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NHL players headed back to Olympics in 2026 and 2030

TORONTO — NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time in more than a decade. The world’s top hockey league will allow its players to participate in the Winter Games in 2026 in Milan and in 2030 under an agreement announced Friday by the NHL, NHL Players’ Association, International Ice Hockey Federation and the IOC. NHL players have not been at the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi. “There is a recognition of how important this is to the players,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said at a news conference during All-Star Weekend. “Everybody felt on our ownership ...

Westbrook reaches 25K points as Clippers top Pistons 136-125

DETROIT — Russell Westbrook scored 23 points to become the 25th player in NBA history with 25,000 points, Kawhi Leonard had 21 of his 33 points in the first half and the Los Angeles Clippers put on an offensive show in a 136-125 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Westbrook, who also had nine assists, joined teammate James Harden on the list of players to score 25,000 points after Harden accomplished the feat in December. Westbrook reached the mark on his final basket, a running layup with 2:44 left. “I’m so grateful to be on this team,” said Westbrook, who ...

Allegiant Stadium’s roll-out field, space station look to be center stage during Super Bowl

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis called his new home the Death Star in 2020 — and the name stuck. Allegiant Stadium, with its black facade, in fact resembles the ominous space station from the “Star Wars” movie franchise that was capable of destroying planets. The futuristic stadium takes center stage on Feb. 11 when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers meet in the first-ever Super Bowl in Las Vegas. And like the unique city that surrounds it, the stadium has some features that set it apart from others around the NFL. Among the most notable is the ...

The Senate is headed for test vote on new border policies, Ukraine aid

The Associated Press WASHINGTON—The Senate will hold a crucial test vote next week on legislation that would pair new policies at the southern border with wartime aid for Ukraine and other American allies, leaders pressing ahead despite heavy skepticism from Republicans and some Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will set in motion a test vote on the national security package for Wednesday. However, with some Republicans resisting the timeline and many remaining uncommitted to supporting the border policy changes, the bill’s future remained ...

Analysis shows destruction, buffer zone along Gaza’s border with Israel

The Associated Press JERUSALEM — Satellite photos show new demolition along a 1-kilometer-deep path on the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel, according an analysis by The Associated Press and expert reports. The destruction comes as Israel has said it wants to establish a buffer zone there, over international objections, further tearing away at land the Palestinians want for a state. The demolition along the path represents only a sliver of the wider damage from the Israel-Hamas war seen in Gaza, which one assessment suggests has damaged or destroyed half of all the buildings ...

Harbaugh ready to resume chase of Super Bowl title with Chargers

The Associated Press INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Jim Harbaugh fulfilled one of his goals by winning a national championship at his alma mater. Now he’s looking to capture his ultimate goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with one of the teams he played for. Harbaugh resumed his pursuit of a Super Bowl title on Thursday when he was introduced as the Los Angeles Chargers’ coach. He agreed to terms on a five-year contract last Wednesday after nine seasons at the University of Michigan, including going 15-0 and winning the school’s first national championship since 1997 last ...