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Abbey Gate terrorist, human smuggling ring leaders, cartel bosses among Bondi DOJ’s first-month successes

Attorney General Pam Bondi spent the first month at the Justice Department arresting ISIS-linked terrorists and violent illegal immigrants, dismantling drug cartels and more, telling Fox News Digital she will ‘continue working day in and day out to deliver on President Trump’s Make America Safe Agenda.’

The Justice Department’s core mission under Bondi’s leadership is focused on fighting violent crime while undertaking key initiatives to protect women’s sports; eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion; and fight antisemitism. 

Since taking her oath Feb. 5, under Bondi’s leadership the DOJ has arrested an ISIS-linked criminal in New York who allegedly financially supported ISIS; arrested the ISIS-K attack planner who allegedly orchestrated the attack at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan that led to the death of 13 U.S. service members; and arrested two illegal immigrants accused of running one of the largest human smuggling rings in the United States. 

In March, the DOJ also secured custody of 29 defendants from Mexico who are facing charges in districts around the country relating to racketeering, drug-trafficking, murder, illegal use of firearms, money laundering and other crimes in the U.S., including Mexican drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who had been wanted for and accused of torturing and murdering a Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 1985. This followed a bilateral meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and counterparts in the government of Mexico.

‘This Department of Justice is arresting violent terrorists, dismantling cartel networks, and rooting DEI out of American institutions,’ Bondi told Fox News Digital. ‘We will continue working day in and day out to deliver on President Trump’s Make America Safe Agenda.’

Bondi also warned California, Maine and Minnesota to comply with the federal antidiscrimination laws that require them to keep boys out of women’s sports or face legal action. 

She also vowed that the DOJ will ‘hold accountable states and state entities that violate federal law.’ 

The Justice Department also sued Illinois and New York earlier in February for defying federal immigration laws, with Bondi warning others that they ‘stand ready to sue states and state entities that defy federal antidiscrimination laws.’ 

Meanwhile, earlier in March, ISIS-K member Mohammad Sharifullah — accused of plotting the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 U.S. military members and at least 160 civilians amid the chaotic Biden administration withdrawal from Afghanistan — was extradited to ‘face American justice,’ FBI Director Kash Patel said. 

‘3 and 1/2 years later, justice for our 13,’ Patel wrote on X. 

Sharifullah is charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death and was expected to make his first federal court appearance in Virginia Wednesday.

‘This is just the beginning,’ a Justice Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. ‘Attorney General Bondi is completely dedicated in her mission to refocus the Department of Justice on fighting crime, prosecuting dangerous criminals, holding rogue jurisdictions accountable for flouting federal law, and removing DEI from our institutions.’ 

The spokesperson added: ‘The DOJ has more to come on all those fronts and more.’ 

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4 signs that show Trump’s foreign policy remains staunchly anti-Russian

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Don’t let mainstream media’s reaction to President Donald Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy misinform. If Trump’s first-term foreign policy serves as any indication of how ‘pro-NATO’ and ‘anti-Russian’ his second-term foreign policy will be, the record is overwhelmingly pro-NATO and anti-Russian. 

Regardless of criticism – mostly by perennial Donald Trump critics – the president is no friend to Russia and his first term substantively reflects that.

As a former military officer and diplomat who served in Eastern Europe during the majority of Trump’s first term, I witnessed first-hand the tangible, unrelenting and effective anti-Russian and pro-NATO policies he directed American diplomats to communicate, influence and implement. 

The following is a list of specific foreign policies I witnessed and supported under from 2017 to 2020. 

Increasing NATO countries’ military spending to greater than 2% GDP

This policy was of the highest priority for military diplomats serving in NATO countries. The quantifiable policy was customized based on the specific military modernization needs of each NATO country. In the country I served in, Bulgaria, the policy resulted in the Bulgarian parliament approving the purchase of eight U.S. F-16 jets to the price of more than $1.3 billion as Bulgaria’s Air Force required drastic modernization. 

A more modernized and capable NATO (steered by American diplomatic pressure) focused on increased military spending… not good for Russia.

Lethal aid to Ukraine

Under President Trump – and in stark contrast to President Barack Obama’s Ukrainian policy – the U.S. provided lethal aid to Ukraine in the form of Javelins, aka tank killers. Javelins enabled the Ukrainians to gain a fighting chance on the eastern front of the conflict where they were historically losing. Ukrainian military attaches, whom I befriended and worked closely with during my time in Bulgaria, often embraced me and said, ‘Thank you, brother, we finally have a chance on the eastern front.’ 

A more capable and modernized Ukrainian military armed with Javelins… not good for Russia.

Largest expulsion of Russian diplomats in U.S. history

Following the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, United Kingdom, in 2018 by Russian agents, Prime Minister Theresa May implored President Trump to take a strong and symbolic diplomatic stance in support of Britian and in stern rebuke of Russia. Trump replied, ‘What can I do?’ 

In addition to 60 Russian diplomats being declared persona non grata and forced to leave the U.S., Trump ordered the permanent closure of the Russian Consulate in Seattle, Washington. On the international front, U.S. embassies all over the world further influenced local diplomatic action, resulting in several expulsions of Russian diplomats. 

Ordering the largest Russian diplomatic expulsion in U.S. history… not good for Russia.  

Sanctioned Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2

In December 2019, Trump formally sanctioned all companies involved with the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which sought to transport Russian fuel directly from Russia into Germany via the Baltic Sea. 

Trump, in an overarching diplomatic strategy to weaken Russian influence in Europe, began shaping the issue during a NATO breakfast in Brussels in 2018 when he openly stated, ‘Germany is totally controlled by Russia,’ adding the construction of the pipeline was ‘bad for NATO.’ Ultimately the pipeline never became operational, and Nord Stream 2 declared bankruptcy in 2022, laying off all 106 employees. 

Spearheading the demise of Russian fuel expansion into Germany… not good for Russia.

Whenever I hear the baseless criticisms of Trump’s foreign policy – particularly the thoughtless pro-Russian accusations – I wonder if the critics have any inclination to educate themselves on his actual policies, which were anything but friendly to the Russian government. 

As the president accurately stated in his address to Congress, Democrats would not be happy if he found a cure for the deadliest disease; the same can be said of his foreign policy critics. Coincidentally, the only U.S. presidential term Putin has not invaded a foreign country, dating back to 2008, was during Trump’s first term.

President Trump… not good for Russia.

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Dems threatening government shutdown over Elon Musk hate, Republicans say

House Republicans are accusing Democrats of waging their opposition campaign against the GOP’s government funding plan over their fury at Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts.

‘They hate Elon Musk and Donald Trump more than they love their country,’ Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital. ‘They’re just losing their f—— minds.’

Mace was still optimistic that some Democratic lawmakers will vote for the legislation on Tuesday afternoon, ‘I mean, they voted for every CR under the sun when [former President Joe Biden] was president. That’s what this is — it’s just political games.’

First-term Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., told Fox News Digital, ‘It’s either [President Donald Trump] or Elon Musk or a combination thereof, right?’

‘They’ve had nothing but political losses from November forward. Last week was the worst political loss I think they’ve suffered in a long time,’ Crank said, referring to Democrats’ intra-party divisions over some lawmakers’ disruptions during Trump’s speech to Congress. ‘I guess they’ve got to keep fighting, but what they should do is the right thing: Keep the government open.’

Musk and his DOGE work have been met with near-universal condemnation by Democrats, even those who have agreed with the need to cut the federal bureaucracy. 

Democrats have held Musk up as a political boogeyman, an unelected billionaire who was given too much access to the federal government that he also profits from as a military contractor.

But Republicans, with some exceptions, have defended his work as necessary.

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., told Fox News Digital that Musk is ‘doing damage to our government’ but denied his work being a factor in his likely decision to oppose the funding bill.

‘Musk doesn’t live rent-free in my head,’ Crow said. ‘I’m not making legislative decisions based upon Elon Musk and what he does and doesn’t do in any given day… I’m focusing on my constituents.’

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., when asked about Musk, did not mention the billionaire at all. Instead, he pivoted to criticize House Republicans for putting a stopgap government funding bill known as a continuing resolution (CR) up for a vote, rather than dealing with a fresh slate of fiscal year (FY) 2025 appropriations bills.

‘Republicans have said for the longest time, right, that CRs are no longer the way to fund the government. Speaker Johnson promised to do individual spending bills. That was his pitch to his colleagues in order to remain speaker. OK. He’s the one who’s going back on his word to his own colleagues,’ Moskowitz said.

But Democrats have nevertheless used Musk in their public broadsides against the bill.

‘It takes away veterans’ healthcare. It takes away critical research funding. Those are the things that House Republicans are willing to do just to give Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s friends continued tax breaks. That’s unacceptable to House Democrats,’ House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., told reporters on Monday.

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., wrote on X, ‘Trump and Musk are illegally shutting down federal agencies, mass firing federal workers, and freezing congressionally mandated funding. It’s causing massive job losses and economic chaos for my constituents, and the Republican CR would continue this disaster. I will vote no.’

The proposed CR roughly freezes government funding at FY 2024 levels through the beginning of FY 2026, on Oct 1. It includes extra funding for defense while cutting nondefense funding by roughly $13 billion.

House GOP leadership aides said over the weekend that the bill includes some added funding for veterans’ healthcare — putting them at odds with Democrats’ messaging.

Democratic lawmakers normally vote in droves to avert a government shutdown, but this time it’s likely House Republicans will need to share the burden largely on their own.

As of Monday night, several Republicans are still undecided on how they will vote, despite Trump making calls to GOP lawmakers who are on the fence.

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Greenland’s opposition party pushes closer US ties, independence from Denmark as Trump plays big in election

Greenlanders will head to the polls to vote in their country’s parliamentary election on Tuesday, in what will likely prove to be a historic vote not because of any seismic shifts within the nation but because of the geopolitical message it will send.

Independence from Denmark is not on the ballot itself, but who is elected to Greenland’s parliament will signal how the country could move forward in not only divorcing itself from Copenhagen, but in handling what some critics have perceived as threats issued by President Donald Trump.

Parliamentary elections on the world’s largest island, a nation of less than 60,000 people, have previously picked up scant coverage due to their relatively low impact on world affairs.

But all that changed in January when, ahead of his inauguration, Trump refused to rule out the possibility of ‘acquiring’ Greenland through economic or military means and has since repeated his interest in the strategically important island.

While the majority of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark, they also align in their opposition to Trump’s ambitions for the island nation.

There is not a single lawmaker in Greenland that ran for election in this cycle on becoming a part of the U.S., but the leading opposition party known as Naleraq, which currently holds just five of the 31 seats in Greenland’s parliament, may have a solution to achieve independence while also appealing to Trump’s interests. 

Qupanuk Olsen, a 39-year-old running under the Naleraq party who has garnered a massive social media presence with over a million followers spread over Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, shared a video in January where she addressed questions regarding her opinion on the matter.

Without directly noting her position on Trump’s ambitions, as she said she wants to keep her social media presence as ‘A-political as possible,’ she emphasized her support for expanding Greenland’s partnerships.

‘I strongly believe in Greenland’s independence,’ she went on to say, ‘To achieve this we must expand our collaborations and establish business relationships with countries beyond Denmark. 

‘We Greenlanders, Kalaallit, deserve to be independent,’ she continued in reference to the Greenlandic Inuit ethnic group. ‘And I hope we will strengthen our connections with our fellow Inuit in Canada and Alaska significantly more in the near future.’

Though Greenland won self-rule in 1979, with Denmark continuing to oversee issues relating to defense and foreign policy, the Naleraq party has pushed for a swift transition to complete independence.

The leading opposition party has argued this could be achieved by bolstering existing business opportunities like its fishing industry, as well as by establishing defensive agreements with nations like the U.S., in which it would allow Washington to continue to operate its military interests from the island in exchange for security assurances without becoming a U.S. territory. 

Though it remains unclear if such a deal would win over Trump, who could be viewing the Artic nation as an untapped opportunity for its rare earth minerals and oil and gas reserves – which Greenland has blocked even the EU from accessing. 

The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions over whether expanding ties with Greenland would appease Trump’s ambitions, though on Sunday Trump reiterated his position on the island nation.

‘As I made clear during my Joint Address to Congress, the United States strongly supports the people of Greenland’s right to determine their own future,’ he said on his social media platform Truth Social.  ‘We will continue to keep you safe, as we have since World War II.’ 

‘We are ready to invest billions of dollars to create new jobs and make you rich  – And, if you so choose, we welcome you to be a part of the Greatest Nation anywhere in the World, the United States of America,’ he added. 

Trump drew rebuke in some quarters following his address to Congress, where his tone on Greenland was softer than previous remarks, but he concluded by saying, ‘One way or the other, we’re going to get it.’

According to a January poll, some 85% of Greenlanders oppose Trump’s push to make Greenland a part of the U.S., including Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has been not only a huge proponent of independence from Denmark, but who has also been staunchly opposed to Trump’s interest in Greenland.

Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which currently holds 11 seats, is expected to pick up an even greater majority following the Tuesday election. 

Egede, who has repeatedly told the U.S. president that Greenland is ‘not for sale,’ on Monday said Trump’s unpredictability was sowing international chaos.

‘The things that are happening in the world right now worry me quite a lot,’ Egede told Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR). ‘There is a world order that is faltering on many fronts, and perhaps a president in the United States who is very unpredictable in a way that makes people feel insecure.’

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Unrivaled postseason takes shape: Here’s everything you need to know

MEDLEY, Fla. – The final four of Unrivaled women’s basketball is set as the regular season ended Monday night with blowout wins by the top two seeds in the league.

Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier scored 29 points to help the No. 1 seed Lunar Owls beat fellow co-founder Breanna Stewart and the Mist 92-58 in the first of two games.

Chelsea Gray caught fire finishing with 33 points to help the No. 2 seed Rose beat the Vinyl 74-46 in the second game. Angel Reese left the game in the third quarter with a “left upper extremity injury” and did not return.

“No update on Angel. Hopefully, we’ll have one soon. We’re sending her our best wishes,” Rose coach Nola Henry said after the game.

The Laces secured the No. 3 seed in the postseason, while the Vinyl edged out the Mist for the fourth and final playoff spot on a tiebreaker.

The Vinyl and Mist finished with 5-9 records, but the Vinyl’s 4-7 record against playoff teams will get them into the postseason, edging the Mist’s 3-8 record in the category.

The Vinyl seemingly clinched their playoff spot before they played, keeping tabs of the Lunar Owls-Mist game before they got on the court.

“We understand sometimes the ball doesn’t fall, but we have technically one more game, and then possibly another. So, we have to focus on that,” Vinyl center Aliyah Boston said.

The prize money – $50,000 for each player on the championship winning team – is certainly a major focus, along with winning the league’s first title when the postseason begins.

“It’s money on the line,” Lunar Owls guard Courtney Williams said. “Anytime money is on the line, I think everybody has to up the ante.”

Here’s everything you need to know about Unrivaled’s postseason games next week:

When is the Unrivaled postseason?

The No. 3 Laces will face No. 2 Rose in the first semifinal on March 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The No. 1 Lunar Owls will face the No. 4 Vinyl in the second semifinal on the same day, slated for an 8:30 p.m. start.

When is the Unrivaled championship game?

The Unrivaled final will be on March 17.

How to watch Unrivaled postseason games?

The Unrivaled postseason will be available on TNT and TruTV on cable television, and available to live stream on Max.

Who’s in? Here’s the four Unrivaled playoff teams

No. 1 Lunar Owls (13-1)

The Lunar Owls were the best team in Unrivaled’s regular season, outscoring opponents by 170 points en route to the No. 1 seed in the postseason. Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Allisha Gray have been the best starting lineup in the league, while Courtney Williams and Shakira Austin have made crucial contributions off the bench. The Lunar Owls’ mission all along: To win Unrivaled’s first title.

No. 2 Rose (8-6)

Chelsea Gray and Angel Reese helped the Rose overcome a 1-4 start and get back into Unrivaled contention with a four-game winning streak – which included a win over the Lunar Owls on Feb. 21. While the Rose lost the rubber match to the Lunar Owls last Friday, they secured the No. 2 seed in the playoff mix with a blowout win over the Vinyl Monday night.

No. 3 Laces (7-7)

Kayla McBride, Alyssa Thomas and Tiffany Hayes helped the Laces begin Unrivaled with a 4-0 start, but they’ve had to navigate the injury bug this season. Thomas has returned from a knee injury, while Jackie Young joined the team midseason after a leg injury. Kate Martin has not returned after a leg injury of her own since midseason. Still, the trio of McBride, Thomas and Hayes could be well-positioned to contend with the Lunar Owls.

No. 4 Vinyl (5-9)

Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard have been the Vinyl’s best players, while Arike Ogunbowale has missed several games with a right leg injury. Rae Burrell, Jordi Canada and Aliyah Boston have also made contributions

The Vinyl won their last two games on Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, giving them just enough to reach the postseason field.

Who’s out? Here are the two teams eliminated from postseason

No. 5 Mist (5-9)

The Mist – led by league co-founder Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, Rickea Jackson, Courtney Vandersloot, DiJionai Carrington and Aaliyah Edwards – made a late push for a playoff spot with a three-game winning streak at the end of last month but were eliminated after a blowout loss to the Lunar Owls on Monday night.

No. 6 Phantom (4-10)

The Phantom – featuring Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, Satou Sabally, Marina Mabrey, Natasha Cloud and Katie Lou Samuelson – were eliminated from the postseason last Friday. But they ended their season on a positive note Saturday night with an 80-74 win over the Vinyl.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrested at airport on ICC warrant for crime against humanity

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday following an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating a crime against humanity case filed against the former leader.

Duterte, 79, was taken into custody at the airport in the Philippines following his trip to Hong Kong, The Associated Press reports.

The ICC has been investigating ‘massive killings that happened under the former president’s deadly crackdown against illegal drugs,’ The AP said via President Ferdinand Marcos’ office.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

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Chargers to sign Najee Harris, per reports

Najee Harris is heading west in 2025, agreeing to a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, according to reports.

Harris is signing a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million, per ESPN.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back has only known the Steel City in his NFL career after arriving as a first-round draft pick in 2021. He’s been a solid contributor for the black-and-gold, seemingly embodying everything the Steelers love in a football player.

A tough runner, Harris is light in the speed and explosiveness departments. Despite that, he has still run for at least 1,000 yards in all four seasons as a pro.

Harris will bring a durability to the Chargers’ backfield, having never missed a game in his NFL career.

The 27-year-old has one Pro Bowl appearance, but does come with some mileage concerns. He’s touched the ball over 200 times in each of the last six seasons, dating back to his final two years at Alabama.

For a Chargers team hoping to continue adding to their tough running identity, Harris is a logical fit. However, they could still easily find their explosive complement back in the draft.

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Byron Murphy Jr. to join Vikings on three-year deal, per reports

Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is cashing in after one of the best seasons of his career.

Fresh off of his first Pro Bowl nod, Murphy has agreed to terms on a three-year, $66 million deal to return to the Minnesota Vikings, according to reports.

Murphy thrived in his second year under Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Following a solid, 14-game outing in 2023, the 27-year-old spent 2024 playing in every game and setting new career-high marks in tackles (81), tackles for a loss (6), passes defensed (14) and interceptions (6).

The former second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals spent four years with his first team before signing his two-year, $17.5 million deal with Minnesota ahead of the 2023 season. Murphy’s Pro Bowl year in 2024 allowed him the shot at a nice pay raise in free agency, and the Vikings obliged.

In re-joining the Vikings, Murphy will remain a featured piece of the team’s defensive backfield.

The Vikings ranked second in dropback EPA allowed (-0.035) and second in passing success rate last season. They also allowed 4,114 yards in the air. Murphy allows them to fill Minnesota’s need at cornerback by keeping one of the best on the market this offseason.

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Bueckers lifts UConn to women’s Big East title over Creighton: Highlights

An automatic bid to the women’s NCAA Tournament was on the line Monday in the Big East between two top 25 teams, and it went to No. 3 UConn and Geno Auriemma.

Behind a big night from Paige Bueckers and stellar defense, the Huskies dominated No. 22 Creighton 70-50 Monday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut to win their 23rd Big East tournament title.

With the win, UConn has now won 36 consecutive conference tournament games and its fifth consecutive Big East tournament title — quite a run for one of women’s college basketball’s greatest dynasties.

It was the first time the Huskies and Bluejays had met up in the postseason since UConn rejoined the Big East before the 2020-21 season.

Bueckers, a candidate for national player of the year, finished with a game-high 24 points and was named the Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player — the first player in the history of the Big East to win the award in three consecutive tournaments.

The three-time Big East Player of the Year added eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals on the night. In three tournament games, Buckers averaged 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Huskies jumped out to a fast 27-11 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. But on a night that Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and star freshman Sarah Strong combined for 50 points, the same amount of points as Creighton, it was UConn’s defense that stood out the most. Highlighted by its 19 forced turnovers (13 steals and five blocks), UConn held Creighton to 35.8% shooting from the field and 26.1% from beyond the arc.

The Huskies also held the Bluejays’ top two scorers, Lauren Jensen and Morgan Maly, to a combined 25 points on a combined 9-of-25 shooting from the field.

Regardless of the outcome from Monday’s championship game, both programs were well positioned to make March Madness — with the only difference being UConn has now secured the Big East’s automatic bid. Entering the day, ESPN’s Charlie Creme had UConn as a No. 2 seed and Creighton as projected No. 8 seed.

Scroll below for a full recap and highlights from Monday’s Big East tournament final:

UConn vs Creighton women’s basketball score updates

This section will be updated at tip-off

UConn vs Creighton women’s basketball live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Final: UConn 70, Creighton 50

UConn defeats Creighton

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd lead No. 3 UConn to its fifth straight Big East tournament title with a commanding 70-50 win over No. 22 Creighton. It’s the 23rd Big East tournament title for the Huskies.

Bueckers finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field with eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals. UConn’s defense was phenomenal all night, causing 19 turnovers and holding Creighton to 35.8% shooting from the field.

Creighton answering back

Creighton isn’t going down without a fight.

Geno Auriemma has seen enough, calling a timeout after Kiani Lockett hits a 3-pointer to push Creighton’s run to 6-0 over the last 57 seconds. UConn retains a 57-43 lead, but the Bluejays are outscoring the Huskies 9-4 in the fourth quarter.

Paige Bueckers hits 20 points

Paige Bueckers is up to 20 points on the evening with a jumper, which extends UConn’s lead to 57-40 with 6:59 remaining in the fourth quarter. Bueckers’ jumper ends a three-minute scoring drought.

It’s the 17th game this season that Bueckers has reached at least 20 points in a game, and her third in the Big East tournament.

Ice Brady picks up controversial foul

Ice Brady gets called for an illegal screen, as Paige Bueckers tried moving near the UConn bench. Molly Mogensen, who took the hit from Brady, then hits a 3-pointer for Creighton.

Third quarter: UConn 53, Creighton 34

UConn leads after three

The Huskies are one quarter away from winning their fifth straight Big East tournament title, as they lead 53-34 going into the fourth.

UConn had its worst quarter shooting of the night in the third quarter, as it only hit five of its 15 shots from the field in the frame. Paige Bueckers leads all scorers with 16 points.

A positive for Creighton in the third quarter was Morgan Maly. The veteran forward scored seven points in the frame alone after just scoring two points in the entire first half.

Azzi Fudd picks up second foul

Azzi Fudd gets called for her second personal foul of the evening. It comes right after Kaitlyn Chen turned over the ball for the Huskies, their 13th turnover of the night.

Something to monitor over the next 4:55 of the third quarter with UConn out in front 49-28.

Paige Bueckers gets scoring going

Paige Bueckers is up to 14 points on the night, as she switches her hands while going up for the easy coast-to-coast layup off the glass. She has now scored five of UConn’s last 12 points going back to the second quarter.

It is the first made basket of the third quarter for UConn after it missed its first four shots from the field. Creighton has yet to score in the second half, as it trails the Huskies 44-22 with a timeout on the floor.

First half: UConn 40, Creighton 22

UConn leads at halftime

A dominating first half by UConn gives the Huskies a commanding 40-22 lead going into the locker room at halftime.

Lauren Jensen attempted a 3-pointer on Creighton’s last possession in hopes of getting something started but it didn’t fall — a near perfect description of how the first half went for the Bluejays.

While the offense certainly was there in the first half for the Huskies, it was the defense for Geno Auriemma’s squad that stood out in the first 20 minutes: 15 defensive rebounds, 11 caused turnovers, seven steals and two blocks while holding Creighton to 35.7% from the field (10% 3-point shooting).

The Huskies are 20 minutes away from their 23rd Big East tournament crown.

Creighton calls timeout

Paige Buckets!

Bueckers hits a 3-pointer from the top of the key for her third triple of the night, and it forces Creighton to call a timeout. Huskies leading Bluejays 35-15 with 4:01 remaining in the second quarter.

UConn is 7-for-13 from 3-point shooting, compared to Creighton’s 0-for-7 shooting from 3.

UConn leads big at media timeout

Azzi Fudd is heating up from downtown as she hits a transition 3-pointer off the assist from Paige Bueckers. That makes three straight 3-pointers for Fudd, who now has a game-high nine points. Fudd’s 3-point shooting has been big for UConn over the last few weeks, and one of several reasons why the Huskies can make a deep run in March.

All momentum is with UConn here, as the Huskies have their largest lead of the night at 32-15 at the under-five media timeout in the second quarter. Creighton is on a 3:14 scoreless drought.

First quarter: UConn 27, Creighton 11

UConn leads by 16 points after first quarter

What a first quarter for the 22-time Big East tournament champions.

Azzi Fudd hits a 3-pointer in transition off a steal from Paige Bueckers just before the end of the quarter to put UConn up 27-11. It was quick two 3-pointers for Fudd in the final 1:37 of the frame after she was held scoreless for the previous eight minutes.

Creighton struggled mightily against UConn’s defense in the opening frame, as the Bluejays turned the ball over seven times and made just five shots from the field.

Paige Bueckers pushes UConn’s lead

A pair of triples puts Paige Bueckers on the board and extends UConn’s lead to 19-7 with a personal 8-0 run. Bueckers also had a pair of free throws at the charity stripe between her 3-pointers.

Creighton calls a timeout on the floor with 2:07 remaining in the first quarter.

Creighton responds quickly

Here come the Jays.

After a disastrous start — 0-for-4 shooting and five turnovers — to open the first quarter, Creighton has responded with a quick 6-0 run in the last 1:06 to bring the score to 11-6 going into the under-five media timeout. Lauren Jensen hit a pair of buckets for Creighton, while Morgan Maly has the other.

UConn has not scored in the last 2:34 after starting the game 11-0.

Creighton struggling offensively

UConn’s offense is causing mismatches and struggles for Creighton’s offense, which has been historically a top-ranked one in the Big East under Jim Flanery.

Bluejays are 0-for-4 from the field to start the night, as the Huskies lead 11-0 after the first five minutes.

UConn gets the scoring going

The Huskies are the first on the board with a jumper from center Jana El Alfy inside the paint. If UConn wins its fifth straight Big East conference tournament title on Monday, it will be because of its dominance inside the paint and scoring from Paige Bueckers, who is averaging 21.5 points through two tournament games this season.

UConn would extend its lead to 4-0 with a El Alfy layup on its next possession after causing a turnover on the other end.

Pregame

UConn-Creighton starters announced

Here’s a look at the starters for Monday’s game between UConn and Creighton:

UConn:

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

Creighton:

G Kiani Lockett
G Lauren Jensen
G Molly Mogensen
F Mallory Brake
F Morgan Maly

UConn warming up ahead of Big East women’s basketball championship

Paige Bueckers and UConn have taken the court at Mohegan Sun Arena for pregame warm-ups ahead of Monday’s conference championship game against Creighton. UConn enters the night 44-1 all time at Mohegan Sun Arena.

What is UConn’s record in the Big East women’s basketball championship game?

UConn enters Monday’s game with a 25-6 record in the Big East conference championship game, per its game notes. A win Monday against Creighton would give UConn its 23rd Big East tournament title and its 30th overall conference tournament championship.

What channel is Big East women’s championship on today?

TV channel: Fox Sports 1
Streaming options: Fox Sports Go app | Fubo (free trial)

Fox Sports 1 will televise Monday’s women’s Big East championship game between UConn and Creighton, with John Fanta (play-by-play), Kim Adams (analyst) and Allison Williams (sideline reporter) on the call.

Streaming options for the game include the Fox Sports Go app (with a TV login) and Fubo, the latter of which carries FS1 and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

UConn vs Creighton women’s basketball time today

Date: Monday, March 10
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.)

UConn and Creighton are scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on Monday, March 10 in the 2025 women’s Big East tournament championship game. UConn is 44-1 all-time at Mohegan Sun Arena, including a perfect 11-0 in the Big East tournament, per its game notes.

UConn vs Creighton women’s basketball history

Series record: UConn leads 11-0
UConn’s last win: 2025 (72-53)
Creighton’s last win: N/A

As noted by UConn’s game notes, the Huskies are 11-0 in their all-time series against the Bluejays.

UConn vs Creighton women’s basketball predictions, picks

Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports: UConn 70, Creighton 55

‘UConn, like it has twice before this season, will fend off Creighton yet again, this time taking home some hardware afterward. Paige Bueckers will finish out her final regular season with another conference championship, as she has done each of her five seasons with the Huskies.’

UConn vs Creighton women’s basketball betting odds

Game lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday, March 10

Spread: UConn -19.5
Over/under: 140.5
Moneyline: UConn (-5000) | Creighton (+1600)

UConn women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Here’s a look at UConn’s last five results. To view the Huskies’ full 2024-25 schedule, click here.

Saturday, Feb. 22: UConn 86, Butler 47
Thursday, Feb. 27: UConn 72, No. 23 Creighton 53
Sunday, March 2: UConn 92, Marquette 57
Saturday, March 8: UConn 71, St. John’s (Big East Tournament)
Sunday, March 9: UConn 82, Villanova 54 (Big East Tournament)

Creighton women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Sunday, Feb. 23: Creighton 83, DePaul 74
Thursday, Feb. 27: No. 5 UConn 72, Creighton 53
Sunday, March 2: Creighton 70, Villanova 55
Saturday, March 8: Creighton 72, Georgetown 70 (Big East Tournament)
Sunday, March 9: Creighton 73, Seton Hall 44 (Big East Tournament)

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Politics

Trump-backed plan to avert shutdown heads for House vote

A plan to avert a partial government shutdown backed by President Donald Trump is heading for a House-wide vote on Tuesday.

The House Rules Committee, the final gatekeeper before legislation hits the House of Representatives chamber, advanced the bill along party lines on Monday evening. 

Tuesday is expected to first see a vote to allow for lawmakers to debate the bill, known as a ‘rule vote,’ followed by a chamber-wide vote on the legislation itself later in the afternoon.

It’s a major test for Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., as they seek to corral a House GOP conference that’s been exceptionally fractured on the subject of government funding.

As of late Monday evening, the bill’s chances of passing are still uncertain, even despite Trump himself making calls to potential holdouts.

Two sources told Fox News Digital that Vice President JD Vance will be on Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning for House Republicans’ regular conference meeting, in an apparent bid to help push dissenters along.

In addition to one staunch opponent, there are at least four other House Republicans who are undecided or leaning against the bill.

With all lawmakers present, Johnson will likely only be able to lose two Republicans to pass a bill along party lines.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told reporters he was ‘currently’ against the bill during the House’s 6 p.m. ET vote series.

‘I like the fact that it has less spending, but I hate the fact that they push it over to the war pimps at the Pentagon once again, and that’s kind of my hang-up,’ Burchett said, adding that he hadn’t heard from Trump at the time. 

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., and Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., signaled they were undecided, with the latter signaling he was leaning against the bill.

‘I refuse to paint myself in the corner. I don’t think that’s a smart thing to do. But as it stands right now, it doesn’t make sense to say anything is going to be different in September than it is right now,’ McCormick said.

The bill is a continuing resolution (CR), which is a rough extension of fiscal 2024 funding levels to keep the government open through the start of fiscal 2026 on Oct. 1.

Republicans are largely expected to shoulder the bill alone in the House, despite a significant number of GOP lawmakers who would normally be opposed to extending Biden administration-era funding levels. House GOP leaders are confident, however, that it will pass.

Democrats have outnumbered Republicans in anti-government shutdown votes in recent years, but this time their opposition Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has many left-wing lawmakers signaling their opposition to the bill.

But what’s lending optimism to Johnson allies is the fact that two of the measure’s most vocal backers are the senior-most members of the hawkish House Freedom Caucus.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the group’s policy chair, told Fox News Digital on Monday morning that a key part of conservatives’ pitch to fellow fiscal hawks is that Trump will likely still move to spend less money than the CR appropriates, including funding that he’s already blocked by executive order.

‘Step 1 is the CR freezes spending, guys, that’s a win; No. 2, no earmarks; No. 3, no giant omnibus; No. 4, we believe the president can impound,’ Roy said of his pitch.

Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., cited Republicans’ near-uniform vote on their Trump-backed federal budget bill last month.

‘There were a lot of people in Washington who said we would never pass a debt ceiling increase with only Republican votes, and we did in the House,’ Harris said. ‘I think, similarly, there’s some people who, including some of the Democrats, who think, ‘Well, they’re going to have to come to us, because they can never pass a continuing resolution with only Republican votes.’ And I think we’re going to see the same result [Tuesday].’

But with razor-thin margins, Johnson can afford precious little dissent to still pass the bill on party lines.

At least one Republican is already opposed: Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a staunch Johnson critic, wrote on X late Sunday, ‘Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week. It amazes me that my colleagues and many of the public fall for the lie that we will fight another day.’

The 99-page legislation was released over the weekend.

The bill allocates an additional $8 billion in defense spending to mitigate national security hawks’ concerns, while non-defense spending that Congress annually appropriates would decrease by about $13 billion.

There are also some added funds to help facilitate Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations.

Cuts to non-defense discretionary spending would be found by eliminating some ‘side deals’ made during Fiscal Responsibility Act negotiations, House GOP leadership aides said. Lawmakers would also not be given an opportunity to request funding for special pet projects in their districts known as earmarks, another area that Republicans are classifying as savings.

It allows Republican leaders to claim a win on no meaningful government spending increases over fiscal 2025.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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