Duke's bid for the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament faces a critical test as the top-ranked Blue Devils prepare to face No. 17 North Carolina in a pivotal regular-season finale. A loss could push Duke down to the No. 3 seed in CBS Sports Bracketology, with Michigan and Arizona emerging as the top contenders for the top spot. The outcome of Saturday’s matchup will shape Duke’s tournament prospects, as the team aims to secure its first No. 1 overall seed under coach Jon Scheyer. Duke, already the outright ACC champion, is positioned to host the East Region tournament in Greenville, South Carolina. However, earning the No. 1 seed remains a significant honor, especially with star freshman Cam Boozer leading the charge for the Naismith Award and Scheyer potentially earning Coach of the Year recognition. The Blue Devils’ success in the tournament will hinge on their ability to navigate the final stretch of the season, with a strong showing in the ACC Tournament likely solidifying their position as the top seed. The matchup also carries weight for North Carolina, which faces a challenging road without star forward Caleb Wilson. The injury to Wilson, sustained earlier in the season, has left the Tar Heels without a key contributor to their resume, which includes victories over Kansas, Kentucky, and Duke. A win against Duke would elevate UNC to the No. 5 seed and demonstrate the team’s resilience despite the setback. However, a poor performance could raise concerns about their tournament readiness, as the selection committee will evaluate their ability to compete without Wilson. UNC’s struggles without Wilson have been evident, with a notable loss to NC State earlier this season. While the team has shown resilience, the absence of Wilson complicates their path to the tournament.#duke #north_carolina #jon_scheyer #cam_booz #acc_tournament

Delhi CM hops on DTC bus to check implementation of Saheli Pink Smart Card #Smart_Card #Saheli_Pink #Pink_Smart #DTC_bus #Card

Tar Heels To Finish Regular Season Saturday Night At Duke The University of North Carolina men’s basketball team will conclude its regular season with a matchup against top-ranked Duke on Saturday night. The game, set for 6:35 p.m., will be broadcast on ESPN and Westwood One Sports, with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, and Kris Budden calling the action. The Tar Heels, currently ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press poll, are coming off a four-game winning streak and have secured at least a tie for fourth place in the ACC standings. With a 24-6 overall record and 12-5 in conference play, UNC has earned a double bye as the No. 4 seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament. The matchup against Duke marks the final regular-season game for the Tar Heels, who have won five of their last six contests without freshman forward Caleb Wilson, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. Wilson, who was injured at Miami on February 10, has missed games against Pitt, Syracuse, Louisville, Virginia Tech, and Clemson. Despite his absence, UNC has remained competitive, with senior guard Seth Trimble emerging as a key player. Trimble, who missed nine games earlier in the season due to a broken left arm, has been instrumental in UNC’s success, scoring a career-high 30 points in a recent win over Louisville and contributing 20 points in a victory over Virginia Tech. Duke, meanwhile, enters the game with a 28-2 record and a 16-1 ACC mark, having clinched its 22nd regular-season ACC title. The Blue Devils are the second-most successful team in ACC history behind UNC’s 33 titles. The Tar Heels have a storied history against Duke, including a 71-68 win in Chapel Hill on February 7, where Trimble hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining.#university_of_north_carolina #duke #dan_shulman #jay_bilas #kris_budden

Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Imperial Purple' Sneakers Release Details Nike is set to reintroduce the Air Jordan 4 sneakers, originally launched in 1989, in a new “Imperial Purple” colorway for a new generation. The sneakers are scheduled to release on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT. Priced at $220, the design features a combination of authentic and synthetic leather, along with a luxurious nubuck upper that offers a retro aesthetic with a modern twist. The colorway includes imperial purple, dark yellow, dark charcoal, and dark grayish cyan, making it ideal for casual wear. The sneakers retain iconic design elements, such as the “Jumpman” logo on the tongue, head-turning netting, the “Nike Air” logo on each heel, a transparent air bubble in the midsole, and metallic silver wings on the collar. These details highlight the shoe’s enduring appeal, blending its original 1989 design with contemporary styling. The release marks another milestone in Nike’s ongoing collaboration with Michael Jordan, whose signature sneakers have become a cultural phenomenon since their debut. For those interested in purchasing, the sneakers are available in unisex sizes, as well as big kid, little kid, and baby/toddler sizes, with the latter starting at $90. Nike Members can enjoy free shipping on orders over $50, while non-members require a minimum purchase of $75 for free shipping. New members can sign up for free to access benefits like early access to new drops, exclusive discounts, and no-receipt returns. The release date aligns with Nike’s strategy to maintain the Air Jordan line’s popularity through limited-edition colorways. The “Imperial Purple” variant is expected to draw attention from both sneaker enthusiasts and casual buyers, further solidifying the brand’s presence in the market.#air_jordan_4 #nike #air_jordan #michael_jordan #imperial_purple

The Air Jordan 4 "Lakers" Take Flight This Weekend The Air Jordan 4 "Lakers" colorway is set to release this Saturday, March 7, and will be available for purchase at 10:00 a.m. EST. The retro basketball sneakers, inspired by the Los Angeles Lakers, will be sold through Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Hibbett stores. The shoes will be offered in a full-size range, including adult, big kid, little kid, and toddler sizes, priced at $220, $165, $105, and $90 respectively. Fans who miss the initial drop can find the sneakers on resale platforms like StockX and GOAT, where the average resale price currently stands at $293, with some listings reaching up to $300. The "Lakers" colorway is officially labeled as the "Imperial Purple" edition, a name that reflects the Lakers' storied history. The design features a deep purple upper made of premium nubuck, accented with University Gold at the outsole. The Air units in the midsole tie the look together, while the "Nike Air" branding on the heels includes a speckled design to mimic an aged appearance. The outsole also incorporates the Lakers' iconic purple and gold colors, creating a cohesive and striking aesthetic. The release of the Air Jordan 4 "Lakers" colorway coincides with a historical reference to Michael Jordan's 1991 NBA Finals matchup against the Lakers. At the time, Jordan's Chicago Bulls ended the Lakers' dynasty, preventing them from securing another championship for the rest of the decade. While Jordan never wore purple and gold on the court due to NBA rules and his competitive nature, the colorway pays homage to the Lakers' legacy by blending their signature colors into the design. The Air Jordan 4 "Lakers" is part of a broader trend of retro sneakers inspired by iconic NBA moments.#air_jordan_4 #lakers #nike_snkrs #foot_locker #champs_sports

Kacey Montoya returns to KTLA this weekend after shocking firing Kacey Montoya, the beloved weathercaster, is set to return to KTLA’s airwaves this weekend after being abruptly fired by her parent company, Nexstar Media Group. The 13-year veteran, who was laid off along with four colleagues on February 25, chose to work the remaining 60 days of her severance period instead of accepting payment. Her return to weekend morning broadcasts begins on March 7, marking a dramatic comeback for the Los Angeles-based meteorologist. Montoya’s firing shocked fans and colleagues alike, as Nexstar’s sudden decision to terminate five on-air personalities—including fellow meteorologist Mark Kriski, anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian—sparked widespread outrage. Abovian’s termination on her 40th birthday, in particular, drew intense criticism from viewers who described the layoffs as brutal and heart-wrenching. Despite the abruptness of the firings, Montoya’s decision to stay on air for her severance period demonstrated her dedication to her role and her audience. The severance package offered to the affected employees included a choice: take 60 days of pay immediately or continue working during that time. Montoya opted for the latter, a move that surprised many. She will remain with KTLA until early April, when her 60-day notice period concludes. During her return, Montoya will continue her work at the weekend weather desk, a role she has held for years. She also mentioned her plans to focus on her non-profit, Fix’N Fidos, which provides spay and neuter services for low-income pet families in Southern California. Montoya’s career at KTLA, which began in 2013, was defined by her unique ability to blend professional weather forecasting with heartfelt storytelling about animal welfare.#kacey_montoya #ktla #nexstar_media_group #mark_kriski #ellina_abovian
Laid-Off KTLA Weathercaster Kacey Montoya to Return for Final Weeks Kacey Montoya, a weathercaster at KTLA, will return to the airwaves for a limited time after being laid off by her station. Montoya, one of five journalists let go by Nexstar, will work the weekend weather desk starting Saturday, March 7, and continue until her position officially ends in early April. Montoya, along with fellow meteorologist Mark Kriski, anchors Lu Parker, Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian, was notified of her layoff on February 25. The station provided 60 days’ notice, allowing the team to prepare for the changes. Montoya decided to use this period to fulfill her remaining duties, as she has since joining KTLA in 2013. In a statement, Montoya expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to wrap up her time at the station. “To say that I’m overwhelmed would be an understatement, so honestly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for that,” she said. She also reflected on her 13-year tenure at KTLA, emphasizing her passion for the role. “I truly love this job and love being able to come into your home and bring you the forecast and bring you my animal welfare stories.” Montoya confirmed she will work her usual weekend shifts through March and into early April, when her employment with KTLA will conclude. She encouraged viewers to join her for the final weeks of her time at the station. “I hope you’ll join me starting this weekend,” she said. During the week, Montoya will focus on her non-profit organization, Fix’n Fidos, which raises funds to spay and neuter pets in Southern California. She also mentioned exploring other opportunities beyond her current role. “But in the meantime, join me this weekend so we can celebrate these last few weeks. I’ll see you then.#kacey_montoya #ktlas #nexstar #fixn_fidos #marc_kriski

Republicans reportedly refer Cassidy Hutchinson to DOJ over Jan. 6 testimony House Republicans have directed the Justice Department to investigate Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to former President Donald Trump, over her testimony regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The referral, made by GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk, centers on allegations that Hutchinson lied during her 2022 congressional testimony about Trump’s awareness of potential violence on January 6. Loudermilk accused her of fabricating claims that Trump knew of the risk of violence and continued to push his supporters toward confrontation. The referral follows a broader partisan effort by Republicans to challenge the narrative surrounding the Jan. 6 attack. Last Congress, GOP lawmakers established a separate investigative panel to counter the bipartisan Jan. 6 committee, but the effort was widely dismissed as ineffective. The panel, led by Loudermilk, released a report that failed to uncover new information or shift the narrative. Most Republicans and outside observers disregarded the findings, highlighting the panel’s lack of credibility. Hutchinson’s testimony in 2022 became a focal point of the Jan. 6 inquiry, as she described Trump’s behavior on the day of the attack. She alleged that Trump encouraged his supporters to confront lawmakers and that he was aware of the potential for violence. Her account was cited by investigators and became a key element in the case against Trump, though prosecutors later stated her testimony played a minimal role in their decision to charge him. Loudermilk’s referral to the DOJ appears to be part of an ongoing effort by Republicans to scrutinize Hutchinson’s past statements.#donald_trump #house_republicans #barry_loudermilk #cassidy_hutchinson #jan_6
Rick Ross's Daughter, Toie Roberts, Shares Message To Lil Poppa The death of Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Wheeler, has left his family and fans in emotional turmoil. On March 3, Toie Roberts — the mother of his child and daughter of rapper Rick Ross — released a heartfelt and unfiltered tribute on Instagram, which also served as a direct message to critics. In her first post, Roberts addressed Wheeler by his middle name, writing, “MYKEL..what’s understood don’t ever have to explained especially to the internet.” The post, which appeared as an open letter to the Jacksonville rapper, who died on February 18, expressed her profound grief. “Nothing could EVER describe the pain,” she wrote, describing the “reality changing before my eyes.” She questioned why Wheeler seemed “in a rush to leave us,” before acknowledging, “deep down, I know you didn’t mean to.” Her sorrow was particularly focused on their young son. “ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI,” she added. “23 what I’m supposed to tell our bayboy?” Roberts reflected on the evolution of her relationship with Wheeler, calling them “2 peas in a pod that turned into the BIGGG 3.” She expressed how their bond grew from young parents into a close-knit family, asking, “What’s the big 3 without you P???” Despite public challenges, she emphasized that “the ‘beef’ was never bigger than what we shared.” She closed her message with faith and determination: “Janarious, I got J’nar. You go on & get your rest… we’ll be fine.” Her Instagram Stories took a more confrontational tone, addressing online critics who had speculated about Wheeler’s death. Acknowledging his belief that “it’s the internet, you can’t beat it,” Roberts dismissed those who blamed her for his passing. “Y’ALL DON’T KNOW SHIT,” she wrote, calling critics “psychotic & insensitive.#lil_poppa #toie_roberts #rick_ross #janarious_wheeler #kofi

Toie Roberts Honors Late Partner Lil Poppa Amid Public Scrutiny Toie Roberts, the daughter of rapper Rick Ross, has publicly addressed the death of her son’s father, Lil Poppa, following his passing on February 18 at age 25. In a heartfelt social media post, Roberts reflected on the profound loss while defending the nature of her relationship with the late artist, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler. She emphasized that critics who judged their relationship online failed to grasp the depth of their bond. Roberts wrote, “MYKEL…what’s understood don’t ever have to explained especially to the internet! nothing could EVER describe the pain, the thoughts, the constant heartbreak of it all.” She described the emotional toll of losing someone so close, noting how their lives had been irrevocably changed. “our reality changing before my eyes… I’ve been wondering how could you be so in a rush to leave us so suddenly & torturing… for us to go on without you in life,” she shared, acknowledging her grief while expressing her belief that Lil Poppa did not intend to cause harm. The post also served as a rebuttal to online speculation about her role in his death. Roberts dismissed critics who blamed her, stating, “Y’ALL DON’T KNOW SH#T! Y’ALL DON’T KNOW ME! Y’ALL DONT KNOW US!” She highlighted that the public only saw fragments of their relationship, including moments they were not proud of, but stressed that their connection was deeper than any outside perception. “the world publicly seen some of our worst moments, which we weren’t proud of but the ‘beef’ was never bigger than what we shared & created.” Roberts also grappled with the challenge of raising their young son without his father.#lil_poppa #toie_roberts #rick_ross #janarious_mykel_wheeler #jnar

Jacksonville Rapper Lil Poppa's Funeral Set for March 7: Details Revealed The funeral service for Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa, whose death was ruled a suicide, will be held on March 7 at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in his hometown. The event, expected to draw a large crowd, will feature strict security measures and restrictions on photography and recording devices. Lil Poppa, born Janarious Wheeler, died on February 18 in Georgia at the age of 25. According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, his death resulted from a gunshot wound to the head, confirmed as a suicide. The rapper, who had gained significant attention in the music industry, was known for his work with Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group, which he joined in 2022. His career included the release of several tracks, such as "Love & War," "Mind Over Matter," and "HAPPY TEARS," as well as projects like "Almost Normal Again." The funeral will take place at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, located at 1118 W. Beaver St., starting at 10 a.m. Pastor Harry Williams, who confirmed the details to First Coast News, stated that the service is open to the public but emphasized the need for strict security. Attendees will be prohibited from using phones, recording devices, or cameras, with those who violate the rules being escorted out. At the time of his death, Lil Poppa had nearly one million followers on Instagram and over 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, reflecting his growing influence in the hip-hop scene. His passing has sparked discussions about mental health, with the article noting that help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.#lil_poppa #shiloh_metropolitan_baptist_church #pastor_harry_williams #yo_gotti_collective_music_group #fulton_county_medical_examiner
