Breaking stories and in‑depth analysis: up‑to‑the‑minute global news on politics, business, technology, culture, and more—24/7, all in one place.
Milan, Italy – American pair skaters Emily Chan, 28, and Spencer Akira Howe, 29, delivered a solid performance in Sunday’s short program at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, finishing ninth overall. The duo, skating to “Nyah” by CH2, are hoping to build on this foundation as they compete in Monday’s free skate, alongside fellow Americans Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, who placed seventh.
The United States has a long history without a medal in Olympic pairs skating, with the last podium finish dating back to 1988. No American pair has ever won gold in the event. Chan and Howe are aiming to change that, carrying the weight of that history and the hopes of a nation as they take to the ice again.
Despite a minor stumble – Chan’s hand briefly touched the ice during a throw triple loop – the pair executed a clean program and received no deductions, according to reports from the event. “Getting out there just felt so good,” Howe said. “I felt so focused out there. And I know Emily did, too, because we were right there next to each other, trying to deliver these elements.”
This Olympic appearance marks a significant milestone for Chan and Howe, who have overcome numerous challenges to reach this stage. Their journey to Milan has been marked by injury, military service, and a unique training schedule.
Boise State men’s basketball has hit a rough patch defensively, a stark contrast to the team’s strong start to the season. Once a defensive stalwart, ranking as high as No. 20 nationally in KenPom’s defensive efficiency ratings on New Year’s Day, the Broncos have seen their defensive performance plummet in recent weeks. This decline comes at a critical juncture as they navigate a competitive Mountain West Conference schedule.
The Broncos (15-10, 7-7) have surrendered 86 or more points in four consecutive games, culminating in an 86-83 overtime loss to UNLV (13-12, 8-6) on Friday. This defensive slide has significantly impacted their standing within the conference and nationally. As of Monday morning, Boise State’s KenPom defensive rating has dropped to No. 78, with a rating of 103.9, signaling a substantial shift in their defensive capabilities.
The shift in Boise State’s defensive performance is particularly noticeable when compared to other Mountain West teams. They now sit at sixth in the conference in defensive rating, trailing San Diego State (No. 14, 94.7), Grand Canyon (No. 30, 98.2), New Mexico (No. 36, 99.9), Utah State (No. 40, 100.2), and Fresno State (No. 62, 103.0). Utah State currently leads the Mountain West with an overall KenPom rating of No. 24, followed by San Diego State at No. 41 and New Mexico at No. 44.
Mountain West KenPom Rankings: A Closer Look
Here’s a detailed look at the KenPom ratings for each Mountain West team as of February 16, 2026:
| Team | Overall Rating | Overall Record | Net Rating | Offensive Rating | Defensive Rating | Strength of Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 24 | 22-3 | +22.64 | 20 | 40 | 85 |
| San Diego State | 41 | 18-6 | +18.81 | 98 | 14 | 78 |
| New Mexico | 44 | 19-6 | +16.74 | 68 | 36 | 87 |
| Boise State | 58 | 15-10 | +13.07 | 62 | 78 | 53 |
| Nevada | 59 | 17-8 | +13.06 | 59 | 94 | 77 |
| Grand Canyon | 67 | 16-9 | +11.95 | 143 | 30 | 99 |
| Colorado State | 93 | 15-10 | +8.14 | 58 | 195 | 101 |
| Wyoming | 99 | 13-12 | +6.99 | 95 | 132 | 92 |
| Fresno State | 122 | 12-13 | +3.93 | 207 | 62 | 100 |
| UNLV | 127 | 13-12 | +3.70 | 103 | 189 | 86 |
| San Jose State | 253 | 6-19 | -7.32 | 171 | 305 | 74 |
| Air Force | 347 | 3-22 | -19.73 | 351 | 299 | 90 |
Factors Contributing to the Defensive Decline
While the specific reasons for Boise State’s defensive struggles aren’t explicitly detailed, the statistics point to a clear trend. The team’s ability to limit opponents’ scoring has diminished, allowing for higher point totals in recent games. This shift could be attributed to a variety of factors, including opponent adjustments, injuries, or changes in defensive strategy. The Broncos’ strength of schedule is rated 53rd nationally, suggesting they’ve faced a reasonably challenging slate of opponents, but the recent scoring outbursts raise concerns about their ability to consistently contain opposing offenses.
The recent loss to UNLV, an 86-83 overtime defeat, underscores this issue. UNLV, currently ranked No. 127 in KenPom, was able to score freely against a Boise State defense that previously prided itself on its ability to shut down opponents. Gibbs-Lawhorn of UNLV recently earned Mountain West conference’s weekly award, further highlighting the offensive challenges Boise State faced. Las Vegas Sun reported on the award.
As Boise State continues through the Mountain West season, addressing these defensive issues will be crucial for their success. The team’s ability to regain its defensive form will likely determine its positioning in the conference standings and its potential for a postseason run. The upcoming games will serve as a critical test of their resilience and their capacity to adapt and overcome this recent slump.
What impact will this defensive slide have on Boise State’s postseason aspirations? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow college basketball fans.
The echoes of the American Civil War resonate far beyond the battlefields of Virginia, reaching across continents and inspiring novel perspectives. Italian author Carlo Miccichè’s work offers a unique lens through which to view this pivotal moment in American history, transporting readers from the modern streets of Los Angeles to the muddy trenches and the strategic heights of battles like Little Round Top. His literary journey, explored in a recent piece by Il Fatto Quotidiano, delves into the visceral realities of the conflict and its enduring legacy.
Miccichè doesn’t simply recount historical events. he immerses the reader in the experience. The article describes a vivid portrayal of the war, evoking not just the grand strategies and political machinations, but also the sensory details – the mud of Virginia, the whistling of Minié balls and the weight of history unfolding before one’s eyes. This approach aims to connect readers with the human cost of the war and the complexities of a nation divided. The author’s work seeks to capture the feeling of “watching history happen,” a sentiment that resonates with those who study and reflect on this tumultuous period.
A Personal Connection to Gettysburg
Central to Miccichè’s exploration is the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War. The article specifically highlights Little Round Top, a crucial defensive position for the Union army. The battle, fought from July 1-3, 1863, resulted in approximately 51,000 casualties, making it the bloodiest battle of the war Battlefields.org. Miccichè’s writing aims to convey the intensity of the fighting and the significance of this location, allowing readers to almost stand alongside those who fought there. The author’s perspective isn’t one of detached observation, but rather of empathetic engagement with the past.
The Power of Literary Immersion
The appeal of Miccichè’s work lies in its ability to bridge the gap between historical documentation and personal experience. Rather than relying solely on dates and figures, he focuses on the human element, exploring the motivations, fears, and sacrifices of those involved. This approach is particularly effective in bringing to life a conflict that occurred over 160 years ago. The article suggests that Miccichè’s writing isn’t merely about recounting the past, but about understanding its enduring relevance to the present. The Civil War continues to shape American identity and political discourse, and Miccichè’s work offers a fresh perspective on this ongoing conversation.
The author’s ability to transport readers to the heart of the conflict is a testament to the power of literary immersion. By focusing on sensory details and emotional resonance, Miccichè creates a compelling narrative that transcends the limitations of traditional historical accounts. This approach allows readers to connect with the past on a deeper level, fostering a greater understanding of the complexities and consequences of the Civil War.
Looking Ahead: Continued Exploration of American History
Carlo Miccichè’s literary journey into the American Civil War represents a broader trend of international engagement with American history. His work invites readers to reconsider familiar narratives and to explore the past from new and unexpected angles. As interest in historical understanding continues to grow, we can expect to observe more authors and artists drawn to the rich and complex story of the American Civil War, offering fresh insights and perspectives for generations to come. The ongoing exploration of this pivotal period promises to deepen our understanding of the nation’s past and its enduring impact on the present.
What are your thoughts on the importance of international perspectives in understanding American history? Share your comments below, and please share this article with others who may be interested in this fascinating topic.
Cantabria’s education sector is facing renewed labor tensions as the region’s largest teachers’ union, Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), denounced what it calls “new impositions” by the regional Department of Education. The dispute centers on proposed changes to the rules governing temporary teaching positions, a move CCOO claims will destabilize the employment of over 5,000 educators.
The Department of Education initiated a five-day public consultation period on Tuesday, February 17th, regarding an order modifying the criteria for evaluating candidates for interim teaching posts. Currently, applicants can retain their highest score from the two most recent qualifying exams, regardless of whether they ultimately secured a position. The proposed change would limit the use of this retained score to those candidates who successfully complete the entire selection process – meaning those who pass the exam *and* are offered a post.
CCOO argues this alteration will eliminate a crucial benefit for temporary teachers, creating “legal insecurity and destabilization” within the profession. The union contends the Department is attempting to implement changes previously announced in November, which sparked protests from interim staff and a joint opposition from CCOO and the Junta de Personal Docente, the region’s teaching staff council.
According to CCOO, the Department intends to unilaterally alter an order that, since 2004, has been negotiated between the various departments and the Junta de Personal Docente, with unanimous support from all unions. “On this occasion, there was no prior negotiation. in fact, the Minister of Education, Sergio Silva, last met with union representatives on September 5th,” the union stated.
The union has questioned the urgency with which the proposal was approved by the regional government and the limited timeframe – five working days – allotted for public feedback. CCOO General Secretary Conchi Sánchez characterized the decision as part of a pattern of unilateral actions taken by the Department in recent months, including the imposition of new guidelines for special education teachers, the presentation of a draft law on teacher authority and school coexistence, and attempts to alter the school calendar.
These actions, Sánchez argues, have followed significant protests by Cantabrian teachers in September and October, including a week-long strike from October 20th to 24th, stemming from a dispute over salary adjustments that began in November 2024. CCOO believes the Department has intensified a series of detrimental measures towards teachers since the Junta de Personal Docente decided to halt further mobilization during parliamentary budget negotiations for 2026.
“The Department has opted for permanent imposition instead of dialogue,” Sánchez said. “It was necessary to maintain the mobilizations and it still is. If the teaching staff does not remain united and with a clear roadmap, it remains unprotected against an Administration that has repeatedly demonstrated that it does not prioritize the improvement of public education or its professionals.”
CCOO is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed order, a cessation of unilateral impositions, and respect for the legitimate representation of teachers. The union is also calling for the reopening of negotiations on the stalled salary adjustment process, which has been blocked for four months. Sánchez warned that Cantabria’s public education system “cannot be managed through unilateral decisions” and pledged to continue defending the labor rights of educators in the region.