July 8, 2025.

FILE - Washington Nationals bench coach Miguel Cairo looks on during batting practice before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, June 23, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Tony Ding, File)

Interim Nationals GM pledges a ‘fresh voice’ and manager Cairo says ‘it’s hard’ to replace Martinez

Washington Nationals interim general manager Mike DeBartolo and interim manager Miguel Cairo are ready to try to turn around an organization that’s had the second-worst record in the majors since 2020. The Nationals fired manager Dave Martinez and longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo after Sunday’s 6-4 loss to Boston, which dropped Washington to 37-53 on the season and 9-23 since June 1. DeBartolo says he wants to bring a “fresh voice” and integrate more data into the team’s decison-making. Cairo was close with Martinez and says “it’s hard” to be talking to reporters as his replacement.

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FILE - Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi posses for a photo before a bilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Trump’s tariffs may cast a pall over Rubio’s first official trip to Asia

Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may cast a pall over his top diplomat’s first official trip to Asia. The Trump administration is seeking to boost relations with Indo-Pacific nations to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Trump on Monday sent notice to several countries about higher tariffs if they don’t make trade deals with the U.S. That came a day before Secretary of State Marco Rubio was to depart for a regional security conference in Malaysia. Top diplomats and senior officials from at least eight countries that Trump has targeted for tariffs will be represented at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum in Malaysia.

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3 missing, house swept away as flash flooding hits mountain village in New Mexico

At least three people are missing in a mountain village that is a popular summer retreat in southern New Mexico after monsoon rains triggered flash flooding so intense an entire house was swept downstream. The flash flooding struck the Ruidoso area on Tuesday afternoon. Officials urged residents to seek higher ground and waters of the Rio Ruidoso rose nearly 19 feet in a matter of minutes. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings as summer monsoon storms emerged in areas stripped of vegetation by wildfires last year. No deaths were immediately reported. The mayor said Tuesday evening that some people were taken to the hospital, although the exact number was not immediately clear.

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FILE - Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs on May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Three-tim MVP Nikola Jokic will delay signing extension with Nuggets this summer, AP source says

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.

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FILE - President Donald Trump colors during a visit with a group of children at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Aug. 24, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

What Trump’s big tax law could mean for the youngest Americans

The impact of the massive spending bill that President Donald Trump signed into law on Independence Day is expected to filter down to infants and toddlers — a segment of the population that is particularly vulnerable to cuts to the federal social safety net. Many middle-class and wealthy families will see benefits from the new legislation, but programs that help low-income families keep babies healthy have been cut back. While state money funds public schools and preschool in some cases, programs supporting the youngest children are largely backed by the federal government.

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This handout photo shows, Derrick D. Groves, one of the inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office via AP)

Convicted murderer Derrick Groves eludes law enforcement as last New Orleans jail escapee on the run

Ten inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail almost two months ago, and authorities have captured all but the man with the most violent rap sheet. Derrick Groves crawled through a hole behind a toilet along with nine other inmates in May. Once captured, Groves faces life in prison following convictions last year for second-degree murder. Experts say more than 90% of escapees are recaptured within a year. However, law enforcement believes family or friends have likely helped Groves in a city that has a history of widespread distrust of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

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FILE - SAG-AFTRA signage is seen on the side of the headquarters in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File)

Video game performers vote on contract that could end nearly three-year-long battle over AI

Union members have until July 9 at 5 p.m. Pacific to vote on a tentative contract between video game performers and their employers. If the agreement is ratified, it would formally end a nearly three-year-long effort between the union and major video companies to settle on artificial intelligence protections. A spokesperson for the video game producers involved in the deal said the new contract secured “industry-leading” AI protections. Union leaders say the 11-month strike was a “grueling and excruciating” process, but necessary to ensure safe working conditions for the nearly 3,000 union members covered under the contract.

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New York Mets' Juan Soto, left, hits a single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Despite Juan Soto’s snub for NL squad, the Mets insist ‘he’s an All-Star for us’

The New York Mets consider Juan Soto to be a bona fide All-Star, regardless of the snub he received from those who selected the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic on July 15. Soto, in his first year with the Mets, has performed well enough to earn the respect of his manager and teammates. In their opinion, he’s deserving of a place in the All-Star Game. Manager Carlos Mendoza says, “He’s an All-Star for us.” Soto drove in the winning run with a sharp single on the first pitch of the 10th inning. That capped a night in which he went 3 for 5 to raise his batting average to .269 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs.

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Milwaukee Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Shohei Ohtani greets Jacob Misiorowski with leadoff homer. Brewers phenom responds with 12 K’s

Shohei Ohtani greeted Jacob Misiorowski with a leadoff homer, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie phenom got the last word. After allowing Ohtani’s 431-foot blast, Misiorowski responded with another dominant outing. He struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Misiorowski fanned Ohtani in the third inning. The 6-foot-7 right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in five major league starts. He’s already beaten Paul Skenes and now he’soutdueled Clayton Kershaw.

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Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston (7) goes to the basket against Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Aces star A’ja Wilson injures her right wrist vs. the Liberty and will get an MRI

Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.

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Chelsea's Joao Pedro reacts after scoring his side's opening goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

João Pedro doesn’t celebrate goals for Chelsea, saying former team `gave everything to me’

João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.

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President Donald Trump, center, speaking during a cabinet meeting with from l-r., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary of Housing, Eric Scott Turner, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump comes to Bondi’s defense amid uproar from his base over Jeffrey Epstein files flop

President Donald Trump is defending Attorney General Pam Bondi as she faces mounting criticism from far-right influencers and conservative internet personalities over the Justice Department’s abrupt refusal to release additional documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation. When a reporter attempted to ask Bondi about Epstein at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump headed off the questions and scolded the journalist: “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years.” The comments appeared to signal continued job security for Bondi and amounted to a striking rebuke of members of Trump’s base.

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Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz celebrates with third base coach Mike Rabelo (58) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Pirates’ Oneil Cruz will bring his record-breaking power to the Home Run Derby

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been added to Monday’s Home Run Derby in Atlanta. He joins Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton and James Wood. Cruz is known for his powerful homers, and he hit his 16th of the season Tuesday night at Kansas City. On May 25, he hit a homer with a record-breaking 122.9 mph exit velocity. That was the fastest since Statcast started tracking in 2015. The 26-year-old Cruz hit a career-best 21 homers last season.

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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoids comment on QB Jake Retzlaff’s status amid transfer rumors

BYU coach Kalani Sitake is not directly addressing the status of Jake Retzlaff amid reports that the quarterback is transferring after being accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that was dismissed. Retzlaff reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal rather than face a suspension for violating BYU’s honor code. Retzlaff acknowledged a consensual sexual relationship in his defense against the lawsuit.

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FILE - A sign covers the broken back window of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo., Oct. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Funeral home owner accused of stashing decaying bodies expected to plead guilty in federal court

A Colorado funeral home owner accused of storing nearly 190 decomposing bodies and defrauding the government is expected to plead guilty. Carie Hallford ran Return to Nature Funeral Home and authorities say her guilty pleas are expected in August. Federal prosecutors accused her of misusing $900,000 in pandemic aid and cheating families by not performing promised cremations. They said she and husband Jon Hallford spent the money instead on luxury items including cars and cryptocurrency. Last year, Jon Hallford pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Both face state charges for corpse abuse after the bodies were found decaying in 2023.

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Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, middle greets teammates during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Clark takes Indiana teammate Boston No. 1 in WNBA All-Star Game draft. Collier picks Stewart

Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark’s other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.

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President Donald Trump attends a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump’s previous tariff push terrified the world economy. He’s betting this time is different

The last time President Donald Trump rolled out tariffs this high, financial markets quaked, consumer confidence crashed and his popularity plunged. Only three months later, he’s betting this time is different. In his new round of tariffs being announced this week, Trump is essentially tethering the entire world economy to his instinctual belief that import taxes will deliver factory jobs and stronger growth in the U.S., rather than the inflation and slowdown predicted by many economists. There are three possible outcomes. Trump could prove most economic experts wrong and the tariffs could deliver growth as promised. Or he could retreat again on tariffs before their Aug. 1 start. Or he could damage the economy.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) works out during practice at NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cousins says on Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ he played through arm injury to keep Falcons’ starting job

Kirk Cousins said on the Netflix series “Quarterback” that he played through pain in his right, throwing arm last season in part to keep from losing his starting job with the Atlanta Falcons to rookie backup Michael Penix Jr. Cousins said he felt something was wrong right away after taking a hit in Week 10 but did not want to be “Wally Pipped.” Cousins threw one touchdown pass and eight interceptions over the next four games before Penix replaced him. Cousins remains on Atlanta’s roster with the beginning of training camp two weeks away.

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FILE - From left, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, look at portraits of former presidents as President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump on past presidents: Ike was ‘underrated,’ FDR ‘amazing,’ Polk ‘sort of a real-estate guy’

President Donald Trump has shared his unique takes on past presidents and their portraits while discussing his White House redecorating efforts. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Trump explained how he personally selected portraits to redecorate the White House’s Cabinet Room, and admitted to sometimes liking the frames as much as the portraits they surrounded. He noted that James K. Polk was “sort of a real estate guy,” and called Dwight Eisenhower underrated. He referred to the “Great Andrew Jackson” and said that Franklin D. Roosevelt was “amazing.” As he has in the past, Trump also heaped praise on William McKinley and his love of tariffs.

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Chelsea's Joao Pedro celebrates with Enzo Fernandez, right, and Trevoh Chalobah, left, after scoring a goal against Fluminense during the second half of a Club World Cup semifinal soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

João Pedro scores twice vs. boyhood team, Chelsea beats Fluminense 2-0 to reach Club World Cup final

João Pedro scored twice against his boyhood team in his first start for Chelsea, leading the Blues over Fluminense 2-0 and into an all-European Club World Cup final. João Pedro got goals in the 18th and 56th minutes. Chelsea will face Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in Sunday’s championship. A first-half penalty kick for Fluminense was overturned after a video review. European teams will win their 12th straight Club World Cup title and 17th in 18 tries. Chelsea seeks its second world championship after 2021.

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Bhagavan “Doc” Antle from the Netflix Tiger King documentary, center, reaches out to a supporter after he was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on federal animal trafficking and money laundering charges on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Latest ‘Tiger King’ twist finds ‘Doc’ Antle sentenced to 1 year in prison for animal trafficking

“Tiger King” star Bhagavan “Doc” Antle has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for illegally buying endangered animals. Prosecutors say Antle bought animals like chimpanzees and tigers on the black market, fueling illegal poaching. The 65-year-old Antle used the animals for his Myrtle Beach Safari, which charged $200 for a five-minute photo session with a chimpanzee. Federal guidelines and prosecutors asked for around a two-year sentence, but the judge says he was swayed by Antle’s love for animals. Antle’s friends and family say he is generous and caring and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight poaching and preserve wild habitats for tigers, lions and chimpanzees.

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Photos of Jabari Peoples, 18, are displayed at a press conference in Homewood, Ala., Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)

Family of Alabama teen shot by police seeks access to video of shooting

Lawyers representing the family of a Black teenager killed by police in an Alabama suburb said the state’s refusal to release body-camera video during an investigation is fueling mistrust. Family members of Jabari Peoples and lawyers representing the family held a press conference Tuesday as they continue to seek access to the body-camera footage of the fatal shooting. Ben Crump, a lawyer representing the family, said the family is seeking transparency and accountability. Peoples, 18, was shot June 23 by a police officer in the parking lot of a soccer field in Homewood, an affluent suburb near the central city of Birmingham.

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FILE - A U.S. Army Caisson team carries the casket of Army Capt. Stephanie Rader, during a full military honors conducted by the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment through Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., June 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Molly Riley, File)

Army will end most of its ceremonial horse programs and adopt out the animals

The U.S. Army’s history is closely tied to its mounted cavalry, those soldiers who rode into battle on horseback. But the service announced Tuesday that it’s moving toward a future without horses and put most of them up for adoption. A total of 141 horses will be affected, including those from Fort Cavazos in Texas that were showcased during the military parade in Washington last month. The Army, however, will keep operating the Old Guard ceremonial caisson units at Joint Base San Antonio and Arlington National Cemetery for burial honors.

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Trash and tension mount in Philadelphia on Day 8 of workers strike, while some seek pop-up haulers

Philadelphia faces mounting trash and tension as a strike by many of the city’s blue-collar workers enters its eighth day. Some residents and small businesses are hiring pop-up haulers to clear their blocks of trash, while mostly supporting the union’s push for higher pay. Mayor Cherelle Parker has offered a 3% annual raise over three years, following a 5% increase last year. The strike involves nearly 10,000 workers, but courts are ordering some critical employees back to work. Former sanitation worker Terrill Haigler, now a private hauler, says he stands behind the workers but wants to help struggling residents.

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FILE - Jose Ibarra appears at his trial at the Athens-Clarke County Superior Court, on Nov. 19, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

Judge orders mental evaluation for Venezuelan man convicted of killing Laken Riley

A judge has ordered a mental evaluation for Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan man convicted of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Ibarra was found guilty in November and sentenced to life without parole for the February 2024 killing. His lawyers claim Ibarra has a mental deficiency that affected his ability to stand trial or assist in his defense. The judge’s order asks for an evaluation to determine Ibarra’s competency during trial and post-conviction proceedings. Prosecutors say there were no prior concerns about his mental state but do not oppose the evaluation. Ibarra is seeking a new trial.

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FILE - Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown is pictured in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Oct. 15, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps, File)

Mike Brown is excited about the potential and the pressure of being Knicks coach

Mike Brown knows there’s going to be pressure that comes with coaching the Knicks. He also knows there’s a great roster and great restaurants waiting in New York. He’s excited about all of it. The new Knicks coach shook off any concerns about taking over a team that fired Tom Thibodeau despite getting two wins from the NBA Finals, pointing to the positives Tuesday that made him want the job. Brown was hired a little more than a month after the Knicks surprisingly fired Thibodeau despite getting to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

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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 clears the way for Trump’s plans to downsize the federal workforce

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s plans to downsize the federal workforce. The order comes despite warnings that critical government services will be lost and hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be out of their jobs. The justices on Tuesday overrode lower court orders that temporarily froze the cuts. The court said in an unsigned order that no specific cuts were in front of the justices, only an executive order issued by Trump and an administration directive for agencies to undertake job reductions. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the only dissenting vote, accusing her colleagues of a “demonstrated enthusiasm for greenlighting this President’s legally dubious actions in an emergency posture.”

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President Donald Trump, center, speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump avoids talk of scrapping FEMA after more than 100 killed in Texas flash flood

President Donald Trump has avoided talk of scrapping the federal disaster response agency after the catastrophic flash flood in Texas that killed more than 100 people, including children at an all-girls camp. He was asked shortly after the disaster if he still intended to phase out FEMA but said it wasn’t the right time to talk about it. He also didn’t mention his plans during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. Instead, the Republican president opened the meeting by having Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem talk about her visit leading the federal response. Noem grew emotional as she described watching parents pull their children’s belongings from the mud.

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FILE - Trainers help Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum (0) off the court after he was injured during the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks, May 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Celtics’ Brad Stevens shuns idea team is in a rebuild with Jayson Tatum out

The Boston Celtics face major changes after Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brad Stevens, the team’s president of basketball operations, confirmed tough decisions were necessary, including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The moves brought down the team’s payroll and avoided penalties under the NBA’s second salary cap apron. Stevens emphasizes the team is not rebuilding but retooling, with Jaylen Brown stepping up as the focal point while Tatum recovers. Both players are already rehabbing, with Brown nearing full clearance. Stevens remains optimistic about the team’s potential despite the challenges ahead.

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‘Hostage,’ Eli Sharabi’s memoir about life in Hamas captivity, is coming to the US

An Israeli man’s memoir about being held captive by Hamas is set for U.S. release. Eli Sharabi’s *Hostage,” originally written in Hebrew, has already become a bestseller in Israel. Harper Influence announced Tuesday that the English edition will be published on Oct. 7, marking the two-year anniversary of the 2023 attack. Sharabi, released in February, shares his harrowing experience of abduction and captivity in Gaza. The memoir details his bond with fellow hostages and how his faith helped him endure. Sharabi hopes his story sheds light on life in captivity and inspires humanity.

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FILE - SAG-AFTRA signage is seen on the side of the headquarters in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File)

Video game actors are voting on a new contract. Here’s what it means for AI in gaming

A tentative agreement passed by the union board in June could put video game performers back in action after a nearly year-long strike. Union leaders say the new contract secured necessary artificial intelligence protections that had previously left large game companies at a standstill during negotiation efforts. Members had raised concerns that unregulated use of AI could displace them. The agreement centers on consent, compensation and transparency, which union leaders say are key elements needed for the industry to keep moving forward. About 3,000 striking union members now have until Wednesday evening to vote on the contract’s ratification.

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FILE - French bulldogs compete in breed group judging during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, May 13, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)

PETA sues American Kennel Club over standards for French bulldogs, other breeds

The animal rights group PETA is suing to try to force the American Kennel Club to abandon the standards it backs for French bulldogs and some other breeds. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in New York, PETA contends that the influential club is promoting unhealthy physical features in Frenchies, bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs and Chinese shar-peis. The AKC says it categorically rejects PETA’s assertion that the standards create unhealthy dogs. The club also raps what it calls PETA’s “mischaracterizations” of the standards in question. The lawsuit turns up the heat around a debate over attributes that have been honed to define some breeds, including French bulldogs. The AKC ranks Frenchies as the United States’ most popular breed.

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FILE - Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., introduces Dr. Jay Bhattacharya during his confirmation hearing at Capitol Hill in Washington, March 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

Independent Dan Osborn launches new US Senate bid to challenge Nebraska Republican Pete Ricketts

Former labor union leader and independent candidate Dan Osborn has announced his bid for a Nebraska U.S. Senate seat, challenging Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. Osborn accused Ricketts of “buying his Senate seat” in his Tuesday announcement. Ricketts’ campaign responded by labeling Osborn as “bought and paid for” by liberal donors. Osborn gained national attention in his race last year against Nebraska’s other U.S. senator, Republican Deb Fischer, by rejecting both major political parties. He plans to do so again in this election, saying he wants to represent working people. Despite Ricketts’ significant campaign funds, Osborn says he’ll expects to win with a grassroots approach focusing on town halls.

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Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Big 12 commissioner doubles down on preference for 5-11 playoff model if CFP expands

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is doubling down on his preference for staying with only five automatic qualifiers if the College Football Playoff does expand to 16 teams as many expect after this season. He favors that over having guaranteed multiple bids for all the power conferences. Yormark says at Big 12 football media days that there is a responsibility to do what’s right for college football, not just what’s right for one or two leagues. The Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will have more of a say on the playoff format starting in 2026.

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court as shown on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Madison, Wis., cleared the way for a state ban on conversion therapy to be enacted with a ruling that broadens the governor's powers over administrative rules. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

Wisconsin Supreme Court clears the way for a conversion therapy ban to be made permanent

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has cleared the way for the state to permanently enact a ban on conversion therapy. The court ruled Tuesday that a Republican-controlled legislative committee’s rejection of a state agency rule that would ban the practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people was unconstitutional. The 4-3 ruling from the liberal-controlled court comes amid the national battle over LGBTQ+ rights. The court’s ruling has a broad impact far beyond the conversion therapy issue. It takes power away from the Legislature to block the enactment of rules that carry the force of law by the governor’s office.

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Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Champlin, Minn. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman, shot 9 times by a man posing as an officer, leaves the hospital

A Minnesota state senator who was shot nine times during an attack in June has been moved to a rehabilitation facility. John Hoffman’s family issued a statement Monday night that saying he was out of the hospital but has a long road to recovery. Hoffman and his wife were attacked in their home by a man posing as a police officer. Authorities allege the gunman was Vance Boelter. They say he also killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Prosecutors have called it an assassination. Boelter is charged with murder and attempted murder. Federal authorities may pursue the death penalty.

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark eats Goldfish crackers during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Caitlin Clark set to return for Indiana on Wednesday after missing 5 games with groin injury

Caitlin Clark expects to play Wednesday when the Indiana Fever host the Golden State Valkyries after missing the past five games with a left groin injury. The All-Star captain participated in practice Monday which was open to season ticket holders, playing in a 5-on-5 scrimmage. It was the first time she’d done that since getting hurt on June 26. Barring any setbacks, Clark will be available to play Wednesday. It was Clark’s second injury of the season. She’s missed nine of the team’s 18 games this season as well as the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final which saw the Fever beat the Minnesota Lynx. Clark had a left quad injury that forced her to miss five games last month.

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Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo speaks outside Manhattan federal court after Sean "Diddy" Combs was denied bail after being convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sentencing set for Oct. 3 after split verdict in federal sex crimes case

Sean “Diddy” Combs will be sentenced in his federal criminal case on Oct. 3. A judge confirmed the schedule on Tuesday after probation officials rejected the defense and prosecution’s plan to move the date up by about two weeks. Combs remains jailed after a split verdict last week. The hip-hop mogul’s lawyers had been urging Judge Arun Subramanian to sentence him as soon as possible. Combs’ lawyers want less than the 21 to 27 months in prison that they believe the sentencing guidelines recommend. Prosecutors contend that because of Combs’ violent history, the guidelines call for at least four to five years in prison.

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Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) drives to the basket against Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins, left, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle uses solid defense to disrupt teams and climbs up WNBA standings

The Seattle Storm have been disruptive on defense this season behind stars Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike. They have the versatility to switch who they are guarding on screens which makes them more difficult to score against. The group also is great at being active in passing lines that has created more steals and turnovers. Diggins, who is averaging 1.3 steals, joked that she might be the worst of the group defensively. Seattle has won three of its past four games and has a home-and-home with lowly Connecticut in its next two. The team is 12-7, one game behind Phoenix for second place in the standings.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump administration pulls back on plans to rewrite Biden-era asbestos ban

The Trump administration is dropping plans to allow continued use of the last type of asbestos legally allowed in U.S. manufacturing after an outcry from asbestos opponents. The Environmental Protection Agency said in a court filing Monday that it will now defend the Biden administration’s ban of chrysotile asbestos, which is used in products like brake blocks and sheet gaskets. The carcinogenic chemical has been mostly phased out in the U.S., but last year, the agency under former President Joe Biden sought to finish the decades-long fight with a comprehensive ban. Asbestos causes mesothelioma as well as other cancers and kills roughly 40,000 people in the U.S. each year.

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Black Hills Goats Take a Bite Out of Wildfire Risk

DEADWOOD, S.D. — July 8, 2025 — A herd of 24 goats is taking on a new job in the Black Hills—clearing invasive brush and reducing fire danger through a unique partnership between T-Top Timber & Homestead Co. and Dakota Gold Corp. The targeted grazing project officially launched this week on Dakota Gold’s property along […]

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FILE - A home for sale in Sudbury, Mass., is shown on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File)

Investors snap up growing share of US homes as traditional buyers struggle to afford one

Real estate investors are buying a larger share of U.S. homes as high prices and borrowing costs deter traditional buyers. A report by BatchData shows investors purchased nearly 27% of homes sold in the first quarter of the year, the highest in five years. This marks a rise from the 18.5% average share between 2020 and 2023. The housing market has slowed since early 2022 due to rising mortgage rates, leaving more inventory for cash-ready investors. While most investor-owned homes belong to small-scale owners, large institutional investors are scaling back purchases, with many selling more homes than they buy.

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FILE - Oklahoma Athletics Director Joe Castiglione gestures as he speaks during an NCAA college football news conference, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione announces retirement plans

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione has announced that the upcoming academic year will be his last in charge of the department, with an official retirement planned for June 2028. The 67-year-old Castiglione spoke at a news conference Tuesday to explain his decision to step down after 27 years of leadership. He said he’d been thinking over the past couple of months about his life journey and family. Castiglione will help the university with its search for a replacement during the 2025-2026 academic year before transitioning into a special projects role for a couple of years.

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FILE - The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a press conference, May 6, 2025, at the Justice Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to stop DOJ grant cancellations

A federal judge ruled Monday dismissed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for rescinding nearly $800 million dollars in grants for programs supporting violence reduction and crime victims. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta denied a preliminary injunction sought by five organizations on behalf of all recipients of the more than 360 grant awards, and granted a motion by the federal government to dismiss the case. Mehta called the Department of Justice’s actions “shameful,” but said the court lacked jurisdiction and the organizations had failed to state a constitutional violation or protection.

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FILE - Civil rights leader Bayard Rustin is seen on Dec. 14, 1970, in New York. (AP Photo/File)

A Bayard Rustin archive aims to preserve his legacy as a queer Civil Rights activist

Social justice advocates are creating a queer history archive that celebrates Bayard Rustin, a major organizer in the Civil Rights Movement and key architect of the March on Washington. The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice says the archive will be available online in the fall. The collection of rare TV footage, documents, and firsthand accounts will illustrate Rustin’s life and influence. He was a mentor to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a leading organizer of the March on Washington. The Associated Press recently discovered and digitized video showing Rustin addressing rallies in New York.

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Rapid City, US
1:40 pm, Jul 9, 2025
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Clouds: 75%
Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise: 5:18 am
Sunset: 8:37 pm

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