JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 941

Madison — Wisconsin's men's hockey team lost 7-1 to Ohio State on Wednesday in a Big Ten quarterfinal at the Kohl Center, ending a hot stretch after snapping a six-game skid and going 6-2 against ranked opponents. Meanwhile, the Badgers men's basketball team completed the regular season and entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No.5 seed; on Thursday they beat Washington 85-82 to advance and will face No.4 Illinois in Chicago on Friday. ESPN bracketology currently projects Wisconsin as a No.6 seed for the NCAA Tournament. Game summaries and box scores cited. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

CHARLOTTE NC State defeated Pittsburgh 98-88 in the ACC Tournament second-round game on Wednesday evening, advancing to a quarterfinal matchup against No. 10 Virginia. The Wolfpack improved to 20-12 after snapping a late four-game regular-season losing streak and overcame Pittsburgh’s hot three-point shooting. Coach Will Wade called the victory essential for preserving NCAA Tournament prospects. Pittsburgh reached the second round after a 64-63 opening-round win over Stanford. Virginia entered the quarterfinal as a 4.5-point favorite after winning the teams’ prior meetings convincingly. Tournament odds referenced DraftKings and KenPom rankings noted adjusted efficiency. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that India's Reliance Industries will invest in a new refinery at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, describing the arrangement as a historic $300 billion deal and major boost for American energy and jobs. He posted the claim on Truth Social and credited the "America First" agenda. America First Refining said it received a nine‑figure investment in February from a "global supermajor" and described the project as a 168,000 barrels‑per‑day refinery. Reuters and outlets noted Reliance had not commented. The announcement came amid rising gasoline prices. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, U.S. consumer prices rose modestly in February as the Labor Department reported a 0.3% monthly CPI increase and 2.4% year-over-year inflation, with core CPI up 0.2% monthly and 2.5% annually. Economists surveyed by FactSet had forecast similar readings but warned that oil price shocks linked to the late-February Iran conflict and disrupted Persian Gulf shipping will likely push inflation higher in March and subsequent months. Federal Reserve officials expect to monitor developments while holding policy steady near current rates for now. Gasoline price jumps and volatile markets could slow consumer spending. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MIAMI — FIFA said Tuesday that it expects Iran's team will be allowed to travel to the United States and compete in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing hostilities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he met with U.S. President Donald Trump, who assured him the Iranian team is welcome. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26, as the U.S., Canada and Mexico co-host June 11–July 19. Iranian officials have signaled uncertainty amid the conflict. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens withdrew from an agreed trade to acquire Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas team announced Tuesday after the deal could not be finalized before the league year began. The Raiders said Baltimore backed out, citing Crosby's failed physical; Crosby had meniscus surgery in January and his agent said he was ahead of schedule in rehab. Baltimore subsequently signed Trey Hendrickson to a four‑year, $112 million contract. The decision returned two first‑round picks to the Ravens and left Crosby with the Raiders as teams consider future trade options. Based on 6 articles and supporting research.

KANKAKEE, Ill. Severe storms and tornadoes struck northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Tuesday, producing at least four suspected tornadoes that damaged communities from Pontiac through Kankakee into Newton County and Lake Village. The National Weather Service reported hail up to six inches and said a supercell tracked across the region; survey teams deployed Wednesday to assess damage. Local authorities reported extensive structural destruction, downed power lines, flooded streets, overwhelmed emergency dispatch centers, search-and-rescue operations, and multiple injuries. Indiana officials later confirmed two fatalities in Newton County, and prompted mutual aid requests. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Tampa, Fla., and Buffalo, N.Y. The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 Tuesday as Conor Garland scored twice after being acquired March 6, extending Columbus’s strong run and pushing the team to a multi-game point streak. In Buffalo, the Sabres defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 Tuesday; Jack Quinn scored three goals as Buffalo reached an eight-game win streak. Both reports cite goaltender saves, scoring details and team streaks from Tuesday’s games, with lineage of player performances noted. Statistical details and dates are drawn from team and league releases. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States reporters document recent tax debates and fiscal updates across multiple jurisdictions. In Fond du Lac County this week officials opened preliminary talks about a wheel tax to help fund a new jail, prompting resident opposition. Virginia lawmakers voted to end a long-standing data center tax break, potentially restoring a 5.3% minimum sales tax. Ohio reported February receipts with mixed results while officials said year-to-date revenues exceed estimates. BakerRipley began free tax-prep services for qualifying households this tax season. The Joint Economic Committee released a brief advocating border-adjustment tax reforms earlier. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James missed his third consecutive game Tuesday with a right hip contusion and lingering left foot arthritis, the Lakers announced two hours before they hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coach JJ Redick said James completed pregame shooting but remains day-to-day after a fall in Denver. The Lakers defeated Minnesota 120-106, with Luka Doncic recording 31 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds and Austin Reaves scoring 31 including 29 in the second half. Los Angeles improved to 40-25 and swept the season series. Statements, coach quotes and game statistics confirm these developments. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.