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5 disturbing examples that show why parents can’t trust Fairfax County schools

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5 disturbing examples that show why parents can’t trust Fairfax County schools


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Last Friday, appalling news broke that a 19-year-old illegal immigrant student in the United States was criminally charged with nine counts of assault and battery for allegedly groping girls in the halls of a Fairfax County, Virginia, high school.

According to the mother of one of the alleged victims, the accused “sneakily walked up behind [the girls] and put his hand between their legs. It was not just a butt smack or a butt grab. It was a groping of a private area. It had been occurring for months.”

What is even more shocking is that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) told parents of the alleged victims that the alleged assailant would be allowed to return to school upon his release.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT RELEASED UNDER BIDEN CHARGED WITH GROPING FEMALE STUDENTS AT VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL

This is just the latest disgrace for Virginia’s largest public school system — a district that has led the way in implementing far-left policies focused more on virtue signaling than on educating children.

The results are predictable and daunting: students are put in danger, teachers’ hands are tied, parents are kept out of the loop, and the quality of education steadily declines in a county where academic achievement was once heralded.

These are five examples of FCPS’s insanely misplaced priorities:

1. Illegal Immigrants Over Student Safety 

FCPS officials proudly boast of their “Trust Policy,” which cites “a climate of fear and stress that would affect all students” if ICE were to detain parents while children are in school. To that end, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid has pledged to “do all that we can — to the fullest extent allowable by law —” to make FCPS a safe space for students and families who are in the country illegally. Law-abiding families are ignored.

MIGRANT ACCUSED OF GROPING MULTIPLE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FACES CHARGES AS DHS WARNS SPANBERGER AGAINST RELEASE

The result of this policy is clear: when the assailant accused of groping is released, FCPS will welcome him back into its taxpayer-funded school system while continuing to expose every other student to uncertainty, if not danger.

Fairfax County Public Schools bus is seen outside of Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary School in Herndon, Virginia, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

FCPS said in a statement, “While Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is unable to comment on specifics due to federal and state privacy laws, we prioritize student and staff safety and fully investigate any time someone reports an incident or says they do not feel safe at school. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners, who continue to work swiftly and thoroughly when there are safety concerns in our schools. The safety of all FCPS students and staff remains a top priority.”

2. Race-Based Discipline Policies 

FCPS handles student discipline through an “equitable lens” designed to eliminate “discipline disproportionality” among students of different races. In plain terms, this means that if one racial group is disciplined at a rate higher than its share of the student population, FCPS will ease discipline for that group to bring the percentages into alignment, regardless of whether that discipline was warranted. 

This outcome-based approach to discipline is not only arguably illegal but also renders schools demonstrably less safe. FCPS appears unconcerned with either outcome.

PARENTS, NOT BUREAUCRATS, RAISE AMERICA’S CHILDREN AND THE SUPREME COURT AGREES

3. Boys in Girls’ Locker Rooms and Bathrooms 

FCPS mandates that students be allowed to use the bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their self-selected “gender identity.” It is the student who objects to sharing a bathroom or locker room with a member of the opposite sex who is instructed to comply or use an alternative private facility.

Fairfax County Public Schools logo

The logo for the Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia. (Fairfax County Public Schools)

The consequences of this policy are already playing out. Just last year, a boy with facial hair and described as wearing “pants so tight they clearly outlined his genitalia,” began using a girls’ locker room at West Springfield High School, where he watched girls change in “various stages of undress.”

FCPS investigated the matter and concluded that all was well because the boy self-identified as a girl. In fact, FCPS is so committed to this policy — and so dismissive of its dangers — that it has refused to comply with the U.S. Department of Education’s demand to rescind it, risking millions of taxpayer dollars in federal funding in the process.

4. Keeping Secrets From Parents 

FCPS has established a system designed to withhold information from parents when a child seeks to “socially transition” to a different sex while at school — whether by using a different name, different pronouns, or the bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex. Under this system, FCPS educators are instructed to exclude information related to a student’s new “gender identity” from official records and to limit parents’ visibility into their children’s records, making them viewable only by district officials.

SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE HOT SEAT AMID FRESH ALLEGATIONS OF HIDING STUDENTS’ GENDER TRANSITION

This scheme may circumvent the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which grants parents the right to access their children’s official school records. FCPS is likely familiar with this federal law. 

This practice is a clear attempt to cut parents out of decisions regarding their children’s health, emotional upbringing, and education. It also conflicts with recent Supreme Court decisions in Mahmoud v. Taylor and Mirabelli v. Bonta.

5. Possibly Selling Data to Communist China 

It should be evident from the policies detailed above that FCPS appears to prioritize students in the country illegally over American students and gives short shrift to the constitutional rights of parents. But FCPS’ “America Last” mindset takes things to an entirely different level.

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As reported by National Review, the watchdog group Parents Defending Education claims that FCPS provided intellectual property to the Chinese Communist Party. According to reports, a nonprofit associated with Thomas Jefferson High School — FCPS’s top-ranked STEM school — has received millions of dollars from CCP-affiliated entities, including one known as the “TJ Fund,” in exchange for information that amounts to a blueprint for China to replicate Thomas Jefferson High School and its educational success. 

A spokesperson for FCPS told National Review, “The TJ Fund is a separate and independent 501(c)(3) entity that is not overseen by FCPS.”

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The list could continue, but the bottom line is clear: FCPS’s track record makes it an untenable choice for families who expect their children to be protected. 

Parents should avoid this school system if they can, and if they cannot, they must be extraordinarily diligent in protecting their children from a district that has repeatedly demonstrated it will not.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM IAN PRIOR

Ian Prior is Senior Counsel at America First Legal and the author of “Parents of the World Unite.” He previously served as Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice.



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Gen Z turning their backs on social media except for this one app, survey finds

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Gen Z turning their backs on social media except for this one app, survey finds


Gen Z is ghosting most social apps but TikTok still slaps – at least in terms of use rather than trust.

The Harris Poll’s TikTok Troubles: The Platform Gen Z Can’t Quit (But Doesn’t Trust) report, conducted this month, found that a strong majority of young adults continue to use the app daily, but their feelings about it are increasingly cringe.

Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – is starting to pull back from social media, taking breaks not just to detox mentally, but to live more offline. Over half of those surveyed said they want to spend more time working out, while 42 percent want to hang with friends and family. Others are exploring creative pursuits as 42 percent want to dive into hobbies, and 39 percent are trying cooking or baking. Some 36 percent want more outdoor time, 34 percent are focused on side hustles and 19 percent are trying to get back into dating.

Still, not everyone is over scrolling as 26 percent said social media still feels like self-care.

Even while taking breaks, many Gen Z users are low-key caught in the scroll loop. About 31 percent admit they scroll out of habit, even when it’s exhausting. Twenty-nine percent said they feel better when they unplug, and 24 percent admitted to getting hit with guilt over all that time spent scrolling.

Even the most internet-savvy Gen Z is drifting from social media, but TikTok remains a large part of many young people’s daily lives (Getty Images)

Many Gen Z users are only “lurking” on social media, meaning they’re scrolling without posting, liking, or commenting, a habit more common among Gen Z than any other generation, according to the findings.

When it comes to culture and trends, TikTok remains the MVP. Roughly 65 percent of Gen Z use the app daily, and 37 percent say they hit TikTok first for pop culture, entertainment, and local vibes – almost double any other platform.

But even their favorite app can be cheugy – that is, out of date or unfashionable – as 79 percent of respondents said they miss the early days when TikTok was just dancing and fun, before all the ads, influencer flexing, and TikTok Shop took over. Gen Z users are yearning for simpler times: 41 percent want fewer brands and ads, 34 percent miss unfiltered content and relatable posts, 33 percent miss the pre-TikTok Shop era, and 27 percent aren’t vibing with influencer culture.

TikTok is becoming more sus, too, respondents revealed. About 60 percent of Gen Z users say they trust the app less than they used to, while 74 percent are more cautious about what they engage with, and 51 percent think the platform is more censored than it was a year ago.

Ownership changes have made 64 percent more aware of their data, and 28 percent worry about free speech on American-owned TikTok.

A whopping 79 percent of Gen Z survey respondents said they miss the early days when TikTok was simple and authentic, with feeds full of viral dances and fun

A whopping 79 percent of Gen Z survey respondents said they miss the early days when TikTok was simple and authentic, with feeds full of viral dances and fun (AFP via Getty Images)

The platform is also taking a mental toll as 43 percent say it feels more mentally draining, 40 percent say it’s overwhelming, and many find the algorithm slipping. Seventy-two percent think content is staged, 53 percent see it as more commercial, and 33 percent say they have to “train” the feed to see content they want.

The platform is also taking a mental toll, with many users saying it feels mentally draining (43 percent) or overwhelming (40 percent). The algorithm isn’t hitting like it used to, as 72 percent feel the content is staged and 53 percent think it’s more commercial.

Another 33 percent say their feed isn’t as personalized since the ownership change, which came as TikTok dodged a U.S. ban by setting up a mostly American-owned joint venture with ByteDance.

Still, TikTok isn’t going anywhere. Even with skepticism, fatigue, and nostalgia for the OG app, 65 percent of Gen Z users say they show up daily, and 32 percent plan to use it even more.

The Independent has contacted TikTok for comment.



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How often should you really wash your curtains? The answer might surprise you | – The Times of India

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How often should you really wash your curtains? The answer might surprise you | – The Times of India


The curtains are usually not given much attention in regular cleaning, but they are one of the most important factors in keeping the overall ambience of a room. From controlling the amount of sunlight that enters a room to adding texture and warmth, curtains silently accumulate dust, allergens, and other impurities. Eventually, this may affect not only the ambience of your home but also the quality of air within your home. However, most people seldom pay attention to their curtains in their regular cleaning schedule. But the question of how often curtains need to be cleaned depends on many factors.

The ideal schedule for washing curtains to keep them clean and fresh

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to washing curtains. It depends on your living conditions as well. Generally speaking, curtains should be washed every six to twelve months to avoid the accumulation of dust.If the environment is more polluted or more dust is present in the area, then the curtains should be washed more frequently. It is recommended that the curtains be washed every three to six months to avoid the accumulation of dust.This would keep the curtains looking fresh and clean as well.

How your home environment affects curtain cleaning frequency

The environment of your home also plays an important role in deciding how often you should wash your curtains. For example, houses that are close to busy roads or construction sites tend to have more dust, and this dust settles on fabric quickly.In addition, houses that have more pets also have their share of problems, and this is mainly because of the fur and hair that get caught in the curtains.In such environments, it is advisable to wash your curtains more often so that you maintain cleanliness and also protect your fabric.

Why kitchen and bathroom curtains need extra care

There are curtains that are installed in specific areas within one’s home that need special consideration. These include kitchen curtains, which are more prone to grease, steam, and food particles that may cause discolouration and lingering odours after some time.Bathroom curtains are also prone to moisture, which may cause mould and mildew if not regularly cleaned. A more frequent cleaning schedule, such as every few months, is recommended for these curtains.

The impact of allergies and indoor air quality

Additionally, curtains may carry allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. This may become a problem for some who are allergic to such substances.Washing curtains may become more frequent during seasons when allergies are prevalent. Clean curtains will improve the quality of air inside the home and make the living space more comfortable.

Simple tips for washing curtains

It is also essential to consider the kind of fabric before washing the curtains. Some can be washed using the washing machine, but others may need dry cleaning.It is essential to wash the curtains using cold water with a gentle wash cycle to avoid damage to the fabric. It is also essential to avoid overloading the washing machine with the curtains, as they need enough space to move freely.If the curtains have any stains, they can be pre-treated before washing them. After washing the curtains, they should be dried properly to avoid wrinkles.

Small habits that make a difference

habits that make a differenceIt does not always follow that curtains must be washed frequently to maintain cleanliness. Dusting the curtains frequently or using the vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment can also be effective.If you observe the speed at which the curtains accumulate dust, this can also help you determine the best cleaning interval.Keeping the curtains clean is one way to maintain the level of hygiene in the house.



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30 million barrels in a week! India grabs more Russian crude amid US-Iran war; tankers headed to China make U-turn – The Times of India

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30 million barrels in a week! India grabs more Russian crude amid US-Iran war; tankers headed to China make U-turn – The Times of India


Indian refiners have purchased nearly 30 million barrels of Russian crude within a week. (AI image)

India is aggressively buying Russian crude oil amidst supply disruptions from Strait of Hormuz caused due to the ongoing US-Iran war and Middle East conflict. In fact, India is buying such huge quantities of Russian crude, that tankers headed to China are making a U-turn to head to India!According to a Bloomberg report, a tanker carrying Russian crude that was initially headed to China has reversed course in the South China Sea and is now speeding toward India, as India steps up purchases from Moscow. The report said that many more oil cargoes, initially headed for China, may make their way to other countries.

Watch

PM Modi Calls UAE President As India Moves To Safeguard Oil Lifeline Through Hormuz, Secure Peace

India Grabs More Russian Crude, China Bound Oil Diverted

Vessel-tracking data suggests that the Aqua Titan is expected to dock at New Mangalore on March 21, transporting a cargo of Urals crude loaded at a Baltic Sea port in late January. The Aframax tanker had earlier indicated Rizhao in China as its destination, but altered its route in mid-March while passing through Southeast Asian waters, shortly after the US waiver to India to temporarily ramp up imports of Russian oil, the Bloomberg report said. India on its part has said that it doesn’t need permission to decide its energy security needs and has never stopped buying Russian crude.

India relies on the Middle East for crude oil imports

Data from Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven vessels transporting Russian crude have altered their routes mid-journey, changing course from China to India. At present, all major Indian refiners are actively sourcing Russian oil.Indian refiners have purchased nearly 30 million barrels of Russian crude within a week, as the country seeks to offset supply disruptions from the Middle East.Also Read | India’s Goldilocks under threat? How US-Iran war, crude oil above $100 may deal a blow to growth story – explainedFollowing these developments, a growing number of countries have been permitted to restart imports from Russia. This shift could lead to additional cargoes being redirected away from China, which had emerged as a key buyer of last resort for Moscow in recent months after India curtailed its purchases, the report said.

India’s Energy Exposure in Numbers (CY2025)

As more buyers – including Japan and South Korea – re-enter the market, prices are expected to move upward.In a separate instance, the Suezmax tanker Zouzou N. has indicated Sikka in India as its next port of call, with an expected arrival around March 25, according to shipping data. The vessel is carrying Kazakhstan’s CPC Blend crude, as per Kpler. It had initially departed from Novorossiysk on Russia’s Black Sea and was headed toward waters near Rizhao before reversing direction in early March and proceeding toward India.



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Mother ‘absolutely shocked’ to find daughter had meningitis

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Mother ‘absolutely shocked’ to find daughter had meningitis


The mother of a young woman who was admitted to hospital told the BBC she was “absolutely shocked” when she discovered her daughter had meningitis.

Khali Goodwin’s daughter Keeleigh, a 21-year-old restaurant worker, collapsed in her Canterbury flat on Saturday night and was taken to hospital by her flatmate.

Keeleigh was told she had meningitis. She was given antibiotics and is now starting to feel better.

Her mother said she had known Keeleigh was feeling unwell, but said meningitis “hadn’t even been on my radar”. She paid tribute to Keeleigh’s flatmate for “saving her life”.



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Bidets save you money and reduce waste — we tested the best options out there

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Bidets save you money and reduce waste — we tested the best options out there




Bidets save you money and reduce waste — we tested the best options out there



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From £12 to £1,000: how much is a prom dress really worth?

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From £12 to £1,000: how much is a prom dress really worth?



Some families are splashing out hundreds on a school prom outfit – but many will only be worn once.



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Pro-life leader criticizes ‘insane’ UK bill that would decriminalize certain abortions up until birth

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Pro-life leader criticizes ‘insane’ UK bill that would decriminalize certain abortions up until birth


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EXCLUSIVE: The leader of an international pro-life group is criticizing a bill being considered in the United Kingdom that would protect women from criminal liability for abortions up until birth.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, 40 Days for Life CEO Shawn Carney said British lawmakers are following efforts by Democrats in the U.S. in seeking to allow abortion in these instances, which he described as “absolutely absurd.”

“They haven’t really lobbied for this,” Carney said. “Typically, Europe is far more conservative on abortion than the United States. Most European countries regulate abortion to 12 weeks. England has 16. In some cases, they do late term, up to 24 weeks. But now they want abortion through all 40 weeks. And this just seems sort of out of nowhere.”

Carney said he fears this bill, if enacted into law, would “start an unfortunate trend throughout Europe.”

PRO-LIFE GROUP FINDS BIDEN-ERA FDA POLICY IS DRIVING 500 ABORTIONS PER DAY, SAYS TRUMP HAS POWER TO END IT

A bill is being considered in the U.K. that would protect women from criminal liability for abortions to end their own pregnancies up until birth. (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Crime and Policing Bill includes a provision, Clause 208, that would remove criminal penalties for women in England and Wales who end their own pregnancy at any stage. The bill is now in its final stages in the House of Lords and is expected to receive a vote as early as Wednesday. If the House of Lords approves the clause, the bill would return to the House of Commons for any final changes before receiving Royal Assent to become law.

Under the provision, a woman can no longer be investigated, arrested or prosecuted for ending her own pregnancy at any gestation, even though the current standard legal threshold for most abortions in England and Wales is 24 weeks.

While women who terminate their pregnancies would be exempt from criminal liability, doctors and others who assist in an abortion after 24 weeks without medical necessity can still face prosecution.

As lawmakers consider Clause 208, several amendments have been offered, including removing it entirely, modifying it to exclude late-term abortions and adding an in-person requirement for medical consultations to end so-called “pills-by-post” services.

PUERTO RICO GOVERNOR SIGNS LAW RECOGNIZING UNBORN BABIES AS HUMAN BEINGS

Pro-life supporters marching

Under the provision, a woman can no longer be investigated, arrested or prosecuted for ending her own pregnancy at any gestation. (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Carney argued that the latter two amendments should still be unacceptable, stating that the clause appears to represent “a desire to kill.”

“I think it’s insane,” he said. “I know what they’re trying to do, but you need to combat the laws by saying we’re not aborting children at 40 weeks. The left built an entire movement on being able to survive outside the womb with viability. Then, as science and medicine progressed, viability changed because we could do a lot for unborn children. So they said at first it was 24 weeks, and then it was 22 weeks. Some say it’s 20 weeks. Others say it’s still 22 weeks. Nobody’s ever said it was 40 weeks. They’ve all said, of course, you can survive outside the womb. This is just a desire to kill, it seems, at 40 weeks.”

“I understand the idea of trying to make a legal compromise,” he continued. “But the compromise would be that you people have lost your minds. You want to abort a child the day before he or she is born. And it’s not medically necessary. The baby’s completely viable … so that’s how I think that you have to defeat these bills.”

Carney also said that “people don’t want to celebrate abortion” and “certainly don’t want to brag about how they can have an abortion up to 40 weeks,” adding that opponents of the U.K. bill are “missing common sense responses” to efforts to allow any abortion up until birth.

He added that while most people are not “monsters” seeking abortions at 40 weeks, removing legal liability for women at that point could make abortion more socially acceptable.

“I think what it does is it takes a little bit of a stigma away from abortions at 8, 10, 12, 16 weeks, because typically what we’ve seen in the U.S. is when you have states that say, hey, you’re going to have an abortion through all 40 weeks, what they do is say, well, okay, I’m not that bad. My abortion is not that bad because it’s only at 10 weeks, it’s only at 12 weeks, it’s only at 16 weeks,” Carney said.

UK Parliament in London, England.

The bill is now in its final stages in the House of Lords and is expected to receive a vote as early as Wednesday. (Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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“It’s not that you’re going to see a lot of abortions at 40 weeks. It’s the mentality that abortion is not a big deal. You can even do it the day before birth, and so it’s more acceptable to most people,” he continued.

“People aren’t monsters,” he added. “The monsters write these bills, which are typically very liberal White people who say, you know what, we need to be able to have an abortion the day before your birthday. And most people look around at a party and say that person’s clinically insane.”

The left “has just married themselves to this,” Carney said.

“They believe you need unfettered abortion at all times in order to be a free and just society,” Carney said. “But nobody’s actually really medically needing that whatsoever.”



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Six bets and an Eliminator pick for the first round of the men’s tournament

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Six bets and an Eliminator pick for the first round of the men’s tournament


Mar 17, 2026, 12:33 PM ET

The 2026 men’s basketball tournament is here! Throughout the tourney, Mark Zinno will provide his best bets for each round, as well as his picks for the new ESPN Men’s Tournament Challenge Eliminator game.

Note: Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.

Thursday’s best bets

(12) High Point +10.5 (-115) vs. (5) Wisconsin
Game time: 1:50 p.m. ET

The committee loves to take lower-seeded teams’ strengths and match them up with higher-seeded teams’ weaknesses. That’s what you have in this game. High Point averages more than 90 points per game. Of the top six teams in the Big Ten, Wisconsin’s defense is the worst of them. The Badgers are middle of the road in effective field goal percentage defense and 3-point shooting defense. High Point will present all sorts of problems for the Badgers.

The Panthers have the nation’s longest current winning streak at 14 games. They play with a ton of pace, and their ball movement allows them to get inside and make easy shots. Defensively, they are excellent on the perimeter, holding opponents to 31.9% shooting from 3-point range. The Badgers are immensely dependent on 3-point shots falling. High Point forces turnovers at the fifth-highest rate in the nation and could frustrate Wisconsin shooters. If there is a prototypical 12/5 upset this year, this is it. I think this is playable down to +9.5.

(2) Houston/(15) Idaho first half OVER 63.5 points (-105)
Game time: Approx. 10:10 p.m. ET

Sometimes it’s just about the numbers. This first-half total is so low that two things need to happen here: Houston needs to score fewer than 40 points and Idaho needs to score fewer than 25. If only one of those happens, I think this gets over. Of course, the Cougars’ defense can shut down Idaho. But there’s shutting down Idaho and then there’s holding a team to 23 points (or fewer) in a half, which rarely happens in college hoops. The Vandals take a lot of 3-pointers, and they really need only a few of them to fall to clear 25 points in the first 20 minutes.

Furthermore, do we really believe Idaho’s defense can slow down a Houston offense that is 14th in offensive efficiency? I don’t.

I know the Cougars play one of the slowest tempos in the country, but they still should have their way with the Vandals’ defense enough to score 40 here. Again, the danger here is that Houston will have a double-digit lead and slow things down even more, but the Cougars average 38.1 points in the first half this season. If they hit that number, that should get us home.

Thursday’s Eliminator pick

Michigan State Spartans

I have a little worry here about the 14-seed North Dakota State Bison causing problems for the Spartans, but Michigan State’s defense should do the heavy lifting. I can’t see a spot I would use the Spartans again, given that the UConn Huskies are the 2-seed in the East, and it wouldn’t even surprise me if they didn’t get to the round of 16.

How to play ESPN Eliminator Challenge

Friday’s best bets

(10) Santa Clara +3.5 (-115) vs. (7) Kentucky
Game time: 12:15 p.m. ET

Kentucky is the favorite here based on what feels like only name recognition. This game should be closer to a pick ’em, in my opinion. The Broncos are battle-tested, having played in the West Coast Conference. They have the size to compete inside with the Wildcats, ranking 19th in the nation in offensive rebound percentage. The Broncos take a lot of 3-pointers, and if they even have mild success in making them, it will put a lot of pressure on Kentucky.

The key to this game will be Santa Clara’s ability to force turnovers, as they are 22nd in the nation in turnover percentage on defense. But Kentucky is very good at taking care of the basketball, so the Broncos must win the turnover battle. Santa Clara is also the better free throw shooting team, and that’s something that can be the difference in a tightly contested game.

(5) Texas Tech -7.5 (-115) vs. (12) Akron
Game time: 12:40 p.m. ET

Texas Tech will be without its best player, JT Toppin (torn ACL), but that shouldn’t slow the Red Raiders down here against the Akron. The Zips’ numbers are a bit of a farce, as they’ve played the same poor competition that the Miami (OH) Redhawks played. Whenever Akron played anyone in the nonconference in the top 125 in adjusted efficiency margin, they lost. So, facing a Texas Tech team that’s 20th in that category suggests they will be overmatched, particularly on the perimeter. The Red Raiders are an elite 3-point shooting team, making better than 39% of them this season. They should feast on a Zips defense that is 253rd in 3-point shooting defense. Akron has been an underdog only once this season, to the Purdue Boilermakers in a game it lost by 18. This isn’t the 12/5 upset spot people think it is. Lay the points with Tech.

(10) UCF +5.5 (-108) vs. (7) UCLA
Game time: 7:25 p.m. ET

UCLA has covered five straight games leading into its matchup with UCF in Philadelphia. But the Bruins have struggled outside of the Pacific time zone this season. They have only one win in seven regular-season games, against the cellar-dwelling Penn State Nittany Lions, and have been favored in only two games outside of the Pacific time zone this season (-4.5 vs. Penn State and -1.5 vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers).

They did manage to win two games at the Big Ten tournament in Chicago, against the lowly Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Michigan State Spartans, but they needed to shoot 56% from the field and 48% from 3-point range (their sixth-best shooting game this season) against the Spartans to do it. This just feels like too many points for this UCLA team to lay and is a good “sell high” spot on the Bruins.

(15) Queens team total OVER 68.5 (-120) vs. (2) Purdue
Game time: 7:35 p.m. ET

I keep staring at the numbers, and I can’t envision Queens not being able to score 70 points here. There’s a lot of correlation to every number here. Purdue’s team total is 94.5. Queens is one of the worst defenses in the country, so the Boilermakers’ No. 1 offensive adjusted efficiency ranking should have them scoring at a high clip, even with a pace that’s 324th in the nation. The more Purdue scores, the more possessions the Royals will get.

And Queens can shoot. There’s no doubt about it. The Royals take a ton of 3-pointers — and they make them. Purdue isn’t particularly stout defensively, coming in 232nd in effective field goal percentage defense and 197th in 3-point shooting defense.

The Boilermakers’ pace is the only thing that can stop this from going over. In all but one instance when Queens played a team in the top 200 in adjusted efficiency margin, including five matchups against Power 5 schools, the Royals got to 69 points. The one game they didn’t was a 41-point loss to the Auburn Tigers where they scored only 65 and had their second-lowest field goal percentage and their lowest 3-point percentage this season. That’s how this doesn’t get there.

Friday’s Eliminator pick

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have a tough draw in the East in a bracket that I think could have a lot of carnage in it. But the likely path of St. John’s and then Duke as their next two games makes it more probable that Kansas might be out early in this tournament.

How to play ESPN Eliminator Challenge



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Women’s 2026 NCAA tournament odds: UConn odds-on favorite; UCLA, Texas, South Carolina next

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Women’s 2026 NCAA tournament odds: UConn odds-on favorite; UCLA, Texas, South Carolina next


The UConn Huskies will go into women’s March Madness as the odds-on favorites to capture a record-extending 13th national championship. Geno Auriemma’s squad had -270 odds to win it all when the bracket was revealed, the shortest odds for a pre-tournament favorite since 2018, which was also the last time UConn was favored going into the Big Dance.

There’s a sizable gap to the next team, the UCLA Bruins, who show +550 odds to win the NCAA tournament. The SEC dominates the next four spots between Texas (+700), South Carolina (+800), LSU (16-1, opened 14-1) and Vanderbilt (50-1). Duke (75-1) and Michigan (80-1) round out the teams shorter than 100-1.

UConn, UCLA and South Carolina have been public favorites throughout the season, garnering a combined 57.4% of the futures handle at BetMGM. Those teams’ short odds all season won’t cause sportsbooks much headache, but BetMGM reports liabilities on Michigan and Vanderbilt.

Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook, subject to change.



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