Elon Musk’s cost-cutting crusade is trickling down to U.S. statehouses.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is launching Florida’s own version of the Department of Government Efficiency — known as DOGE. Already, he wants to cut $3 billion and more than 700 state government jobs as part of the upcoming budget. Kansas and Missouri lawmakers are soliciting input from their residents for ideas on how to slash costs.

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Swiss police rescue two dogs kidnapped for over $1 million ransom

  • AP

Swiss police say they have solved a kidnapping involving two dogs and a demand for ransom of about $1.135 million. Zurich police said Saturday the Bolonka dogs were stolen from the home of a 59-year-old man in Schlieren near Zurich last week, while the dog owner was away. When he returned home, the dogs were gone and he found a letter demanding a ransom for their release. The man called police and investigators eventually discovered the dogs in Poland and arrested a Polish and a Norwegian suspect. The dogs were returned to their owner.

Muslim nations reject Trump's call to empty the Gaza Strip of its Palestinian population
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AP

Muslim nations reject Trump's call to empty the Gaza Strip of its Palestinian population

  • By WAFAA SHURAFA - Associated Press

Foreign ministers from Muslim nations rejected calls by U.S. President Donald Trump to empty the Gaza Strip of its Palestinian population and backed a plan for an administrative committee of Palestinians to govern the territory to allow reconstruction to go ahead. The foreign ministers gathered in the Saudi city of Jeddah for a special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday to address the situation in Gaza, at a time when the 7-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been thrown into doubt. In a statement put out Saturday, the gathering threw its support behind a plan to rebuild Gaza put forward by Egypt. The OIC groups 57 nations with largely Muslim populations.

With most male actors at war, a small Ukrainian theater reinvents itself with an all-female cast
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AP

With most male actors at war, a small Ukrainian theater reinvents itself with an all-female cast

  • By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

The Chernihiv Regional Youth Theater in Ukraine has adapted to the war by having women perform traditionally male roles, after many men left the troupe to fight on the front line. The war has taken a toll; some members are missing or killed, and Russian attacks have damaged cultural institutions. Despite the hardships, the troupe remains committed to preserving their art and aiding the war effort by raising funds and weaving camouflage nets. Their resilience reflects a broader reality in Ukraine, where women are stepping into roles once dominated by men, sustaining not just their industries but the spirit of national resistance.

Emergency services called after a man with a Palestinian flag climbs up Big Ben tower
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Emergency services called after a man with a Palestinian flag climbs up Big Ben tower

  • AP

Emergency services have been called to the Palace of Westminster after a man holding a Palestinian flag climbed up Big Ben tower. Photos show the man standing on a ledge several meters up Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben. A nearby street was closed and several emergency service vehicles were at the scene as crowds looked on from behind a police cordon. The Metropolitan Police said officers were at the scene “working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion,” alongside firefighters and ambulance services.

Swiss sweep again. Von Allmen beats Odermatt in World Cup downhill and takes title race to the US
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Swiss sweep again. Von Allmen beats Odermatt in World Cup downhill and takes title race to the US

  • AP

It was yet another duel for victory and a 1-2-3 finish for the Switzerland men's downhill team Saturday. Franjo von Allmen edged teammate Marco Odermatt to win at Kvitfjell in Norway. It sent their season-long title contest for the World Cup downhill title to the final race in the United States. Von Allmen finished 0.28 seconds ahead of Odermatt, who needed an agile recovery midway down the 1994 Olympics slope to stay upright. Stefan Rogentin completed the podium sweep 0.38 back in third. The last downhill race is March 22 at Sun Valley, Idaho.

Sellers and Rantanen are among the NHL trade deadline winners. Hurricanes and Boeser are some losers
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Sellers and Rantanen are among the NHL trade deadline winners. Hurricanes and Boeser are some losers

  • By STEPHEN WHYNO - AP Hockey Writer

Sellers around the NHL from Philadelphia to San Jose, Mikko Rantanen and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were winners at the trade deadline. The Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver's Brock Boeser and the July 1 free agent frenzy were among the losers. The path to the Eastern Conference final also has cracked wide open for the Washington Capitals. But there will also be one top team in the Atlantic Division and another in the Central that gave up significant assets and is guaranteed to lose in the first round of the playoffs.

1 dead and several injured as tropical low tracks west across Australian east coast
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1 dead and several injured as tropical low tracks west across Australian east coast

  • By JOHN PYE and ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Officials say flooding rains will continue for days to lash a region of the Australian east coast even though it avoided its first tropical cyclone in 51 years. Tropical Cyclone Alfred had been expected to become the first cyclone to cross the Australian coast near the Queensland state capital, Brisbane, since 1974. But it weakened Saturday to a tropical low, then came to a near-standstill off the Brisbane coast for several hours. Meteorologists say the cyclone’s remnant is forecast to track west across the Australian mainland in the coming days, bringing heavy rain. The body of a 61-year-old man who disappeared in a flooded river was recovered on Saturday.

Myanmar's military leader announces dates for general election
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Myanmar's military leader announces dates for general election

  • AP

State-run media in Myanmar say the head of the military government has declared the country will hold a general election within 10 months.  Four years after seizing power from the elected government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said the election will take place either in December or January 2026 at the latest, the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported Saturday. The election, nominally a democratic exercise, is widely seen as an attempt to normalize the military’s seizure of power through the ballot box. With the country at war and civil liberties tightly restricted, critics see no way for the polls to be free and fair.

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Trump wants a new Air Force One. Boeing has about a dozen problems

  • Tony Capaccio - Bloomberg News (TNS)

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has come, gone and returned to the White House, but Boeing Co. still hasn’t delivered the new Air Force One jet that he’s eager to board after it’s painted in a red, white and blue color scheme of his own invention.

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Taliban insist Afghan women’s rights are protected as UN says their bans cannot be ignored

  • The Associated Press

The Taliban say Afghan women live in security with their rights protected. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have barred education for women and girls beyond sixth grade, most employment, and many public spaces. The Taliban’s chief spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid released a statement on his official X account Saturday, without specifically mentioning International Women’s Day which is celebrated on March 8, to say Afghan women enjoy dignity, honor and legal protection. The UN renewed its call for bans on women and girls to be reversed, saying the erasure of Afghan females from public life should not be tolerated.

Russian strike on Ukrainian town kills 11 as US cuts intelligence sharing with Kyiv
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Russian strike on Ukrainian town kills 11 as US cuts intelligence sharing with Kyiv

  • AP

A Russian strike on a town in Ukraine’s embattled Donetsk region has killed at least 11 people as a wave of heavy aerial attacks continued into the second night following a U.S. decision to stop sharing satellite images with Ukraine. Thirty people were also reported injured in multiple strikes late Friday that damaged eight apartment blocks in the town of Dobropillya. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least five children were among the injured. He called the attack "a vile and inhumane intimidation tactic to which the Russians often resort.”

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Editorial: A sad day dawns for Chicago’s own Walgreens

  • Chicago Tribune Editorial Board - Chicago Tribune (TNS)

Walgreens was scheduled in two years to celebrate its 100th year as a publicly traded company. Now the storied pharmacist and retailer won’t honor that milestone, because it no longer will be publicly owned.

South Korea's impeached President Yoon released from prison
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South Korea's impeached President Yoon released from prison

  • AP

TV footage has shown South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol coming out of prison. Local TV showed Yoon waving his hand and deeply bowing to his supporters after he came out of a detention center in Seoul on Saturday. Yoon’s release came a day after a Seoul court canceled his arrest to allow him to stand trial for his rebellion charge without being physically detained. Yoon was arrested and indicted by prosecutors in January over his Dec. 3 martial law decree that plunged the country into huge political turmoil.

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Editorial: Trump’s big mistake on CHIPS: Backing semiconductors is a sound investment

  • New York Daily News Editorial Board - New York Daily News (TNS)

In his address to Congress, President Donald Trump got it terribly wrong and was hugely hypocritical to assail the bipartisan CHIPS Act as a “horrible, horrible thing.” He claimed, “We give hundreds of billions of dollars and it doesn’t mean a thing. They take our money and they don’t spend it.”

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Miami (OH) hosts Koker and Northern Illinois

  • By The Associated Press

Northern Illinois faces the Miami (OH) RedHawks after Chelby Koker scored 24 points in the Huskies' 79-70 loss to the Toledo Rockets. The teams match up Saturday for the first time this season. Miami (OH) is 10-7 against the MAC, and Northern Illinois is 6-11 against conference opponents.

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Rider visits Niagara following Kolliegbo's 21-point outing

  • By The Associated Press

Niagara hosts the Rider Broncs after Safiatu Kolliegbo scored 21 points in Niagara's 70-58 loss to the Saint Peter's Peacocks. Saturday's meeting is the first of the season between the squads. Niagara is 1-18 against the MAAC, and Rider is 5-14 against conference opponents.

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Texas A&M-CC plays in Southland Tournament against the Houston Christian

  • By The Associated Press

The Texas A&M-CC Islanders play in the Southland Tournament against the Houston Christian Huskies. Sunday's game is the third meeting this season between the two teams. The Islanders won the last matchup 68-62. Texas A&M-CC is 12-8 against the Southland, and Houston Christian is 9-11 against the Southland.

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Boston College visits Pittsburgh following Lowe's 20-point game

  • By The Associated Press

Pittsburgh hosts the Boston College Eagles after Jaland Lowe scored 20 points in Pittsburgh's 71-63 loss to the NC State Wolfpack. The teams play Saturday for the first time this season. Pittsburgh is 7-12 against the ACC, and Boston College is 4-15 against conference opponents.

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Xavier takes on Providence after Freemantle's 24-point outing

  • By The Associated Press

Xavier faces the Providence Friars after Zach Freemantle scored 24 points in Xavier's 91-78 win against the Butler Bulldogs. The teams meet Saturday for the second time this season. Xavier is 12-7 against the Big East, and Providence is 6-13 against conference opponents.

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Marist takes on Mount St. Mary's, aims to break 3-game skid

  • By The Associated Press

Marist aims to break its three-game losing streak when the Red Foxes play Mount St. Mary's. Saturday's game is the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Red Foxes won the last matchup 53-50. Mount St. Mary's is 11-8 against the MAAC, and Marist is 13-6 against conference opponents.

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Maine plays UMass-Lowell in America East Tournament

  • By The Associated Press

The Maine Black Bears and UMass-Lowell River Hawks meet in the America East Tournament. The teams meet Saturday for the third time this season. Maine is 10-6 against the America East, and UMass-Lowell is 6-10 against the America East.

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Northeastern faces Hampton in CAA Tournament

  • By The Associated Press

The Northeastern Huskies take on the Hampton Pirates in the CAA Tournament. The teams meet Saturday for the third time this season. Northeastern is 9-9 against the CAA, and Hampton is 8-10 against the CAA.

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Vokietaitis leads Florida Atlantic against East Carolina after 21-point game

  • By The Associated Press

Florida Atlantic hosts the East Carolina Pirates after Matas Vokietaitis scored 21 points in Florida Atlantic's 89-80 loss to the UAB Blazers. Sunday's meeting will be the second of the season between the two teams. Florida Atlantic is 9-8 against the AAC, and East Carolina is 10-7 against conference opponents.

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Arkansas State takes on Marshall in Sun Belt Tournament

  • By The Associated Press

The Arkansas State Red Wolves square off against the Marshall Thundering Herd in the Sun Belt Tournament. Saturday's game will be the second meeting this season between the two teams. The Thundering Herd won the last matchup 77-72. Arkansas State is 13-5 against the Sun Belt, and Marshall is 13-6 against the Sun Belt.

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Fears leads Oklahoma against Texas

  • By The Associated Press

Oklahoma visits the Texas Longhorns after Jeremiah Fears scored 31 points in the Sooners' 96-84 victory over the Missouri Tigers. Saturday's game will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Longhorns won the last matchup 77-73. Texas is 6-11 against the SEC, and Oklahoma is 5-12 against conference opponents.

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Ruffin leads Jackson State against Mississippi Valley State after 20-point performance

  • By The Associated Press

Jackson State takes on the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils after Daeshun Ruffin scored 20 points in the Tigers' 76-69 victory against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. Saturday's game is the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Tigers won the previous matchup 92-44. Mississippi Valley State is 1-16 against the SWAC, and Jackson State is 13-4 against conference opponents.

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Fordham plays Rhode Island on 4-game road skid

  • By The Associated Press

Fordham is looking to stop its four-game road losing streak with a victory against Rhode Island. Saturday's game is the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Rams won the previous matchup 80-79. Rhode Island is 6-11 against the A-10, and Fordham is 3-14 against conference opponents.

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Niagara visits Rider following Davis' 21-point showing

  • By The Associated Press

Niagara faces the Rider Broncs after Josiah Davis scored 21 points in the Purple Eagles' 78-68 overtime victory against the Saint Peter's Peacocks. Saturday's game is the second meeting this season between the two teams. The Broncs won the last matchup 68-65. Rider is 8-11 against the MAAC, and Niagara is 6-13 against conference opponents.

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Campbell meets Delaware in CAA Tournament

  • By The Associated Press

The Campbell Fighting Camels play the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens in the CAA Tournament. Saturday's game will be the second meeting this season between the two teams. The Fighting Camels won the previous matchup 96-91. Campbell is 10-8 against the CAA, and Delaware is 6-13 against the CAA.

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Agbo leads USC against UCLA after 26-point game

  • By The Associated Press

USC visits the UCLA Bruins after Chibuzo Agbo scored 26 points in the Trojans' 92-61 win against the Washington Huskies. Saturday's game is the second meeting this season between the two teams. The Bruins won the previous matchup 82-76. UCLA is 12-7 against the Big Ten, and USC is 7-12 against conference opponents.