The 2026 Winter Olympics next month should be a fun experience for Czechia’s women’s ice hockey team. It will be only the country’s second appearance in the Winter Games after making their debut in Beijing in 2022, and those games came with limitations.

Klára Hymlárová and Denisa Křížová, both forwards on the Minnesota Frost, were a part of that team, and while they were proud to represent the Czech Republic, they felt the limitations around the 2022 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tereza Vanisova of Czech Republic, left, celebrates with Denisa Krizova of Czech Republic after scoring her sides third goal during the quarterfinal match between Czech Republic and Switzerland at the Women’s Ice Hockey Championships in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

“We didn’t really do much because of COVID, but yeah, I’m super excited,” Hymlárová said, “and it’s going to be nice to see how the real Olympics are.”

Hymlárová and Křížová are looking for a more traditional Olympics experience. Their families will be making the comparatively short journey from the Czech Republic to Milano, Italy, to be a part of much larger crowds than were able to attend in Beijing.

Team Czechia made a decent Olympics debut, going 2-1-1 in the Group B Pool, second to Japan. They advanced into the quarterfinals against the U.S. and played against some of their future Frost teammates. Current teammates, such as Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklin, made a strong impression as Team USA won, 4-1.

Last time Team Czechia and Team USA faced off, only 636 fans were allowed to watch in a 19,000-seat arena. Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has a capacity of 14,000, but it will feel every bit more electric with a full crowd on hand and reinvigorating the stakes that come with every Olympic event.

While they have bonded in St. Paul over the past few years, Hymlárová and Křížová are looking forward to facing six of their current teammates in the preliminary round on Feb. 5.

“Hopefully we’ll surprise them,” Křížová said.

In all, the PWHL is sending 40 players from seven nations to the Milano Cortina Games, scheduled for Feb. 5–19. In addition to Coyne Schofield and Stecklein, the Frost are sending Taylor Heise, Grace Zumwinkle, Kelly Pannek and Britta Curl-Salemme to play in Italy for the U.S.

The preponderance of Frost players shouldn’t be a surprise. Minnesota won the PWHL’s first two championships in a small, stacked league, and sat third overall heading into Wednesday’s game against Montreal at Grand Casino Arena.

Puck drop is set for 6 p.m.

“It’s like half of them are playing with me (in Minnesota),” Křížová said. “It’s the first game (this year) in the Olympics, too, so everyone is going to be pumped and ready to play. It’s going to be a good game, I’m very much looking forward to it.”

PWHL OLYMPIANS

By nation, with number and PWHL team in parentheses:

United States (16): Forwards: Hannah Bilka (SEA), Alex Carpenter (SEA), Kendall Coyne Schofield (MIN), Britta Curl-Salemme (MIN), Taylor Heise (MIN), Hilary Knight (SEA), Kelly Pannek (MIN), Hayley Scamurra (MTL), Grace Zumwinkle (MIN); Defenders: Cayla Barnes (SEA), Rory Guilday (OTT), Megan Keller (BOS), Lee Stecklein (MIN), Haley Winn (BOS); Goaltenders: Aerin Frankel (BOS), Gwyneth Philips (OTT).

Czechia (8): Forwards: Klára Hymlárová (MIN), Kristýna Kaltounková (NY), Denisa Křížová (MIN), Natálie Mlýnková (MTL), Kateřina Mrázová (OTT), Tereza Vanišová (VAN); Defenders: Daniela Pejšová (BOS), Aneta Tejralová (SEA).

Finland (4): Forwards: Michelle Karvinen (VAN), Susanna Tapani (BOS); Defender: Ronja Savolainen (OTT) Goaltender: Sanni Ahola (OTT).

Germany (3): Forward: Laura Kluge (BOS); Defender: Nina Jobst-Smith (VAN); Goaltender: Sandra Abstreiter (MTL).

Italy (1): Forward: Kristin Della Rovere (TOR).

Switzerland (2): Forward: Alina Müller (BOS); Defender: Nicole Vallario (NY).

Sweden (4): Forwards: Sara Hjalmarsson (TOR), Lina Ljungblom (MTL); Defenders: Anna Kjellbin (TOR), Maja Nylén-Persson (NY).

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By MARIA SHERMAN, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 1 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year marks a return to normalcy after the 2025 award show was altered to focus on supporting relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires.

“I think we will see some history-making moments,” Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr. told The Associated Press. “With artists being nominated in categories they haven’t been previously nominated in, and a new crop of talent coming through the system this year — I think we’re going to see some really exciting results.”

Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Grammys, including how to stream and where you can see music’s biggest stars walking the red carpet.

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When are the Grammys and how can I watch or stream the show?

The main show will air live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 1.

The Grammys can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV.

Paramount+ premium plan subscribers will be able to stream the Grammys live; Paramount+ essential subscribers will have on-demand access the next day.

The premiere ceremony will take place just ahead of the Grammys’ ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, 12:30 p.m. Pacific at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It can be streamed at the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com.

Who is performing at the Grammys?

On Tuesday, the Recording Academy announced Sabrina Carpenter will perform at the Grammys. She’s the first of many. Others will be revealed in the coming days.

Carpenter is a leading nominee at this year’s ceremony, with six nods for record, album and song of the year as well as pop solo performance, pop vocal album and music video.

Who is hosting the Grammys?

Comedian Trevor Noah will host the show for the sixth consecutive time — and it will be his last.

“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time,” Grammys’ executive producer Ben Winston said in a statement. “He’s been the most phenomenal host of the show. He’s so smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music. His impact on the show has been truly spectacular, and we can’t wait to do it together one last time.”

FILE – Trevor Noah appears at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on March 14, 2021. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

The only other people to host six or more Grammy telecasts were musical artists: Andy Williams hosted seven shows, followed by John Denver with six. Noah previously tied LL Cool J, with five.

Noah himself is a four-time Grammy nominee and is up this year in the audio book, narration, and storytelling recording category for “Into The Uncut Grass,” a children’s story.

“He’s a special host. He really finds the right balance between being funny and smart and knowledgeable but also being a fan of music. And I love that. It’s so hard to find that combination,” Mason jr. said.

As for his departure? “Every person at some point in their career, they decide they want to do something else,” Mason jr. said. “And we’re so appreciative of the years that we got from Trevor. He’s really helped define the show and make the show what it’s become over the last six years.”

How can I watch the red carpet?

The Associated Press will stream a four-hour red carpet show with interviews and fashion footage. It will be streamed on YouTube and APNews.com.

Who is nominated for the Grammys?

Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with nine total. He’s up for record, song and album of the year — marking the third time he’s had simultaneous nominations in those big categories — as well as pop duo/group performance, melodic rap performance, rap song and rap album. He’s also nominated twice in the rap performance category.

Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Canadian record producer/songwriter Cirkut follow Lamar with seven nominations each.

Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas, Serban Ghenea and the aforementioned Carpenter all boast six nominations. Andrew Watt, Clipse, Doechii, Sounwave, SZA, Turnstile and Tyler, the Creator have five each.

And in the best new artist category, Thomas, global girl group Katseye, Olivia Dean, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Alex Warren and Lola Young will go head-to-head.

There are a number of first-time nominees as well this year, including Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JID and … Timothée Chalamet. You read that correctly.

MONTREAL — John Hynes is a realistic guy. The Minnesota Wild coach knows that all the call-ups from Iowa he can employ aren’t going to take the place of missing second line, or the presence of two of his more veteran defensemen.

Heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Canadiens at Centre Bell Arena, the Wild were without five key veterans: Marcus Johansson, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, Zach Bogosian and Jonas Brodin. The best hope, Hynes said, is that there be good news waiting when the team returns to St. Paul for a Thursday night meeting with Detroit.

In the meantime, Hynes made it clear that no amount of reserves could replace everyone missing amid a rash of injuries among key contributors but added that healthy players still needed to fill their roles, and in a lopsided win in Toronto on Monday, a national TV audience in Canada saw what secondary scoring looks like.

Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) greets right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) after Zuccarello made the game-winning goal in overtime against the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)

Marcus Foligno scored three for his first career hat trick, and Vladimir Tarasenko added two goals to make the difference in a 6-3 victory in the first game of back-to-backs in Ontario.

“When we had the guys out, we talked to the team that you’re not gonna replace individual guys, but there’s gonna be parts of their game and situations that … other guys are gonna get opportunities to (fill),” Hynes said after Monday’s win. “And I think that, Foligno and and Vladdy tonight, are two good examples.”

The Wild have won the first two of this three-game road trip and went into Tuesday’s game second in the West and 65 points, second to only Central Division rival Colorado in the NHL.

For Foligno, playing in front of his father and other relatives a few hours from his hometown of Sudbury, the timing could not have been better for the first three-goal night after more than 900 games in the NHL. The last hat trick, he said, came when he was playing major junior for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL.

“I’ve gotten two goals many games and I’ve been snakebit,” Foligno said. “It was in the back of my mind. I was getting negative: ‘It’s never going to happen.’ But empty net, Vladdy Tarasenko with a great, unselfish (assist) — and he’s got two, as well. So, I was just like, ‘He’s got a couple hat tricks, so he can give me this one.’ ”

With the Toronto goalie on the bench, Tarasenko took a long-range shot at the empty net, trying for his first hat trick with the Wild. He missed, and when he got another chance a short time later, he passed to Foligno, who ended it.

“He was in a better spot. I took my chance before, missed the net, and, I mean, he was wide open, so …” Tarasenko said. “I learned after (that) this is his first career hat trick, and very happy for him. He’s awesome person. He invited me over for dinner when I came by myself, my first couple of weeks in Minnesota. So, I get the chance to know him, his wife, his kids, and he’s a very nice person.”

And then it was on to Montreal having already secured a winning road trip, and another chance for new heroes to step up while five players sit home in Minnesota, getting healthier for what they hope is a post-Olympics stretch run.

“Going on this trip, when you get on the plane and you see (five) seats empty, and you realize that it’s Bolds, Jojo, Eriksson Ek and (Brodin) and Bogosian, you just look at yourself in the mirror and you’ve got to stop up for the team,” Foligno said. “I’m fortunate right now, two games where I’ve stepped up, and we’ve collected wins.

“That’s what happens with this team: Guys go down but we seem always to have guys fill the void and fill the hole, and it’s special. It’s a special group, and I’m just happy I’m able to help as part of the leadership group and collect some wins when we have certain guys out.”

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By RUSS BYNUM

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Voters in a coastal Georgia county will decide Tuesday whether large homes should be allowed on remote Sapelo Island, where Black landowners fear the change could saddle them with unaffordable property taxes in one of the South’s few remaining Gullah-Geechee communities founded by freed slaves.

The referendum organized by island residents seeks to override McIntosh County commissioners’ 2023 decision to double the size of homes allowed in the tiny Hogg Hummock community. Their vote weakened building limits that for decades helped keep property taxes low for one of America’s most culturally unique Black populations.

Tensions between Hogg Hummock’s Black landowners and county officials have been high for more than a decade, fueled by outsiders buying land in the community and building vacation homes. Island natives worry their taxes will balloon as wealthy buyers build larges homes, increasing property values. Commissioners have blamed the changing landscape on native owners who sold their land.

Black residents and their supporters brought the fight to voters after gathering more than 2,300 petition signatures and challenging commissioners before the Georgia Supreme Court to force a special election.

Regardless of the outcome, the vote wasn’t expected to settle the dispute.

“I strongly believe we’re going to win,” said Jazz Watts, a Hogg Hummock descendant and landowner who was among the organizers of the referendum push. “What happens next is still kind of a legal question based on what the county does.”

Island may see land values spike in new tax assessment

Commissioners have said that if voters repeal their zoning changes, they will consider Hogg Hummock to be without any limits on development rather than go back to building restrictions that protected the community for three decades.

That could lead to another court fight. Dana Braun, an attorney for the Hogg Hummock landowners, accused county officials of “pushing this ludicrous argument” in an effort to defeat the referendum.

Commissioners could also try to push through a new zoning law for Hogg Hummock.

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“I do believe there exists a willingness by the Board to consider a moratorium on zonings and building permits,” Commission Chairperson Kate Pontello Karwacki told The Associated Press in an email “However, the Board will have to collectively agree on next steps.”

Meanwhile, county assessors are weighing a proposal to recalculate the taxable value of Hogg Hummock properties for the first time since 2012. Their chief appraiser, Blair McLinn, predicts landowners could see painful increases, with values per half-acre possibly jumping from an average of $27,500 to $145,000.

McLinn said he plans to meet with island residents to hear their concerns. But given nearly 20 sales in recent years with half-acre lots fetching up to $210,000, he said, steep increases seem unavoidable.

“To leave it alone is not going to be an option, as far as revaluation goes,” McLinn said in a phone interview.

Recognized as a US treasure, island relies on local protection

Located about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Savannah, Sapelo Island remains largely unspoiled. The state of Georgia owns most of its 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), and there are no roads linking the island to the mainland.

Hogg Hummock, also known as Hog Hammock, sits on less than a square mile. About 30 to 50 Black residents still live in modest homes along dirt roads in the community.

Gullah-Geechee communities are scattered along the Southeast coast from North Carolina to Florida, where they have endured since the Civil War ended. Scholars say separation from the mainland caused these communities to retain much of their African heritage, including a unique dialect.

Hogg Hummock earned a place in 1996 on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of treasured U.S. historic sites. But for protections to preserve the community, residents depend on the local government in McIntosh County, where 65% of the 11,100 residents are white.

“People worked hard to get this land on Sapelo and they worked hard to preserve who they are,” said Maurice Bailey, an island native who runs a program aimed at boosting farming in the community. “Without this land, all of our descendants lose their connection.”

Dozens of the island’s Black landowners protested after being hit with sharp property tax increases in 2012, and county officials rolled back their tax bills. Island residents followed up with a lawsuit accusing McIntosh County of taxing them while providing minimal services. A 2022 settlement froze island property assessments through last year.

Island residents said they were blindsided in 2023 when commissioners moved swiftly to weaken a special zoning ordinance enacted three decades earlier to protect Hogg Hummock landowners from unaffordable tax increases.

Commissioners voted to increase the maximum size of homes in Hogg Hummock from 1,400 to 3,000 square feet (130 to 278 square meters). They said the changes would allow more living space for families and denied seeking to displace Black landowners.