July 3, 2025.

FILE - Portraits of a red-headed Thomas Jefferson, left, and John Dickinson, right, by by Charles Willson Peale are seen at the refurbished Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia on Nov. 26, 2004. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma, File)

A year before declaring independence, colonists offered ‘Olive Branch’ petition to King George III

Millions of protesters have denounced President Donald Trump as a would-be autocrat and marched under the banner “No Kings.” But at the same point 250 years ago, in the summer of 1775, the mood was more cautious. Even after the bloodied conflicts of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill, many Americans were not ready to break from King George III and call for independence from Britain. Almost exactly a year to the day before the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress ratified the “Olive Branch Petition,” a plea for peace with “the Mother country”

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President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump wants to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

President Donald Trump wants to celebrate 250 years of American independence with a UFC match at the White House. Trump announced the plan Thursday in Iowa during the kickoff event for a year of festivities leading up to that milestone birthday on July 4, 2026. The White House UFC fight would be one of many events held across the country. Trump is a UFC enthusiast who has attended several matches in recent months. The Republican president also announced an athletic competition for high school students and a tour of fairgrounds across the country.

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A sign warns against unauthorized entry into a militarized zone along the southern U.S. border in New Mexico on June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)

US expands militarized zones to 1/3 of southern border, stirring controversy

Annexed militarized zones will soon cover nearly one-third of the U.S. border with Mexico, empowering soldiers to arrest people who cross the border illegally. President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the border has allowed the Army to sidestep a law prohibiting the military from civilian law enforcement. It has been criticized by humanitarian groups and gotten a mixed reception from hunters, hikers and others who fear being locked out of public lands across a cherished landscape. U.S. authorities are moving to extend the militarized zones amid court challenges and a sharp drop in illegal crossings.

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FILE - A car enters the drive at Day Kimball Hospital, July 18, 2022 in Putnam, Conn. (AP Photo/Susan Haigh, File)

Rural hospitals brace for financial hits or even closure under Republicans’ $1 trillion Medicaid cut

States and rural health advocacy groups are sounding the alarm that Congress’ slashing of Medicaid will devastate already financially fragile rural hospitals. One analysis estimates more than 300 hospitals could be at risk of closing under the Republican measure to slash about $1 trillion in Medicaid funding over ten years. Rural hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements and are already financially strained. While the measure includes $50 billion to help make up the loss to rural hospitals, advocates worry it won’t offset the funding shortfall. No state stands to lose more than Kentucky. One report estimates the state would lose a whopping $12.3 billion over 10 years.

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A local resident listen to a speech during an Iowa Democratic Party rally, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Windsor Heights, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Democrats see Trump’s big bill as key to their comeback. It may not be so easy

President Donald Trump says his bill is big and beautiful. But Democratic leaders see the package as the key to their party’s resurgence. Democratic officials are finalizing plans for dozens of rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multiday vigil. They intend to highlight the most controversial elements of Trump’s bill — especially deep cuts that will leave nearly 12 million more low-income Americans without health coverage and millions without food assistance. Democrats vow that the Republican bill will be the defining issue of every major election between now and next fall’s midterms. But it’s not certain that the issue will be the political winner Democrats hope.

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FILE - Five-time reigning champion Joey Chestnut competes in the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating World Championship, July 4, 2012, at Coney Island, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut hopes for a comeback victory in annual Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest

Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest is back, and famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is hoping for a comeback 17th win. The annual event is being held Friday in front of the original Nathan’s Famous’ restaurant at New York’s Coney Island. Chestnut is a 41-year-old competitive eater from Westfield, Indiana. He skipped last year’s event due to a contract dispute involving a deal he had struck with a competing brand, the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods. He’s the favored winner in the men’s competition while 39-year-old defending champ Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, is the favorite in the women’s division. She’s seeking her 11th title.

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FILE - Jake Paul, front left, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., front right, pose for photographers following a ceremonial weigh-in ahead of their cruiserweight boxing match, in Anaheim, Calif., June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

What to know about Julio César Chávez’s arrest by U.S. immigration officials

Federal officials say famed Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been arrested and will be deported to Mexico, where he faces organized crime charges. The 39-year-old boxer was arrested Wednesday in Studio City, California, just days after the former middleweight champion lost a match to Jake Paul in Anaheim. The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Chávez for overstaying a tourist visa and lying on his green card application. Officials said he will be processed for expedited removal to Mexico. The boxer’s attorney said he did not know where Chavez was being detained as of Thursday morning.

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Pop star Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom split 6 years after getting engaged

Popstar Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom have split. Their representatives confirmed the breakup to multiple media outlets Thursday. The 40-year-old Perry and 48-year-old Bloom have been romantically linked since 2016. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2019. They have one child together, a daughter named Daisy Dove Bloom. She was born in 2020. Perry is a 13-time Grammy Award nominee credited with ushering in the sound of ’00s pop. Bloom is best known for his roles as the elf Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films as well as Will Turner in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

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Washington Nationals' James Wood hits a single against Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader in Washington, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Nationals slugger James Wood joins Ronald Acuña Jr., Cal Raleigh as participants in Home Run Derby

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood became the third player to announce he will take part in the Home Run Derby. The derby will be held on July 14, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Wood joins Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the majors with 33 homers, in the contest. Wood has 23 homers this season. He’s the third Nationals player to take part in the Home Run Derby, joining Juan Soto (2022) and Bryce Harper (2013 and ’18). The 22-year-old Wood has 12 homers that have been hit harder than 110 mph.

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FILE - People at an election night watch party react after an abortion rights amendment to the Missouri constitution passed, Nov. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Missouri judge again blocks many of the state’s anti-abortion laws

A Missouri judge has blocked many of the state’s anti-abortion laws. The order Thursday by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang reimposes a preliminary injunction against the abortion restrictions. It comes a little over a month after the state Supreme Court had lifted a prior injunction and ordered the judge to reconsider the case. Missouri’s abortion laws have been seesawing back and forth. Voters last fall approved a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. That overturned a state ban on most abortions enacted after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to abortion in 2022.

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Doug Ghim tees off on the 13th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Doug Ghim sets pace at John Deere Classic with a 62 and a 1-shot lead

Doug Ghim has set the pace on a day of low scoring in the John Deere Classic. Ghim holed out from the fairway for eagle on his way to a 62. That gives him a one-shot lead over Max Homa and Austin Eckroat at the TPC Deere Run. The tournament is renowned for producing first-time winners on the PGA Tour. Ghim is in his sixth year on the PGA Tour and has played 160 times as a pro without winning. He’s been around long enough to know Thursday is little more than a good start. Aldrich Potgieter opened with 67.

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New Jersey skydiving company says pilot tried emergency landing but plane went off runway into woods

A New Jersey skydiving company says its pilot encountered mechanical issues that prompted an emergency landing at a small New Jersey airport but couldn’t get the plane stopped at the end of the runway. Skydive Cross Keys said Thursday that the plane was at about 3,000 feet when the problem arose. Fifteen people were aboard the plane. As of Thursday afternoon, three remain in critical condition at a New Jersey hospital and five others are listed as serious. Authorities say the Cessna 208B reported engine trouble after takeoff from Cross Keys Airport on Wednesday evening.

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University of California reiterates ban on student government boycotts of Israel

The president of the University of California has reiterated that student governments are prohibited from financial boycotts of companies associated with any particular country, including Israel. The letter sent by President Michael Drake to chancellors comes as the Trump administration continues its probe of alleged antisemitism on college campuses. Drake said that country-based financial boycotts violate policies requiring the use of sound business practices. The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemns the ban. College campuses have been the site of pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the war in Gaza broke out in 2023.

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Oregon jury convicts former NBA player Ben McLemore of raping incapacitated woman at team party

A jury in Oregon has found former NBA player Ben McLemore guilty of raping a 21-year-old incapacitated woman during a lake house party attended by many of his then-teammates from the Portland Trail Blazers. The jury found 32-year-old McLemore guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and one count of sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on another count of sexual abuse. Sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday. The charges stemmed from a party on Oct. 3, 2021, at a home owned by Robert Covington, McLemore’s then-teammate. Prosecutors claimed during the trial that the sexual encounter was rape, while McLemore’s attorney countered it was consensual sex.

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FILE - The national office of the NCAA in Indianapolis is shown on March 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Montana changes course, opts in to NCAA’s House settlement for this year

The University of Montana is changing course and will opt-in this year to the NCAA’s House settlement. The recent settlement means athletic programs across the country are free to start paying millions to their athletes in the biggest change in the history of college athletics. The deadline for schools around the country to opt out was Monday. Montana was originally planning to opt-in during the 2026-27 academic year. The school explained that it switched after rosters were grandfathered into the final approved settlement so that roster cuts weren’t necessary.

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This undated photo from the Alabama Department of Corrections shows Geoffrey West. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP)

Alabama sets nitrogen execution for man convicted of killing store clerk during 1997 robbery

Alabama has scheduled a September execution with nitrogen gas for a man convicted of killing a gas station attendant during a 1997 robbery. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey set a Sept. 25 execution date for Geoffrey Todd West. West was convicted of killing Margaret Parrish Berry in Etowah County. Berry was shot once in the back of the head. A jury convicted West of capital murder and voted 10-2 to recommend a death sentence. Alabama last year became the first state to carry out an execution with nitrogen gas.

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FILE - Fireworks burst above the National Mall and, from left, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building, during Independence Day celebrations in Washington on July 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

How people are celebrating, protesting and traveling for July Fourth

People are approaching this Independence Day with mixed feelings. Polls show declining national pride, especially among Democrats, during the Trump era. In southern California, some July Fourth celebrations have been canceled due to immigration raids and safety concerns. Protests against Trump’s policies are planned across the country. Meanwhile, fireworks retailers face challenges from tariffs on Chinese imports, though many are holding off price increases this year. Holiday travel is breaking records, and AAA reports over 72 million Americans expected to hit the road or fly.

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In this image taken from video, Amanda Hinton speaks about work requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during an interview, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Samaritan Center food pantry in Jefferson City, Mo. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

Medicaid, food aid recipients worry about safety net cuts in bill sent to Trump

The nation’s social safety net would face massive changes under a bill headed to President Donald Trump’s desk. There would be a work requirement for many people to get or keep Medicaid health insurance, and a similar requirement for older adults to receive food assistance. Paperwork requirements would also increase. Planned Parenthood could no longer get federal funding for its non-abortion health services. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says that by 2034, the bill would result in nearly 12 million more uninsured people in the U.S. Supporters say the measures will save taxpayers money, enhance personal responsibility and block fraud.

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This diagram provided by NASA/JPL-Caltech shows the trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through the solar system. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)

New interstellar comet will keep a safe distance from Earth, NASA says

NASA has discovered an interstellar comet that’s wandered into our backyard. The space agency spotted the object with the Atlas telescope in Chile earlier this week, and has confirmed it was a comet from another star system. It’s only the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system. This newest visitor is 416 million miles from the sun, out near Jupiter. The quick-moving comet will make its closest approach to the sun in late October, venturing no closer than Mars and posing no threat to Earth. Astronomers around the world are monitoring the comet to determine its size and shape.

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FILE - The Supreme Court is seen on Capitol Hill, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Supreme Court rejects Montana’s bid to revive parental consent law for minors’ abortions

The Supreme Court won’t hear a case involving a push to revive a law that minors must have their parents’ permission for an abortion in Montana. The justices on Thursday declined hear an appeal from the state seeking to overturn a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court. The parental consent law was passed in 2013 but was blocked in court and never took effect before the state’s highest court struck it down last year. State leaders say parents have a fundamental right to guide their children’s medical decisions. Planned Parenthood says the state court’s decision balanced parental and minor rights in a state that has protected the right to abortion.

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FILE - North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein delivers the State of the State address at the Legislative Building, March 12, 2025, in Raleigh N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)

North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them ‘mean-spirited’

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed three anti-DEI bills and another targeting transgender rights. Stein criticized on Thursday the Republican-led legislature for prioritizing what he called “mean-spirited” bills that it sent to his desk. The anti-DEI bills would cut or eliminate diversity programs in government and education. The transgender-related bill includes restrictions on state-funded gender-affirming care for prisoners and other provisions. Republicans argue these laws promote fairness and parental rights. The legislature may attempt to override the vetoes later this month. Stein has vetoed 11 bills since January, all within the past two weeks.

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Fluminense fans celebrate after the Club World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Inter Milan and Fluminense in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, June 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Some fans question US readiness for 2026 World Cup after Club World Cup experience

Soccer fans have mixed feelings about the United States hosting the World Cup next year. Some worry about stadium readiness and security. Fans also cite concerns about extreme heat, game scheduling, and the lack of enthusiasm in some places during the ongoing Club World Cup. Others, however, praise improvements in security and organization, saying the U.S. has the infrastructure to host successfully. The Club World Cup is seen as a test run for the World Cup, allowing organizers to address challenges before welcoming even more global soccer fans next year.

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FILE - The Supreme Court is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Supreme Court to consider reviving evangelist’s lawsuit over restrictions in small Mississippi town

The Supreme Court will consider whether to revive a lawsuit from a man barred from evangelizing outside a small-town Mississippi amphitheater after authorities say he shouted insults at people over a loudspeaker. Gabriel Olivier says restricting him from public property violated his religious and free speech rights, but a legal Catch-22 has barred him from challenging law in court. The city of Brandon, Mississippi says it took steps to bar Olivier and his group from harassing people over a loudspeaker and allowed him to preach from a designated protest zone away from the amphitheater. The court is expected to hear arguments in the fall.

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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., is seen with other Republican House members after the passage of President Donald Trump's signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Takeaways as Congress sends tax and spending cuts bill to Trump’s desk

The House has passed the massive tax and spending cuts package that President Donald Trump calls “beautiful,” getting it to his desk a day before the July 4 deadline that he had set. The 887-page bill includes spending cuts, tax breaks, military spending, money for deportations and other longtime GOP priorities like cuts to Medicaid and renewable energy programs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that under the bill 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 and 3 million more would not qualify for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits.

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Why hosting a July Fourth pool party may cost less this year

Americans have one more reason to celebrate this Fourth of July. A market research company’s preliminary data shows that getting all the gear needed to host a pool party costs less than it has in years. Consumer data provider Numerator said in an analysis prepared for The Associated Press that the total price to buy beach towels, a beverage cooler, bathing suits and other accoutrements of summer fun averaged $858 in June. That was the lowest amount for the month since 2020. The finding from the firm’s seasonal snapshot comports with broader economic measures indicating that U.S. consumers so far haven’t seen major impacts from President Donald Trump’s vigorous application of tariffs on foreign goods.

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Massachusetts Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier poses for a portrait in the state health insurance marketplace's office Tuesday, July 2, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo /Leah Willingham)

Fears in Massachusetts that Trump’s bill could unravel health safety net

In the state that served as the model for Obamacare, advocates and health care workers fear the Trump administration is dismantling the program piece-by-piece. The massive tax and spending cuts bill that got final approval in the House Thursday will strip health insurance from up to a quarter of the roughly 400,000 people enrolled in Massachusetts Health Connector, according to state estimates. The changes will create anew the coverage gaps state officials were working to close when Massachusetts in 2006 became the first U.S. state to require that nearly all residents have health insurance.

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FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Corrections shows Byron Black. (Tennessee Department of Corrections via AP, File)

Tennessee death row inmate makes last-ditch effort to prevent Aug. 5 execution

Attorneys for a Tennessee death row inmate have launched a last-ditch effort to prevent his Aug. 5 execution. In Nashville’s Chancery Court, they are asking a judge to require the deactivation of an implanted defibrillation device in the moments before Byron Black’s execution. Such an order could potentially delay the execution until the state finds someone willing to do the deactivation. Meanwhile, at the state Supreme Court level, they want judges to order a lower court to consider their claim that Black is incompetent to be executed. The attorneys also have filed a general challenge to the state’s new execution protocol, but that case won’t be decided before the execution date.

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Joe Giordano, surgeon who helped save President Reagan’s life after assassination attempt, has died

Dr. Joseph Giordano, a surgeon who played a central role in saving President Ronald Reagan’s life after an assassination attempt in 1981, has died. He was 84. Giordano was in charge of George Washington University Hospital’s trauma teams that treated Reagan when he arrived suffering from a serious gunshot wound to the chest. Over the course of several dramatic hours, doctors stabilized Reagan, retrieved a bullet an inch from his heart and stanched massive internal bleeding.

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Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee presents a signed bill that bans the sale of assault-style weapons in the state of Rhode Island at the Rhode Island Statehouse in Providence, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Sydney Roth)

Rhode Island’s assault weapon ban offers a peek into why such laws are difficult to pass

It took 10 years, but Rhode Island politicians finally found a way to ban the sale, manufacturing and distribution of certain assault weapons. The Democratic supermajority did it through a compromise that says firearms owners that have the weapons can keep them but purchasing them will become more difficult starting next year. This distinction makes Rhode Island less restrictive than similar laws in other states. Currently, only Washington state has a similar law. Some advocates have applauded the measure, but others say they will continue working to pass a ban on possession too.

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FILE - Unsold 2021 Rogue sports-utility vehicles sit on a lot at a Nissan dealership Colorado on June 27, 2021. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Nissan recalls over 480,000 vehicles in the US and Canada due to engine failure risk

Nissan is recalling more than 480,000 of its vehicles across the U.S. and Canada due to potential manufacturing defects that could cause engine failure. The recall covers certain Nissan Rogues between 2021-2024 model years and 2019-2020 Altimas — as well as a number of 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50s and 2022 Infiniti QX55s sold under the automaker’s luxury brand. The vehicles impacted carry specific “VC-Turbo” engines that may have manufacturing defects in their bearings. This may cause engine damage and possibly lead to engine failure while driving, the regulator warns — increasing crash risks. As a remedy, Nissan and Infiniti dealers will inspect the engine pan of these-now recalled cars — and repair or replace the engine if necessary.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) tips his cap after recording his 3,000th career strike out by striking out Chicago White Sox's Vinny Capra during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

A slider, a milestone and a heartfelt thank you: Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout

Clayton Kershaw has reached an incredible milestone, becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. On Wednesday night, he struck out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox with a slider in the sixth inning. The 37-year-old Dodgers pitcher joins an elite group, including just three other left-handers, to achieve this feat. Fans at Dodger Stadium gave Kershaw a standing ovation as he tipped his cap and acknowledged his family in the stands. Despite not earning the win, Kershaw expressed gratitude for his teammates and the moment, calling it a special achievement in his 18th season.

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New York Mets' Francisco Lindor gestures to teammates after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning in the second baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers of a doubleheader Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

All-Star starter Francisco Lindor enjoys big night after slumping Mets drop him from leadoff spot

On the same day he got elected to start an All-Star Game for the first time, Francisco Lindor was dropped from the leadoff spot with the New York Mets in a major tailspin. And the move paid off immediately. After making 191 consecutive starts at the top of the lineup, Lindor batted second as the designated hitter in the second game of a day-night doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers and their rookie sensation, right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. Brandon Nimmo returned to the leadoff slot and launched a grand slam off the hard-throwing Misiorowski in the second inning. Lindor followed with his 17th home run, then added an RBI single in the sixth and a run-scoring double in the eighth as the Mets won 7-3 to stop a four-game skid.

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Rapid City, US
7:12 am, Jul 6, 2025
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