Who's in Women's Sweet 16? Updated NCAA Tournament bracket, schedule

The women's Sweet 16 is nearly here! However, each team still has one game to win before it can reach that critical juncture.

The Round of 32 began earlier Sunday with North Carolina vs. Maryland, a showdown that certainly lived up to the hype. It likely won't be the last in this round to do so, though. With 16 games, there's bound to be a few instant classics.

Here are the full results and remaining schedule the second round of the Women's NCAA Tournament:

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A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

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See best of March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities

A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's2026 NCAATournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

Who's in women's Sweet 16? Updates March Madness bracket

• No. 4 North Carolina (Fort Worth Region 1)

• No. 2 Michigan (Forth Worth Region 3)

• No. 4 Minnesota (Sacramento Region 2)

Women's Sweet 16 schedule, Sweet 16 locations

This section will be updated. All times Eastern.

The regional semifinals will take place on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 in Fort Worth, Texas and Sacramento, Calif.

Women's March Madness bracket update

*All times Eastern (ET)

Regional 1 - Forth Worth

• No. 1 UConn vs. No. 9 Syracuse; Monday, March 23, 6 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 4 North Carolina 74, No. 5 Maryland 66

• No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 6 Notre Dame; Monday, March 23, 4 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 2 Vanderbilt vs. No. 7 Illinois; Monday, March 23, 7 p.m. on ESPN2

Regional 4 - Sacramento

• No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 9 USC; Monday, March 23, 8 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 5 Michigan State; Sunday, March 22, 8 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 3 TCU vs. No. 6 Washington; Sunday, March 22, 10 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 2 Iowa vs. No. 10 Virginia; March 23, 2 p.m. on ESPN

Regional 2 - Sacramento

• No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 8 Oklahoma State; Monday, March 23, 10 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 4 Minnesota 64, No. 5 Ole Miss 63

• No. 3 Duke vs. No. 6 Baylor; Sunday, March 22; 4 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 2 LSU vs. No. 7 Texas Tech; Sunday, March 22; 3 p.m. on ABC

Regional 3 - Fort Worth

• No. 1 Texas vs. No. 8 Oregon; Sunday, March 22, 6 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 4 West Virginia vs. No. 5 Kentucky; Monday, March 23, 5 p.m. on ESPN2

• No. 3 Louisville vs. No. 6 Alabama; Monday, March 23, 12 p.m. on ESPN

• No. 2 Michigan 92, No. 7 NC State 63

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Women's Sweet 16 teams: March Madness bracket, schedule update

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Who's in Women's Sweet 16? Updated NCAA Tournament bracket, schedule

The women's Sweet 16 is nearly here! However, each team still has one game to win before it can reach that critica...

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Frozen Four 2026: NCAA men's hockey tournament bracket, full schedule, teams, regions, TV

As the men's and women'sNCAA basketball tournamentsprepare to enter their second weekend, the road to the Frozen Four is just beginning. The NCAA revealed its bracket for its 2026 men's hockey tournament on Sunday.

No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 North Dakota, No. 3 Michigan State and No. 4 Western Michigan each lead their own regional. Sixteen teams make up the full bracket.

Western Michigan is trying to repeat as champions. The Broncos entered last year's tournament also as the No. 4 seed. Big Ten champion Michigan is the top overall seed, after defeating rival Ohio State in the conference tournament final.

The regional semifinals start Thursday. The Frozen Four will be played in Las Vegas the second weekend in April.

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NCAA hockey tournament bracket

Worcester Regional

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• No. 3 Michigan State

• Dartmouth

• Wisconsin

• UConn

Sioux Falls Regional

• No. 2 North Dakota

• Providence

• Quinnipiac

• Merrimack

Albany Regional

• No. 1 Michigan

• Minnesota Duluth

• Penn State

• Bentley

Loveland Regional

• No. 4 Western Michigan

• Denver

• Cornell

• Minnesota State

NCAA hockey tournament schedule

Regional semifinals

Thursday, March 26TBD vs. TBD, 1:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)Providence vs. Quinnipiac, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)TBD vs. TBD, 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU, ESPN app, Fubo)No. 2 North Dakota vs. Merrimack, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)

Friday, March 27TBD vs. TBD, 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU, ESPN app, Fubo)No. 1 Michigan vs. Bentley, 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU, ESPN app, Fubo)TBD vs. TBD, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+)Minnesota Duluth vs. Penn State, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)

Regional finals

Saturday, March 28TBD vs. TBD, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)

Sunday, March 29TBD vs. TBD, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)TBD vs. TBD, 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)

Frozen Four

Thursday, April 9TBD vs. TBD, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)TBD vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)

Championship

Saturday, April 11TBD vs. TBD, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo)

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Frozen Four 2026: NCAA men's hockey tournament bracket, full schedule, teams, regions, TV

As the men's and women'sNCAA basketball tournamentsprepare to enter their second weekend, the road to the Frozen ...

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Lindsey Vonn shows off progress in gym 1 month after 2026 Olympics crash

Lindsey Vonnis continuing to regain her strength just over a month after a major crash at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

In a new Instagrampostshared over the weekend, the athlete is seen performing six unassisted pull-ups before lowering herself onto a step stool, returning to her crutches and fist-bumping her trainer to celebrate the milestone.

"First set of pull ups post surgery," she wrote in the caption. "Slowly getting there!"

Lindsey Vonn thanks doctor she says saved her leg from amputation after Olympics crash

Earlier this year, the decorated skier suffered back-to-back injuries. Vonntore the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in her left knee on Jan. 30 during a World Cup race in Switzerland. Then, on Feb. 8 at the Milan Cortina Games, shecrashedabout 13 seconds after starting the women's downhill event -- one of her specialties -- on the Olympia delle Tofane slope in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Following the Olympics crash, Vonn was airlifted by helicopter from the course to an Italian hospital. She also documented her return home, flying from Italy back to the United States before being transferred by ambulance to another hospital.

Vonn later shared that she suffered multiple serious injuries, including a complex tibia fracture, fibular head fracture, tibial plateau fracture and compartment syndrome in her leg. She said she underwent a six-hour surgery, including a fasciotomy, and later credited her doctor with saving her leg from amputation.

She said at the time that the injuries and recovery came with significant pain.

"I was really struggling. Pain was a little bit out of control, and I had a blood transfusion, and that helped me a lot," she said, adding that "it was definitely not the way I wanted to end my Olympics."

In aposton X last month, Vonn acknowledged the difficult days of recovery but said she is determined to push forward.

"Today was a hard day… my physical battle began the second I got hurt but the mental battle started today," she wrote. "...I do know hard days are coming but I will find a way back to the top of the mountain of life."

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Lindsey Vonn shows off progress in gym 1 month after 2026 Olympics crash

Lindsey Vonnis continuing to regain her strength just over a month after a major crash at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympi...

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Sarah Michelle Gellar Highlights the '90s Trends She Never Wants to See Make a Comeback (Exclusive)

Sarah Michelle Gellar shared her disdain for certain '90s trends at the SXSW premiere of Ready or Not 2

NEED TO KNOW

• In PEOPLE's cover story, Gellar talked about the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot that was scrapped, despite filming a pilot episode with director Chloé Zhao

• She stars in Ready or Not 2: Here I Come alongside Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton, now playing in theaters

Sarah Michelle Gellarwas a staple of the '90s thanks to her leading role onBuffy the Vampire Slayerand films likeI Know What You Did Last SummerandCruel Intentions. However, she doesn't want to bring everything from that era back.

Gellar, 48, opened up to PEOPLE at theReady or Not 2: Here I Comeworld premiere screening at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on Friday, March 13, about the resurgence of the decade in today's trends.

"Well, honestly, it's fashion and it's all back right now," she responded when asked if there were any '90s items she'd want to bring back.

Gellar then seemingly referenced the new hit FX seriesLove Story, which centers around Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (Sarah Pidgeon) and John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly)— the former of whom worked at Calvin Klein and is currently going viral as a style inspiration all over again. "So thank goodness I saved my Calvin Klein slip dresses," Gellar said. "Thank goodness."

Despite people returning to the decade for their style influence, Gellar also has things she hated fashion-wise. "I have two trends I never want to come back though, which are the eyebrows, the thin eyebrows, and chokers because they just cut your … no one should have no neck," she told PEOPLE.

Gellar also recently graced PEOPLE's cover, where she talked about her relationship withFreddie Prinze Jr.— as the two got married in 2002 and share daughter Charlotte, 16, and son Rocky, 13.

"Our running joke is that every year we have to look up when our anniversary is," she said about her husband. "Thankfully, People.com always reminds us!"

She also discussed thescrappedBuffy the Vampire Slayerreboot. Gellar had been working with directorChloé Zhaoon the project, but they were told the show wouldn't be moving forward on March 11.

"No one saw this coming," she explained, noting they had shot a pilot episode. "We had an executive on our show who was not only not a fan of the original, was proud to constantly remind us that they had never seen the entirety of the series and how it wasn't for them."

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"The fans are why I wanted to do it in the first place," she added. "To thank them, to show them and to be there for them, because that's whatBuffywas about.Buffywas about chosen family, and that you may feel like you don't belong in the world, but there's someone out there that sees you. And for me, it's always been about me seeing those fans."

Despite this, Gellar plans on staying positive and keeping her sights set on future projects. "I'm going to hold my head high and keep going," she told PEOPLE. "That's what Buffy Summers would do."

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Gellar plays Ursula Danforth inReady or Not 2: Here I Come, a sequel to the 2019 horror film. She stars alongsideSamara Weaving,Kathryn Newton,Shawn Hatosy,David CronenbergandElijah Wood.

"Moments after surviving an all-out attack from the Le Domas family, Grace (Weaving) discovers she's reached the next level of the nightmarish game — and this time with her estranged sister Faith (Newton) at her side," the movie synopsis states. "Grace has one chance to survive, keep her sister alive, and claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world. Four rival families are hunting her for the throne, and whoever wins rules it all."

The film's directors,Tyler GillettandMatt Bettinelli-Olpin, told PEOPLE that all of the cast "brought something genuinely special to their roles, and we're so thrilled with how scary, funny and bizarre this cast of characters are."

"We put a ton of love into this movie to make it a worthy sequel that we're hoping fans of the first movie — and people who are getting to know Grace for the first time — will really love," they added.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Comeis in theaters now.

Read the original article onPeople

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Sarah Michelle Gellar Highlights the '90s Trends She Never Wants to See Make a Comeback (Exclusive)

Sarah Michelle Gellar shared her disdain for certain '90s trends at the SXSW premiere of Ready or Not 2 NEE...

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Jenna Johnson Reveals the Married Pair She Wants to Join “Dancing with the Stars ”as Her and Husband Val's Partners

In a recent interview, Jenna Johnson looked ahead to future seasons of Dancing with the Stars and revealed which married couple she hopes to join the show one day

NEED TO KNOW

• The longtime pro also reflected on her favorite past partners, including JoJo Siwa, Adam Rippon and Joey Graziadei

• She credited her partners' enthusiasm and work ethic for their success on the show

Professional dancerJenna Johnsonhas spent over a decade lighting up the ballroom onDancing with the Stars.

Over the years, the 31-year-old has built a reputation for her energetic choreography and supportive coaching style. Along the way, she's also shared the experience with her husband, fellow proVal Chmerkovskiy, making the show both a career highlight and a family affair. While they've danced with many stars already, Johnson admits there are still a few dream contestants she'd love to see step onto the ballroom floor.

"I feel like I've been on theJason Kelcetrain for a minute," Johnson toldWoman's Worldin a recent interview. "I'm, like, 'How do we get him?' "

While the idea of watching the older Kelce brother trade his football gear for ballroom shoes is exciting, Johnson revealed that another celebrity has long topped her wish list. She admitted she has been "begging" forTaylor Lautnerto join the competition for years.

"I'm hoping one day he'll say yes. He could come in and do his backflips," Johnson joked. "His wife (also named Taylor Lautner)can come, too. They can be with me and Val. That would be iconic."

The pro dancer imagines the married duo joining her and Chmerkovskiy on the dance floor for a memorable season. For now, though, it's unclear which celebrities Johnson and her husband will be paired with when the ballroom lights turn on again.

During the conversation withWoman's World, Johnson also reflected on some of the standout celebrities she's partnered with over the years. Her time teaching stars on the show has included several memorable collaborations, but a few competitors remain especially meaningful to her.

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"JoJo SiwaandJoey Graziadeiare obviously two of my favorites. And then I have to throw inAdam Ripponin there as well," she said. "I think what made them so special for me as a partner was they were so open to the experience. They were incredible students, and so hungry to learn ballroom."

Johnson, who won the all-athlete Mirrorball Trophy with Rippon, an Olympic figure skater, during season 26 ofDancing with the Stars, told the outlet that enthusiasm and dedication make all the difference when it comes to helping a partner grow.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She pointed to her more recent run with Graziadei on season 33 as another example of a contestant who fully embraced the learning process, committed to improving week after week, and alsowent home the winner.

"Even with Joey from two seasons ago, anything that I asked him to do or threw at him, he was, 'Okay, yeah, sure.' He was just so open and willing, and I think it showed so many different sides of him," Johnson shared withWoman's World.

"People just fell in love with him being so vulnerable to the experience," she added. "Obviously, work ethic is a huge thing, and they all had that mindset that's what makes a successful partner. I've been really lucky to have some great ones."

Read the original article onPeople

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Jenna Johnson Reveals the Married Pair She Wants to Join “Dancing with the Stars ”as Her and Husband Val's Partners

In a recent interview, Jenna Johnson looked ahead to future seasons of Dancing with the Stars and revealed which married...

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Kurt Russell Reveals Why Leaving L.A. for Colorado Is Exciting for Him and Goldie Hawn

Kurt Russell opened up about why he and Goldie Hawn love leaving Hollywood for Colorado

NEED TO KNOW

• The couple shares a residence in Old Snowmass, Colo., which Kurt has said is his "favorite" property of several they own

• Kurt also revealed what he enjoys "most" about their log home, and opened up about why the longtime couple spends so much time there

Colorado isKurt Russell's happy place.

The 75-year-old actor opened up about why he enjoys ditching the bright lights of Hollywood for thebeloved log homehe shares in the state with longtime loveGoldie Hawnin a newFox Newsinterview tied to his new showThe Madison.

"What I enjoy most is that [Hawn] really likes it in Colorado," Kurt said, adding that it also helps that his sonWyatt Russelllives in the state with his wife,Meredith Hagner, and theiryoung children.

"Wyatt and Meredith and their two boys, they live in Colorado now. So we like to spend as much time there as we can," he added of himself and Hawn, 80.

The actor also compared his and Hawn's lifestyle — the longtime couple splits their time between several properties across the country — to the characters ofThe Madison, who travel between Los Angeles and Colorado.

"I'd like to be there more," Kurt told Fox News of Colorado. "And there's a different kind of life there. That's primarily it. I'd like to be able to spend as much time there as possible."

The Thingstar first moved to the state when he was 26 years old. He and Hawn moved into their property in Old Snowmass, a hamlet located northwest of Aspen, around a decade later — and it's his "favorite" of all of their properties, he told revealed earlier this month.

"Our Old Snowmass home is my favorite," Kurt toldThe Wall Street Journalof the residence, which he described as "a large, beautiful log-cabin lodge on a ranch that we moved into a little over 40 years ago."

"I like to wake up in bed each morning looking at the mountain out back," he added of the home. "I like to head down to the barn, saddle up a horse and ride. I also like zoning out in front of the living room fireplace."

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The couple owns a collective 70 acres of land between two adjoining properties in Aspen and Old Snowmass, per a 2016 report from theDenver Post. Hawn owns the 2,700-square-foot guesthouse while Kurt owns the 6,500-square-foot, eight-bedroom main residence.

Hawn's sonOliver Hudsonhaspreviously described the Colorado home as a "time capsule,"which his mom "refuses" to modernize.

While taking a video call onLive with Kelly and Ryanfrom the guest house that Hawn owns in 2022, Oliver, 49, explained, "Mom built this house first, and then my stepdad Kurt built the other house. So we lived here in 1985 for two years."

"It's a bit of a time capsule," he added of the house. "Those curtains that you see are like 30 years old, you know what I mean? Mom refuses to update, which, kind of, is great."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hawn and Kurt are one of the longest-standing couples in Hollywood,having been together since 1983.

Theyhave four children: Boston Russell, whom Kurt welcomed with ex-wife Season Hubley; Oliver andKate Hudsonfrom Goldie's previous relationship with Bill Hudson; and Wyatt, the couple's youngest, whom they welcomed together.

Including Wyatt's two sons, theyalso have eight grandchildren.

Read the original article onPeople

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Kurt Russell Reveals Why Leaving L.A. for Colorado Is Exciting for Him and Goldie Hawn

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Illegal immigrant charged with killing Loyola student released under Biden, DHS says

Theillegal immigrantcharged with the murder of Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman entered the U.S. during the Biden administration before being apprehended and released into the country, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Sunday.

DHS also confirmed that Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, had been previously arrested for shoplifting in Chicago, marking a prior criminal incident before the alleged murder.

He is being quarantined for a potentially contagious condition — possibly tuberculosis — according to Chicago Police Department sources.

A police source also told Fox News the shooting Thursday was an apparent ambush, with the gunman reportedly wearing a mask or face covering. Medina-Medina is believed to have been living inChicago's Rogers Park neighborhood.

Gov. Pritzker Ignored My Letter — After His Sanctuary Policies Killed My Daughter

Investigators have sincerecovered a firearmbelieved to be connected to the killing, sources said, and are awaiting the results of a gunshot residue test.

Read On The Fox News App

On Sunday, the Chicago Police Department formally charged Medina-Media with murder in the shooting of Gorman. In a statement, the department said Medina-Medina was currently facing six felony charges, including a count of first-degree murder.

The charges are one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm, and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, the department said.

DHS also said in a statement Sunday that Medina-Medina was first apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023, andreleased into the countryduring the Biden administration.

He was later arrested in Chicago on June 19, 2023, for shoplifting and released again — marking a prior criminal incident before the alleged murder.

Dhs Honors Illinois Woman Whose Corpse Was Allegedly Abused By Illegal Immigrant Freed Under Sanctuary Laws

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also announced it had lodged an arrest detainer and called on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago's sanctuary city leaders not to release Medina-Medina.

"Jose Medina-Medina was previously released after an arrest for shoplifting in Chicago," DHS said.

"Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before thiscold-blooded killerdecided to end her life," said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.

"We are calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker andChicago's sanctuary politiciansto commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail back into American neighborhoods."

The agency also pointed to broader concerns, noting that ICE has previously urgedIllinois officialsto honor detainers for thousands of criminal illegal aliens in state custody.

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Grieving Illinois Father Condemns Sanctuary 'Chaos,' Pleads For 'Common Sense' After Daughter's Death

As previously reported by Fox News Digital, Gorman, a freshman from Westchester County, New York, wasshot in the headafter a gunman approached her group of friends walking on the Chicago lakefront and opened fire.

As she attempted to flee, he shot her.  Gorman waspronounced deadat the scene, and no other injuries were reported.

The suspect was reportedly identified shortly after the shooting, in part due to a distinct limp, according tolocal records. The investigation remains ongoing.

One month before Medina-Medina was caught at the border and released into the U.S. in 2023, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified on Capitol Hill that theborder was secure. "It is my testimony that the border is secure," Mayorkas said.

Grieving Father Says Daughter's Death By Illegal Alien Shows Cost Of Sanctuary Policies

"We are again faced with the unbearable truth: our daughter's life was taken, and our family will never be the same," Sheridan Gorman's family said in a statement.

"Sheridan was the heart of our family. She had a rare ability to bring people together—to make others feel included, understood, and loved. She lived with intention, with faith, and with a kindness that defined who she was every single day. She was just beginning her journey, with so much ahead of her."

Gorman's family also said, "Three days ago, our lives were shattered in a way no family should ever have to endure."

Illinois Father Says Pritzker Shows 'Indifference' To His Daughter Being Killed By Illegal Immigrant

However, Alderwoman Maria Hadden suggested to Fox 32 Chicago the incident appeared to be a case of Sheridan Gorman being in the "wrong place at the wrong time."

Hadden said there was no indication of a broader threat, adding that "we don't believe there is cause for broader community concern."

"The kids were out doing normal things people do in the neighborhood," she said. "They may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, running into a person who had a gun."

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

"They might have unintentionally startled this person at the end of the pier," she added. "We don't believe there is cause for broader community concern," she assured.

Original article source:Illegal immigrant charged with killing Loyola student released under Biden, DHS says

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Illegal immigrant charged with killing Loyola student released under Biden, DHS says

Theillegal immigrantcharged with the murder of Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman entered the U.S. during ...

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Cuba begins restoring power after second grid collapse in a week

Cuba is restoring power to its national grid on Sunday, March 22, after the system collapsed for the second time in a week amid a U.S. oil blockade that has dealt a major blow to the island's ailing energy infrastructure.

The grid collapsed the evening of March 21 at 6:32 p.m. local time after a major power plant in Nuevitas, a municipality in the island's eastern province of Camagüey, failed and went offline, setting off a domino effect of power loss for the rest of the nation, the national power operator UNEsaid on social media.

The operator added that the island has set up microsystems of smaller, closed circuits throughout the provinces to route and ensure power for vital services such as hospitals, blood banks, water supply and food distribution.

A hotel remains lit by its own system during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026, after Cuba suffered a widespread power cut according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade.

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Millions without power after Cuba's electric grid fails

A hotel remains lit by its own system during a blackout inHavanaon March 16, 2026, after Cuba suffered a widespread power cut according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade.

Power has been slowly restored to other parts of the island outside the microsystems, including at two gas-fired power plants in Varadero and Boca de Jarucom, and an oil-fired plant in Santa Cruz. The island also fired up a boiler at the country's largest power plant, according to a recent social media update fromCuba's energy ministry.

The latest power outage comes as Cuba faces hardship, including multiple power outages, protests, and a lack of oil as a result of a U.S. blockade that has worsened the island's already outdated generation system.Cuba's national electric gridcollapsed on March 16, the second time in a month that has seen a series of outages, including one sparking a rare violent protest in the communist-run country.

Those issues are exacerbated by what critics describe as an effective oil blockade in recent months. The United States cut off the flow of Venezuelan oil to Cuba following the capture in January ofVenezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an ally of Cuba's regime, and threatened to impose tariffs on any country supplying it with fuel, contributing to shortages that have disrupted air travel, ground transportation and other essential services across Cuba.

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What is happening in Cuba?Economic struggles, US tensions explained

'Honor of taking Cuba'

Meanwhile, theTrump administrationin January declared a national emergency over Cuba, calling the country "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security.

PresidentDonald Trumphas set his sights on Cuba in recent weeks and suggested on March 17 that the United States would be doing "something with Cuba" very soon, even as the nations are said to be in talks aimed atdefusing the crisis. Earlier in March, Trump said he believes he'll have "the honor of taking Cuba" and claimed he could "do anything [he wants]" with the country.

Both the United States and Cuba have confirmed they are in talks, with Cuba's top diplomat in Washington telling USA TODAYin an exclusive interviewon March 13 that Havana was engaged in "serious" and "sensitive" negotiations with the U.S. government. Neither side has provided details of the ongoing negotiations, though Trump has portrayed Cuba as desperate to make a deal.

Mass blackouts have occurred in Cuba before,including in 2024, and are often attributed to the country's outdated generation system, which depends on agingthermal power plants. The system uses about100,000 barrels of oila day for essential services.

Contributing: Reuters

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Cuba begins recovery efforts after second grid collapse in a week

byAlex Forten

in

March 22, 2026

Cuba begins restoring power after second grid collapse in a week

Cuba is restoring power to its national grid on Sunday, March 22, after the system collapsed for the second time in a wee...

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