June 25, 2025

A’ja Wilson scores 22, becomes fastest in WNBA history to 5,000 points as Aces beat Sun

June 25, 2025

A’ja Wilson scored 22 points and became the fastest player in WNBA history to 5,000 points as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Connecticut Sun 85-59. Wilson has 5,015 career points and needed just 238 games, four fewer than Breanna Stewart (242), to top 5,000. Connecticut (2-13) has lost seven in a row overall and six straight to the Aces, who beat the Sun 87-62 on May 20. Jackie Young scored 20 points for the Aces (7-7) and Chelsea Gray added 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Connecticut went 0 for 10 from the field and committed five turnovers before Lindsay Allen hit a jumper with 1:58 left in the first quarter that made it 19-2. Tina Charles led the Sun with 18 points.

President Donald Trump speaks standing between Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a press conference after the plenary session at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Trump officials to give first classified briefing to Congress on Iran strikes

June 25, 2025

Senators are set to meet with top national security officials amid questions from lawmakers about President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites — and whether those strikes were ultimately successful. The classified briefing, which was originally scheduled on Tuesday and delayed until Thursday, also comes as the Senate is expected to vote this week on a resolution that would require congressional approval if Trump decides to strike Iran again. Democrats, and some Republicans, have said that the White House overstepped its authority when it failed to seek the advice of Congress and want to know more about the intelligence that Trump relied on when he authorized the attacks.

Cassie, Jane, Cudi and freak-offs: How Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial has played out

June 25, 2025

During weeks of testimony at the sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, nearly three dozen witnesses took their turns in front of a federal jury. Key witnesses included two former Combs’ girlfriends — Cassie and “Jane” — who spent 10 trial days describing being forced over the last two decades to have sex with other men while Combs watched and sometimes filmed the encounters. Other witnesses included rapper Kid Cudi and several former Combs’ employees. Combs has pleaded not guilty. He played an active role in his defense, consulting frequently with his lawyers and influencing their work.

Trump’s latest rejection of intelligence assessments reflects a long distrust of spy agencies

June 25, 2025

A leaked intelligence memo contradicting President Donald Trump’s assessment of recent U.S. strikes on Iran is just the latest conflict with a part of the federal government that Trump has viewed with deep suspicion. Trump’s distrust of the intelligence community goes back to before his first term when questions were raised about his campaign’s alleged ties to Russia. So far in his second term, he’s tapped loyalists to lead the CIA and other intel agencies and has publicly dismissed intelligence assessments that undercut his claims. Former intelligence officials say spy services strive to stay out of politics and a final accounting of the strikes on Iran will take time.

Journey man: Mets pitcher Jonathan Pintaro takes improbable path to majors

June 25, 2025

Some players take unusual paths to the big leagues. And then there is the journey of Jonathan Pintaro. Undrafted from a Division II college in Georgia, he spent two seasons in the MLB Draft League for overlooked long shots. Then two years pitching for the Glacier Range Riders of the independent Pioneer League — where he compiled a 6.60 ERA. So when Pintaro walked into the New York Mets’ clubhouse Wednesday, about 2,400 miles from 2,291-seat Glacier Bank Park in Kalispell, Montana, needless to say it was an improbable arrival. Pintaro received a surprise promotion from the minors when the struggling Mets shuffled bullpen arms again before their 7-3 victory against Atlanta.

FILE - Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams pulls down a rebound against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

Suns add 7-footer Mark Williams, send two first-round picks to Hornets, AP source says

June 25, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Mark Williams in a trade that sends two first-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade hasn’t officially been announced. Williams was one of two 7-footers the Suns added during the first round of the NBA draft. The Suns are also expected to add Duke center Khaman Maluach, who was selected by the Rockets with the No. 10 overall pick but is part of a trade that will send 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to Houston. The Hornets received this year’s No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round selection.

Jeremiah Fears celebrates with family after being selected seventh by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Moms take centerstage at NBA draft as sons appreciate all the effort they’ve put in

June 25, 2025

It was mother’s day at the NBA draft Wednesday night. The moms of the NBA draftees took centerstage, receiving hugs and wiping away tears from their sons. Kelly Flagg, whose son Cooper went first to the Dallas Mavericks, was a strong player in her own right. She starred for the University of Maine in the late 1990s. The 1998-99 team she was on made school history when they won the programs’ first-ever NCAA Tournament game, upsetting Stanford,

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jacob deGrom flirts with a perfect game, then a no-hitter with the Rangers

June 25, 2025

When righthander Jacob deGrom is at his best, the Texas Rangers believe he’s the best pitcher on the planet. DeGrom certainly is looking like the pitcher who is a two-time Cy Young winner. He flirted with a perfect game through six innings and a no-hitter through seven Wednesday night in another dominating performance in his return from Tommy John surgery in April 2023. DeGrom threw 89 pitches before being pulled after giving up his only hit to the first batter he faced in the eighth. The Rangers finished off a 7-0 shutout of the Baltimore Orioles. DeGrom tied his career-best streak at 13 straight starts giving up two or fewer earned runs.

FILE - Emil Bove, attorney for then former President Donald Trump, attends Manhattan criminal court during Trump's sentencing in the hush money case in New York, Jan. 10, 2025. (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via AP, File)

Trump judicial nominee Bove denies advising Justice Department lawyers to ignore court orders

June 25, 2025

A Justice Department official nominated to become a federal appeals court judge says he never told department attorneys to ignore court orders, denying the account of a whistleblower who detailed a campaign to defy judges to carry out President Donald Trump’s deportation plans. Ex-Trump defense attorney Emil Bove pushed back Wednesday against suggestions from Democrats the whistleblower’s claims make him unfit to serve on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, hearing cases from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The whistleblower was a department lawyer fired after conceding in court Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported by Trump’s Republican administration. The whistleblower says Bove said the administration might need to ignore judicial commands.

GOP mega-bill stuck in US Senate as disputes grow over hospitals and more

June 25, 2025

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks to reporters at the Capitol as lawmakers work on the “One Big

President Donald Trump dances after speaking at the U.S. Steel Mon Valley Works-Irvin plant, Friday, May 30, 2025, in West Mifflin, Pa. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Trump gets ‘golden share’ power in US Steel buyout. US agencies will get it under future presidents

June 25, 2025

New disclosures with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission show that President Donald Trump will control the so-called “golden share” that’s part of the national security agreement under which he allowed Japan-based Nippon Steel to buy out iconic American steelmaker U.S. Steel. The provision gives the Trump the power to appoint a board member and have a say in company decisions that affect domestic steel production and competition with overseas producers. Under the provision, Trump — or someone he designates — controls that decision-making power while he’s president. However, control over those powers reverts to the Treasury Department and the Commerce Department when anyone else is president, according to the filings.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jacob deGrom loses no-hit bid in 8th, leads Rangers over Orioles 7-0

June 25, 2025

Jacob deGrom held Baltimore hitless until Colton Cowser’s leadoff single in the eighth inning, leading the Texas Rangers over the Orioles 7-0. The right-hander, who turned 37 on June 19, retired his first 18 batters before walking Jackson Holliday on a high and outside full count slider. He walked Ryan O’Hearn with two outs in the seventh, throwing four straight balls after getting ahead 0-2 in the count. Cowser grounded a single to right on a 1-1 fastball. DeGrom won his fourth straight decision to improve to 8-2, striking out seven and walking two.

Colton Cowser of Orioles breaks up no-hit bid by Rangers’ deGrom in 8th inning

June 25, 2025

Baltimore’s Colton Cowser singled to lead off the eighth inning Wednesday night, breaking up Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom’s no-hit bid. The 37-year-old deGrom had a perfect game going through six innings before walking designated hitter Sam Haggerty and left fielder Alejandro Osuna in the seventh and allowing Cowser’s hard hit grounder to right field at the start of the eighth inning. DeGrom struck out seven. The two-time Cy Young Award winner threw threw 59 strikes and 89 pitches overall before being lifted after allowing his first hit.

Trump drive to defund NPR, PBS resisted by Republicans from rural states

June 25, 2025

The National Public Radio headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON —

Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film

June 25, 2025

Denis Villeneuve is going from “Dune” to Bond. Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday that Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie. The untitled film will be the first since the studio took creative reins of the storied film franchise after decades of control by the Broccoli family. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman had maintained that before the next Bond is cast, they would develop a screenplay and find a director first. Now, they have one of the most respected blockbuster makers in Hollywood who’s coming off a pair of widely acclaimed “Dune” films. In a statement, Villeneuve called Bond “sacred territory” that he intends to honor.

Task force urged to ‘turn over each rock’ while trying to cut homeowner property taxes in half

June 25, 2025

Members of the Comprehensive Property Tax Task Force meet in Sioux Falls on June 25, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Ronald Acuña Jr. of host Braves to compete in Home Run Derby on July 14 at Atlanta’s Truist Park

June 25, 2025

Ronald Acuña Jr. of the host Braves was announced as the first of the eight hitters who will compete in the All-Star Home Run Derby at Atlanta’s Truist Park on July 14. Acuña, who homered on the first pitch of his May 23 return to the Braves following a torn left ACL, will participate in the derby for the third time. He lost to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso 20-19 in the semifinals in 2019 after opening with a 25-18 victory over Pittsburgh’s Josh Bell, then lost to Alonso 20-19 in the first round at Dodger Stadium in 2022.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., center, joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip, speaks to reporters after Republican senators met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and worked on President Donald Trump's tax and immigration megabill so they can have on his desk by July 4, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Senate struggle over Medicaid cuts threatens progress on Trump’s big bill

June 25, 2025

One key issue stalling progress on President Donald Trump’s big bill in Congress is particularly daunting. Republicans are struggling to figure out how to cut billions from health care without harming Americans who rely on the programs or the hospitals that provide care. Already, estimates say 10.9 million more people would be without health coverage under the House-passed version of the bill. GOP senators have proposed steeper reductions, which some say go too far. Senators have been meeting behind closed doors as they rush to find a solution. One proposal would create a rural hospital fund to help those providers.

A protester holds a sign as a Waymo taxi burns near the metropolitan detention center of downtown Los Angeles, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

California official criticized for appearing to call on gangs to intervene in immigration raids

June 25, 2025

The vice mayor of a tiny Southern California city is under fire after appearing to call on street gangs to organize in the face of immigration sweeps by federal agents in Los Angeles. Cynthia Gonzalez, vice mayor of Cudahy, criticized street gang members in a since-deleted social media post. She questioned why gang members weren’t out protesting or speaking up about the raids. The video seemed to suggest she was calling on them to organize and help out as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement of immigration laws. The city of Cudahy said Tuesday that the video reflected Gonzalez’s personal views and not those of the city.

FILE - Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini has a heavy escort as he enters car to leave the airport in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 1, 1979, after arriving back in the country on a chartered Air France Boing 747. (AP Photo/FY, File)

The US and Iran have had bitter relations for decades. After the bombs, a new chapter begins

June 25, 2025

A new chapter in U.S.-Iran relations is about to be written, whether for the better or the even worse. For nearly a half century, the world has witnessed an enmity for the ages. It’s heard the threats, the plotting, the poisonous rhetoric between the “Great Satan” of Iranian lore and the “Axis of Evil” troublemaker of the Middle East, in America’s eyes. Now President Donald Trump has brokered a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war that may or may not hold. Either way, something has broken loose in the stuck-in-time relationship after the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear-development sites and Iran’s retaliatory yet restrained attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar.

FILE - AB Hernandez, a transgender student at Jurupa Valley High School, stands on the podium during a medal ceremony for the triple jump at the California high school track-and-field championships in Clovis, Calif., May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file)

Trump administration says California must bar trans girls from girls sports

June 25, 2025

The Trump administration says California must change its policies allowing transgender girls to compete on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The U.S. Education Department says the policies violate a federal law banning sex discrimination in education. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says California could lose federal funding if it does not comply. But the state says all students should have the opportunity to play. The issue garnered renewed attention in California after a trans athlete recently participated in the state high school track and field championship. The sports governing body running the meet allowed more girls to participate and medal in events in which the trans athlete was competing.

FILE - Former Venezuelan military spy chief, retired Maj. Gen. Hugo Carvajal, walks out of prison in Estremera on the outskirts of Madrid, on Sept. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

Former Venezuela spymaster pleads guilty to narcoterrorism charge ahead of trial

June 25, 2025

A former Venezuelan spymaster who was close to the country’s late President Hugo Chávez has pleaded guilty to narco-terrorist charges. Retired Maj. Gen. Hugo Carvajal’s plea Wednesday comes a week before his trial was set to begin in a Manhattan federal court. Carvajal was extradited from Spain in 2023 after more than a decade on the run from U.S. law enforcement. Carvajal pleaded guilty to all four criminal counts in an indictment accusing him of leading a cartel made up of senior Venezuelan military officers that attempted to “flood” the U.S. with cocaine. The most serious count, for narco-terrorist conspiracy, carries a mandatory minimum 20-year sentence.

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer looks as Job Corps members stand behind her during a House Education and Workforce hearing, Thursday, June 5, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Federal judge orders US Labor Department to keep Job Corps running during lawsuit

June 25, 2025

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction to stop the U.S. Department of Labor from shutting down Job Corps, a residential program for low-income youth, until a lawsuit against the move is resolved. U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter issued his decision on Wednesday. The Labor Department said in late May that it would pause operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers by the end of June. Job Corps aims to help teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.

This image provided by the Boulder Police Dept. shows Mohamed Sabry Soliman. (Boulder Police Dept. via AP)

Man indicted on 12 hate crime charges in attack on Boulder demonstration for Israeli hostages

June 25, 2025

A man accused of hurling Molotov cocktails at a group of people demonstrating in Boulder, Colorado, in support of Israeli hostages has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 12 hate crime counts. He was initially charged with only one hate crime count in federal court. Tuesday’s indictment accuses Soliman of trying to kill eight people who were hurt by the Molotov cocktails and targeting them because of their perceived or actual national origin, which prosecutors say was their perceived connection and support for Israel. He was also indicted for another hate crime for trying to kill the others at the event who were not injured, as well as three explosives charges.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) reacts to striking out Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz for the third out in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

Brewers’ Misiorowski continues history-making start to his career by outperforming Pirates’ Skenes

June 25, 2025

Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski made extra effort to avoid getting caught up in all the hype surrounding the rookie flamethrower’s highly anticipated matchup with Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes. Misiorowski better get accustomed to the extra attention. Misiorowski owns a 3-0 record and 1.13 earned run average after leading the Brewers to a 4-2 victory over Skenes’ Pirates. Sportradar says the three hits Misiorowski has allowed thus far is the fewest by any major league pitcher through his first three career starts with a minimum of 16 innings pitched since at least 1901.

FILE - Law enforcement officers gather as an honor guard carries the casket containing the remains of Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Philadelphia jury convicts man of killing Temple University officer, hands him a life sentence

June 25, 2025

A Philadelphia jury has convicted a suburban man of killing a Temple University police officer who chased him down as a suspect in a series of carjackings. It was never in dispute that Miles Pfeffer of Bucks County killed Officer Christopher Fitzgerald. Thus, the verdict issued Wednesday followed a murder trial largely centered on whether the February 2023 shooting death had been intentional. Lawyers for Pfeffer said he was a frightened 18-year-old who panicked that night. Prosecutors said he shot the officer six times and that a security video of the shooting proved his intent. The now 20-year-old Pfeffer was sentenced to life without parole.

Family disputes official account of Nevada inmate’s death, alleging excessive force and a cover-up

June 25, 2025

The family of a Nevada inmate who died in custody in December 2023 is disputing the official account of his death. A new lawsuit filed this week in Clark County District Court claims Patrick Odale was having an asthma attack — not acting erratically — when guards pepper-sprayed, restrained and beat him. The lawsuit accuses prison staff and officials of excessive force and deleting video evidence. It also criticizes the coroner’s office for not listing Odale’s blunt force injuries as a contributing factor to his death. Odale, a father of two, was just weeks from release. His family hasn’t been given access to video footage of the incident.

FILE - A Social Security card is displayed on Oct. 12, 2021, in Tigard, Ore. The go-broke dates for Medicare and Social Security’s trust funds have moved up as rising health care costs and new legislation affecting Social Security benefits have contributed to closer projected depletion dates. That's according to an annual report released Wednesday. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

New Social Security Commissioner faces pointed questions about staffing, privacy

June 25, 2025

After months of job cuts, leadership turnover and other turmoil at the Social Security Administration, the agency’s newly minted commissioner faced pointed questions from lawmakers about the future of the agency and its ability to pay Americans their benefits and protect their privacy. Commissioner Frank Bisignano told lawmakers “increased staffing is not the long term solution,” vowing instead to invest in technology so the agency could function with fewer workers. “We will do this by becoming a digital-first, technology-led organization that puts the public as our focal point,” he said.

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appears on stage with his family including his wife, Rama Duwaji, right, at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is an animator, illustrator and ceramicist. And they met on Hinge

June 25, 2025

People across the country are still learning about Zohran Mamdani, who stunned the political world and is poised to become the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor after sweeping past Andrew Cuomo. They know even less about his wife, artist Rama Duwaji. She’s an animator and illustrator originally from Damascus, Syria, according to her Instagram bio. She also enjoys taking a break from tech-based art to create her own ceramics, particularly illustrated plates in blue and white. Another noteworthy (and much-mentioned) fact about the couple: They met on Hinge, the dating app, the candidate has said.

FILE - The entrance to the Wisconsin Supreme Court chambers is seen inside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Todd Richmond, File)

Wisconsin Supreme Court refuses to hear challenges to the state’s congressional district boundaries

June 25, 2025

The liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court has refused to hear challenges brought by Democrats seeking to throw out the battleground state’s current congressional district boundaries before the 2026 midterms. Democrats asked the court to redraw the maps, which would have put two of the state’s six congressional seats currently held by Republicans into play. But the court on Wednesday, for the second time in as many years, refused to hear the challenges. Republicans hold six of the state’s eight U.S. House seats, but only two of those districts are considered competitive.

With SD congressman’s support, US House denounces Minnesota shootings, political violence

June 25, 2025

A makeshift memorial for DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, is seen at the Minnesota State

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani takes selfies with supporters after speaking at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Democrats fret about national fallout after Mamdani stuns in New York City

June 25, 2025

The stunning success of Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, in the race for New York City mayor has exposed the fiery divisions plaguing the Democratic Party as it struggles to repair its brand. Mamdani appears on a glide path to the nomination after his leading opponent, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, conceded the Democratic primary. Ranked choice vote counting will determine the final outcome next week. Many progressives cheered the emergence of the young and charismatic Mamdani, whose candidacy caught on with viral campaign videos and a focus on the cost of living. But the party’s more pragmatic wing cast the outcome as a serious setback in their quest to broaden Democrats’ appeal.

Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought testifies during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the rescissions package on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Senators challenge Trump’s proposed cuts to foreign aid and public media in contentious hearing

June 25, 2025

Republicans and Democrats on a key Senate panel are challenging the merits of cancelling billions of dollars in spending for foreign aid and public media, as requested by President Donald Trump. The objections came as part of a contentious hearing Wednesday examining the White House’s request for the cuts. The House has already voted to claw back the $9.4 billion in spending. Now, the Senate is preparing to take up the package with a July 18 deadline for action. If the Senate declines to approve a measure by then, the Trump administration must obligate and spend the funds in question.

Sarah McDonner, a volunteer for Wild Tunes, which aims to soothe stressed shelter animals with live music, plays the flute at the Denver Animal Shelter, on Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

Volunteers play music to soothe shelter animals

June 25, 2025

It’s often said music is the universal language of humanity. Now a 12-year-old Houston boy is putting that to the test for an unlikely audience — man’s best friend. Yuvi Agarwal started playing keyboard when he was 4 and several years ago noticed his playing soothed his family’s restless dog, Bozo. He grew curious if it also could help stressed, homeless animals. With help from his parents, he founded the nonprofit Wild Tunes to recruit musicians to play in animal shelters. He says after a few minutes of playing, most animals calm down and some even go to sleep.

Reaves Buildings to Host Hill City Barndominium Open House

June 25, 2025

HILL CITY, S.D. — Reaves Buildings will host an open house Thursday, June 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. to showcase a newly constructed barndominium at 23707 Burnt Fork Road, just outside Hill City. The event marks the company’s reintroduction to the Rapid City and Black Hills region, featuring new Territory Sales Manager Cory Jobgen. […]

Harvard researcher accused of smuggling frog embryos faces additional charges

June 25, 2025

A Harvard University researcher accused of smuggling clawed frog embryos into the United States is facing additional charges. Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born scientist conducting cancer research for Harvard Medical School, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury on one count of concealment of a material fact, one count of false statement and one count of smuggling goods into the United States. She was returning from a vacation from France in February when she was questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Boston Logan International Airport. Petrova had stopped at a lab specializing in splicing superfine sections of frog embryos and obtained a package of samples for research.

An Alaska brown bear has a new shiny smile after getting a huge metal crown for a canine tooth

June 25, 2025

An Alaska brown bear at the Lake Superior Zoo in northeastern Minnesota has a gleaming new silver-colored canine tooth after a first-of-its-kind procedure. The 800-pound bear named Tundra was put under sedation Monday and fitted with a new titanium alloy crown. The zoo says it’s the largest dental crown ever created. The hour-long procedure was done by Dr. Grace Brown, a board-certified veterinary dentist who helped perform a root canal on the same tooth two years ago. Brown plans to publish a paper on the procedure in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry later this year.

A granite Ten Commandments monument stands on the ground of the Texas Capitol, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Faith leaders and families sue to block Texas’ new Ten Commandments in schools law

June 25, 2025

A group of Dallas-area families and faith leaders has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The law mandates a specific version of the commandments be displayed in every classroom starting Sept. 1. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Dallas argues the measure violates the separation of church and state. Similar laws in neighboring Louisiana and Arkansas have faced legal challenges. Opponents say the Texas law infringes on religious freedom. Supporters argue it reflects the nation’s foundational values. More lawsuits are expected.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) falls to the court with an injury during the first half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

NBA players seem to tear their Achilles more frequently nowadays. Why is that?

June 25, 2025

Kevin Durant and Tyrese Haliburton entered their respective NBA Finals elimination games with strained right calves. Each wound up leaving early with torn right Achilles tendons. Durant missed the whole next season as he recovered from the injury. Now Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers star, could face a similar fate. Predictable? Perhaps. Both knew the risks when they opted to chase a championship, and both wound up paying the price when their tendons gave out on pro basketball’s biggest stage. But Haliburton has one big advantage — he’s only 25 years old.

FDA requires updated warning about rare heart risk with COVID shots

June 25, 2025

U.S. health officials have expanded warnings about a rare heart side effect associated with the two leading COVID-19 vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration announced the update Wednesday, providing more detail about the problem and the number of people who may be affected. Pfizer and Moderna have added the information to their labels and pamphlets for patients. Myocarditis, a type of heart inflammation that is usually mild, emerged as a rare effect with the first COVID-19 shots, mainly in boys and young men. Earlier vaccine labeling advised doctors about the issue. The new warning covers a larger group.

US Rep. LaMonica McIver pleads not guilty to assault charges stemming from immigration center visit

June 25, 2025

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver has pleaded not guilty to federal charges accusing her of assaulting and interfering with immigration officers outside a New Jersey detention center. McIver was arraigned in federal court in Newark on Wednesday. The charges stem from a congressional oversight visit at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark on May 9. McIver is a Democrat. She was charged last month in a complaint by interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a Republican appointed by President Donald Trump. McIver said outside court after Wednesday’s hearing that she will not be intimidated. Newark’s mayor also was arrested at the detention center the same day, but that charge was dropped.

In this image from undated video released by the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier shows an isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles (72 kms.) west of Miami that Florida officials said an immigration detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" is just days away from being operational. (Courtesy of the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via AP)

Not just ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: DeSantis floats building another immigration detention center

June 25, 2025

Florida officials are pursuing plans to build a second detention center to house immigrants, as part of the state’s aggressive push to support the federal government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he’s considering standing up a facility at a Florida National Guard training center known as Camp Blanding, about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville. That location would be in addition to the site under construction at a remote airstrip in the Everglades that state officials have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Democrats and activists have condemned the plan in South Florida as a callous, politically motivated spectacle.

FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks with Tucker Carlson during a Tucker Carlson Live Tour show at Desert Diamond Arena, Oct. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Trump voters cheer his move against Iran. MAGA leaders had warned the bombing could backfire

June 25, 2025

Interviews with supporters of President Donald Trump and a review of early polling suggest that his decision to order military strikes against Iran has been welcomed by his political base. While some say they’re weary of the U.S. becoming embroiled in a protracted war, most are cheering the order to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites. And members of his political base say they don’t see Trump’s move as running counter to his “America First” approach. As Trump considered action against Iran, many prominent leaders of his “Make America Great Again” movement warned that he was making a big mistake.

Arson ignites the Dennis Lehane-created Apple TV+ firebug series ‘Smoke’

June 25, 2025

Dennis Lehane, whose literary canon includes the novels-turned-movie hits “Gone, Baby, Gone” and “Mystic River,” has turned to fire for his latest project — Apple TV+’s new nine-episode crime drama “Smoke.” It debuts Friday. It’s based on the true story of a former arson investigator who was convicted in 1998 of serial arson, captured in part after he wrote a novel about a firefighter who was a serial arsonist. The case — chronicled in the 2021 podcast Firebug — sparked something in Lehane. The show marks a reunion between Lehane, Greg Kinnear and Taron Egerton, who previously worked together on the 2022 Apple TV+ series “Black Bird.”

FILE - The smartphone apps DeepSeek page is seen on a smartphone screen in Beijing, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Bipartisan bill aims to block Chinese AI from federal agencies

June 25, 2025

New legislation in Congress would block Chinese artificial intelligence systems from federal agencies. It was introduced Wednesday as a bipartisan group of lawmakers pledged to ensure that the United States would prevail against China in the global competition over AI. And the House Select Committee on China held a hearing on the matter. About five months ago, a Chinese technology startup called DeepSeek introduced an AI model that rivaled platforms from OpenAI in performance, but cost only a fraction to build. This raised concerns that China was catching up to U.S. despite trade restrictions.

US Senate panel grills Trump CDC nominee on vaccines

June 25, 2025

Susan Monarez, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testifies during

Meet Rep. LaMonica McIver, the Democrat being prosecuted over encounter outside NJ immigration jail

June 25, 2025

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver captured the spotlight this month when she was indicted on charges she assaulted officials during an oversight visit to an immigration detention center in May. It’s a rare federal prosecution against a current member of Congress on charges other than corruption or fraud. Now she’s in court to be arraigned on three charges she assaulted and impeded federal officials — allegations she has said she’d fight. The 39-year-old Newark, New Jersey, native is in her first full term in Congress, and she’s garnered more attention than many members.

FILE - Boston Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game, Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)

Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford’s off-field ‘accident’ requires season-ending wrist surgery

June 25, 2025

Kutter Crawford had an off-field “accident” that requires season-ending surgery on his right throwing wrist. Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced the injury on Wednesday and said the 29-year-old wasn’t doing anything “irresponsible.” Crawford has been sidelined all season by a right-knee injury that he initially suffered in his third game of 2024, a season in which he went 9-6 with a 4.36 ERA in 33 starts, tied for the most starts in the American League. Crawford was one of baseball’s most durable pitchers in 2024 despite pitching most of the season with patellar-tendon discomfort.

BHFCU’s Member Auto Sale Rolls into Rapid City with Deals, Gas Cards and Community Spirit

June 25, 2025

RAPID CITY, S.D. — One of the Black Hills’ longest-running vehicle sales events is back and bigger than ever. Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) is celebrating 35 years of community connection with its annual Member Auto Sale, taking place Saturday, June 28, from 8 to 11 a.m. at 2700 N Plaza Drive in Rapid […]

Fed’s Powell repeats warning about tariffs as some GOP senators accuse him of bias

June 25, 2025

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs will likely push up inflation in the coming months, even as some Republican senators suggested the chair was biased against the duties. On the second day of his twice-yearly testimony before House and Senate, Powell said that consumers will likely have to shoulder some of the cost of the import taxes. Most Fed officials support cutting rates this year, Powell added, but the central bank wants to take time to see how inflation changes in the months ahead.

Public school podcast brings real talk from the classroom to the community

June 25, 2025

RAPID CITY, S.D. — There’s a new way for parents and community members to learn what really goes on inside local

FILE - Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers gives the annual State of the State address, Jan. 22, 2025, at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

Wisconsin Supreme Court sides with Republican Legislature in fight with governor

June 25, 2025

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has handed a victory to the Republican-controlled Legislature in a power struggle with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The court on Wednesday struck down his partial veto of a Republican bill in a case that tested both the limits of his broad veto powers and the Legislature’s ability to exert influence by controlling funding. The court also agreed with the Republican-controlled Legislature and said it can put funding for certain state programs into an emergency fund under the control of its budget committee. Evers had argued such a move was unconstitutional.

FILE - The dating app Bumble on a smart phone, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File)

Bumble says it will cut 240 jobs, or about 30% of its global workforce

June 25, 2025

Bumble has announced plans to lay off about 240 employees, roughly 30% of its workforce. The dating app disclosed this decision in a securities filing this week, citing a need to realign its operations and focus on strategic priorities. Bumble expects the layoffs to save $40 million annually, much of which it says it will reinvest in product and technology development. Its shares surged over 23% following the news on Wednesday. Bumble did not immediately specify which roles would be affected or when it would implement the cuts — but said it expects to incur related costs later in the year.

No Sanctuary in South Dakota

June 25, 2025

MADISON – Growing up in Arlington, South Dakota, we kept our keys in our pickups and the doors to our

FILE - William O'Neill, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice, speaks during the Ohio Democratic Party's fifth debate in the primary race for governor, Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Miami (OH) University's Middletown campus in Middletown, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Ex-Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill joins race for district held by GOP US Rep. David Joyce

June 25, 2025

Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill has announced plans to run for the northeast Ohio congressional seat held by Republican U.S. Rep. David Joyce. The 78-year-old Democrat said Wednesday he is coming out of retirement because he can’t “sit idly by as my government falls apart.” He says Joyce is “a nice guy” but he needs to answer for his votes in favor of President Donald Trump’s agenda and the government-cutting actions of billionaire Elon Musk. The U.S. Army veteran, registered nurse and former appellate judge served on the Ohio Supreme Court from 2013 to 2018.

Once named opponents in the Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage, now they’re friends

June 25, 2025

The case behind the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide a decade ago is known as Obergefell v. Hodges. But the two Ohio men whose names became that title weren’t so at odds as it would seem. Now they’re friends. Lead plaintiff Jim Obergefell and then-state health director Rick Hodges met one year after the June 26, 2015, decision, when someone associated with an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization connected them. They met for coffee and hit it off. Though Hodges had represented the state in the professional capacity of his job, it turned out he was personally supportive of same-sex couples seeking the right to marry.

FILE - Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition, March 9, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Europeans angry with Musk still aren’t buying his cars as Tesla sales drop for fifth month in a row

June 25, 2025

Tesla sales in Europe plunged for a fifth month in a row in May, a blow to investors who had hoped anger toward Elon Musk would have faded by now. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said the drop of 28% last month in 30 European countries came even as the overall market for electric vehicles expanded sharply. The poor showing comes after Tesla’s billionaire CEO promised a “major rebound” was coming soon. Musk had angered Europeans by embracing far right-wing politicians in elections there. Investors dumped Tesla shares Wednesday, pushing the prices down 4% in early afternoon trading.

June 25, 2025.

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