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Taylor Santos captures title at M.M. Fisher Jr. Memorial Steer Roping
Notorious apartheid police commander testifies at South African hearing on killings
JOHANNESBURG — One of South Africa’s most notorious apartheid police commanders testified on Monday at an inquiry into the killing of four activists in 1985 as part of the country’s renewed focus on atrocities committed by security forces during decades of forced racial segregation that went unpunished.
Eugene de Kock, dubbed “Prime Evil” for his role in killing anti-apartheid activists, denied involvement in the prominent case of the Cradock Four — but said police at the time had photos of around 6,000 anti-apartheid activists described as “known terrorists” who should be tracked and killed if an arrest was not possible.
The Cradock Four were not among them, he said. Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkonto, three of them teachers, were abducted by police at a roadblock and killed. Their bodies were found burned, in one of the apartheid era’s most shocking cases.
De Kock testified that one of the police officers implicated in the killings had asked him to help assist with a cover-up.
“He wanted to know if I could get another firearm,” de Kock said, adding that he was asked “if we could interfere with the ballistics.”
De Kock, the commander of a special counterinsurgency police unit during apartheid, was sentenced in 1996 to two life terms and another 212 years in prison after being convicted of murder, kidnapping and other charges for his role in abducting, torturing and killing activists. He was released on parole in 2015.
Now 77, de Kock was given a police guard to a court in the southern city of Gqeberha, where the Cradock Four were killed. His image was blurred on the official video broadcast after the judge ruled that he not be shown, according to the Foundation for Human Rights, which is representing some of the victims’ families.
Two inquiries into the case conducted during apartheid were widely suspected of being cover-ups. One that started in 1987 found the men were killed by unknown people. The other that began in 1993, found that they were killed by unnamed police officers.
The latest inquiry started last year after families’ pressure. The six former policemen implicated in the killings were never prosecuted despite being identified and denied amnesty during South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation process in the late 1990s. All six have died.
South African authorities have reopened other investigations into apartheid atrocities in recent years. They include the 1967 death of Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Luthuli, the 1981 killing of lawyer Griffiths Mxenge and the 1977 death in police custody of iconic anti-apartheid figure Steve Biko.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last year ordered a separate inquiry to establish whether post-apartheid governments led by his party intentionally blocked investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes.
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AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
Sub shop ‘Day of Giving’ sales all support Special Olympics
AGAINST SAINT JOSEPH’S IS SET FOR TOMORROW AT 7 P.M. AT THE PIT. COMING UP ON WEDNESDAY, YOU CAN GRAB A SUB AND HELP ATHLETES FROM NEW MEXICO. JERSEY MIKE’S WILL DONATE 100% OF SALES TO SUPPORT THE 2026 SPECIAL OLYMPICS. U.S. GAMES. BEING ABLE TO GET THESE GUYS, YOU KNOW, I MEAN THAT LIVE, WALK AND BREATHE JUST LIKE US AND MAKE A CHANGE IN THEIR LIFE OR IN THE COMMUNITY THAT SURROUNDS US THAT, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T REALLY KNOW ABOUT IS VERY HEARTWARMING. AND, YOU KNOW, FOR YOU, YOU KNOW, SPECIAL OLYMPICS HERE IN NEW MEXICO, IT GETS A LOT OF LOVE. NOW THROUGHOUT THE MONTH, CUSTOMERS HAVE ALSO BEEN ROUNDING UP AND MAKING DONATIONS AS PART OF THE 16TH ANNUAL MONTH OF GIVING FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN. ALL 12 JERSEY MIKE’S LOCATIONS HERE IN NEW MEXICO WILL DONATE EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR IN SALES, NOT JUST PROFIT, TO T
Sub shop ‘Day of Giving’ sales all support Special Olympics
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held from June 20-26 in Minnesota.
The folks behind the counters at Jersey Mike’s in New Mexico have a special place in their hearts for the Special Olympics, and this Wednesday they will demonstrate just how deep their love is. In the midst of the company’s nationwide “Month of Giving,” they will have a “Day of Giving.” That means 100% of their sales on March 25 will support the 2026 Special Olympics U.S. Games being held June 20-26 in Minnesota with 4,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches competing, as well as 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. Some of the athletes from New Mexico will be coming to Jersey Mike’s in Albuquerque on the “Day of Giving,” said district manager Luciano Lopez.”Not every day you get to meet an Olympian,” Luciano said. “Not only that, but if they’re from the same state that you are, it touches a little bit different. You know what I mean? It gets people involved a little bit more, which is great.”James Tanthianes, one of the athletes who will be representing New Mexico at the games, said he can just imagine what it will be like.”Just going out there, seeing all those people playing hard and playing with their hearts,” Tanthianes said.”I play for the Albuquerque Dukes, too, and we’re competing around now playing volleyball.”Throughout the 16th annual “Month of Giving” campaign, customers at all 12 Jersey Mike’s locations in the Land of Enchantment have also been rounding up their orders to benefit the Olympiad in June.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
The folks behind the counters at Jersey Mike’s in New Mexico have a special place in their hearts for the Special Olympics, and this Wednesday they will demonstrate just how deep their love is.
In the midst of the company’s nationwide “Month of Giving,” they will have a “Day of Giving.” That means 100% of their sales on March 25 will support the 2026 Special Olympics U.S. Games being held June 20-26 in Minnesota with 4,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches competing, as well as 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states.
Some of the athletes from New Mexico will be coming to Jersey Mike’s in Albuquerque on the “Day of Giving,” said district manager Luciano Lopez.
“Not every day you get to meet an Olympian,” Luciano said. “Not only that, but if they’re from the same state that you are, it touches a little bit different. You know what I mean? It gets people involved a little bit more, which is great.”
James Tanthianes, one of the athletes who will be representing New Mexico at the games, said he can just imagine what it will be like.
“Just going out there, seeing all those people playing hard and playing with their hearts,” Tanthianes said.”I play for the Albuquerque Dukes, too, and we’re competing around now playing volleyball.”
Throughout the 16th annual “Month of Giving” campaign, customers at all 12 Jersey Mike’s locations in the Land of Enchantment have also been rounding up their orders to benefit the Olympiad in June.
KELLY OSBOURNE Breaks Off Her Engagement With SLIPKNOT’S SID WILSON
There’s been a massive amount of comments being made about Kelly Osbourne over the last few months, since the death of her father, Ozzy Osbourne. A lot of these comments were surrounding her body image with people’s criticisms masked as ‘concerns,’ however many people seem to forget how ruthless tabloids were to young Kelly Osbourne and her body image then – what makes people think that will create a healthy relationship with your body as you grow older? Just curious.
So, why don’t people stop commenting on body-related issues we quite frankly know nothing about. Yes, there is a certain amount of concern because it’s a noticeable change since her father passed away, but good lord, I’m sure the woman has a therapist and sizeable team of mental health professionals at her disposal.
And in the same breath, tabloids like TMZ and Daily Mail are reporting that Kelly Osbourne has broken off her engagement “as she continues to struggle with the death of her father,” an anonymous source told Daily Mail. Wilson and Osbourne have been friends for nearly 30 years and were together for nearly five, sharing a three year old son together – Wilson made headlines for proposing to Osbourne backstage at the Back To The Beginning show.
The source went on to say: “In truth, she and Sid have been facing challenges in their relationship for some time, and things were not as they appeared.
“They tried to make it work, particularly for the sake of their child, but ultimately decided that separating is the best path forward.
“Kelly has endured a great deal over the past year. Despite everything, she remains sober and is now focusing on herself and her role as a mother moving ahead.”
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Opinion | The EU Trips Itself Up in the AI Race
Its overregulation threatens the Continent’s economy and security—and the West’s prospects against China.
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Aaron Rodgers Steelers timeline: Latest news, updates on 2026 decision
Another offseason, another round of speculation about Aaron Rodgers‘ NFL future. Like his predecessor (Brett Favre) in Green Bay two decades earlier, the tail end of Rodgers’ career has been defined, at least in part, by uncertainty — offseasons that, so far, have ended with him returning for one more year in what will ultimately be a Hall of Fame career.
Rodgers, 42, is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal. In his first year with the Steelers, he played well enough to help Pittsburgh win 10 games and capture its first division title since 2020. His performance was even more impressive considering he played the final six games with multiple fractures in his left wrist. The Steelers went 4-2 in those games, with the second loss a season-ending defeat to the Texans in the AFC wild-card round — extending Pittsburgh’s playoff win drought to nine seasons.
Immediately after the season ended, Rodgers expressed appreciation for the Steelers while confirming he would once again take time during the offseason before deciding on 2026. Two months later, he still appears to be weighing his options.
While no decision has been made, here’s a rundown of what has transpired between Rodgers and the Steelers this offseason.
Jan. 24: Steelers hire Rodgers’ former coach to replace Mike Tomlin
After Mike Tomlin stepped down as Steelers coach, it initially appeared Rodgers’ time in Pittsburgh was over. Steelers president Art Rooney II all but said as much during his first press conference following Tomlin’s departure.
That quickly changed when the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ longtime coach in Green Bay. McCarthy and Rodgers spent 13 seasons together, including 11 with Rodgers as the starter. Their success included a Super Bowl win (at Pittsburgh’s expense), a 15-1 season, and three NFC title game appearances.
While Rooney said the hire wasn’t made to facilitate a reunion, he did leave the door open for Rodgers to return for another season.
“We’ll see where Aaron is, and we’ve left the door open, but obviously we all have to sit down and see if that makes sense,” Rooney said. “But the decision was made based on Mike being the coach we want, and it really had very little to do with whether Aaron is going to be back or not.”
Jan. 27: McCarthy would ‘definitely’ welcome Rodgers reunion
McCarthy expressed interest in working with Rodgers again during his introductory press conference and said he had spoken with him shortly after getting the job.
“Definitely. I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” McCarthy said. “I have spoken to Aaron, and so that’s really where we are there. I was able to sit back and watch the games. I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
While open to a reunion, McCarthy also said he’s eager to evaluate Will Howard, who missed valuable preseason reps last year after suffering an early training camp injury.
“He’s someone that really came on there at Ohio State,” McCarthy said of Howard, who helped lead the Buckeyes to a national title in 2024. “I’m anxious to work with him.”
Feb. 27: Steelers GM says ‘door’s open’ for Rodgers’ return
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Steelers general manager Omar Khan echoed Rooney and McCarthy, saying the door remains open for Rodgers.
Khan also emphasized the team’s commitment to finding a long-term answer at quarterback. The Steelers have been linked to several top prospects, including Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a projected late first- or early second-round pick. Pittsburgh holds a league-high 12 picks, including Nos. 21 and 35 overall.
“I’ve had conversations with him,” Khan said of Rodgers. “I spoke to him last week. Mike McCarthy has spoken to him. He knows how we feel about him. Right now, we’re proceeding. … He’s a free agent, and he’s not on the roster, but he knows how we feel about him.”
Khan added that he doesn’t expect the situation to drag out as long as it did last year, when Rodgers didn’t officially join the team until June 6.
March 4: Rodgers updates status with Steelers
Rodgers offered an update on “The Pat McAfee Show,” saying the Steelers had not made him a formal contract offer and reiterating that he remains a free agent.
“There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” Rodgers said. “There’s no contract offer or anything. So there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between.
“I’m a free agent, and I’m enjoying my time with my wife and this part of the offseason. I think there are conversations to be had down the line, but right now, there haven’t been any progressive conversations.”
March 23: Steelers reportedly still want Rodgers back
Despite the lack of a formal offer, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pittsburgh still wants Rodgers back for 2026. While he acknowledged it’s surprising the Steelers haven’t made Rodgers a formal offer yet, Schefter believes they’re simply waiting on his decision.
With Kyler Murray now in Minnesota and Malik Willis in Miami, Pittsburgh remains Rodgers’ most likely landing spot if he signs before the season. Retirement or waiting for another opportunity also remain possibilities.
For now, the Steelers appear content to continue the waiting game, with Howard as a potential fallback if Rodgers doesn’t return. Another — albeit unlikely — option is former Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, who was released by the Falcons earlier this month.
March 23: New Steelers addition weighs in on Rodgers
If Rodgers returns, he’ll have a new weapon in Michael Pittman Jr., acquired in a trade with the Colts earlier this month. Pittman gives Pittsburgh a long-coveted complementary receiver alongside DK Metcalf, who drew heavy defensive attention last season.
Pittman said he hasn’t spoken with Rodgers yet but believes he’ll get the chance to catch passes from the four-time MVP this season.
“I’m trying to give him space,” Pittman told Kay Adams. “I think that he wants to play. Just knowing Aaron prior to this, I think that he’s gonna try to play as long as he can. He’s a beast.”
Woman who sued Bill Cosby for sexual battery awarded $19.2 million
A woman who accused Bill Cosby of sexually abusing her more than five decades ago was awarded $19.2 million by a Southern California civil jury Monday, an attorney for the plaintiff said.
Punitive damages are still pending in the 2023 lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Santa Monica by Donna Motsinger, who accused him of sexual battery, alleging that he abused a server whom he met at a Northern California restaurant in 1972.
Cosby, 88, denied the allegations. In a statement, a former representative for Cosby said he was “deeply saddened” by the verdict, which he said sets a dangerous precedent “to allow decade-old allegations, presented without evidence or proof, to stand.”
Cosby was convicted in a separate case in Pennsylvania on three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault in 2018, after prosecutors charged him with drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.
That case was overturned in 2021 after the state Supreme Court vacated the sentence, finding he was denied protection against self-incrimination.
Cosby asserted his innocence in that case, saying he never “changed my stance or my story.”
Albuquerque Isotopes show off new uniforms for 'Green Chile Cheeseburger Nights'
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — The Albuquerque Isotopes will show off some fresh looks this upcoming season. On Monday, the Isotopes revealed new hats and jerseys for their “Green Chile Cheeseburgers” alternate identity. The Isotopes will be wearing the uniforms for two cheeseburger themed nights on May 16 and July 25. Post-game fireworks shows are scheduled for […]
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See Who Stayed and Who Went Home
Season 24 of American Idol is getting serious. With live shows looming, here is who is left on America’s post popular singing reality show.
- Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie returned as judges for Season 24 of American Idol.
- New episodes air on Monday nights at 8PM ET on ABC.
- Jamal Roberts won Season 23 of American Idol.
The ages of the remaining contestants range from 15 (Abayomi) to 29 years old (Kyndal Inskeep and Keyla Richardson). It’s a pretty well-mixed group with a strong collection of genres and backgrounds represented.
Tennessee, Florida and California are three states with two Top 20 finalists apiece, but Baltimore may be the single most-represented city. Both Brooks and Rae hail from the area.
As far as country goes, Lucas Leon and Kutter Bradley seem most committed to the genre but that could change with each new round. Sometimes an artist waits to reveal his/her true influences.
Related: 12 American Idol Stars Who’ve Died
Who Went Home on American Idol?
The short answer is nobody went home on American Idol, yet. The Top 20 American Idol contestants for Season 24 were revealed on March 10 and nothing changed the following week.
The Top 12 are expected to be revealed by the end of the March 30 episode.
American Idol Season 24 Schedule:
Feb. 23 — Hollywood Week in Music City – Part 1 March 2 — Hollywood Week in Music City – Part 2 March 9 — ‘Ohana Round March 16 — Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort In Hawaii, Part 1
March 23 — Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort In Hawaii, Part 2
March 30 — Songs of Faith (LIVE)
Who’s Left on American Idol?
A full list of who is still competing on American Idol can be found below. This list will be updated after each elimination round of American Idol.
Remaining ‘American Idol’ Contestants: Season 24
Who’s left on American Idol, Season 24? Here are the Top 20 contestants left ahead of the March 23, 2026, premiere of the show on ABC.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
Opinion | Hawks and Doves Got Iran Wrong
The war turns out to be both harder and more necessary than Americans expected.
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