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Trump names new point person for negotiating the release of hostages, detainees abroad
Read full article: Trump names new point person for negotiating the release of hostages, detainees abroadPresident-elect Donald Trump has named a healthcare executive to serve as his administration’s lead hostage negotiator at a time when the U.S. is trying to secure the release of prisoners in Gaza and other regions around the world.
The Taurasi-Griner combo is working for one more deep WNBA playoff run with Phoenix Mercury
Read full article: The Taurasi-Griner combo is working for one more deep WNBA playoff run with Phoenix MercuryThe combo of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner has become the face of the Phoenix Mercury over a dozen seasons.
Caitlin Clark scores 29 to help Fever fend off Mercury rally in 98-89 win before sellout crowd
Read full article: Caitlin Clark scores 29 to help Fever fend off Mercury rally in 98-89 win before sellout crowdCaitlin Clark started fast and finished with 29 points and 10 assists while Kelsey Mitchell scored 28 points to help the Indiana Fever fend off a furious second-half rally from the Phoenix Mercury for a critical 98-89 victory on Friday night.
US women's basketball future looks bright, but the rest of the world is closing the talent gap
Read full article: US women's basketball future looks bright, but the rest of the world is closing the talent gapThe U.S. women’s basketball players have been saying for years that winning in the Olympics wasn’t as easy as it has looked during the record run to eight straight gold medals.
Brittney Griner lets tears flow during national anthem after U.S. women win gold
Read full article: Brittney Griner lets tears flow during national anthem after U.S. women win goldStanding on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, Brittney Griner looked at the U.S. flag with tears streaming down her cheeks during the national anthem.
Breanna Stewart, other moms on US women's basketball team enjoy rare moments chasing Olympic history
Read full article: Breanna Stewart, other moms on US women's basketball team enjoy rare moments chasing Olympic historyBreanna Stewart and the other moms on the US women’s basketball team are enjoying some special moments while chasing a piece of Olympic history.
Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history
Read full article: Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet historyThe U.S. and Russia completed on Thursday their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, a deal involving 24 people, many months of negotiations and concessions from other European countries who released individuals in their custody as part of the exchange.
As a historic prisoner exchange unfolds, a look back at other famous East-West swaps
Read full article: As a historic prisoner exchange unfolds, a look back at other famous East-West swapsWhen Washington and Moscow exchange prisoners, it usually comes after months of secret, back-channel negotiations.
Prisoner Swap Latest: Freed Americans return to US soil and emotional welcome
Read full article: Prisoner Swap Latest: Freed Americans return to US soil and emotional welcomeThe United States and Russia have completed a 24-person prisoner swap, the largest in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan in a multinational deal that set some two dozen people free.
A’ja Wilson dominates as US women beat Japan 102-76 to open campaign for 8th straight Olympic gold
Read full article: A’ja Wilson dominates as US women beat Japan 102-76 to open campaign for 8th straight Olympic goldA’ja Wilson scored 24 points and Breanna Stewart added 22 to help the U.S. beat Japan 102-76 in the Olympic opener for both teams.
Houston native Brittney Griner, wife Cherelle are parents! WNBA star shares more about baby and his BASHFUL name👶🎉
Read full article: Houston native Brittney Griner, wife Cherelle are parents! WNBA star shares more about baby and his BASHFUL name👶🎉Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle, have welcomed a baby boy into their family!
Brittney Griner honored to be wearing a USA Basketball jersey again after time in Russian prison
Read full article: Brittney Griner honored to be wearing a USA Basketball jersey again after time in Russian prisonThere were times Brittney Griner thought she would never wear a USA Basketball jersey again.
Caitlin Clark gets 5th straight double-double, Kelsey Mitchell scores 28 in Fever win over Mercury
Read full article: Caitlin Clark gets 5th straight double-double, Kelsey Mitchell scores 28 in Fever win over MercuryKelsey Mitchell scored 28 points, Caitlin Clark had 20 points and 13 assists for her fifth straight double-double and the Indiana Fever beat the short-handed Phoenix Mercury 95-86.
US government's top hostage negotiator defends prisoner swaps with foreign adversaries
Read full article: US government's top hostage negotiator defends prisoner swaps with foreign adversariesThe U.S. government’s top hostage negotiator is defending prisoner swaps that free Americans wrongfully detained by foreign countries in exchange for the release of convicted criminals.
US opts for experience and versatility on Olympic women's basketball roster, passes on Caitlin Clark
Read full article: US opts for experience and versatility on Olympic women's basketball roster, passes on Caitlin ClarkUSA Basketball says experience was a major reason Caitlin Clark was left off the U.S. Olympic roster that was officially announced Tuesday.
Clark left off USA Basketball national team roster, AP Source says; Taurasi makes sixth Olympic team
Read full article: Clark left off USA Basketball national team roster, AP Source says; Taurasi makes sixth Olympic teamCaitlin Clark won’t be headed to the Paris Olympics, according to a person familiar with the decision.
New Houston nonprofit holding free event bringing awareness to Houston’s trans, non-binary community
Read full article: New Houston nonprofit holding free event bringing awareness to Houston’s trans, non-binary communityFLUX Houston, an affinity group with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is hosting a FREE event, to bring awareness to Houston's transgender and non-binary community this Saturday, May 18!
Mercury eight-time All-Star Brittney Griner has a fractured toe in her left foot
Read full article: Mercury eight-time All-Star Brittney Griner has a fractured toe in her left footPhoenix Mercury All-Star center Brittney Griner has a fractured toe in her left foot, which will cause her to miss an undisclosed amount of time.
Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner's arrest
Read full article: Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner's arrestTwo WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who opted to play in Russia this past offseason following Brittney Griner’s incarceration in 2022.
Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book
Read full article: Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in bookBrittney Griner says since her release from a Russian prison 17 months ago that she has used her platform as a WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist to advocate for the return of other Americans detained overseas.
Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail
Read full article: Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jailWNBA star Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges.
Caitlin Clark's presence draws comparisons to two Birds as Indiana Fever contemplate playoff run
Read full article: Caitlin Clark's presence draws comparisons to two Birds as Indiana Fever contemplate playoff runIndiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn started media day being asked to compare Caitlin Clark to two Birds — Sue, who Dunn took as the WNBA"s top overall draft pick in 2002, and Larry, who turned the Boston Celtics into an immediate title contender.
Women's basketball growth helped by star players, more media coverage, rules changes
Read full article: Women's basketball growth helped by star players, more media coverage, rules changesWomen’s basketball has grown in popularity over the past few years thanks in no small part to the sensational play of Caitlin Clark.
Caitlin Clark thrilled by US national team training camp invite. If Iowa isn't in the Final Four
Read full article: Caitlin Clark thrilled by US national team training camp invite. If Iowa isn't in the Final FourCaitlin Clark has been invited to the USA Basketball national team training camp during the Final Four in Cleveland, contingent on Iowa’s season being over.
Louisville women could get chance to again knock out Mulkey's reigning champ in NCAA tourney
Read full article: Louisville women could get chance to again knock out Mulkey's reigning champ in NCAA tourneyCoach Jeff Walz and Louisville have knocked a reigning national champion out of the women’s NCAA Tournament in the past.
Caitlin Clark, freshmen JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo top AP women's All-America team
Read full article: Caitlin Clark, freshmen JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo top AP women's All-America teamIowa star Caitlin Clark has been honored for the third straight season as a first-team Associated Press All-American.
Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair keeps climbing NCAA scoring list, elevating team in ACC standings
Read full article: Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair keeps climbing NCAA scoring list, elevating team in ACC standingsDyaisha Fair keeps rising on the NCAA career scoring list and has No. 17 Syracuse sitting high in the ACC standings.
Caitlin Clark moves into No. 2 on NCAA scoring list as No. 3 Iowa tops Northwestern 110-74
Read full article: Caitlin Clark moves into No. 2 on NCAA scoring list as No. 3 Iowa tops Northwestern 110-74Iowa star Caitlin Clark moved into second on the NCAA women’s basketball career scoring list, finishing with 35 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in the No. 3 Hawkeyes’ 110-74 victory over Northwestern.
Baylor to retire Brittney Griner’s jersey against Texas Tech next month
Read full article: Baylor to retire Brittney Griner’s jersey against Texas Tech next monthBaylor will retire the jersey of former star Brittney Griner on Feb. 18 when the Bears host Texas Tech. Griner helped Baylor go 40-0 her junior year en route to a national championship and finished her college career with 3,283 points and 1,305 rebounds.
As US brings home large numbers of jailed Americans, some families are still waiting for their turn
Read full article: As US brings home large numbers of jailed Americans, some families are still waiting for their turnThe Biden administration has had notable success in the past couple of years in bringing home Americans who are wrongfully detained by foreign governments.
US women's basketball team to train in New York before heading to pre-Olympic tournament
Read full article: US women's basketball team to train in New York before heading to pre-Olympic tournamentThe U.S. women’s basketball national team will get together for a few days in New York next month before playing in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgium.
Clark moves up career scoring list as No. 2 Iowa defeats Wisconsin, 96-50
Read full article: Clark moves up career scoring list as No. 2 Iowa defeats Wisconsin, 96-50Caitlin Clark scored 32 points, moving into fourth place on the all-time women’s basketball scoring list, as No. 2 Iowa defeated Wisconsin 96-50 on Tuesday.
Caitlin Clark's triple-double and 3-point flurry lead No. 3 Iowa to 96-71 rout over Purdue
Read full article: Caitlin Clark's triple-double and 3-point flurry lead No. 3 Iowa to 96-71 rout over PurdueCaitlin Clark had 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and No. 3 Iowa made 15 3-pointers, routing Purdue 96-71.
Brittney Griner, 5-time Olympian Diana Taurasi head up U.S. national women’s roster for November
Read full article: Brittney Griner, 5-time Olympian Diana Taurasi head up U.S. national women’s roster for NovemberFive-time Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner head up the USA Basketball Women’s National Team roster announced Thursday for two exhibition games and training camp in November.
WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018
Read full article: WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018The WNBA once again had strong metrics as the league had its most-watched regular season in 21 years and its highest average attendance since 2018.
Griner's WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments
Read full article: Griner's WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful momentsBrittney Griner’s return to the WNBA after nearly 10 months in a Russian prison hasn’t always been the smoothest ride.
Charges dropped, Riquna Williams wants to rejoin Las Vegas Aces after domestic violence arrest
Read full article: Charges dropped, Riquna Williams wants to rejoin Las Vegas Aces after domestic violence arrestCriminal domestic violence charges have been dropped against Las Vegas Aces player Riquna Williams, and her attorney says Williams hopes to rejoin the team for WNBA playoffs beginning next week.
Harris praises 2022 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces for 'grit and determination' on and off court
Read full article: Harris praises 2022 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces for 'grit and determination' on and off courtVice President Kamala Harris has praised the 2022 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces for showing “grit and determination” on and off the court.
Mercury set WNBA record with 45 first-quarter points, hold off Sun 90-84
Read full article: Mercury set WNBA record with 45 first-quarter points, hold off Sun 90-84Brittney Griner had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and the Phoenix Mercury set a WNBA record for points in a quarter with 45 in the first before holding off the short-handed Connecticut Sun down the stretch for a 90-84 win.
Brittney Griner won't travel for next 2 games to focus on her mental health, team says
Read full article: Brittney Griner won't travel for next 2 games to focus on her mental health, team saysThe Phoenix Mercury say All-Star center Brittney Griner will not travel for the team’s next two games so she can focus on her mental health.
Brittney Griner makes emotional and dominant return to record-setting WNBA All-Star Game
Read full article: Brittney Griner makes emotional and dominant return to record-setting WNBA All-Star GameBrittney Griner scored 18 points, including two dunks, in her return to the All-Star Game to lead Team Stewart to a 143-127 win over Team Wilson.
Phoenix to host 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, with US Olympians vs select team format expected
Read full article: Phoenix to host 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, with US Olympians vs select team format expectedThe 2024 WNBA All-Star Game is headed to Phoenix, setting up as a home game for Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi and a sendoff to the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team.
Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game
Read full article: Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star GameBrittney Griner didn’t know what to expect when the WNBA season began and how she would respond after the trauma she experienced of being incarcerated in Russia that also forced her off the court for many months.
Griner chosen as an WNBA All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again
Read full article: Griner chosen as an WNBA All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains againBrittney Griner will be starting in the WNBA All-Star Game a year after she was an honorary choice by the league while she was being detained in Russia.
Last-place Mercury fire coach Vanessa Nygaard and replace her with assistant Nikki Blue
Read full article: Last-place Mercury fire coach Vanessa Nygaard and replace her with assistant Nikki BlueThe last-place Phoenix Mercury have fired coach Vanessa Nygaard and replaced her with assistant Nikki Blue for the remainder of the season.
WNBA working with Brittney Griner and Mercury on travel options including charter flights
Read full article: WNBA working with Brittney Griner and Mercury on travel options including charter flightsThe WNBA is working with Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury on travel options including charter flights going forward.
Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury's game with a hip injury
Read full article: Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury's game with a hip injuryBrittney Griner did not play for the Phoenix Mercury in their first game in Washington since returning from her imprisonment in Russia.
Phoenix Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Brittney Griner
Read full article: Phoenix Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Brittney GrinerPhoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard says the WNBA team will adjust its travel plans following Saturday's incident in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Brittney Griner, Mercury teammates confronted at airport by 'provocateur,' WNBA says
Read full article: Brittney Griner, Mercury teammates confronted at airport by 'provocateur,' WNBA saysThe WNBA says Brittney Griner and her Phoenix Mercury teammates were confronted by a “provocateur” at a Dallas airport on Saturday.
Arike Ogunbowale scores 35 points, lead Wings to 90-77 victory over Mercury, Griner
Read full article: Arike Ogunbowale scores 35 points, lead Wings to 90-77 victory over Mercury, GrinerArike Ogunbowale scored 35 points, Satou Sabally added a double-double and Dallas pulled away in the second half to beat Phoenix 90-77.
Brittney Griner, Phoenix earn 1st win of WNBA season 90-81; make 13 3-pointers vs Lynx
Read full article: Brittney Griner, Phoenix earn 1st win of WNBA season 90-81; make 13 3-pointers vs LynxBrittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury earned their first win of the WNBA season with a 90-81 victory against the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday night.
WNBA opening weekend highlighted by Griner’s return, Stewart’s historic performance
Read full article: WNBA opening weekend highlighted by Griner’s return, Stewart’s historic performanceThe WNBA tipped off its 27th season this past weekend with the return of Brittney Griner, a historic effort by Breanna Stewart and a dominant performance by the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison
Read full article: Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prisonBrittney Griner shined in first regular-season home game since being detained for nearly 10 months in a Russian prison.
'A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia
Read full article: 'A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in RussiaBrittney Griner had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots for the Phoenix Mercury in her first WNBA regular-season game since being jailed in Russia.
Super teams in Las Vegas, New York and Brittney Griner's return headline upcoming WNBA season
Read full article: Super teams in Las Vegas, New York and Brittney Griner's return headline upcoming WNBA seasonExpectations and intrigue surround the WNBA as the league tips off its 27th season this weekend.
Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia
Read full article: Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in RussiaBrittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played and hugged and high-fived her teammates, coaches and opposing players.
Brittney Griner says she’ll ‘never go overseas’ again unless it’s to play for the U.S. in the Olympics
Read full article: Brittney Griner says she’ll ‘never go overseas’ again unless it’s to play for the U.S. in the Olympics“Hands down, no one should be in any of the conditions that I went through or that they’re going through,” the WNBA star said of Americans being wrongfully detained in Russia.
Russia may discuss swap involving WSJ reporter, official says
Read full article: Russia may discuss swap involving WSJ reporter, official saysA top Russian diplomat says Moscow might be willing to discuss a potential prisoner swap involving jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after his trial on espionage charges.
Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity
Read full article: Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivitySaying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024.
Blinken: Russia must immediately free 2 detained Americans
Read full article: Blinken: Russia must immediately free 2 detained AmericansThe State Department says Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged his Russian counterpart, in a rare phone call between the diplomats since the Ukraine war, to immediately release a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained last week as well as another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan.
Brittney Griner’s return to WNBA tips off ESPN coverage
Read full article: Brittney Griner’s return to WNBA tips off ESPN coverageBrittney Griner’s return to the WNBA will tip off ESPN’s coverage of the league’s 27th season when the Phoenix Mercury visit the Los Angeles Sparks on May 19 — opening night.
‘I’m grateful’: Brittney Griner says she’s happy to be home; will play basketball this season
Read full article: ‘I’m grateful’: Brittney Griner says she’s happy to be home; will play basketball this seasonBrittney Griner said she’s “grateful” to be back in the United States and plans on playing basketball again next season for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
Brittney Griner prisoner swap AP Sports Story of the Year
Read full article: Brittney Griner prisoner swap AP Sports Story of the YearThe return of Brittney Griner to the United States in a dramatic prisoner swap with Russia marked the culmination of a 10-month ordeal that captivated world attention, a saga that landed at the intersection of sports, politics, race and gender identity — and wartime diplomacy.