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DOGE’s access to critical IRS system containing taxpayer information is imminent

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, will soon have access to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) system that contains sensitive taxpayer information, Fox News has learned.

DOGE has requested access to the IRS Integrated Data Retrieval System, which allows IRS workers to view taxpayer accounts.

Harrison Fields, the White House principal deputy press secretary, told Fox News in a statement that access to this system is necessary to identify fraud and fix the system.

‘Waste, fraud, and abuse have been deeply entrenched in our broken system for far too long,’ Fields said. ‘It takes direct access to the system to identify and fix it. DOGE will continue to shine a light on the fraud they uncover as the American people deserve to know what their government has been spending their hard-earned tax dollars on.’

The IRS website states that the system allows workers ‘to have instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer accounts.’ Other functions of the system include ‘researching account information and requesting returns,’ entering transactions and collection information, and ‘automatically generating notices, collection documents and other outputs.’

Musk is leading DOGE to aggressively slash government waste when it comes to federal spending under President Donald Trump. It was created via executive order and is a temporary organization within the White House that will spend 18 months carrying out its mission.

The group has faced criticism over its access to federal systems, including the Treasury Department’s payment system, as well as moves to cancel federal contracts and make cuts at various agencies. Attorneys general from 14 states are suing to block DOGE from accessing federal data, arguing Musk and Trump’s administration have engaged in illegal executive overreach.

The newly formed cost-cutting agency scored a win on Friday when a federal judge in Washington declined a request to temporarily block it from accessing sensitive data from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and Eric Revell contributed to this report.

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Rubio meets Saudi Arabian officials ahead of US-Russia talks expected to lay groundwork for Trump-Putin summit

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Arabian officials Monday ahead of planned talks in the country between United States diplomats and their Russian counterparts meant to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. 

Rubio was joined by U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, in a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at his palace in the capital city of Riyadh. Rubio also met with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud earlier Monday after traveling to Riyadh from Israel during his first trip to the Middle East as secretary of state.

Talks are scheduled for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia between the U.S. and Russia. Ukrainian officials are notably expected to be absent from the negotiating table. 

Rubio, Waltz and Witkoff will meet the Russian delegation, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov set off for the Saudi capital on Monday, according to Russian state TV.  

Addressing reporters in Moscow on Monday, Lavrov said he looked forward to putting an ‘absolutely abnormal period’ of estrangement between the U.S. and Russia behind them, according to the Washington Post. 

‘We want to listen to our partners,’ Lavrov reportedly said. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks will be primarily focused on ‘restoring the entire range of U.S.-Russian relations, as well as preparing possible talks on the Ukrainian settlement and organizing a meeting of the two presidents.’ 

Bruce said the meeting is aimed at determining how serious the Russians are about wanting peace and whether detailed negotiations can be started.

‘I think the goal, obviously, for everyone is to determine if this is something that can move forward,’ she told reporters traveling with Rubio in Riyadh, according to the Associated Press.

Bruce said that even though Ukraine would not be at the table for Tuesday’s talks, actual peace negotiations would only take place with Ukraine’s involvement. 

Tuesday’s talks are expected to lay the groundwork for the summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said he spoke to Putin on the phone last week and they ‘agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.’ The call upended years of U.S. policy, ending the isolation of Moscow over its Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. Trump phoned Zelenskyy afterward to inform him about their conversation.

Trump on Sunday told reporters that Zelenskyy ‘will be involved’ but did not elaborate. 

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is convening an emergency meeting between the main European powers in Paris on Monday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Speaking on Fox News’ ‘Sunday Morning Futures,’ Witkoff said he and Waltz will be ‘having meetings at the direction of the president,’ and hope to make ‘some really good progress with regard to Russia-Ukraine.’

Witkoff didn’t directly respond to a question about whether Ukraine would have to give up a ‘significant portion’ of its territory as part of any negotiated settlement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic and suggested Kyiv should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia. 

The Ukrainian president said Monday his country had not been invited to the upcoming talks and won’t accept the outcome if Kyiv doesn’t take part. The U.S.-Russia talks would ‘yield no results,’ given the absence of any Ukrainian officials, Zelenskyy said on a conference call with journalists from the United Arab Emirates, according to the AP. Zelenskyy said he would travel to Turkey on Monday and to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but that his trip was unrelated to the U.S.-Russia talks.

In an appearance on ‘Fox News Sunday,’ Waltz rejected the notion that European allies are not being consulted on negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, noting how Rubio, Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spent last week in Europe meeting with allies. Bessent, in particular, traveled to Kyiv, while Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. 

Waltz said one of the key tenants in negotiating a peace deal would be ensuring ‘a permanent end to the war,’ describing how the conflict has devolved ‘into a World War I-style meat grinder of human beings.’ He said long-term military security guarantees have to be European-led, criticizing how a third of NATO countries are not contributing what they agreed upon a decade ago. 

As for the billions in U.S. aid sent to Ukraine during the Biden administration, Waltz said the American people ‘deserve to be recouped, deserve to have some type of payback for the billions they have invested in this war.’ 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Tearful chair of Munich Security Conference expresses ‘fear’ in farewell address after blistering Vance speech

The outgoing chairman of the Munich Security Conference delivered an emotional farewell speech that ended in tears, after he expressed ‘fear’ over Vice President JD Vance’s blistering speech to the annual conference on international security policy.

‘This conference started as a trans-Atlantic conference,’ German diplomat and chair of the conference Christoph Heusgen said Sunday. ‘After the speech of Vice President Vance on Friday, we have to fear that our common value base is not that common anymore. I’m very grateful to all those European politicians that spoke out and reaffirmed the values and principles that they are defending. No one did this better than President Zelenskyy, who has been fighting for these values – democracy, freedom, rule of law for the past three years.’ 

Heusgen’s speech marked the close to his leadership of the Munich Security Conference, as former Secretary-General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg takes the reins of the international security forum. Heusgen had served as leader of the forum since 2022. 

Social media critics began posting snippets of Heusgen’s speech to X Sunday, claiming the German diplomat and longtime advisor to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel broke down in tears over his frustrations with Vance’s blistering speech to the international body. The conference clarified on X that the diplomat reportedly broke down due to his speech being his last as chairman of the forum. 

‘Our former Chair Christoph Heusgen did not shed a few tears out of ‘frustration.’ It was his farewell speech as he was leaving the MSC after this year’s conference. He was saying goodbye to the team at this very moment. The video snippet here is edited together,’ the conference posted to X Monday morning. 

The full video of Heusgen’s speech shows him breaking down into tears after warning that ‘our rules-based international order is under pressure.’ 

‘It is clear that our rules-based international order is under pressure,’ he said. ‘It is my strong belief… that this multipolar world needs to be based on a single set of norms and principles, on the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This order is easy to disrupt, it’s easy to destroy, but it’s much harder to rebuild, so let us stick to these values. Let us not reinvent them, but focus on strengthening their consistent application.’ 

President Donald Trump has frequently taken shots at the United Nations since his first administration, and said earlier in February that the U.N. was ‘not being well run’ and needs to get its ‘act together.’ 

‘Let me conclude. And this becomes difficult,’ Heusgen said, choking up, before leaving the podium on the stage and hugging various members of the audience. 

A spokesperson for the conference reiterated to Fox News Digital Monday that Heusgen teared up solely due to the fact that he was ending his three-year term leading the forum and that ‘many long-time participants and friends were in the Conference Hall to say goodbye’ to the diplomat. 

‘I was truly touched by the warm farewell I received from the entire MSC team and so many friends after my last MSC as chairman,’ Heusgen added in comment to Fox News Digital. ‘It was a very emotional moment on stage at the end of my term. A video is circulating on the internet that takes this scene of my departure out of context. Unfortunately, this once again shows how the mechanisms of disinformation work.’

His speech to the assembly followed Vance’s on Friday, where the U.S. vice president lambasted ‘Soviet’-style European censorship, joked about left-wing environmentalist Greta Thunberg, and slammed ongoing immigration woes that have throttled European nations and the U.S. under the Biden administration. 

‘Trust me, I say this with all humor,’ Vance said at one point of his speech. ‘If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk.’ 

Vance also took issue with current immigration practices across the world, calling them ‘out-of-control migration’ policies that include allowing unvetted migrants into foreign nations. Vance’s comments followed a suspect identified as an Afghan migrant ramming a car into pedestrians at a trade union demonstration in Munich Thursday, killing a mother and child and injuring at least 37 others. 

‘But why did this happen in the first place?’ Vance said in his speech of the Munich car attack. ‘It’s a terrible story, but it’s one we’ve heard way too many times in Europe, and unfortunately, too many times in the United States, as well. An asylum seeker, often a young man in his mid-20s, already known to police, rams a car into a crowd and shatters a community. How many times must we suffer these appalling setbacks before we change course and take our shared civilization in a new direction?’ 

Other world leaders seemingly took issue with Vance’s speech during the forum, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying the day after Vance’s speech that Germany rejects ‘outsiders intervening in our democracy.’

Stateside, conservatives have celebrated Vance’s speech as ‘almost Reaganesque,’ ‘pro-American’ and pro-free speech on social media and during Fox News interviews.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Munich Security Conference on Monday for additional comment regarding Heusgen’s speech and did not immediately receive a reply. 

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Federal judge skeptical of effort to block Musk’s DOGE from accessing data, firing employees

A federal judge expressed skepticism of efforts seeking to bar President Donald Trump’s administration from accessing federal data and firing federal workers when hearing remarks from the bench on Monday. 

Judge Tanya Chutkan has yet to issue a ruling in the case, which relates to billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and their efforts to curb government spending. Chutkan says she will rule on the case within 24 hours.

At issue in the case are DOGE’s actions within seven federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Education, Department of Labor, The Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce.

Attorneys general from 14 states argue Musk and Trump’s administration have engaged in illegal executive overreach, but Chutkan says she wasn’t convinced so far.

‘There is no greater threat to democracy than the accumulation of state power in the hands of a single, unelected individual,’ the lawsuit brought against DOGE states.

Chutkan says lawyers for the states have yet to establish that there is imminent harm that could be avoided by restraining DOGE.

‘The things that I’m hearing are serious and troubling indeed… But you’re saying these are things that we’re hearing,’ she said. ‘I’m not seeing it so far.’

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez filed the lawsuit, joined by officials from Arizona, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, California, Nevada, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.

The group of states is seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent more federal firings at the recommendation of Musk and DOGE.

Chutkan was not exclusively hostile to the states’ argument, however, as she was also seen critiquing representatives for Trump’s administration.

‘Nowhere have my friends offered a shred of anything, nor could they, to show that Elon Musk has any formal or actual authority to make any government decisions himself,’ DOJ lawyer Harry Graver said.

Chutkan countered, ‘I think you stretch too far. I disagree with you there.’

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As Joann Fabrics and JCPenney announce store closings, here’s what’s driving the pattern

The new year for brick-and-mortar retailers is picking up right where 2024 left off, as a slew of stalwart brands are set to shutter dozens of store locations amid shifting consumer patterns.

The latest crop of closures are being led by fabrics and crafts retailer Joann, which said this week it was shuttering 500 locations in 49 states as part of a second go-around in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

“This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our team members, our customers and all of the communities we serve,’ the company said in a statement. ‘A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for Joann.”

Joann first filed for bankruptcy protection last March to address a heavy debt load, shrinking revenues and what it described as an “uncertain consumer environment.” It announced another Chapter 11 filing last month, this time with the goal of finding an entity to acquire all of its assets.

‘The last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels, forced us to take this step,’ it said in a release accompanying its latest filing.

Meanwhile, JCPenney separately said this week it was closing a handful of stores, with an initial batch of eight to go under depending on “expiring lease agreements” and “market changes.” 

“While we do not have plans to significantly reduce our store count, we expect a handful of JCPenney stores to close by mid-year,” the company said in a statement.

JCPenney emerged from bankruptcy in 2020; last month, it announced it was merging with the group that operates other retail brands, including Aéropostale and Brooks Brothers.

In the first nine months of its current fiscal year, JCPenney’s adjusted earnings tumbled nearly 64% to $66 million.

Those results reflect an overall physical retail environment that continues to deteriorate. According to Coresight Research, as many as 15,000 retail locations could close this year, nearly doubling the count for 2024, which were already the most since 2020, the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Inflation and a growing preference among consumers to shop online to find the cheapest deals took a toll on brick-and-mortar retailers in 2024,” Coresight Research CEO Deborah Weinswig said in a release last month. “Last year we saw the highest number of closures since the pandemic. Retailers that were unable to adapt supply chains and implement technology to cut costs were significantly impacted, and we continue to see a trend of consumers opting for the path of least resistance.’

She said customers are running out of patience for stores that are ‘constantly disorganized, out of stock, and that deliver poor customer service.’

‘We have seen Shein and Temu capture market share as consumers choose to shop online to save time, money, and avoid frustration,’ she said.

In the first weeks of 2025, Coresight was already tracking about 30% fewer openings and more than triple the number of closures compared with the same period last year.

Other closures announced late last year or planned for 2025 include Party City, Big Lots, Kohl’s and Macy’s.

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Amazon ‘anti-union propaganda,’ employee surveillance loom over labor vote at North Carolina warehouse

Italo Medelius-Marsano was a law student at North Carolina Central University in 2022, when he took a job at an Amazon warehouse near the city of Raleigh to earn some extra cash.

The past month has been unlike any other during his three-year tenure at the company. Now, when he shows up for his shift at the shipping dock, Medelius-Marsano says he’s met with flyers and mounted TVs urging him to “vote no,” as well as QR codes on workstations that lead to an anti-union website. During meetings, managers discourage unionization.

The facility in the suburb of Garner, North Carolina, employs roughly 4,700 workers and is the site of Amazon’s latest labor showdown. Workers at the site are voting this week on whether to join Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity (CAUSE), a grassroots union made up of current and former employees.

CAUSE organizers started the group in 2022 in an effort to boost wages and improve working conditions. Voting at the site, known as RDU1, wraps up on Saturday.

Workers at RDU1 and other facilities told CNBC that Amazon is increasingly using digital tools to deter employees from unionizing. That includes messaging through the company’s app and workstation computers. There’s also automated software and handheld package scanners used to track employee performance inside the warehouse, so the company knows when staffers are working or doing something else.

“You cannot get away from the anti-union propaganda or being surveilled, because when you walk into work they have cameras all over the building,” said Medelius-Marsano, who is an organizer with CAUSE. “You can’t get into work without scanning a badge or logging into a machine. That’s how they track you.”

CAUSE representatives have also made their pitch to RDU1 employees. The union has set up a “CAUSE HQ” tent across the street from the warehouse and disbursed leaflets in the facility’s break room.

Amazon, the nation’s second-largest private employer, has long sought to keep unions out of its ranks. The strategy succeeded in the U.S. until 2022, when workers at a Staten Island warehouse voted to join the Amazon Labor Union. Last month, workers at a Whole Foods store in Philadelphia voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

In December, Amazon delivery and warehouse workers at nine facilities went on strike, organized by the Teamsters, during the height of the holiday shopping season to push the company to the bargaining table. The strike ended on Christmas Eve.

Union elections at other Amazon warehouses in New York have finished in defeat in recent years, while the results of a union drive at an Alabama facility are being contested. Organizers have pointed to Amazon’s near-constant monitoring of employees as both a catalyst and a deterrent of union campaigns.

The NLRB has 343 open or settled unfair labor practice charges filed with the agency against Amazon, its subsidiaries and contracted delivery companies in the U.S., a spokesperson said. 

Amazon has argued in legal filings that the NLRB, which issues complaints against companies or unions determined to have violated labor law, is unconstitutional. Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starbucks and Trader Joe’s have also made similar claims that challenge the agency’s authority.

Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hards said the company’s employees can choose whether or not to join a union.

“We believe that both decisions should be equally protected which is why we talk openly, candidly and respectfully about these topics, actively sharing facts with employees so they can use that information to make an informed decision,” Hards said in a statement.

Hards said the company doesn’t retaliate against employees for union activities, and called claims that its employee monitoring discourages them from unionizing “odd.”

“The site is operating, so employees are still expected to perform their usual work,” Hards said in a statement. “Further, the camera technology in our facilities isn’t to surveil employees — it’s to help guide the flow of goods through the facilities and ensure security and safety of both employees and inventory.”

Orin Starn, a CAUSE organizer who was fired by Amazon early last year for violating the company’s drug and alcohol policy, called Amazon’s employee tracking “algorithmic management of labor.” Starn is an anthropology professor at Duke University who began working undercover at RDU1 in 2023 to conduct research for a book on Amazon.

“Where 100 years ago in a factory you would’ve had a supervisor come around to tell you if you’re slacking off, now in a modern warehouse like Amazon, you’re tracked digitally through a scanner,” Starn said.

John Logan, a professor and director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, told CNBC in an email that Amazon has “perfected the weaponization” of technology, workplace surveillance and algorithmic management during anti-union campaigns “more than any other company.”

While Amazon may be more sophisticated than others, “the use of data analytics is becoming far more common in anti-union campaigns across the country,” Logan said. He added that it’s ”extremely common” for companies to try to improve working conditions or sweeten employee perks during a union drive.

Other academics are paying equally close attention to the issue. In a research paper published last week, Northwestern University PhD candidate Teke Wiggin explored Amazon’s use of algorithms and digital devices at the company’s BHM1 warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama.

“The black box and lack of accountability that comes with algorithmic management makes it harder for a worker or activist to decide if they’re being retaliated against,” Wiggin said in an interview. “Maybe their schedule changes a little bit, work feels harder than it used to, the employer can say that has nothing to do with us, that’s just the algorithm. But we have no idea if the algorithm has changed.”

Some Amazon employees see the situation differently. Storm Smith works at RDU1 as a process assistant, which involves monitoring worker productivity and safety. Amazon referred Smith to CNBC in the course of reporting this story.

Amazon’s workplace controls, like rate and time off task, are “part of the job,” Smith said. Staffers are “always welcome” to ask her what their rate is, she added.

“For my people, if I see your rate is not where it’s supposed to be, I’ll come up to you and say, ’Hey, this is your rate, are you feeling alright? Is there anything I could get you to get your rate up? Like a snack, a drink, whatever,” Smith said.

Wiggin interviewed 42 BHM1 employees following the first election in 2021, and reviewed NLRB records of hearings. The facility employed more than 5,800 workers at the time of the union drive.

The NLRB last November ordered a third union vote to be held at BHM1 after finding Amazon improperly interfered in two previous elections. The company has denied wrongdoing.

Amazon staffers told Wiggin that during the union campaign, the company tweaked some performance expectations to “improve working conditions” and dissuade them from unionizing. One employee said these changes were partly why he voted against the union, according to the study.

Workers at an Amazon warehouse outside St. Louis, Missouri, filed an NLRB complaint in May. The employees accused Amazon of using “intrusive algorithms” that track when they’re working to discourage them from organizing, The Guardian reported. The employees withdrew their complaint on Tuesday.

Hards said Amazon doesn’t require employees to meet specific productivity speeds or targets.

Lawmakers zeroed in on how surveillance can impact organizing efforts in recent years. In 2022, the former NLRB general counsel issued a memo calling for the group to address corporate use of “omnipresent surveillance and other algorithmic-management tools” to disrupt organizing efforts. The following year, the Biden Administration put out a request for information on automated worker surveillance and management, noting that the systems can pose risks to employees, including “their rights to form or join a labor union.”

However, the Trump administration is attempting to purge the NLRB, with the president firing the chair of the organization on his first day in office last month. Trump has put Musk, a notorious opponent of unions, in charge of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, with the goal of cutting government costs and slashing regulations.

One of the most direct ways Amazon is able to disseminate anti-union messages is through the AtoZ app, which is an essential tool in their daily work.

The app is used by warehouse workers to access pay stubs and tax forms, request schedule changes or vacation time, post on the “Voice of the Associate” message board, and communicate with human resources.

Jennifer Bates, a prominent union organizer at BHM1, learned Amazon fired her through AtoZ in 2023. She was later reinstated by Amazon “after a full review of her case,” and provided backpay, Hards said.

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which sought to represent BHM1 workers, has said the AtoZ app can access a user’s GPS, photos, camera, microphone and WiFi-connection information. The union also claims that “Amazon can sell the data collected to any third party companies and that data cannot be deleted.” The technology raises several concerns, including that it may suppress “the right to organize,” RWDSU said.

Hards said the RWDSU’s claims are inaccurate and denied that the company sells any data affiliated with AtoZ use. She said AtoZ users must give the app permission to access things like their GPS location.

At the Garner facility, the AtoZ app has been plastered with “anti-union propaganda” since the RDU1 election was announced last month, Medelius-Marsano said.

One AtoZ message suggested employees’ benefits could be at risk if they voted in a union, while another described CAUSE as an “outside party” that’s “claiming to be a union.”

RDU1 site leader Kristen Tettemer said in another message that a group like CAUSE “can get in the way of how we work together,” and that “once in, a union is very difficult to remove.” Smith said Amazon’s response to the union drive has been centered around “putting out the facts and telling you to do your research.”

Medelius-Marsano said it all amounts to an environment of intimidation.

“There’s no doubt about it,” Medelius-Marsano said. “If we lose, fear is going to be the reason.”

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Byron wins second straight Daytona 500 in wild ending: Highlights, results

William Byron won the 67th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, claiming victory in NASCAR’s most famous race for the second year in a row.

Byron took the checkered flag at Daytona International Speedway after a crash broke out on the final lap. But NASCAR kept the green flag out, and Bryon was able to vault from ninth place to the front as other cars crashed around him.

‘It’s obviously really special,’ Byron said climbing from his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. ‘It’s an amazing race, and obviously a lot of crazy racing out there tonight and just a lot of pushing and shoving, but just really proud of our team. I can’t stress that enough. I’m just super thankful.’

Tyler Reddick finished second, and seven-time NASCAR Cups Series champion Jimmie Johnson third. Pole winner Chase Briscoe came home fourth followed by John Hunter Nemechek.

The 2025 Daytona 500 began with a visit from President Trump and ended under the lights following a long rain delay that red-flagged the race after only 11 laps. When the race restarted hours later, there wasn’t much daylight left over the ‘World Center of Racing’ in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Crashes marred the end of Stage 1, the beginning of Stage 2 and the closing laps of the race, including a scary one that sent Ryan Preece airborne with four laps remaining. Though he emerged from his No. 60 Ford unscathed, Preece admitted he was unnerved.

‘When the car took off like that, and it got real quiet, all I thought about was my daughter,’ Preece said. ‘So I’m lucky to walk away.’

As the race headed to overtime, it appeared two former Daytona 500 champions – three-time winner Denny Hamlin and 2022 winner Austin Cindric – would battle for the win. But after they took the white flag for the final lap, Cole Custer made it three-wide up front, which triggered a crash that collected Hamlin and a number of other cars, while Cindric slowed and ended up with just minor contact.

Byron avoided the chaos in front of him and took advantage, never taking his foot off the gas while NASCAR officials kept the race green and let drivers race to the finish line.

‘Obviously some good fortune, but just trusted my instincts on the last lap,’ Bryon said. ‘I had an amazing car, just had a hard time with the fuel saving and staying towards the front. So crazy, yeah, I can’t honestly belive that, but we’re here.’

Byron’s win gave team owner Rick Hendrick a record 10 Daytona 500 victories, breaking a tie with Petty Enterprises.

See below for results, highlights and a recap of Sunday’s race:

2025 Daytona 500 Top-10 finishers

Here is the Top-10 finishing order of the 67th annual Daytona 500:

DAYTONA 500: Click here for full results from Sunday’s race

Jimmie Johnson finishes surprising third in Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson is a NASCAR Hall of Famer, a Cup Series team owner and a semi-retired driver, who raced in Sunday’s Daytona 500 driving a third car for his team Legacy Motor Club. Johnson, 49, has won the Daytona 500 twice and captured a record-tying seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, but even he was surprised to finish in the Top 3 of Sunday’s race.

‘This feels incredible,’ Johnson said after the race. ‘I have emotions that I didn’t expect to have. I’ve never been in this position as an owner, and it’s really opened up a different set of emotions, and the pride that I have in this result and the pride that I have in this company, now that we’re trying to achieve and the journey we’re on. I am so satisfied, so happy right now.’

Denny Hamlin nearly wins fourth Daytona 500

Denny Hamlin, who had been quiet for much of Sunday’s race, positioned himself to make NASCAR history as the 67th annual Daytona 500 went green for an overtime restart. Hamlin was racing Austin Cindric, who had one of the dominant cars of the race, for the win as the white flag flew. But before either could take the checkered flag, Cole Custer made it three-wide at the front, which eventually caused a multi-car crash to break out and ruin Hamlin’s chance of becoming the third driver to win the Daytona 500 four times (following Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough).

Hamlin finished 24th.

Ryan Preece goes airborne after scary crash in Daytona 500

Christopher Bell, leading the outside lane, got into the wall with four laps remaining in the 2025 Daytona 500, causing a crash that sent Ryan Preece flipping onto the track.

Cole Custer got into the back of Bell, which sent Bell’s No. 20 Toyota careening into the outside wall before it slingshotted back onto the track and into Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Ford, which went airborne. Both Bell and Preece were able to climb safely from their cars. Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace also suffered damage in the crash.

The 67th annual Daytona 500 now heads to overtime.

Big crash breaks out in closing laps of Daytona 500

Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., battling for position near the front of the field, caused a multi-car crash on Lap 186 of the 2025 Daytona 500 that also took out some of the strongest contenders for the win, including Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott.

Logano and Blaney, both Team Penske drivers, had won the first two stages of Sunday’s race, while Elliott had been driving near the front for good chunks of the race. Kyle Busch who was among the leaders in Stage 3, was also collected in the crash, along with Brad Keselowski and Noah Gragson.

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Daytona 500 drivers make (likely) final pit stop for gas

Following a caution on Lap 162 for debris in Turn 1, all drivers came down pit road for what should be their final pit stop for fuel – barring overtime – of the 2025 Daytona 500. Austin Cindric, the 2022 Daytona 500 champion, emerged with the lead with Bubba Wallace on the front rowad for the restart.

Field bunched up in Stage 3 of Daytona 500

Bubba Wallace in a Toyota, Ryan Blaney in a Ford and Kyle Busch in a Chevrolet are pacing the three lanes with 55 laps remaining in the 2025 Daytona 500. All drivers will have to make at least one more pit stop for fuel.

Ryan Blaney wins Stage 2 of 2025 Daytona 500

Ryan Blaney took the second segment of the 2025 Daytona 500, taking the checkered flag over Team Penske teammate Austin Cindric following a strong push from Chase Elliott. Cindric had led much of Stage 2 with Blaney pushing him, but Blaney made the move in the final Turn to get alongside his teammate and pass him at the start/finish line.

Elliott finished third in Stage 2, followed by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman and Front row Motorsports driver Todd Gilliland. Chris Buescher, Erik Jones, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch rounded out the Top 10.

Following the stage, Blaney led the field down pit road for fuel and tires. The final segment is 70 laps.

Top teams race to the front in Stage 2 of Daytona 500

Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske drivers have moved to the front of the field with Penske’s Austin Cindric the best of the bunch with 10 laps remaining in Stage 2. Ryan Baney is running right behind his Penske teammate, while Hendrick drivers Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman also running near the front of the pack.

Ford drivers pacing field in Stage 2 of Daytona 500

Fords showing great speed through the middle of Stage 2 with Noah Gragson, Austin Cindric and Ryan Preece pacing the three lanes for long stretches. The race has reached the halfway point with 100 of 200 laps complete.

Caution flag comes out for debris at Daytona 500

The yellow flag waved on Lap 83 for debris in Turn 1 of Daytona International Speedway. Most drivers came down pit road to refuel with 40 laps remaining in Stage 2.

Stage 2 of Daytona 500 restarts after crash

Ryan Blaney and Chris Buescher lead the field to green on Lap 77 with Austin Cindric, Ryan Preece and Daniel Suarez in the Top 5.

Massive crash kicks off Stage 2 of Daytona 500

Seconds after drivers took the green flag to begin Stage 2, a big multi-car crash broke out in the back of the field as the outside lane stacked up behind Joey Logano, who could not get going on the front row.

The crash caught pole winner Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Jon Hunter Nemechek Kyle Busch, Riley Herbst, Martin Truex Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Helio Castroneves and others, with some suffering major damage.

Stage 2 of Daytona 500 begins

Team Penske teammates Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney on the front row, followed by Daniel Suarez and Alex Bowman.

Joey Logano wins Stage 1 of 2025 Daytona 500

Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano took the opening stage of Sunday’s Daytona 500, which ended under caution following a mutli-car collision. Logano led 38 laps in the 65-lap stage, which saw a number of early laps also run under caution due to rain.

Brad Keselowksi finished second, Ryan Blaney third, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fourth and Christopher Bell fifth.

Zane Smith, in the No. 38 Ford, and Josh Berry, in the No. 21 Ford, suffered major damage in the crash at the end of the stage.

The second stage will also be a 65-lap segment, while the final stage will run 70 laps to reach a total of 200 laps.

Stage 1 of 2025 Daytona 500 ends under caution

Denny Hamlin got hit from behind on Lap 63 as the inside lane checked up, setting off a collision that collected Zane Smith, Josh Berry and Austin Cindric. Hamlin was forced down to the apron while Smith made contact with Cindric and Berry.

Daytona 500 restarts after rain delays

Drivers have finally retaken the green flag at Daytona International Speedway after two weather delays as temperatures have dropped more than 20 degrees from the initial start.

Reigning series champion Joey Logano and last year’s Daytona 500 winner William Byron are on the front row as the race restarts on Lap 24.

Cars return to pit road as light rain returns to Daytona

Before the green flag could drop to resume the 2025 Daytona, NASCAR dispayed the red flag again on Lap 21. NASCAR officials had brought the cars back to the track to run nearly 10 cautions laps with hopes of restarting the race before light rain returned to Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR officials expect this cell to pass through quickly and go green soon.

Cars back on track at Daytona 500

After a long rain delay, drivers have returned to the track at Daytona International Speedway as NASCAR flipped from a red flag to a yellow caution flag before the race restarts. Most drivers elected to come down pit road to refuel before the race goes back green.

Drivers reporting back to cars soon as rain clears from Daytona

NASCAR Cup Series drivers are due to report back to their cars at 5:25 p.m. ET for the resumption of the Daytona 500 as rain has begun clearing out of Daytona International Speedway.

How long does it take to dry the track at the Daytona 500?

Back in the day, NASCAR used jet dryers to clear its tracks from rain. They were pulled by trucks, they were a bit clunky, and they were loud. But in 2013, NASCAR introduced the Air Titans, air-compression systems that are embedded in pickup trucks that get the job done in half the time. The Air Titans blow water off the track at Daytona International Speedway, and a vacuum/sweeper truck follows behind to suck up what’s left.

How long it takes to dry a track depends on a number of factors, from the makeup of the track to the climate conditions: humidity, cloud cover, wind, etc. The Air Titans can dry the 2.5-mile track at Daytona International Speedway in 90-150 minutes, but in decent conditions it could be done in about an hour. — Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY Network

Daytona 500 weather update

The 2025 Daytona 500 remains under a red flag for rain as the current cell moves through. There is potentially another rain cell behind this one, but there could be a significant break between the two. Here is the latest radar as of 3:30 p.m. ET

Daytona 500 red-flagged as rain picks up

NASCAR brought all the cars down pit road and displayed the red flag on Lap 11 of the 2025 Daytona 500 as the rain picked up at Daytona International Speedway. Drivers exited their vehicles as crews covered the cars.

Caution flag comes out at Daytona 500 for light rain

Light rain has arrived at the track, bringing out the yellow flag just nine laps into the race. Rain has hit parts of Central and North Florida but had mostly remained to the North and West of Daytona International Speedway. Defending race winner William Byron was the leading the field when the caution flag came out.

2025 Daytona 500 begins: Let’s go racing

The green flag has dropped for the 67th annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Pole winner Chase Briscoe, in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, and Austin Cindric, in the No. 2 Team Penske Ford, lead the field.

Trump takes laps on track before 2025 Daytona 500

Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, took laps with his motorcade around the 2.5-mile oval at Daytona International Speedway ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500.

TRUMP AT DAYTONA: President visits Daytona 500 again

Drivers who will move to back of field to start Daytona 500

A number of drivers are moving to the rear of the field after switching to backup cars, changing engines or failing technical inspection. In backup cars: Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski, Justin Haley, Riley Herbst, Alex Bowman, Ty Gibbs, Shane Van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez. Helio Castroneves’ team changed engines and Ricky Stenhouse Jr’s car failed inspection.

President Donald Trump arrives at Daytona 500

Just a week after attending the Super Bowl, President Donald Trump made an appearance at another great American sporting event, the 2025 Daytona 500.

When is the 2025 Daytona 500?

The 2025 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16 at 1:30 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The time was moved up one hour from the original 2:30 p.m. start due to weather concerns.

What TV channel is the 2025 Daytona 500 on?

The 2025 Daytona 500 will be televised nationally on Fox.

Will there be a live stream of the 2025 Daytona 500?

The 2025 Daytona 500 can be streamed on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app. For those looking to cut the cord, the race can also be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

Watch the 2025 Daytona 500 on Fubo

What is the weather forecast for the 2025 Daytona 500?

Don’t be surprised if rain delays or temporarily halts any portion of the race, with a 60% chance of precipitation in the afternoon hours, according to National Weather Service. The forecast is for mostly cloudy skies early before transitioning to cloudy and windy, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The temperature is expected to be around 80 degrees for the start of the race.

How many laps is the 2025 Daytona 500?

The race is 200 laps around the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway for a total of 500 miles. The race will feature three segments (laps per stage) – Stage 1: 65 laps; Stage 2: 65 laps; Stage 3: 70 laps.

Daytona 500 2025: Odds to win

Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski are currently the favorites to win the Daytona 500, according to BetMGM. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.

Odds as of afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 16.

Ryan Blaney: +1200
Joey Logano: +1200
Denny Hamlin: +1200
Kyle Busch: +1200
Brad Keselowski: +1500
Kyle Larson: +1600
Chase Elliott: +1600
William Byron: +2000
Bubba Wallace +2000
Christopher Bell +2000
Chris Buescher: +2000
Austin Cindric: +2000
Chase Briscoe +2500
Tyler Reddick +3000
Alex Bowman +3000
Ross Chastain +3000
Todd Gilliland +3000
Justin Allgaier +3000

Who won the pole position for the 2025 Daytona 500?

Chase Briscoe, who posted the fastest time in Wednesday’s pole qualifying, will start on the pole for the 67th annual Daytona 500 in his first race with Joe Gibbs Racing. Team Penske’s Austin Cindric will start second after qualifying second. Bubba Wallace, of 23XI Racing, and Erik Jones, of Legacy Motor Club, will start on Row No. 2 after their finishes in Thursday’s Daytona Duel races.

What is the lineup for the 2025 Daytona 500?

(Starting position in parentheses)

(19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
(2) Austin Cindric, Ford
(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
(43) Erik Jones, Toyota
(24) William Byron, Chevrolet
(17) Chris Buescher, Ford
(10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
(22) Joey Logano, Ford
(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
(01) Corey LaJoie, Ford
(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
(34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
(40) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet
(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
(35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
(71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
(88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
(60) Ryan Preece, Ford
(51) Cody Ware, Ford
(21) Josh Berry, Ford
(41) Cole Custer, Ford
(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
(4) Noah Gragson, Ford
(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
(7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
(38) Zane Smith, Ford
(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
(56) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota
(84) Jimmie Johnson, Toyota
(91) Helio Castroneves, Chevrolet

Daytona 500 predictions: Who will win 2025 race?

USA TODAY: Look for Logano to come out on top

Ellen J. Horrow writes: ‘It’s hard to bet against Joey Logano, who comes into Daytona with a ton of momentum. The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, who captured his third career title in November in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway, brings both experience and speed to Sunday’s race. The Team Penske driver, who finished fourth in Wednesday’s pole qualifying and fifth in Daytona Duel No. 2 Thursday night, is one of the best superspeedway racers and knows how to maneuver in the pack racing at Daytona International Speedway. While it’s been 10 years since he captured his lone Daytona 500 victory, Logano finished second in 2023 and fourth in both 2018 and 2019.’

Daytona Beach News-Journal: History favors Hamlin, Blaney

Ken Willis writes: ‘Denny Hamlin: For now, you simply play the odds. Of the 40 or 41 drivers who suit up Sunday, Denny is the only three-time winner.’

Chris Vinel writes: ‘Ryan Blaney: He simply feels like a guy who’s going to win one of these – maybe sooner rather than later. He’s twice finished as the Daytona 500 runner-up (2017, 2020) and five times cracked the top 10.’

The Athletic: Bell, Blaney could take checkered flag

Jeff Gluck writes: ‘Christopher Bell…crashed in four of his first six Daytona races. Since then, he has gone third-16th-third-third. He told us this week it’s simply his luck that has turned around at this place rather than doing something much different than before. … With a record 11 Toyotas in the race, there should be a better chance for one of them to break through this year, even if a bunch get swept up in a wreck. And I’ll take Bell to do it.’

Jordan Bianchi writes: ‘Ryan Blaney is one of the best on superspeedways, and while he’s come close to winning the Daytona 500 on multiple occasions, he hasn’t yet. This changes on Sunday.’

Who won last year’s Daytona 500?

William Byron won the 66th annual Daytona 500 to kick off the 2024 season. The 26-year-old edged Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman at the checkered flag. Byron’s win gave team owner Rick Hendrick a record-tying nine Daytona 500 victories, becoming the sixth different driver in the team’s history to win the iconic race.

Which drivers have won the most Daytona 500 races?

*-active driver

Richard Petty … 7
Cale Yarborough … 4
Bobby Allison … 3
Jeff Gordon … 3
*-Denny Hamlin … 3
Dale Jarrett … 3

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Diamondbacks fueled by underdog role vs. mighty Dodgers

SCOTTSDALE − The Arizona Diamondbacks don’t hate them.

They don’t begrudge them.

They insist they’re not even jealous of them.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers call themselves the “epicenter of the baseball universe,’’ the D-backs have no problem with their loud, brash neighbors down the block.

They aren’t mad, they aren’t scared, and they aren’t going to back away.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

“Obviously, everybody makes a big deal about what the Dodgers are doing,’’ Diamondbacks veteran starter Merrill Kelly said, “as they should. They’re signing a lot of really, really good players and they’re using the resources that they have available to them.

“That’s kind of the nature of the beast. You can’t hate on them for trying. We’ve just got to control what goes on in this clubhouse. If you get wrapped up on who’s across the field, or what they’re doing, we’re going to lose sight on trying to do to beat them.’’

So go ahead, let the Dodgers have 100 reporters and camera crews following them around from the moment they arrive in the morning until the last one leaves. Let them have the paparazzi, the fanfare, the endorsements and a permanent invitation to the late-night talk shows.

The Diamondbacks, with only a handful of reporters in their clubhouse Sunday, are perfectly fine being the lonely team in the desert with no outside expectations, no pressure, and not a Hollywood star in sight.

“The Dodgers deserve all of that attention,’’ D-backs manager Torey Lovullo says. “They have an All-Star lineup, an All-Star rotation and an All-Star bullpen. A credit to them and the team they built. We have to play our game. I reinforced that.

“Hey, it’s our team, our way, our dugout, our situation. Let’s not be so concerned about what’s going on across the way.’’

The Diamondbacks could have easily folded their hand when the Dodgers kept pushing in their chips. Instead, they held onto their cards and went all-in signing ace Corbin Burnes to a franchise-record six-year, $210 million contract and raising their payroll to a club-record $195 million. Sure, it’s still almost $200 million less than the Dodgers’ $389 million payroll, but at least they’re still in the game.

“It’s exciting, you got teams going out and spending money like that, the Dodgers, the Mets,’’ Burnes told USA TODAY Sports. “We spent some money this year. It’s good for the game. It’s good for the players. The owners talk about it all of the time that they don’t like it. But spend some money and compete. That’s where my head is.

“You win a World Series, you got some extra money, now go spend it.’’

The Dodgers did just that by doling out $465 million this off-season in free-agent signings and contract extensions after spending $1.18 billion the previous winter. Yet, even with the Dodgers’ five Cy Young awards, a future Hall of Famer and three of the greatest pitchers in Japan history, the D-backs believe their starting rotation can go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers or any team in the game.

“Absolutely,’’ Lovullo said. “I don’t want to sound arrogant or downplay what other organizations have. I couldn’t think of a better starting standpoint than the five or seven names we have that can go that deep.’

There’s Burnes, the 2021 Cy Young winner who has finished among the top eight in Cy Young voting for five consecutive seasons. There’s Zac Gallen, who finished third in the Cy Young balloting two years ago. There’s Kelly, who’s 30-17 the last three years. There’s Eduardo Rodriguez, the former 19-game winner who helped lead the Boston Red Sox to the 2018 World Series title. There’s Jordan Montgomery, who helped lead the Texas Rangers to the 2023 World Series title. And there’s Brandon Pfadt, their prized young pitcher who led the team with 185 strikeouts last year.

The Diamondbacks have $369.8 million invested into their starting rotation. It may not be the Who’s Who of pitching like the Dodgers, but in a short series, who wants to go up against Burnes, Gallen, Kelly and Rodriguez?

“Obviously they’ve done what they’ve done, they signed who they signed,’’ Gallen said. “But look at this team. Fully healthy, you could easily put our rotation in the top 10 easily last year and now we add someone like Corbin.

“For ownership and management to go out and spend the money and put a commitment to us, as a player it just reinforced what you’re doing. We needed maybe another piece to get us over the hump, and then you get a guy with his caliber. Pretty cool.’’

The D-backs don’t need to beat the Dodgers 162 times. They just need to beat them in a short series. And with their talented starting rotation, why not? The last time the D-backs faced the Dodgers in a short series, they swept them in the best-of-five division series in 2023 enroute to their World Series run.

“Don’t get me wrong, we respect them,’’ D-backs reliever Scott Gough said, “but I’ll match this staff up against anybody. It gives you a lot of confidence knowing that a lot of these guys have done it in the playoffs. They went toe-to-toe with those big teams and out-pitched them.’’

The Diamondbacks have perhaps their finest 1-2 punch since the days of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, who led the D-backs to the 2001 World Series championship. Burnes is a four-time All-Star who went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA last for the Baltimore Orioles, and Gallen was the finest pitcher in the NL West two years ago.

“Look, top to bottom, as far as the rotation and the bullpen, we can compete with any club,’’ Burnes said. “We can run out there right now with seven starters that would arguably be in the top two or three of any rotation. We got depth and a young, talented bullpen. I don’t think many organizations can match that depth as far as starting talent.

“I think pitching-wise we can compete with any team, whether it’s the Dodgers or the Mets. This was a team that was in the World Series two years ago, and we’re well positioned to make another good run.’’

The D-backs had the most explosive offense in the major leagues last season, leading MLB with 886 runs and averaging 6.2 runs a game after the All-Star break. They won 89 games last year − five more than the previous season when they went to the World Series. Yet, they wound up sitting home after losing the tiebreaker to Atlanta and the Mets.

“We got everybody back pretty much healthy, and the offense was on a historic pace,’’ Gallen said. “I think from a whole, I would venture to say the teams probably didn’t want to see us. But we did ourselves a disservice (losing five of the last seven games), and we didn’t get it done.

“It’s crazy, we win 89 games and don’t get in, and the year before we win 84 and get to the World Series. That’s baseball, right?’’

It’s also why the D-backs believe that they’re more than capable of knocking off the mighty Dodgers. They don’t have to win the NL West over a 162-game season. They just need an invitation to the dance, and you could be the last one partying into the night.

Who cares if you’re on the red carpet or sneak through the kitchen, as long as you’re in the party?

“It’s not just the Dodgers,’’ Lovullo said, “there are a lot of baseball teams just grouping some unbelievable talent. Its right in front of us. We know the landscape. As long as we know the landscape, we’re going to go out there and compete. We’re going to be ready to go.’’

And, who knows, maybe even shock the world while they’re at it.

“Every time we play those guys I feel like they can be beat,’’ D-backs veteran reliever Kevin Ginkel says. “They’re deep, but with the guys we have and our pedigree, just get us into the postseason, play those guys in a best-of-seven, and I’ll take our chances.’’

Said Burnes: “I kind of like that underdog mentality of a team that’s counted out. It’s a team that’s full of really talented players that are going to shock some people. Let us do our thing. Let us slide under the radar. And we’ll talk to you guys in October.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

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Mavericks assistant arrested, charged with aggravated assault

The Dallas Mavericks have suspended an employee as assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The Dallas Police Department said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports that officers responded to a call about 3:45 a.m. on Saturday regarding a dispute. A preliminary investigation found Armstrong and the alleged victim were in an argument when he allegedly hit the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot her.

Armstrong was booked into jail before 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. His bond was set to $35,000, which he has since posted. Police said Armstrong and the alleged victim know each other.

The Mavericks said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports that they are aware of an incident ‘involving a member of our staff,’ but did not specify who it was. The team said it was gathering information regarding the incident and the staff member was suspended.

‘The employee has been placed on administrative suspension pending the outcome of legal proceedings,’ the team said. ‘This matter is currently under review by the appropriate legal authorities. Due to this fact, we will allow the legal process to run its course and we will refrain from further comment while proceedings are ongoing.’

All things Mavs: Latest Dallas Mavericks news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

This is the 10th full season Armstrong has been part of the Dallas coaching staff after he joined midway through the 2008-09 season. He has spent eight seasons as the team’s top assistant during the Summer League, and was part of the staff that won the 2011 NBA Finals.

Armstrong played 14 seasons in the NBA, and he won the league’s Sixth Man Award and Most Improved Player Award in 1999 with the Orlando Magic. He played with five teams, including two campaigns with Dallas from 2004-06. He was part of the 2005-06 team that played in the NBA Finals, losing to the Miami Heat in six games.

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UConn puts emphatic end to South Carolina home winning streak

Two of women’s college basketball’s biggest brands took the floor in a top-10 non-conference showdown on Sunday to close out the weekend slate of games.

And while it didn’t disappoint, it also wasn’t that close.

Behind a big afternoon from Azzi Fudd, No. 6 UConn (24-3 overall, 14-0 in Big East play) stunned No. 4 South Carolina (23-3 overall, 11-1 in SEC play) at Colonial Life Arena with a 87-58 win — its Division I leading 16th 20 point win over an Associated Press top 5 team in the last 25 seasons.

With the win, UConn snapped its four-game losing skid to South Carolina and three-game skid against top-10 ranked teams. 

In one of the biggest women’s basketball non-conference matchups of the season, the Gamecocks led just once all afternoon and saw their 71-game home win streak come to an end. It is the first loss at Colonial Life Arena for South Carolina since Dec. 3, 2020 against NC State.

Down 11-9 at the 4:07 mark of the first quarter, UConn shifted the momentum with a 12-3 run to close out the opening frame. That is all the Huskies needed to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon, as they outscored the Gamecocks 66-44 in the final three quarters.

Fudd continued to change the direction of the game in the third quarter with one of her best quarter performances at UConn: 18 points on 7 of 9 shooting. The senior guard started the frame hitting each of her first five shots from the field.

Though she had a quiet day at the office — 12 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds — Paige Bueckers added her name to two pieces of UConn history. The first was surpassing Rebeca Lobo at No. 11 on the UConn all-time scoring list. While the second was joining Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi as the only three players in program history to record at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in their careers.

South Carolina was led in scoring by freshman forward Joyce Edwards, who finished with 17 points on 7 of 10 shooting, five rebounds and two blocks.

With the victory, the Huskies, who were already No. 6 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, will likely move into the top 3 of the Coaches Poll and see their No. 7 overall seed in the initial top 16 ranking for the NCAA Tournament rise.

It was also the ninth win all-time for Geno Auriemma against Dawn Staley, and improved his head-to-head record against Stanley in the regular season to 8-4.

Follow along here for a recap of updates, highlights and analysis of Sunday’s UConn vs. South Carolina women’s basketball game:

UConn women’s basketball vs South Carolina score updates

This section will be updated at tip-off

UConn women’s basketball vs South Carolina live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Final: UConn 87, South Carolina 58

UConn comes out on top with the signature against South Carolina on Sunday, and snaps South Carolina’s 71-game home win streak.

Paige Bueckers makes UConn history

With a defensive rebound at the 8:46 mark of the fourth quarter, Paige Bueckers becomes the third player in UConn history to record at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in her career. The only other two UConn players to have reached this feat have Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi.

Third quarter: UConn 70, South Carolina 44

UConn takes 26 point lead heading into final quarter

The Huskies will take a 26-point lead into the fourth quarter after not being able to get three opportunities inside the paint to go in.

Azzi Fudd was unstoppable in the third quarter for UConn, as the 5-foot-11 guard scored 18 points in the quarter alone on 7 of 9 shooting — which included a stretch that she hit five straight shots from the field in a row. Joyce Edwards scored six of South Carolina’s 21 points in the third quarter.

UConn is 10 minutes away from snapping South Carolina’s 71-game home win streak.

Azzi Fudd heating up for UConn

Azzi Fudd continues to have a big third quarter for UConn as she drains a 3-pointer on the fast break. With the 3-pointer she is 4-4 from the field (2-2 3-point shooting) in the third quarter alone, and now has a game-high 15 points on the afternoon.

UConn is back up to a 27 point lead over South Carolina at 60-33.

UConn opens second half hot

When it rains it pours — literally.

UConn picks up where it left off in the first half, as the Huskies open the third quarter with a 7-2 run that was capped off by a 3-pointer from the top of the key by Azzi Fudd.

Fudd’s 3-pointer pushed UConn’s lead to 52-25 with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter. It’s the largest deficit of the season for the Gamecocks.

Halftime: UConn 45, South Carolina 23

First half stats for UConn-South Carolina

Here’s a look at where things stand statistically at halftime between No. 4 South Carolina and No. 6 UConn:

Field goal percentage: UConn 46%, South Carolina 37%
3-point percentage: UConn 50 32%, South Carolina 22%
Free throws: UConn 4-4, South Carolina 1-2
Turnovers: South Carolina 9, UConn 3
Bench points: UConn 11, South Carolina 9
Points in the paint: UConn 20, South Carolina 14
Assists: UConn 12, South Carolina 4
Steals: UConn 5, South Carolina 0

And here are some individual stats for the Gamecocks and Huskies:

UConn

Sarah Strong: 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4-5 shooting
Ashlynn Shade: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 3-3 shooting
Jana El Alfy: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assists, 3-4 shooting
Paige Bueckers: 7 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2-8 shooting

South Carolina

Joyce Edwards: 7 points, 1 rebound, 3-4 shooting
Te-Hina Paopao: 6 points, 2-8 shooting, 2-5 3-pointers

UConn leads South Carolina at halftime

A dominant first half by UConn gives the Huskies a commanding 43-23 lead going into the locker room. The Huskies finished the second quarter on a 14-2 run over the final 4:48, while causing five turnovers over the final 5:11.

UConn built lead back to 20

UConn is getting everything to fall its way on offense right now as Kaitlyn Chen extends the Huskies run to 12-2 over the last 2:32 since South Carolina initially brought it to a 10-point game.

South Carolina responds with extended run

The Gamecocks aren’t going away that easy, as they go on a 7-0 run over the last 1:31 to bring the deficit to 10 and force UConn to call a timeout.

MiLaysia Fulwiley, who has two fouls, extended South Carolina’s run to 7-0 when she finished a transition bucket with a left-handed layup off the glass. It was the first point of the afternoon for Fulwiley.

Joyce Edwards ends UConn extended run

Joyce Edwards gives South Carolina a much needed basket as she spins inside the paint and draws the foul after her layup went in. Edwards, who would hit the free-throw, ended a 22-3 run for UConn over nearly eight minutes.

South Carolina now trails 31-17 with 6:39 remaining in the second quarter.

UConn pushes lead to 15

Azzi Fudd pushes UConn’s lead to 15 points after splashing a 3-pointer near the left corner, and Dawn Staley calls a timeout to discuss things over.

The Huskies defense has caused the Gamecocks’ significant struggles on offense thus far, as South Carolina is just 6 of 18 from the field (2 of 7 3-point shooting) and has turned over the ball three times. All UConn right now.

First quarter: UConn 21, South Carolina 14

UConn finishes first quarter off hot

The Huskies found their groove in the final four minutes of the first quarter, as they went on a 12-3 run in the final 3:52 of the frame.

Te-Hina Paopao ended a UConn 9-0 run — that was sparked by a layup from Jana El Alfy — with a 3-pointer. But UConn would jump back out to a seven-point lead when Ashlynn Shade, who leads the team with six points, hit a 3-pointer in the winding seconds of the quarter.

It’s the largest first quarter deficit for South Carolina since 2021 per ESPN’s broadcast.

MiLaysia Fulwiley in foul trouble for South Carolina

A big loss for South Carolina early here in the first half as MiLaysia Fulwiley heads to the bench after picking up her second foul of the game.

It came at the 3:37 mark of the first quarter. Tessa Johnson checked in to replace her on the floor.

UConn-South Carolina tied at first media timeout

With two top 10 teams facing off, both teams are continuing to settle in and establish their offense. The Huskies and Gamecocks are tied 9-9 at the first under-five media timeout of the afternoon.

UConn has missed each of its last four shots from the field. South Carolina will get the ball coming out of the media timeout after Huskies center Jana El Alfy was called for the foul.

Sania Feagin checks out for South Carolina with injury

South Carolina forward Sania Feagin exits the game quickly and heads into the tunnel with the trainer after getting poked in the eye by a UConn player. ESPN’s Holly Rowe reported that Feagin is getting an examination of her eye.

UConn gets the scoring going

The Huskies are the first on the board first thanks to a pull up 3-pointer in transition from star guard Paige Bueckers. If UConn wants to snap South Carolina’s 71-game home win streak and pick up a signature win on Sunday, the Huskies will need a big game from Bueckers.

Pregame

UConn-South Carolina ‘College GameDay’ picks

Here’s who the ESPN ‘College GameDay’ crew and guest picker Plies picked to win Sunday’s game between UConn and South Carolina:

Elle Duncan: South Carolina
Andraya Carter: South Carolina
Chinenye Ogwumike: South Carolina
Plies: South Carolina

UConn-South Carolina women’s basketball starters

Here’s the starters for the Huskies and Gamecocks on Sunday:

UConn:

G Paige Bueckers
G Azzi Fudd
G Kaitlyn Chen
F Sarah Strong
C Jana El Alfy

South Carolina:

G Te-Hina Paopao
G Bree Hall
G Raven Johnson
F Chloe Kitts
F Sania Feagin

NCAA Women’s Tournament top 16 rankings

Here’s a look at the first partial bracket reveal of the top 16 teams for the NCAA Tournament by the selection committee on Sunday:

Overall seed in parentheses

Spokane 1

1 seed: UCLA (1)
2 seed: LSU (6)
3 seed: Duke (10)
4 seed: Tennessee (16)

Birmingham 1

1 seed: South Carolina (2)
2 seed: NC State (8)
3 seed: TCU (9)
4 seed: Oklahoma (15)

Spokane 2

1 seed: Notre Dame (4)
2 seed: USC (5)
3 seed: Kansas State (12)
4 seed: Kentucky (13)

Birmingham 2

1 seed: Texas (3)
2 seed: UConn (7)
3 seed: UNC (11)
4 seed: Ohio State (14)

Here’s a full look at the top 16 ranking unveil on Sunday:

Geno Auriemma on UConn women’s basketball’s NCAA Tournament outlook

Similar to South Carolina, UConn would add its a signature win to its NCAA Tournament resume with a victory on Sunday. The Huskies sit at 23-3 overall on the season and 3-3 against top 25 ranked opponents.

So with just a few weeks left in the regular season, what is Geno Auriemma’s thoughts on his team’s ceiling for the NCAA Tournament? Here’s what he said to the ESPN ‘College GameDay’ crew:

‘We’re evolving. I just said this to someone, I think we are going to be a tremendous NCAA Tournament team. I really do. I think we are going to be a tremendous NCAA Tournament team.’

Dawn Staley repping Eagles on ‘College GameDay’ set

Dawn Staley didn’t hold back from showing who she was rooting for in Super Bowl 59 when she joined the ESPN ‘College GameDay’ set at Colonial Life Arena on Sunday: the Eagles.

The Gamecocks coach, who grew up in North Philadelphia, is a diehard Eagles fan and has been accustomed to wearing Eagles gear on the sidelines throughout her tenure at South Carolina.

‘I have not,’ Staley said when asked if she’s come down from the high of celebrating the Eagles win over the Kansas City Chiefs. ‘In Philly, we don’t know how to act when we win. And we make up for all the times that we didn’t win. This is the funeral for my Eagles gear for the sidelines for the year.’

Who is UConn women’s basketball’s coach?

Since taking over in 1985, Auriemma transformed UConn into a women’s basketball powerhouse, winning 11 national championships and reaching 23 Final Fours. He enters Sunday’s game against South Carolina with a 1,237-165 overall record at UConn.

South Carolina home streak

A win on Sunday would not just be a statement win for South Carolina and its NCAA Tournament resume, but it would also keep alive its 71-game home win streak at Colonial Life Arena.

The Gamecocks’ last loss at home came on Dec. 3, 2020 against NC State.

What channel is UConn women’s basketball vs South Carolina on today?

TV channel: ABC
Streaming: ESPN+ | Fubo (free trial)

ABC will broadcast Sunday’s non-conference matchup between UConn and South Carolina from Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

UConn vs South Carolina time today

Date: Sunday, Feb. 16
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Colonial Life Arena (Columbia, S.C.)

UConn and South Carolina will tip off at 1 p.m. ET from Colonial Life Arena on Sunday, Feb. 16 in Columbia, South Carolina.

UConn women’s basketball vs South Carolina history

Series record: UConn leads 9-5
UConn’s last win: 2021 (63-59 OT)
South Carolina’s last win: 2024 (83-65)

As noted by UConn’s record book, the Huskies lead the all-time series against South Carolina 9-5 — though the Gamecocks have won each of the last four meetings.

UConn vs South Carolina predictions

Lulu Kessin, The Greenville News: South Carolina 83, UConn 76

‘South Carolina is frustrated after losing to Texas and though UConn has a chip on its shoulder after losing to Tennessee, the Huskies pick up their second loss to an SEC team.’

UConn vs South Carolina betting odds

Game lines courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Feb. 16

Spread: South Carolina -6.5
Over/under: 136.5
Moneyline: South Carolina (-275) | UConn (+220)

UConn women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Wednesday, Jan. 29: UConn 84, DePaul 58
Sunday, Feb. 2: UConn 101, Butler 59
Thursday, Feb. 6: No. 19 Tennessee 80, UConn 76
Sunday, Feb. 9: UConn 77, Providence 40
Wednesday, Feb. 12: UConn 78, St. John’s 40

South Carolina women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Monday, Jan. 27: South Carolina 70, No. 18 Tennessee 63
Sunday, Feb. 2: South Carolina 83, Auburn 66
Thursday, Feb. 6: South Carolina 74, Georgia 42
Sunday, Feb. 9: No. 4 Texas 66, South Carolina 62
Thursday, Feb. 13: South Carolina 101, Florida 63

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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