Stories from United States

The NCAA has initiated final steps to expand its tournament to 76 teams. Phillies Jim Dave Dombrovsky provided the update. The report was shared by NBC News Radio. The NCAA is expanding its men's and women's basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams starting this coming season. This expansion follows discussions regarding other structural changes in collegiate sports. This expansion is scheduled to begin in the 2027 season. The change will also include an expansion to 16 teams starting this coming season, according to WTOP sports reporter Rob Woodfork. AP top 25 voter Dave Pressin expressed opposition to the expansion, suggesting that less is more regarding the tournament size. Multiple sources indicate the move could be finalized in the coming weeks for implementation this upcoming season.

New York City has approximately 300 park patrol officers to enforce regulations across the city. Joe Puleo, president of the union representing these officers, stated there are simply not enough officers to enforce all rules in every location. Current enforcement challenges include managing large unpermitted parties and ensuring compliance with noise and trash regulations.

Former FBI director James Comey has been charged with two felony counts for allegedly threatening the life of President Trump in an online post. The charge stems from a social media post made nearly a year ago featuring shells and stones arranged in four algorithms. Prosecutors interpret these algorithms as a code intended to threaten the American president's life. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel argued that James Comey's social media posts constitute a serious threat to President Donald Trump. The case is being handled by the U.S. The source described the actors involved as territorial and aggressive animals. A grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina has approved charges against James Comey involving making and transmitting threats against President Trump. Previous violence-related charges against Comey were dismissed in November.

The Baltimore Orioles face a challenging series following a low-scoring loss. The team has struggled to achieve cohesion across all facets during the first 29 games. Kaiwe Tang is scheduled to pitch tonight for the starting rotation. Tang has previously served primarily as a member of the bullpen. The Baltimore Orioles have utilized eight different starting pitchers in less than 30 games this season. Dean Kramer was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained quad after pitching two games. This follows Tommy John surgery undergone by another player earlier this month. Chris Bassett is scheduled to pitch in a doubleheader against the Houston Astros at Camden Yards. Anthony Volpe is mentioned in relation to the Baltimore Orioles. Seattle has several players on the injury list, including those with soft tissue injuries.

The U.S. Supreme Court ordered Texas to keep a newly drawn congressional map in place. The justices issued their ruling on Monday, overturning a previous November ruling from a district court in El Paso. The court stated that substantial evidence shows the map must remain.

A large AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey, is influencing a local congressional race. Democrat Bailey Winder is one of four candidates attempting to unseat Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew. Van Drew has represented the district in Washington for two years.

Tony Award nominee Uzo Aduba and actor Darren Criss will announce the nominations for the 79th annual Tony Awards next Tuesday. Leslie Manville, John Lithgow, and Daniel Radcliffe are also among the nominees. The awards celebrate the best US stage productions from the past year. Nominees include actors John Lithgow, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rose Byrne. The ceremony is considered a prestigious event in the theater industry. The new musicals The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon have each received 12 nominations. The musical parody of Titanic, based on the 1987 film The Lost Boys, received a nomination for Best Musical. Marla Mindell also received a nomination for Best Actress. The Tony Awards will be held on June 7 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Pink is scheduled to host this year's ceremony. Musical comedy spoof Titan Eek is nominated for Best New Musical.

A gang leader accused of drug trafficking has been extradited to the United States. The extradition follows a 19-month investigation and a period of conflict between cartel members and security forces that resulted in over 70 deaths following the killing of Elmenço.

The Baltimore Orioles host the Houston Astros for Game 1 of a three-game series at Camden Yards. The match was played in front of 13,233 fans in two hours and 36 minutes. Blaise Alexander recorded a out at third base. Players Alonzo and Henderson contributed at first base and shortstop respectively. The win was described as a complete performance for the team. The Orioles victory moves them within one game of 500 wins. Shane Baz pitched five and one-third innings to earn his first win as an Oriole. Peter Lanzo hit his fourth home run of the season, a two-run shot. Manager Craig Alvarnass commented on the performance following the game. Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basia contributed to two runs scored in the first inning. Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to extend the lead. The score was 5-3 following the play.

The United Nations is debating measures to prevent nuclear war during a conference in New York.