Business
Mavericks Rookie Phenom Shines in 2025-26 NBA Season
Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. The 19-year-old forward, fresh off a dominant freshman season at Duke, is averaging nearly 20 points per game in his rookie campaign and drawing comparisons to generational prospects. As the Mavericks push through a competitive Western Conference race in March 2026, here are 10 key facts about Flagg’s rise, stats and impact.

- Generational Prospect Turned No. 1 Pick Flagg was widely regarded as the top recruit in the 2025 class and lived up to the hype at Duke. He led the Blue Devils in scoring (19.2 ppg), rebounding (7.5 rpg), assists (4.2 apg), blocks (1.4 bpg) and steals (1.4 spg) as a freshman, becoming the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award and the only one to top his team in all five major categories. Duke reached the Final Four before he declared for the draft, where Dallas selected him first overall.
- From Small-Town Maine to National Stardom Born Dec. 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, Flagg grew up in a basketball family. His father, Ralph, played college ball, and his twin brother Ace also pursued the sport. Flagg led Nokomis Regional High School to Maine’s first state title as a freshman, averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.7 blocks. The community threw him a parade. He transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida for his final high school years, winning national player of the year honors.
- Elite Physical Tools and Versatility At 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Flagg combines length, athleticism and skill. He’s a multi-level scorer with a smooth jumper, explosive dunks and strong finishing at the rim. His defensive instincts shine with blocks, steals and switchability across positions. Scouts praise his high basketball IQ, honed from watching old Celtics games during long drives to AAU practices.
- Rookie Stats Show Immediate Impact Through mid-March 2026, Flagg averages 19.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game for Dallas. He shoots 46.8% from the field and 29.4% from three over 33.7 minutes. Recent highlights include 25 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists against Cleveland on March 13, 13 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds at Memphis on March 12, and a double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds) at Atlanta on March 10.
- Injury Setback Overcome Flagg suffered a left midfoot sprain in February 2026, missing games including the NBA Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend. He returned strong, posting 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists at Boston on March 6 and building momentum with double-figure scoring in most outings since.
- Rookie of the Year Race Heats Up Flagg contends for Rookie of the Year, though teammate Kon Knueppel (a former Duke teammate now with Charlotte) has emerged as a favorite in some odds. Flagg’s consistent production keeps him in the conversation, with fans and analysts noting his all-around contributions to Dallas after Luka Doncic’s departure.
- Historic Milestones Already Flagg became the second-youngest player to reach 1,000 career points upon his return from injury. At 18 years and 305 days old for his debut, he was the youngest Maverick ever and ranks among the youngest active NBA players.
- Off-Court Philanthropy and Roots Flagg returned to Maine in 2026 to give back to local youth, hosting events with his brother. His grounded personality and family ties contrast with his on-court intensity, endearing him to fans.
- Future Bright with Mavericks Dallas views Flagg as the cornerstone post-Doncic era. Mock drafts project the team adding another top prospect in 2026 to pair with him. His rookie contract could exceed $62 million over four years, reflecting his projected impact.
- High Ceiling and Work Ethic Analysts call Flagg “generational” for his two-way dominance and maturity. His ability to score, facilitate, defend and rebound suggests All-Star potential soon. As he continues gaining experience, Flagg’s trajectory points toward stardom in Dallas.
With strong recent performances and a bright outlook, Cooper Flagg embodies the next wave of NBA talent.
Business
Initial Unemployment Claims Down 9K, Lower Than Expected
Initial Unemployment Claims Down 9K, Lower Than Expected
Business
No Suspect Named as DNA Evidence Awaits Analysis
TUCSON, Ariz. — The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, entered its 63rd day Saturday with authorities confirming they are treating the case as an abduction but have yet to name a suspect or determine a motive.

Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, when her son-in-law dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson after a family dinner and game night. She failed to appear the next day at a friend’s house for a livestreamed church service, prompting a missing person report on Feb. 1.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department investigators, assisted by the FBI, believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will in the late night or early morning hours of Feb. 1. Evidence includes blood found inside the residence, a propped-open back door, and doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual interfering with the surveillance system before approaching the front door.
Recent developments include the recovery of additional DNA evidence at the scene, which genetic genealogist CeCe Moore and others say could prove pivotal if uploaded to public databases for familial matching. As of Friday, April 3, forensic analysis was ongoing, with experts noting that genetic genealogy has helped solve numerous high-profile cold cases in recent years. No public match or suspect identification has been announced.
An insider source told NewsNation that early investigators initially leaned toward the possibility that Guthrie, who lived alone, had wandered off due to age-related concerns. That theory was quickly abandoned as evidence pointed to foul play, including signs of forced entry and the victim’s absence without her phone or critical medications.
The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her safe return, yet it remains unclaimed. Multiple ransom notes sent to media outlets have surfaced, though authorities have not confirmed their authenticity or linked them to a credible demand.
Savannah Guthrie, who took a leave from the “Today” show following her mother’s disappearance, has spoken publicly about the family’s anguish. She plans to return to the anchor desk on April 6, describing the broadcast as “my family” and a source of purpose amid the uncertainty. In earlier interviews, she pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the need to know her mother’s condition.
The case has drawn intense national and international attention, in part because of the victim’s age and family connection to a prominent journalist. Experts note that abductions of women in their 80s are statistically rare, making the circumstances particularly puzzling. The desert terrain surrounding the upscale neighborhood complicates searches, with vast areas of rugged land and a history of occasional violent crime.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced scrutiny over the investigation’s pace. Reports indicate the initial team assigned to the case lacked extensive experience in homicide or abduction investigations, leading to some early missteps. The sheriff’s office has pushed back, stating that family members were cleared early and that tens of thousands of tips have been reviewed.
A separate arrest of a Pima County deputy on unrelated kidnapping charges fueled online speculation, but officials stressed no connection exists to the Guthrie case.
Neighbors reported hearing dogs barking unusually that night, raising questions about possible use of signal jammers or other tactics to disable security systems. Investigators have canvassed the area for additional surveillance footage, including from nearby homes and vehicles.
Forensic details remain limited due to the active investigation. A black glove found near the property was tested for DNA, initially linked to a restaurant worker who was cleared. Other items collected continue to undergo processing.
The family has asked the public to review personal photos or videos from late January and early February that might capture suspicious activity around the Catalina Foothills. They highlighted Jan. 11 as a date of potential interest, though specifics were not disclosed.
As the case enters its third month, the emotional toll on the Guthrie family is evident. Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie and brother Camron have maintained a low public profile while cooperating fully with law enforcement. A makeshift memorial near the home has become a focal point for community vigils and well-wishers.
Media coverage has been relentless, with specials on FOX 10 Phoenix, NewsNation and true crime programs dissecting every detail. Nancy Grace and other commentators have highlighted the absence of clear signs of struggle inside the home despite the blood evidence, suggesting the abduction may have been swift and calculated.
The vast Sonoran Desert landscape poses significant challenges for recovery efforts. Air and ground searches have covered hundreds of square miles, yet no trace of Guthrie or her clothing has been located. Experts warn that after two months, the probability of finding her alive diminishes, though authorities refuse to speculate publicly on her condition.
The investigation has spotlighted broader issues of elder safety and the vulnerabilities of those living alone in semi-rural areas. Catalina Foothills, known for its affluent homes and proximity to Tucson, has generally low crime rates, making the apparent targeted nature of the incident even more alarming.
Sheriff Nanos has stated in prior interviews that the case may have been targeted, though no clear motive such as robbery or extortion has been confirmed. The family’s high profile has led to theories ranging from random crime to more complex schemes, but officials caution against unsubstantiated speculation.
As of Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI continue to urge anyone with information to contact authorities or submit tips through official channels. The $1 million reward from the family remains active.
The disappearance has also prompted renewed attention to other long-term missing persons cases in Arizona, with advocates noting that high-profile cases like this can sometimes overshadow thousands of unresolved investigations involving less prominent families.
For Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, the wait continues without closure. In a recent statement, the family expressed gratitude for public support while emphasizing their focus on bringing Nancy home.
Law enforcement has not scheduled a new news conference, but updates are expected as forensic results progress. The case remains one of the most closely watched missing persons investigations in recent U.S. history, blending elements of celebrity, mystery and the universal fear of losing a loved one without answers.
Business
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Henderson Jane, Apogee Therapeutics CFO, sells $170k in stock

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