Sports

Zack Martin is retiring after a decorated career at guard for the Cowboys, AP sources say

Feb. 21, 2025

Zack Martin is retiring after a decorated career that included seven All-Pro seasons at right guard with the Dallas Cowboys, two people with knowledge of the decision said Thursday. Martin informed Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones of his decision in a meeting Thursday, one of the people told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement was planned. The 34-year-old Martin didn’t make it through his 11th and final season with the Cowboys because of an ankle injury that eventually required surgery. He said when he was shut down after 10 games that he wasn’t ready to make a decision on returning.

Weather

Dangerous, Widespread Cold: How Long Will It Last?

Feb. 21, 2025

This week will feature some life-threatening cold temperatures and wind chills in the Plains with brutal cold extending all the way to the Gulf Coast. In parts of the Northern Plains, frostbite could happen on exposed skin in as little as five minutes. There is some hope for relief from winter’s icy grasp. Time it out here.

Weather

Weekend Thaw Ahead: When Should You Get Outside?

Feb. 21, 2025

Getting cabin fever after the brutal cold? Well, good news - the temperatures will moderate as we head into the weekend. But if you, your kids or your pets want to soak up playtime in the snow before it melts, now is the time. Above-average temperatures will dominate much of the U.S. by Sunday, melting snow and bringing reprieve from the dangerous cold for many. But how long will the milder trend last? Plan your weekend here.

International News

Tiger Woods joins another White House meeting as PGA Tour moves closer to Saudi deal

Feb. 21, 2025

Tiger Woods joined PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott in a second White House meeting Thursday with President Donald Trump, another sign the sport is moving rapidly toward ending the division brought on by Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the financial muscle behind the rival league, also was part of the meeting.

Weather

Brief Warm-Up Before Winter Strikes Back

Feb. 21, 2025

Record cold temperatures have been felt from the Canadian border to cities in the South like Houston, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia and even in the panhandle of Florida. However we do expect a brief warmup, but don’t get too excited or start planting in the south, as another cold shot arrives later this month. We are not done with our winter coats just yet.

International News

Santa Clara defeats Loyola Marymount 76-61

Feb. 21, 2025

Carlos Stewart had 16 points in Santa Clara’s 76-61 victory over Loyola Marymount on Thursday. Stewart shot 5 for 12 (3 for 8 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Broncos (18-10, 10-5 West Coast Conference). Camaron Tongue added 14 points while shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 2 for 3 from the line while they also had eight rebounds. Brenton Knapper shot 5 of 7 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line to finish with 12 points. The Lions (15-13, 7-9) were led in scoring by Will Johnston, who finished with 18 points. Myron Amey Jr. added 13 points and two steals for Loyola Marymount. Alex Merkviladze finished with eight points.

International News

Kim Sae-ron’s death underscores the huge pressure on South Korean celebrities

Feb. 21, 2025

In the about 1,000 days between her drunken-driving crash in May 2022 and her death, South Korean mainstream news organizations published at least around 2,000 stories on film actor Kim Sae-rom. A quick search in the country’s press database yields a wave of sensational headlines that illustrate how the local media often cover a celebrity’s fall from grace. Previously one of the brightest young stars in South Korean cinema, Kim was condemned and ridiculed for driving drunk; for talking about her financial struggles after losing roles; for taking a job at a coffee shop; for attempting a comeback in theater; for going out with friends instead of “showing remorse”; and for being seen smiling on set while shooting an indie movie.

Sports

Coco Gauff stunned by Paula Badosa at the Australian Open, ending her 13-match win streak

Feb. 21, 2025

The American was on a 13-match winning streak heading into Tuesday’s contest at Melbourne Park and seemed to have a strong chance of claiming her second grand slam title. But despite a late break of serve offering a glimmer of hope, Gauff was undone by an inspired Badosa on Rod Laver Arena, with the Spaniard reaching the final four of a grand slam for the first time in her career. “It’s tough right after and I’m still disappointed, but I think the way I played, even though it wasn’t my best, I gave it my all on the court so that’s something to be proud of,” Gauff told reporters.

International News

EU official meets with Trump counterparts to resolve tariff threats

Feb. 21, 2025

Hoping to head off a potential trade conflict, a top European Union official stressed the importance of active engagement and fairness in trade during a four-hour meeting with Trump administration officials. “The top objective as it was presented to us yesterday by our American partners is reciprocity,” Maroš Šefčovič, the European commissioner for trade and economic security, told reporters at a Thursday briefing.

International News

A train struck an elephant herd in Sri Lanka, killing 6 animals

Feb. 21, 2025

A passenger train hit an elephant herd near a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, killing six of the animals, an official said on Thursday. Four babies and two adults died near Minneriya, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the capital, Colombo. The area is renowned for its nature park and wildlife, said Hasini Sarathchandra, a spokesman for the government’s wildlife department. Local television channels showed the train engine and several compartments had derailed following the collision. No passenger was injured, said a railway official, who declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media.