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North Carolina blows a big lead and makes another early March Madness exit under Hubert Davis

North Carolina blows a big lead and makes another early March Madness exit under Hubert Davis

North Carolina blows a big lead and makes another early March Madness exit under Hubert Davis

GREENVILLE, S.C. — North Carolina went from having a 19-point lead to struggling to make a shot, with that gap eaten away by a VCU squad that refused to let up.

Just like that, the Tar Heels were eliminated from March Madness, their latest early exit under Hubert Davis.

The Rams defeated the Tar Heels 82-78 in overtime in Thursday’s first round of the South Region, finishing a season that showed great promise until February only to be derailed by a significant injury. It’s another postseason disappointment for a blueblood team that has won six national championships but is now defined by its inability to advance beyond the round of 32.

Davis, who is in his fifth season as the replacement to retiring Hall of Famer Roy Williams, was hesitant to discuss whether something is missing that would maintain his program among the nation’s best.

“I truly wanted this group of students to have more experiences. But other than that, all I’m thinking about are these guys and the rest of the men in the locker room.”

Davis’ up-and-down ride

Davis is the only coach in Atlantic Coast Conference history to win at least 20 games in each of his first five years. However, Davis has been unable to achieve continuous playoff success, which has traditionally been a hallmark of the UNC program, following an epic voyage to the 2022 NCAA title game in his rookie season, which featured a Final Four victory over rival Duke that ended the career of rival Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Tar Heels became the first team to miss the NCAA Tournament in 2023 after being ranked first in the preseason AP Top 25. UNC rebounded to win the ACC regular-season title a year later and earn a No.

Last year, the Tar Heels just made it into the First Four, defeating San Diego State before losing in the first round to Ole Miss.

They were expecting more this time around, with top recruit and high-end NBA prospect Caleb Wilson proving to be an instant star. The Tar Heels defeated Kansas and Kentucky, rallied to win at Virginia, and handed Duke one of its two losses this season on Seth Trimble’s last-second 3-pointer.

North Carolina blows a big lead and makes another early March Madness exit under Hubert Davis

However, Wilson shattered his left hand a few days later in Miami. Then, as he was about to return in early March, Wilson—eventually named an AP second-team All-American—shattered his right thumb during a non-contact practice and was out for the season.

The Tar Heels did not win again.

They lost against Duke, trailed by 18 before falling short in a dramatic rally against Clemson in the ACC Tournament, and then faded against VCU while leading 56-37 on Trimble’s basket with 14:58 remaining.

“I feel like we were at a really good spot, and then obviously Caleb’s injury—I think that affects our season,” Henri Veesaar, the center, said.

UNC struggles with a short rotation.

The Tar Heels wilted significantly in the VCU game, with Davis limiting his rotation to keep four players on the court for the entire second half and another for 15 minutes. By the end, UNC was unable to make a basket or a free throw while making costly turnovers.

The Tar Heels missed their final nine shots, including all six in overtime. And they went 12 of 20 from the foul line, including three missed free throws in overtime, to continue their season-long struggles.

Davis claimed he didn’t notice his teammates becoming exhausted, while Trimble said it was a problem in previous interviews. When questioned why he primarily used a six-man rotation after halftime, Davis replied, “Because that was my decision.”

Trimble had just sat in a corner of the locker room, surrounded by reporters and fighting back tears. Trimble, a rarity in today’s transfer-portal age, had just finished playing for Davis at UNC for four years, including a brief stint in the portal after his sophomore year before returning.

He supported his coach, who signed a two-year agreement till 2029-30 last year.

“Everybody has flaws,” Trimble explained. “Coach Davis is not a perfect coach.

But he’s a coach who has improved both me and the guys. He has proven his ability to triumph in this situation. I know he’s received a lot over the last four years. But I will continue to ride with him.”

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World News

The trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” promises Peter Parker’s morphing powers and “rebirth.”

The trailer for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" promises Peter Parker's morphing powers and "rebirth."

The trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” promises Peter Parker’s morphing powers and “rebirth.”

Peter Parker’s Spidey abilities look to be changing.

Spider-Man, your friendly neighborhood superhero, is finally back.

It’s been over five years since Tom Holland’s Peter Parker last appeared as the webslinger in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and a lot has changed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since then. (10 movies, for those keeping track.) But Sony Pictures unveiled the first trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on Wednesday, and it looks like our hero has been working full-time as a masked crimefighter while remaining an anonymous entity to people he cares about the most.

 

“Sometimes Spider-Man has to do the hard thing, even if it breaks Peter Parker’s heart,” Peter says in a voiceover in the new video. According to the film’s logline, it has been four years since the events of “No Way Home,” in which Peter was forced to make everyone forget who he is in order to rescue the world. “Brand New Day” will see Spider-Man confront “one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.”

 

The clip depicts Peter reuniting with former best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon), who still have no idea who he is. But, like everyone else in New York, they appear to be familiar with Spider-Man.

The trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” promises Peter Parker’s morphing powers and “rebirth.”

Among those Spidey encounters in the trailer is Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), popularly known as the Punisher. However, Spider-Man and the anti-hero from “Daredevil: Born Again” do not appear to be on friendly terms. The trailer also shows Spider-Man confronting Scorpion (Michael Mando), Boomerang (whose casting has yet to be disclosed), the Hand, and a presumably invisible antagonist.

 

Peter is also seen seeking out Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) in his non-Hulk form to figure out what’s wrong with his own body. Spider-Man’s DNA looks to be mutating, as seen by his capacity to create organic webs, which is concerning. The trailer ends with a cryptic voiceover (which sounds like Keith David) that teases what it might signify.

 

“Spiders have three life cycles,” the unknown voice explains.

 

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Sports

Venezuela defeats the USA to win the first World Baseball Classic championship

Venezuela defeats the USA to win the first World Baseball Classic championship

Venezuela defeats the USA to win the first World Baseball Classic championship

Venezuela defeated the star-studded host nation in a politically tense duel in Miami.

Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic for the first time on Tuesday, defeating tournament hosts the United States 3-2 in a tight final played amid political tensions.

Eugenio Suarez drove home the winning run in the top of the ninth inning, securing Venezuela’s victory over an American lineup dubbed a baseball “dream team.”

After trailing for most of the game, Team USA appeared to have rallied when Bryce Harper hit a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning.

But Harper’s barrage was in vain, as Venezuela recovered the lead in the ninth inning, punishing a weak performance by USA reliever Garrett Whitlock to seal the victory.

“What can I say? It’s amazing,” Venezuelan star Suarez said.This is a celebration for the entire Venezuelan country.”

Suarez’s winning double ended a tumultuous final at Miami’s LoanDepot Park, where a sizable contingent of Venezuela fans in a sold-out crowd of 36,190 booed the USA lineup during pre-game introductions.

US President Donald Trump, whose government apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military raid in January, stoked tensions on Monday with a social media post congratulating Venezuela on reaching the final while also implying that the country could become the US’s “51st state.”

Venezuela defeats the USA to win the first World Baseball Classic championship

Trump returned to the issue shortly after Tuesday’s defeat, stating in a post on his Truth Social platform, “STATEHOOD. “President DJT.”

Venezuela dominates

Venezuela, whose players had been advised by team management to refrain from discussing politics throughout the tournament, dominated the renowned Team USA lineup for long stretches, with starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez suffocating American batters led by New York Yankees home run king Aaron Judge.

The South Americans took the lead in the third inning as USA starter Nolan McLean struggled to maintain composure on the mound.

Salvador Perez singled to reach base before Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. earned a walk.

McLean’s wild pitch put Venezuela’s runners on second and third base, and Kansas City Royals slugger Maikel Garcia’s sacrifice fly allowed Perez to score.

With the US hitters continuing to struggle against Rodriguez, the Venezuelans doubled their lead in the top of the fifth inning.

McLean threw a four-seam fastball into the center of the strike zone, and Boston Red Sox left fielder Wilyer Abreu pounced, slamming a 414-foot (126-meter) solo home run to center field for a 2-0 advantage.

Venezuela appeared to be on their way to win until Harper hit a 432-foot (132-meter) home run to center field off reliever Andres Machado in the eighth inning.

However, the USA rally was short-lived, and Venezuela regained the lead in the ninth when Luis Arraez drew a lead-off walk from Whitlock, followed by Suarez’s bomb to left center field for the winning run.

Closer Daniel Palencia struck out Kyle Schwarber, Gunnar Henderson, and Roman Anthony in quick succession to secure Venezuela’s victory.

 

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National News

Why are we celebrating Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday?

Why are we celebrating Irish culture on St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday?

Why are we celebrating Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday?

Many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on Tuesday, March 17, by attending parades and indulging in Irish-themed food and drink.

 

Centuries ago, some Irish feasted and drank as well, but for religious reasons. According to History.com, Christians in Ireland began celebrating St. Patrick’s Day during Lent between the ninth and tenth centuries. People may drink and dance on the holiday, ignoring Lenten restrictions on meat consumption and dining on Irish bacon and cabbage.

 

According to the Ireland.com website, which is maintained by Tourism Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day parades were supposed to have begun in the United States by Irish emigrants, with the first procession taking place in Boston in 1737. However, History.com reports that a St. Patrick’s Day procession was held as early as 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida.

 

Explore the top beer gardens, festivals, and taverns in the United States. Cities around the United States have St. Patrick’s Day parades, while multiday festivals, including parades, take place throughout Ireland.

 

Who was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland since he is credited with introducing Christianity to the country. (According to History.com, despite being known as Saint Patrick, he was never canonized and received the honorific through grassroots public support.)

Why are we celebrating Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday?

Patrick was born in late fourth-century A.D. Great Britain, but as a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and held captive for around six years. During his incarceration, he became a devoted Christian. He escaped and came to Great Britain, where an angel told him in a dream that he should return to Ireland as a missionary. Patrick then began religious training, which lasted almost 15 years.

 

According to the Saint Patrick Centre at Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland, Patrick began his mission to spread Christianity on the island of Ireland in 432 AD. The Centre is located near Down Cathedral, the famed saint’s final burial place. According to History.com, when he died in 461, the island was almost totally Christian.

 

Why do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17?

History.com reports that St. Patrick died on March 17, circa A.D. 460. According to the National Catholic Reporter, St. Patrick’s Day was introduced to Rome’s liturgical calendar in the mid-17th century by Luke Wadding, a Franciscan friar from Waterford residing in Rome.

 

While people in Ireland have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for over 1,000 years, parades began even before the country gained independence from Great Britain. While Boston may have had the first parade, the official New York City parade dates from March 17, 1766, according to the Library of Congress, albeit an unofficial march took place in 1762.

 

According to the library, the Savannah, Georgia, parade dates back to March 17, 1824, while Boston’s first formal parade took place in March 1776.

 

In addition to parades, many St. Patrick’s Day events involve pub crawls (complete with green beer) and music festivals. Chicago colors the Chicago River green as part of the celebration.

 

Why is the shamrock associated with Saint Patrick’s Day?

According to Ireland.com, St. Patrick is said to have taught the Irish about the Holy Trinity using the three-leafed shamrock.

 

The Number of Irish People in America

According to the US Census Bureau, many Americans have something to celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day.

  • According to the US Census, more than 32 million people in the United States claim Irish ancestry.
  • Approximately 117,000 Americans were born in Ireland.
  • The states having the largest percentage of residents with Irish ancestry are New Hampshire (21.3%) and Massachusetts (18.9%).
  • Cook County, Illinois, which encompasses Chicago, has approximately 434,000 Irish-Americans, making it the most populous county in the United States, according to 2023 projections.
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World News

Sigourney Weaver Reveals Her Star Wars Character’s Links to Princess Leia

Sigourney Weaver Reveals Her Star Wars Character's Links to Princess Leia

Sigourney Weaver Reveals Her Star Wars Character’s Links to Princess Leia

Sigourney Weaver, who plays the New Republic’s Colonel Ward in The Mandalorian and Grogu, has disclosed a personal relationship with one of the Rebellion’s most prominent icons, the late Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia, saying, “We go way back.”

 

Sigourney Weaver stars as New Republic Colonel Ward, a role created just for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Though little is known about Colonel Ward so far, the teasers for Star Wars’ upcoming film show that she will be in frequent communication with both Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu as she orders them on a risky mission to “prevent another war”.

 

Though Ward will be introduced to Star Wars audiences for the first time in The Mandalorian and Grogu, she is far from a newcomer. Ward, described in Empire’s May 2026 edition as a “military leader, crack pilot”, has a direct relationship to some of the Rebellion’s — and Star Wars’ — most iconic symbols, including the late Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia.

Sigourney Weaver Reveals Her Star Wars Character’s Links to Princess Leia

Ward, according to Lucasfilm co-president Dave Filoni, is part of a vital group of fearless female Rebel leaders that includes Leia, Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern) from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka (Vanessa Marshall/Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Mon Mothma from Andor (Genevieve O’Reilly). According to Filoni, these ladies “really went through it” during the Age of Rebellion and helped battle and dismantle the Empire.

 

“To be playing someone from that time, from that history, who would have been a cohort of these guys, is a great honour,” Weaver remarked of her role in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Her role in Star Wars’ plot, like Leia’s, draws on a narrative subject that the actress is all too familiar with. “The 1970s were a time of upheaval, with widespread protests against the Vietnam War.” People experienced a sense of unity. It all makes sense to George Lucas, and I’m from the same generation.

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Sports

Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinals

Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinals

Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinals

Earlier this week in Indian Wells, a Brazilian reporter informed Daniil Medvedev that some in Brazilian tennis circles refer to him as “Malvadao,” which in Portuguese means “villain” or “the bad guy.”

 

Medvedev instantly accepted it, saying, “I suppose on the court I am. In real life, I am not like this guy. I suppose on the court, I may be an anti-hero several times.”

 

Medvedev followed it up on Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open, defeating top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6(3) in front of a startled and possibly unhappy crowd of just shy of 16,000 on Stadium Court.

 

The victory spoiled a possible matchup between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the world’s top two players who had shared the last nine Grand Slam titles. Many expected the next incarnation of the rivalry to take place in the Indian Wells final.

 

But Medvedev, the 11th seed in the draw, had a nearly flawless first set. He took an early lead and held service throughout the match, despite many highlight reel forehand strokes by Alcaraz.

Medvedev, who is 6-foot-6 and is the tallest player to ever be ranked No. 1 in the world, had pundits in awe from start to finish.

“This is unbelievable,” retired Grand Slam champion Jim Courier stated during a Tennis Channel broadcast.

Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinals

Alcaraz took a break in the fourth game of the second set, with the crowd overwhelmingly behind him. But Medvedev responded by keeping many rallies going with his bulk, length, and surprising quickness for someone so gangly.

 

Medvedev then survived a break chance and held on to tie the match 4-4. Alcaraz desperately chased every ball in the next game, knowing that the outcome was mainly dependent on it.

 

In the tenth game, with Alcaraz up 5-4, Medvedev saved a set point and then another. He then hit an ace and won a point by sprinting north-south to the net and holding service.

 

“How aggressively he played all the time, I think that surprised me a little bit,” Alcaraz explained. “I thought he was going to play aggressively from the start, but how he did it shocked me a lot, because he didn’t miss any or as many shots as I expected. He was playing aggressively, and he didn’t miss.”

 

In the tiebreaker, Alcaraz earned the first point before Medvedev scored the next six, with the Russian receiving points off both of Alcaraz’s first serves.

Throughout the game, Alcaraz fist-pumped after major plays. But Medvedev remained largely emotionless. Like a machine.

 

The Spanish tennis great had won the last four meetings between the two, as well as 18 of his previous 19 semifinal appearances. The solitary setback came against Jack Draper of Great Britain, who went on to win the Indian Wells title last year. Alcaraz praised Daniil.

 

“I believe he just played a tremendous match. I have to add that he was playing amazingly from the beginning to the end of the contest. To be honest, I’ve never seen Daniil perform like this. He fully deserves to advance and participate in this final.”

 

There were several celebrities in attendance for the match. Dua Lipa and her boyfriend, Callum Turner, sat together in a luxury box. Oscar winner Charlize Theron and retired Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi were among those watching from a box.

 

While some may have been startled by Medvedev’s victory, it was not very stunning. Medvedev won a title in Dubai before arriving in Indian Wells, and he also won one in Brisbane in January.

 

Nonetheless, it was Alcaraz’s first loss of the year, following 16 consecutive wins, including titles in Doha and the Australian Open.

 

Alcaraz was attempting to become only the sixth player to win three championships at Indian Wells, following Novak Djokovic (5), Roger Federer (5), Rafael Nadal (3), Michael Chang (3), and Jimmy Connors (3).

 

Medvedev will now face Sinner. Neither has won a title in Indian Wells. Medvedev reached the finals twice, in 2023 and 2024, but lost to Alcaraz both times.

 

Sinner leads the all-time series against Medvedev, 8-7. But Sinner has won seven of the last eight.

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Sports

No. 10 Virginia defeated Miami 84-62 to go to the ACC Tournament championship game

No. 10 Virginia defeated Miami 84-62 to go to the ACC Tournament championship game

No. 10 Virginia defeated Miami 84-62 to go to the ACC Tournament championship game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ugonna Onyenso scored 17 points on 8-for-9 shooting, Thijs De Ridder and Sam Lewis each added 16 points, and No. 10 Virginia defeated Miami 84-62 on Friday to advance to the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time since 2023.

 

Malik Thomas scored nine of his 15 points in the second half, helping the Cavaliers improve to 29-4 under first-year coach Ryan Odom.

 

Miami’s Tru Washington scored 13 points, and Shelton Henderson added 12 as the team shot 39% from the field and was outrebounded 35-24.

 

Virginia broke open a tightly contested defensive game with a 13-2 run during the final 2:47 of the first half, taking a 38-23 lead at the intermission. Chance Mallory finished the run with a sprinting 3-pointer that beat the buzzer after a Miami mistake.

No. 10 Virginia defeated Miami 84-62 to go to the ACC Tournament championship game

The hurricanes never recovered.

The gap ballooned to 18 points six minutes into the second half, as Miami struggled to find open lanes to attack the basket against the bigger Cavaliers. Miami struggled from deep, missing 10 of its first 11 shots from beyond the 3-point line.

 

Miami staged a comeback, narrowing the score to 53-42 after Noam Dovrat made two three-pointers and Henderson scored following a missed fastbreak shot. But Thomas took over and scored eight of Virginia’s next ten points, bringing the lead back to 18 with eight minutes remaining.

 

Virginia’s lead increased to 26 points late in the second half.

Miami is awaiting their NCAA Tournament seed.

Virginia will meet the winner of Clemson vs. No. 1 Duke on Saturday.

 

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Sports

Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. steals the show at the World Baseball Classic—on defense.

Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. steals the show at the World Baseball Classic—on defense

Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. steals the show at the World Baseball Classic—on defense

Last season, Kansas City Royals player Bobby Witt Jr. won the Platinum Glove for his exceptional defensive work at shortstop.

 

On Monday, he demonstrated why on a worldwide scale. Witt made two outstanding defensive plays against Mexico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Both plays needed him to demonstrate his range and arm strength.

 

Witt made a diving play in the fourth inning, denying Mexico catcher Alejandro Kirk a base hit. Witt moved to his right and delivered a one-hop throw across the diamond.

 

Bryce Harper, Team USA’s first baseman, caught the ball for the out. He expressed his gratitude amid a loud crowd.

Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. steals the show at the World Baseball Classic—on defense

Witt also expressed gratitude via social media. On his X account, Kansas City Chiefs player Patrick Mahomes just called Witt a “Dawg!” However, Witt was not finished. Witt robbed Mexico of another hit in the fifth inning.

 

This time, he caught a line drive off the bat of Mexico infielder Nick Gonzalez. Gonzales rushed down the line throughout the play. Witt remained undeterred, throwing a strike that nearly knocked Harper off first base.

 

Harper held on to record the out. Both defensive plays were crucial as Team USA maintained an early lead.

 

Last season, Witt won his second consecutive Gold Glove. He had a .983 fielding percentage with 186 putouts and 382 assists. Witt also had three defensive runs saved (DRS), per The Fielding Bible.

 

The Royals boast one of the strongest defensive infields in MLB. Witt teams up with fellow Gold Glove third baseman Maikel Garcia. The team also boasts Jonathan India at second base and Vinnie Pasquantino at first.

 

Witt will compete for his third consecutive Gold Glove in 2026. He is also a preseason American League MVP candidate after two top-five finishes.

 

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National News

Gemini Experience Center opens in Michigan as TCS expansion date remains unclear

Gemini Experience Center opens in Michigan as TCS expansion date remains unclear

Gemini Experience Center opens in Michigan as the TCS expansion date remains unclear to

Tata Consultancy Services announced on Monday at 9:00 a.m. ET the launch of a new Gemini Experience Center at its Innovation Hub in Troy, Michigan, in collaboration with Google Cloud. TCS acknowledged that it intends to expand its global Gemini Experience Center network to 13 sites by the end of 2026, but the particular locations and launch dates for the six new centers due later this year were unknown as of 9:00 a.m. ET.

 

Tata Consultancy Services opens Gemini Experience Center at Troy, Michigan Innovation Hub

According to Tata Consultancy Services, the Troy facility strengthens the company’s global network of AI-focused innovation centers and serves as the company’s sixth Gemini Experience Center. The company also acknowledged that the center was built utilizing Google Cloud and is located within TCS’s Innovation Hub in Troy, Michigan.

 

However, while TCS billed the Troy launch as part of an expedited worldwide rollout, the release did not include a guaranteed launching date or a list of locations for the following round of centers. TCS stated that six more centers are slated to open later this year and that it aims to operate 13 such facilities by the end of 2026, but those future milestones were not tied to precise, verified ET dates and times.

 

TCS has established Gemini Experience Centers in Bengaluru, New York, Chennai, Riyadh, Singapore, and São Paulo as part of its TCS Pace innovation ecosystem, which connects startups, academic institutions, and enterprise customers with innovative technologies.

 

The Troy site is now the only newly verified US location in the announcement.

 

Google Cloud collaboration focuses the Troy Gemini Experience Center on physical AI manufacturing.

TCS said the Troy center will focus on physical AI applications for the manufacturing industry, with the stated goal of allowing global manufacturers to experiment with, test, and scale AI-driven solutions to improve safety, quality, and operational efficiency. The company proposed a “human-in-the-loop” strategy, in which physical AI systems work alongside humans, with a focus on workplace safety and resilience.

 

Nonetheless, the declaration leaves important practical elements unclear. TCS did not specify which manufacturers have already committed to using the facility, whether trial projects are already underway, or what performance criteria will be used to assess advances in safety, quality, or operating efficiency. As of 9:00 a.m. ET, any claims concerning adoption levels or measurable outcomes remained unverified because the corporation did not include those statistics in its statement.

Gemini Experience Center opens in Michigan as TCS expansion date remains unclear

TCS asserted that the Troy center employs the TCS Physical AI Blueprint, an end-to-end platform that integrates AI-powered quadruped and humanoid robotics with advanced sensor technologies, edge intelligence, and secure cloud orchestration. TCS further stated that the technology is intended to provide real-time operational insights and automated decision support in industrial situations.

 

Anupam Singhal, President of Manufacturing at TCS, stated that the center’s purpose is to extend visibility and decision-making into environments that are “difficult, risky, or inefficient for humans to access,” with the goal of creating industrial environments that are “safer, more adaptive, and continuously aware at scale.” These are declared objectives; whether they convert into verified results at customer sites is unknown as of 9:00 a.m. ET.

 

Anupam Singhal’s 2026 aim of 13 centers depends on six launches scheduled this year

TCS announced that it is expediting the global implementation of its Gemini Experience Centres, with ambitions to operate 13 sites by the end of 2026, with six more slated to open later this year. The main issue for readers following the effort is execution: the timeframe is portrayed as a plan and expectation, but the statement does not specify when, where, or in what order the six new centers would open.

 

Two visible developments will determine whether the deployment is still on pace, based solely on the company’s own success criteria. To sustain the stated pace anticipated by the “six additional centers” assumption, TCS must first confirm the opening of additional Gemini Experience Centers later this year. Second, TCS will need to confirm progress toward its goal of 13 operating facilities by the end of 2026, which will necessitate additional site announcements beyond the Troy, Michigan, facility and the six previously mentioned locations.

 

Separately, TCS said that it has expanded its cooperation with Google Cloud to provide enterprise access to Gemini Enterprise. TCS further stated that this expanded cooperation enables its teams to create new AI agents as well as integrate pre-built Google Cloud and third-party agents into Gemini Enterprise, assisting clients in improving productivity and accelerating innovation.

 

However, the breadth of that expansion—such as which customers will use Gemini Enterprise via TCS and when those deployments will begin—was not defined and remains unconfirmed as of 9:00 a.m. ET.

 

The next known milestone in this story is TCS’s own series of future announcements: if TCS confirms openings for the six additional Gemini Experience Centers scheduled for later this year, the business will be closer to meeting its stated target of running 13 centers by the end of 2026.

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Sports

Ricky’s tennis picks for Sunday in Indian Wells, including Paul vs. Fonseca

Ricky's tennis picks for Sunday in Indian Wells, including Paul vs. Fonseca

Ricky’s tennis picks for Sunday in Indian Wells, including Paul vs. Fonseca

As the BNP Paribas Open enters its third round on Sunday, the seeds begin to face off. One such duel is an all-American clash between Ben Shelton and Learner Tien. Tommy Paul will face Joao Fonseca, an unseeded player.

Here are my predictions for two of Sunday’s finest games.

Joao Fonseca versus (23) Tommy Paul

Fonseca began the season with a back ailment and battled through the first two months of 2026, but he is finally heating up. The world’s No. 35 warmed up for the Indian Wells Masters by winning the MGM Slam 10-point tiebreaker exhibition in Las Vegas, and he is already in the third round. Fonseca opened with a 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Raphael Collignon before defeating Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 on Saturday after saving two match points.

Ricky’s tennis picks for Sunday in Indian Wells, including Paul vs. Fonseca

The 19-year-old Brazilian will have a night-session treatment on Sunday before facing Paul, who defeated him 7-6(7), 7-6(3) on Madrid’s red clay last season. Paul has already won 12 matches this year, including a runner-up finish in Delray Beach and a 6-1, 6-2 defeat against Zizou Bergs on Friday. The 24th-ranked American should win this one since he is playing well and has the advantage in rest.

Pick Paul in 3.

(8) Ben Shelton versus (25) Learner Tien

Shelton is already experiencing a second life in Tennis Paradise. The 23-year-old American was plainly under the weather in his first-round match against countryman Reilly Opelka on Friday, but he held serve the entire time, and a single break in the third set was enough for a 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-3 win. Shelton is presently 11-2 in 2026, with a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open and an ATP 500 championship in Dallas.

 

Next up for the world No. 8 is another all-American match against Tien, who defeated him 6-4, 7-6(2) on Mallorca grass last summer. Tien is currently ranked 27th in the world despite being only 20 years old. The lefty made it to the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park and the semifinals at Delray Beach before defeating Adam Walton in straight sets on Friday in IW. Even if Shelton is 100 percent, Tien has a solid chance of winning.

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