) currently sit in third place, a half-game in front of Loyola Chicago and Saint Joseph’s. The Ramblers travel to play Massachusetts on Saturday and the Hawks play at La Salle.

Capitals score 4 goals in the 3rd period to rally to beat the Red Wings 5-2
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Capitals score 4 goals in the 3rd period to rally to beat the Red Wings 5-2

  • By STEPHEN WHYNO - AP Hockey Writer

Aliaksei Protas had two goals and an assist in the third period to key the Washington Capitals rallying to beat the Detroit Red Wings 5-2, extending their winning streak to three games. Taylor Raddysh got the Capitals on the board after falling behind 2-0, and, after Protas tied it in the first minute of the third, Jakob Chychrun scored the go-ahead goal 66 seconds later. Logan Thompson bounced back from a rough start to stop 18 of the 20 shots he faced as Washington padded its lead atop the Eastern Conference.

Nikolaj Ehlers, Kyle Connor score as the Jets pull away for a 6-1 win at the Devils
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Nikolaj Ehlers, Kyle Connor score as the Jets pull away for a 6-1 win at the Devils

  • AP

Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the third consecutive game and had two assists, Kyle Connor added his 33rd goal of the season, and the Winnipeg Jets beat the New Jersey Devils 6-1. Ehlers connected on a wrist shot with 30 seconds left in the second period, putting the Jets up 3-0. Ehlers had an assist on Josh Morrissey’s power-play goal earlier in the second and Cole Perfetti’s goal in the third, giving him five points in his last three games. Alex Iafallo and Adam Lowry also scored for the Jets, who have won back-to-back games after dropping three in a row. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 shots for his NHL-leading 37th victory. Dawson Mercer scored for the Devils, who have lost three straight.