Struggling Rockies snap five-game skid, avoid setting new record for worst start in modern era

Struggling Rockies snap five-game skid, avoid setting new record for worst start in modern era

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies got a win on Thursday and avoided reaching a new low and setting the record for the worst start in the modern era. Orlando Arcia's two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inninggave the Rockies an 8-7 winover the San Francisco Giants. It moved Colorado's record to 13-55 — tied with the 1932 Boston Red Sox for the worst. That Red Sox team also won its 68th game. The Rockies are aware of the record, but it is not something they dwell on. "We look at it," Ryan McMahon said. "I know it to a 'T.' I think we all do, man." After a 9-50 start, the Rockies have made some recent headway under interim manager Warren Schaeffer. They are 4-5 in their last nine after breaking a five-game losing streak. "I think we are just playing better baseball," said McMahon, who drew a walk in the ninth inning and scored the winning run. "As long as you focus on that when you are out in the field, the record takes care of itself. We can't get it all back in one day. We have to take it pitch by pitch, day by day." The poor start was "bad, man," he continued. "I think that almost made it a little bit easier, because you don't want to think about it. You want to just focus on what you are doing every day when you get here and keep trying to win more games. "To do what we did today, not give up, keep fighting. I think overall, that's just big. You can look back at that. You can remember we've come back from situations like this before and that It kind of helps you keep going." Arcia has been part of winning organizations in Milwaukee and Atlanta in his 10-year career, and has played in the postseason each of the last seven years. "We're not focusing on what happened in the past," said Arcia, acquired May 28 after being released by Atlanta. "We're taking it day by day. We're just trying to look to the future. I told my people I came here to do a job, and to come out and play and help this team win however I can." ___ AP MLB:https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

Struggling Rockies snap five-game skid, avoid setting new record for worst start in modern era

Struggling Rockies snap five-game skid, avoid setting new record for worst start in modern era DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies got a win ...

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Scottie Scheffler has frustrating day at the US Open to fall 7 shots off the pace

Scottie Scheffler has frustrating day at the US Open to fall 7 shots off the pace

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) —Scottie Schefflerkept coming back to the same answer when asked in different ways how a day that began with optimism at the U.S. Open turned into a 5 1/2-hour slog that left him well off the front page of the leaderboard. "I've probably got to give myself a few more looks," the world's top-ranked player said Thursday after a 3-over 73 left him seven shots behindfront-runner J.J. Spaun. Scheffler was talking about looks for reasonable birdie putts. Those didn't happen nearly enough during 5 1/2 often arduous hours at Oakmont. As for plain old "looks," however, well the three-time major winner had those in abundance. Looks of frustration, like when his drive on the par-5 12th landed in the middle of a fairway that slopes massively from left to right and kept rolling, and rolling, and rolling until it was in the first cut of the course's signature ankle-deep rough. Looks of bafflement, like when his 6-foot par putt at the par-3 13th slid by, causing him to put his hand over his mouth and turn to caddie Ted Scott as if to say, "What just happened?" Looks of anger, like when his wedge from 83 yards on the easy (by Oakmont standards) par-4 14th landed 40 feet past the hole. Scheffler slammed the club into the ground before collecting himself to two-putt. Looks of annoyance. When his 12-foot birdie attempt at the par-4 17th lipped out, Scheffler bent over, pressed his hands on his knees and appeared to sigh before standing back up. That doesn't even include what he described as "sloppy" bogeys on the par-4 third and par-5 fourth, when he found the sand off the tee. It added up to tying his worst opening round in a major ever. He did that at the 2021 Masters, a year before he began a run of dominance not seen since Tiger Woods' prime two decades ago. Heck, he even managed a 1-under 69 at Oakmont as a 19-year-old amateur in 2016. Nine years later, Scheffler's life is very different. When he walked out of the scoring area in the late spring twilight, toddler son Bennett and wife Meredith and other members of his family were waiting. The course, however, remains the same physically and mentally draining task it has always been. There's a reason Scheffler teed off at 1:25 p.m. and didn't tap in for par on 18 until 6:52 p.m. even though there wasn't a hint of rain, or wind or any other external factors to gum up the works. There was only Oakmont being Oakmont. The fairways that Spaun navigated to a 4-under 66 in the morning dried up throughout the kind of muggy, sun-baked day that's been uncommon during Western Pennsylvania's very cool and very wet spring. Scheffler only made two putts over 10 feet, none over the final seven holes and three-putted the par-3 13th. How? He has no idea. Yet he also knows one middling round doesn't necessarily ruin his chances of winning the third leg of the grand slam. Play a little "sharper" in the second round, and he thinks he might be in a better position come the weekend. "When you're playing these types of tests that are this challenging, there's usually still a way to score," he said. He might to find them sooner rather than later. In each of Scheffler's 16 PGA Tour victories, he found himself inside the top 30 after 18 holes. He'll be outside that number when he puts his tee in the ground at No. 10 on Friday morning to start his second round. "I'll clean up some of those mistakes, a couple three putts and stuff like that," he said. "And I think tomorrow will be a better day." ___ AP golf:https://apnews.com/hub/golf

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

Scottie Scheffler has frustrating day at the US Open to fall 7 shots off the pace

Scottie Scheffler has frustrating day at the US Open to fall 7 shots off the pace OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) —Scottie Schefflerkept coming back to th...

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The longest-serving legislative leader in US history will be sentenced on corruption charges

The longest-serving legislative leader in US history will be sentenced on corruption charges

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Michael Madigan's stunning political collapse is expected to culminate Friday when thelongest-serving legislative leaderin U.S. history is sentenced on federalbribery, conspiracy and wire fraudconvictions tied to a scheme to push legislation in exchange for jobs and contracts for his associates. The former Illinois House speaker was convicted in February on 10 of 23 counts in a remarkable corruption trial thatlasted four months. The case churned through 60 witnesses and mountains of documents, photographs andtaped conversations. Madigan will appear in U.S. District Court Friday in Chicago, where Judge John Robert Blakey will determine his sentence. Federalprosecutors are seeking a 12 1/2-year prison term. Madigan'sattorneys are seeking probation, contending the government's sentence would "condemn an 83-year-old man to die behind bars for crimes that enriched him not one penny." During alegislative career that spanned a half-century, Madigan served nearly four decades as speaker, the longest on record for a U.S. legislator. Combined with more than 20 years as chairperson of the Illinois Democratic Party, he set much of the state's political agenda while handpicking candidates for political office. More often than not, he also controlled political mapmaking, drawing lines to favor his party. Meanwhile, prosecutors said, the Chicago Democrat built a private legal career that allowed him to amass a net worth of $40 million. Madigan was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges for ensuring approval of legislation favorable to utility giant ComEd in exchange for kickbacks and jobs and contracts for loyalists, including a Chicago alderman seeking a paid job on a state board after retiring from government. The jury deadlocked on six counts, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, and acquitted him on seven others. "Madigan'scriminal activity spanned nearly a decadeand was particularly egregious because it involved efforts to enrich himself — both by maintaining his political power by securing do-nothing jobs for his political allies and by attempting to line his own pockets with legal business," prosecutors wrote in a court filing. "In so doing, Madigan served his own personal interests and not the interests of Illinoisans." Defense lawyers called the government's recommended sentence "draconian" and, given Madigan's age, a life sentence. They asked Blakey to consider the totality of Madigan's life and work and the need to care for his wife in requesting a sentence of five years' probation, with one year of home confinement, a requirement to perform community service and a "reasonable fine." In a video submitted to the court, Madigan's wife, Shirley, asks for a sentence of probation, explaining that Madigan is her caregiver and she would have to seek outside help if he is imprisoned. And, she says, "I'm a part of him." "There's some days I keep him going," Shirley Madigan says on the video. "He keeps me going sometimes, too, but I think that the impact that I have on him has been much, much larger." The court received more than 200 letters of support for Madigan, many from constituents, friends, leaders of nonprofits and other organizations that interact with the state. Some noted asking him for help just once. Most lauded him for dedication, integrity or a personal touch. "Mike Madigan is a good man who has selflessly done an exceptional amount of good for others," his lawyers wrote in a separate filing. "He is widely respected for his dedication to honesty and integrity." Tried alongside Madigan was his former legislative colleague and longtime confidant, Michael McClain. The jury couldn't reach a decision on any of the six counts against McClain. He was convicted, though, in a separate trial over the ComEd conspiracy last year.

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

The longest-serving legislative leader in US history will be sentenced on corruption charges

The longest-serving legislative leader in US history will be sentenced on corruption charges SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Michael Madigan's ...

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House Republicans spar with Democratic governors in tense immigration hearing

House Republicans spar with Democratic governors in tense immigration hearing

House Republicans clashed with three Democratic governors over immigration policies during a testy hearing Thursday that served as a broader forum for one of President Donald Trump's landmark issues amid the breakout ofanti-deportation protestsin California and across the country. Over the course of an hourslong hearing convened by the House Oversight Committee on so-called sanctuary state policies, Republican lawmakers repeatedly accused those three blue-state leaders — Govs. Kathy Hochul of New York, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Tim Walz of Minnesota — of bearing responsibility for the deaths and abuse of people who were killed or assaulted by immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally. The three governors defended themselves, frequently and forcefully pointing out that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility — not a state one — and at times suggested that Republicans on the panel were creating a political spectacle to impress Trump. House Democrats led the criticism of Trump directly, with some calling him a "gangster" or a "dictator" and others lambasting his decision to deploy National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to maintain control of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Conservatives have said sanctuary lawsrefer to policies that prevent local authorities from being compelled to participatein federal immigration enforcement. Trump has in his second term signed multiple executive orders that target such cities and states, including one that withholds federal funds. The hearing got off to a hostile start, with Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the panel's chair, kicking off his opening statement by declaring that the three governors — as well as other Democratic leaders — were running "sanctuary cities and states" that were "siding with illegal aliens." Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., the ranking Democrat on the committee, hit back in his opening statement by comparing several recent ICE actions to moves conducted by the "Gestapo" — referring to the secret police in Nazi Germany. During a particularly tense exchange, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., asked Hochul, "Do you go along with the strategy from the Biden administration, which massively expanded immigration protocols that overwhelmed your city and overwhelmed your state?" "We call for secure borders," Hochul interjected, prompting Donalds to retort, "I never remember you calling for secure borders at all, governor." "You're putting a federal problem on our laps. And know what? It gets old after a while," Hochul responded. "I wish you would just do your job." At one point, Walz attempted to take a more conciliatory tone, while also pointing out that immigration enforcement remains a federal duty. "No one here wants to hear these horrific stories. But we have a job to do on limited resources," Walz said. He added that it was a mistake for Republicans to say "that not doing ICE's job means we're not cooperating." "Nothing we do precludes them from doing their job," Walz said. "We have the responsibility of the American public to work together, and I think threatening arrests on elected officials … doesn't help any of us." (Trump has suggested he would support the arrestof California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.) The hearing also featured numerous distinctly political moments. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.,who is considering a run for governor of New York, is not a member of the committee, but Comer allowed several lawmakers to join in on the questioning. Stefanik used the opportunity to attack Hochul, repeatedly bringing up instances of undocumented immigrants committing crimes in the state, saying that they were emblematic of "Kathy Hochul's New York." "No amount of words is going to clean up your failed record, and these horrific crimes committed in the sanctuary state that you created," Stefanik said. In what at times resembled potential campaign messaging, Stefanik said, "We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers, who doesn't put illegals first, but actually puts New Yorkers first." Hochul hit back by saying that Stefanik was simply "going after the viral moment." It was just one of several examples where a questioner on Thursday's panel was running for higher office. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., is running for U.S. Senate, for example, while Donalds and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., are both running for governor in their states next year. In addition, Walz and Pritzker are viewed as potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates. Both in recent weeks havetaken steps to limit government-funded health care coveragefor undocumented immigrants, a potential move to the right on the broader issue of immigration. The latter half of the hearing featured numerous Democrats seeking to introduce reports for the recorddocumenting the forcible removal of Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., from a news conference in Los Angeles after he tried to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., repeatedly pressed Comer and other Republicans to commit to subpoenaing Noem. "Just shut up," Comer replied, after moments of back-and-forth yelling. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said "Democrats can't follow the rules, can't follow the law" as Frost continued to demand Comer's attention. The hearing took a brief recess after that. Later in the hearing, Democrats played the clip of the incident. "I want to say to all of you, all of you on both sides, but particularly those on the Republican side, that I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States senator, who was thrown down, handcuffed and not allowed to ask a question of our secretary of homeland security," Pritzker said. Earlier, the hearing veered off track numerous times, with Republicans using the stage to pepper the governors with questions on topics that GOP lawmakers are investigating or that are popular with their conservative base. At one point, Comer asked Walz if he'd ever asked former Vice President Kamala Harris about former President Joe Biden's "cognitive decline." Walz, who ran on the Democratic Party's 2024 ticket with Harris, replied he had not, triggering Comer to press harder. At another point, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, asked Pritzker about whether he thought that "biological men should be able to use women's restrooms." Prtizker eventually replied, "So you're admitting that this is just a political circus." The three Democratic governors also slammed Trumpfor calling up the National Guard to respond to the protests in California, expressing concern that the move could be replicated in other states. Pritzker said, "When the president of the United States is calling up your National Guard over the top of local law enforcement, saying that they don't need it, that they have things under control, it tends to have an inflaming effect on what's going on on the ground." Hochul, for her part, said Trump's actions "absolutely undermine the sovereignty of individual states." "Undermining confidence in local law enforcement — you're basically saying that there's not a belief that the highly trained individuals of our municipal police departments ... can handle their jobs," she said. "This is an overreach of epic proportions."

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

House Republicans spar with Democratic governors in tense immigration hearing

House Republicans spar with Democratic governors in tense immigration hearing House Republicans clashed with three Democratic governors over...

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Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck is MVP, wins NHL's Hart, Vezina Trophy

Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck is MVP, wins NHL's Hart, Vezina Trophy

Winnipeg Jetsgoalie Connor Hellebuyck picked up a rare double when he won both the Vezina Trophy (outstanding goaltender) and the Hart Trophy, the NHL's MVP award. It's his second consecutive Vezina and third overall, but it's just the fourth time that a goaltender has won the Hart Trophy during the league's post-1967 expansion era. Hellebuyck, the top U.S. goalie at the 4 Nations Face-Off, led the NHL with 47 victories, tied for second most in league history, as the Jets captured the first Presidents' Trophy (top regular-season record) in franchise history. He gave up two or fewer goals in 40 of 63 appearances and led the league (minimum 25 games played) in goals-against average (2.00) and shutouts (eight). He finished second in save percentage (.925). The most recent goalies to win the Hart Trophy were Carey Price (2014-15), Jose Theodore (2001-02) and Dominik Hasek (1996-97 and 1997-98). Hellebuyck is the first repeat Vezina winner since Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Hellebuyck received 81 first-place votes and 1,346 total points in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl was runner-up with 53 first-place votes and 1,209 points. Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov (973 points) was the other finalist. Hellebuyck received 31 of 32 first-place Vezina votes from general managers. With 158 points, he topped Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy (80) and Los Angeles' Darcy Kuemper (33). Earlier in the day, Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) for the third time. He had 67 points in 81 games while having only four penalty minutes. Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player):Kucherov Jack Adams Award (coach):Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals Norris Trophy (defenseman):Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche Calder Trophy (rookie):Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens Selke Trophy (defensive forward):Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers Masterton Trophy (perseverance):Sean Monahan, Columbus Blue Jackets King Clancy Trophy (humanitarian contribution):Barkov Mark Messier Leadership Award: Alex Ovechkin, Capitals C Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado; LW Kyle Connor, Winnipeg; RW Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay; D Cale Makar, Colorado; D Zach Werenski, Columbus; G Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg C Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton; LW Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay; RW David Pastrnak, Boston; D Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay; D Quinn Hughes, Vancouver; G Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay G Dustin Wolf, Calgary; Ds Lane Hutson, Montreal and Denton Mateychuk, Columbus; Fs Macklin Celebrini, San Jose and Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim and Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Defensemen and forwards are listed alphabetically This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jets' Connor Hellebuyck is NHL MVP, wins Hart, Vezina Trophy

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck is MVP, wins NHL's Hart, Vezina Trophy

Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck is MVP, wins NHL's Hart, Vezina Trophy Winnipeg Jetsgoalie Connor Hellebuyck picked up a rare doubl...

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Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward released from jail after arrest on assault charge

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward released from jail after arrest on assault charge

Jimmie Ward, a safety for the Houston Texans, was arrested at his home in Texas on Thursday on a family violence felony assault charge, according to authorities. Ward, 33, was arrested following an incident at his home in Magnolia, Texas, on Thursday morning, according to a news release from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The assault family violence charge is a third-degree felony, according to authorities. "We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club," an NFL spokesman told ABC News. "We have no further comment at this time." Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of an assault at a home in a subdivision in Magnolia shortly after 4:30 a.m., according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The victim, Ward's fiancee, alleged that Ward assaulted, strangled and threatened her, the sheriff's office said. She filed for an emergency protective order, As of Thursday afternoon, Ward had posted bail at $30,000, according to Montgomery County Jail records. Ward spent the last two seasons with the Texans, playing 20 games and recording three interceptions and one touchdown during his time with the team. MORE: 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)' rapper Silentó sentenced to 30 years in cousin's murder, lawyer speaks out "We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward," the Texans' senior director of communications, Omar Majzoub, told ABC News. "We are gathering information and have no further comment at this time." Ward ended the 2024 season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The Houston Texans' defensive back had season-ending foot surgery after being carted off during the 27-19 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Dec 21, 2024. In 2023, after dealing with hip and hamstring injuries, the Texans also placed Ward on injured reserve. The Houston Texans signed Ward to a two-year contract worth $13 million in March 2023. The contract included $8.50 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4 million. Last August, the Houston Texans extended Ward's contract for one year at $10.5 million, including $8.75 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5.25 million. This upcoming season will be Ward's last under contract with the Texans before he becomes a free agent in 2026. ABC News reached out to Ward's agent, who declined to comment. Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward released from jail after arrest on assault chargeoriginally appeared onabcnews.go.com

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward released from jail after arrest on assault charge

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward released from jail after arrest on assault charge Jimmie Ward, a safety for the Houston Texans, was arrest...

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House Republicans vote to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR and PBS

House Republicans vote to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR and PBS

The Republican-led House voted 214-212 on Thursday to pass a proposal from President Donald Trump to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding. The "rescissions" package would claw back $8.3 billion for foreign aid and $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR and PBS. It is part of an effort by the White House to codify cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which was helmed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Four House Republicans — Mark Amodei of Nevada, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Nicole Malliotakis of New York and Mike Turner of Ohio — voted with 208 Democrats to reject the measure. Some GOP members flipped their votes from "no" to "yes" toward the end after realizing it wouldn't pass otherwise. Four Democrats and two Republicans missed the vote. Three Democratic-held seatsare vacantbecause of lawmaker deaths. Trump pushed Republicans to back the bill just ahead of the House vote, posting on social media, "The Rescissions Bill is a NO BRAINER, and every single Republican in Congress should vote, 'YES.' MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" After the vote, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called the package a start to restoring "fiscal discipline" in Washington. "Today's passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government, that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first," Johnson told reporters. "It's just one of the ways that Republicans are codifying DOGE findings and putting taxpayer dollars to better use. "There will be more of this in the days to come," he added. The package now heads to the Senate, where it isn't subject to the 60-vote threshold, meaning Republicans can pass it along party lines. Some Republicans, like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, have voiced concerns about cuts to PEPFAR — the Bush-era program to combat HIV/AIDS that has been credited with saving millions of lives in Africa. And Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska,has saidshe opposes cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, noting that parts of her state rely on it to meet important needs. "Not only would a large portion of Alaska communities lose their local programming, but warning systems for natural disasters, power outages, boil water advisories, and other alerts would be severely hampered," Murkowski said. "What may seem like a frivolous expense to some has proven to be an invaluable resource that saves lives in Alaska." Overall, the $9.4 billion in savings is a drop in the bucket compared to the $2.4 trillion in new deficits that Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act would create, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Republicans are pushing to pass the larger bill through the Senate by July 4. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., slammed the rescission package as "reckless" and said it would "undermine America's national security, hurt our ability to protect the American people." "Republicans want to rip billions of dollars away from America's efforts to keep her people safe and secure to satisfy some extreme ideological crusade related to a deeply unpopular effort formerly led by Elon Musk to devastate the American way of life," Jeffries said before the vote.

byMario Satorik

in

June 12, 2025

House Republicans vote to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR and PBS

House Republicans vote to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR and PBS The Republican-led House voted 214-212 on Thursday ...

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