SAN DIEGO (AP) — All-Star center fielder Jackson Merrill started paying immediate dividends on the $135 million, nine-year contract he and the San Diego Padres finalized on April 2. A few hours after the ink dried on the contract that covers 2026-34, Merrill hit a two-run home run with two outs in the third inning […]
Associated Press
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Death toll from the wildfires that tore through the Los Angeles area reaches 30
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nearly three months after two wildfires destroyed thousands of homes in the Los Angeles area, officials said the death toll from the blazes had reached 30. A team responded on April 2 following a report of possible human remains at a scorched property in Altadena, within the Eaton Fire burn zone, […]
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Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65. Kilmer died on April 1 in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes […]
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MLB’s average salary tops $5 million for first time, AP study shows
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball’s average salary broke the $5 million barrier on opening day for the first time, according to a study by The Associated Press. The New York Mets, with Juan Soto’s record $61.9 million pay, led MLB for the third straight opening day with a $322.6 million payroll, just ahead […]
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Jackson Merrill and Padres agree to $135 million, 9-year contract for 2026-34
SAN DIEGO (AP) — All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres agreed on April 2 to a $135 million, nine-year contract covering 2026-34. Merrill’s deal includes a $30 million team option for 2035 that would convert to a player option if he has a top five finish in MVP voting at any point […]
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Joe Harris, believed to be the oldest surviving WWII paratrooper, has died
Sgt. Joe Harris, believed to be the oldest surviving World War II paratrooper and a member of the U.S. Army’s first all-Black parachute infantry battalion, has died. He was 108. Harris died March 15 in a hospital in Los Angeles surrounded by family, grandson Ashton Pittman told The Associated Press. He will be honored with […]
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Brandon Vázquez, Jon Gallagher help Austin deal expansion-side San Diego first loss with 2-1 victory
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Brandon Vázquez and defender Jon Gallagher scored early goals, and Brad Stuver made them stand up as Austin FC handed expansion-side San Diego FC its first loss with a 2-1 victory at Q2 Stadium on March 30. Vázquez notched his first goal of the season with his new club, giving Austin […]
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New Mexico taps UC San Diego’s Eric Olen to replace Richard Pitino
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico hired UC San Diego’s Eric Olen on March 30 as its next basketball coach. Olen will replace Richard Pitino, who left to become Xavier’s coach on March 25. “Eric is a proven winner with an incredible track record,” New Mexico athletic director Fernando Lovo said in a statement. “Beyond […]
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Pivetta brilliant in debut for Padres, who beat Braves 5-0 for 4-game sweep
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Nick Pivetta threw seven innings of one-hit ball in a brilliant debut with the Padres and Manny Machado returned to the lineup and hit an RBI double as San Diego beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0 on March 30 to sweep a season-opening, four-game series. The Padres are 4-0 for the first […]
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Gavin Sheets, Jackson Merrill key Padres’ big 7th-inning rally past Braves 7-4 on opening day
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets’ tying homer kicked off the Padres’ four-run rally in the seventh inning, Jackson Merrill drove in four runs and San Diego beat the Atlanta Braves 7-4 on March 27 for opening day. Fernando Tatís Jr. had three hits, while Luis Arraez and Manny Machado added seventh-inning RBIs in […]
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Pochettino believes US has time to fix its problems after crashing out of CONCACAF Nations League
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mauricio Pochettino offered an Americanism after the United States’ second straight dismal loss in the CONCACAF Nations League. “If we would be today in this situation in one year time, for sure, I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem, no?’ SOS,” the Argentine coach said after the 2-1 loss […]
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Padres’ Yu Darvish to start season on injured list with elbow inflammation
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish will start the season on the injured list because of inflammation in his right elbow, manager Mike Shildt said on March 21. Shildt said there is no timetable for Darvish’s return but the team is confident Darvish will be back in the rotation following rest […]
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Chargers sign tight end Tyler Conklin to 1-year deal
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers signed veteran tight end Tyler Conklin on March 21. His agent Mike McCartney said on social media that it’s a one-year deal. Conklin is one of four players at his position with over 50 catches and 400 receiving yards in each of his last four seasons. […]
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US men look no closer to World Cup goals after Panama’s 1-0 upset win in CONCACAF Nations League
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mauricio Pochettino took over the U.S. men’s national team last year with the goal of getting it ready to thrive at its home World Cup in 2026. Six months into Pochettino’s project, the Americans don’t appear to be any closer to that goal after getting stunned yet again by plucky Panama.The […]
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Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy returns to Padres as special assistant to CEO
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jake Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner and member of the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame, has joined the team as special assistant to CEO Erik Greupner. Greupner said the three-time All-Star will assist multiple departments and serve as a team ambassador. “I’m incredibly appreciative of this opportunity […]
Posted inNavy
Hegseth beefs up warship presence in the Middle East and will have 2 aircraft carriers in the region
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a rare move, is beefing up the Navy warship presence in the Middle East, ordering two aircraft carriers to be there next month as the U.S. increases strikes on the Yemen-based Houthi rebels, according to a U.S. official. It will be the second time in six months […]