This day in history: Soap opera General Hospital premieres

April 1st is known to many as April Fools' Day, but for television fans, it was the daythe small screengot serious about drama. On this day in 1963, two of the most influential medical soap operas in history made their debut on national television:General HospitalandThe Doctors.

Both shows chose a hospital as their primary setting, which was a relatively new concept for thesoap opera genreat the time. By focusing on the lives of doctors, nurses, and patients, these programs were able to blend professional medical crises with intense personal drama.

A soap opera is a long-running TV or radio drama that reflects a set of ongoing, melodramatic storylines, high emotional drama, and complex relationships.The Doctors,premiered on NBC, was set in the fictional Hope Memorial Hospital. For many years, it was a staple of the network's daytime lineup, known for its dedicated fan base and its focus on the moral and romantic dilemmas of its medical staff.

On the same day,General Hospitalpremiered on ABC. Set in the fictional Port Charles, New York. In its early years, it wasn't the massive hit we know today. In fact, by the late1970s, the show faced the threat of cancellation due to low ratings. Afterproducer Gloria Montytook over everything changed. She introduced younger characters and worked on the storytelling. The most famous change was the introduction ofLuke and Laura. Their 1981 wedding remains the highest-rated hour in the history of American soap operas, with 30 million viewers tuning in.

The Doctorseventually left the air in1982,General Hospitalcontinued after that and broke many records, winning numerous Daytime Emmy Awards and launching the careers of several famous actors.

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General Hospital premiered in black-and-white as a half-hour show. It is now the longest-running American soap opera in production, holding the record for the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series with18 winsas of 2025.

The Doctors was initially designed as an anthology series where characters changed frequently, rather than a continuous serial. Due to low ratings (3.4) with the anthology format, it switched to a traditional continuing serial format in March 1964, which immediately doubled its ratings. The show ran for nearly 20 years until December 31, 1982.

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byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

This day in history: Soap opera General Hospital premieres

April 1st is known to many as April Fools' Day, but for television fans, it was the daythe small screengot serious a...

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Lakers clinch playoff berth, Pacific Division title with Suns loss

For the second consecutive year, theLos Angeles Lakerswill finish the regular season atop the Pacific Division.

The Lakers (49-26) clinched a playoff spot and the division title before their game against theCleveland Cavalierson Tuesday night even tipped off, thanks to thePhoenix Suns'115-111loss to theOrlando Magicearlier.

With division title already in tow, the Lakers defeated theCavaliers,127-113, on Tuesday night. With the win, the Lakers have secured back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.

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Luka Doncic made a statement in his return froma one-game suspensionafterreceiving his 16th technical foulin LA's win over theBrooklyn Netson Friday, leading all scorers with 42 points. He also had 12 rebounds and 5 assists Xto re-assert himself in the MVP conversation. Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayrton added another boost offensively with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

While the Lakers have historically dominated the Pacific with 26 titles since the division was established in 1970-71, their current run of two straight since the arrival of head coach JJ Redick snapped a dry spell that began aftertheir NBA championship run in 2019-20.

The red-hot Lakers — winners of 11 of their last 17 — currently sit as the third seed in the West after Monday, one game ahead of the fourth-placeDenver Nuggetsand three games ahead of theMinnesota TimberwolvesandHouston Rockets. And with their postseason spot now in hand, LA could have a chance to cement their claim at the third spot with wins over theDallas Mavericks,Golden State Warriors, Suns andUtah Jazz.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Los Angeles Lakers clinch playoff spot, Pacific Division title

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Lakers clinch playoff berth, Pacific Division title with Suns loss

For the second consecutive year, theLos Angeles Lakerswill finish the regular season atop the Pacific Division. ...

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Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City.

After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, theChiefsare loading up for another go at the Super Bowl in 2026. Major moves on offense and defense will see a much different Kansas City roster.

The Chiefssigned reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker IIIto give them more explosiveness at the running back position. WithPatrick Mahomessidelined while recovering from atorn ACL, the teamtraded for former first-round pick Justin Fieldsas another depth piece at quarterback.

On defense, starting cornerbacksJaylen WatsonandTrent McDuffieare both now with theLos Angeles Ramsvia free agency and trade, respectively.The McDuffie tradenetted Kansas City another first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Up front, defensive linemanKhyiris Tongacomes to the Chiefs from the defending AFC champion Patriots.

It's not all new faces as franchise iconTravis Kelce signed a one-year deal to return to Kansas Cityfor 2026.

2026 NFL DRAFT:Ranking the top 150 best players available

As the dust settles on the major moves of free agency, the team can look ahead to building out its roster in the 2026 NFL draft. Armed with multiple first-round picks, the Chiefs can make key picks to improve the future of the roster. Here's how the Chiefs' draft could look come April:

Kansas City Chiefsmock draft

Round 1, No. 9 overall: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bain may slip slightly in the top 10 due to arm length concerns but the Chiefs would be happy to get his power and production off the edge. Kansas City struggled to get home with sacks in 2025 and getting one of the most productive edge rushers in college football is an easy boost to the defensive front.

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More:Rueben Bain Jr. compares himself to Mike Tyson during Miami Pro Day

Round 1, No. 29 overall: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

McDuffie and Watson are gone and the Chiefs could always use more talent to develop at the position. Johnson is a great value here as a scheme-versatile outside cornerback with size and speed. He would contend withKristian FultonandNohl Williamsfor a starting role as a rookie and a building block for the future.

Round 2, No. 40 overall: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Kelce is back in Kansas City but the Chiefs have to be thinking about their future at the position. Stowers is one of the most explosive players in the 2026 class and put on a show at the NFL combine with his dynamic athleticism. He's a bit undersized at 235 pounds but could be a vertical threat from the position the Chiefs haven't had since Kelce's athletic prime. In time, he could grow into a tight end of the future for Mahomes.

Round 3, No. 74 overall: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

One premium pick alone won't help the Chiefs' pass rush woes from 2025. Jacas is a big-bodied edge at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds who totaled 85 pressures and 20 sacks in his last two seasons at Illinois. There are some questions about his run defense but his high motor will earn him plenty of coverage sacks when possible.

Round 4, No. 109 overall: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

Hurst is one of the best small-school standouts in the class with size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash) at outside receiver. The Chiefs haven't had a threat like him on the outside in years. He's shown the ability to shake press coverage well but may need time to get up to speed at the NFL level.

Round 5, No. 148 overall: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Leo Chenalis now in Washington, and the Chiefswould be well-served by finding at least a depth piece to make up for his departure. Rolder is inexperienced with just 11 career college starts, but he's shown a lot to like, especially in run defense. He's more of a specialist in that for now, without the coverage chops as a rookie.

Round 5, No. 169 overall: OT Keagan Trost, Missouri

Kansas City dealt with injuries on the offensive line, and bringing in an experienced swing tackle would help safeguard against that in the future. Trost played both right and left tackle at Missouri, most recently right. His length will make him a good fit for most any scheme. He's unlikely to contend for a starting role but he'd be a swing tackle

Round 5, No. 176 overall: S VJ Payne, Kansas State

Payne can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. He played in the box, slot and free safety in 2025 alone. He's athletic enough to handle lots of assignments in coverage and Steve Spagnuolo could get creative deploying him throughout the defense. His run defense will need work.

Round 6, No. 210 overall: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

Walker III is a dynamic outside threat at running back and 2025 draft pickBrashard Smithis a receiving specialist. Black could be a good fit alongside those two. The national champion offers great early-down usage with a low center of gravity and churns out yards after contact. He has great short-yardage value and is a willing pass blocker. His lack of receiving chops can be balanced out by Walker and Smith.

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Las Vegas Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

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NFL mock draft: Free agency, trades change first-round projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chiefs 2026 NFL mock draft: Kansas City builds up defense, lands TE

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City. After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, t...

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Final Four predictions: AI picks winners of Illinois-UConn, Arizona-Michigan games

Will two Big Ten teams face off with anational championship on the line?No. 3 seed Illinois and No. 1 Michigan are on opposite sides of theFinal Fourin 2026, and could guarantee the Big Ten the NCAA Tournament championship with wins in the national semifinals.

The Fighting Illini take on No. 2 Connecticut, while the Wolverines face fellow No. 1 seedArizona, each on Saturday, April 4. The winners will move onto the national championship game on Monday, April 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

REQUIRED READING:Final Four predictions: Who will advance to national championship game?

The last Big Ten school to win a national championship was Michigan State in 2000, Tom Izzo's fifth season at the helm. The Huskies, meanwhile, are looking for their third national championship in four seasons under Dan Hurley, who's quickly rising the all-time coaching ranks.

The Wildcats have won one national championship in their history, which came in 1997. They last made the Final Four in 2001, and are looking to get back to college basketball's mountaintop.

What does Artificial Intelligence think about the Final Four in 2026? Here's how AI predicted the two matchups to go:

AI predicts Final Four games

No. 3 Illinois vs No. 2 UConn

Microsoft Copilot is impressed with Illinois' offense, but also thinks UConn's veteran presence and ability to win games late is important.

"Best offense left in the tournament," Copilot said of Illinois. "Illinois brings elite scoring versatility, with multiple shooters and one of the nation's best offensive rebound rates."

The AI was also complementary of true freshmanKeaton Wagler, one of the top remaining players in the NCAA Tournament.

"Since their November loss to UConn, Wagler has become a top‑10 NBA prospect and a dominant scorer — far more impactful than in the first meeting," Copilot said.

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On the other hand, Copilot acknowledges Tarris Reed Jr. could be a matchup problem for Illinois, and that UConn wears teams down defensively.

"He's averaging dominant numbers inside and could force Illinois into foul trouble or defensive adjustments," Copilot said of Reed. "They just survived Duke on a last‑second 3 and have shown resilience in multiple close games."

Copilot actually predicts an upset, taking Illinois in a close one.

"Illinois' offensive versatility, improved defense, and Wagler's rise give them the edge in a matchup where UConn's inconsistent perimeter shooting could finally catch up to them," Copilot said.

• Score prediction: Illinois 76, UConn 71

No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan

Copilot noted both teams' dominance in the Men's NCAA Tournament as reasons to be excited for the Final Four matchup between Michigan and Arizona, noting Michigan outscored its opponents by 90 points in March Madness to Arizona's 82 points.

Copilot also noted Michigan's balance, acknowledging the Wolverines rank No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 5 in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom. It also is impressed by Yaxel Lendeborg, a first-team All-American who scored 27 points against Tennessee in the Elite Eight.

But Copilot likes Arizona's balance and interior scoring a bit more than Michigan.

"Their starting lineup is the deepest and most balanced in the Final Four," the AI said. "Analysts consistently note Arizona's edge on the glass and at the rim will be key in a game this evenly matched."

Ultimately, Copilot is going with Arizona to take down mighty Michigan for a spot in the national championship.

"This is the heavyweight fight everyone expected, but Arizona's superior rim finishing, rebounding edge, and deeper scoring options give them a slight advantage," Copilot predicts.

• Score prediction: Arizona 78, Michigan 74

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Final Four predictions: Who does AI pick to make March Madness championship?

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Final Four predictions: AI picks winners of Illinois-UConn, Arizona-Michigan games

Will two Big Ten teams face off with anational championship on the line?No. 3 seed Illinois and No. 1 Michigan are on op...

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