loader-image
weather icon 56°F
loader-image
weather icon 56°F

July 9, 2025.

31 workers have been safely removed after part of an industrial tunnel in LA collapsed

Thirty-one workers have been safely removed from an industrial tunnel in Los Angeles after part of it collapsed Wednesday. That’s according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The workers were up to 6 miles from the tunnel’s only entrance. Some workers on the other side of the collapsed portion scrambled over a tall mound of loose soil to reach coworkers on the other side. They were shuttled to the entrance and hoisted out. Paramedics were evaluating 27 of the workers removed from the tunnel.

Read More »
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Cam Schlittler brings heat and hope to Yankees in winning MLB debut

One game into his major league career, Cam Schlittler is the hardest-throwing member of the New York Yankees’ rotation. Schlittler used his 100 mph fastball to shut down Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners during an eye-opening debut Wednesday night, pitching the Yankees to a 9-6 victory before a throng of friends and family members in the crowd. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, the 6-foot-6 Schlittler struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings to earn the win. He threw New York’s seven fastest pitches this season and his average fastball velocity of 97.9 mph was the highest for a Yankees pitcher this year. But it was his poise and improved secondary pitches that really impressed manager Aaron Boone.

Read More »
FILE - Rick Springfield performs at Live Aid, a famine relief concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia Pa., Jon uly 13, 1985. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on 40 years of Live Aid

Forty years ago, the legendary Live Aid concerts simulcast from Philadelphia and London aimed to do a lot of good. They helped to raise over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspired worldwide awareness for a cause it might otherwise have ignored. A lot has changed in the years since. Performers Rick Springfield, Hall and Oates’ John Oates, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and organizer Bob Geldof tell The Associated Press they don’t think Live Aid could happen again in 2025. But the event serves as a reminder that music can create change and bolster a sense of camaraderie.

Read More »
FILE - President Donald Trump signs an executive order on birthright citizenship in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

New Hampshire judge to hear arguments on class action against Trump’s birthright citizenship order

A federal judge in New Hampshire will hear arguments Thursday on a class-action lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of several parents and infants, seeks to block Trump’s January order denying citizenship to babies born to undocumented or temporary residents. Plaintiffs argue the order violates the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction. Several federal judges have issued injunctions against the order, but the U.S. Supreme Court recently limited those rulings. Legal battles continue across multiple states.

Read More »
New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Chisholm homers twice and Schlittler wins MLB debut as Yankees top Mariners 9-6

Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered twice and drove in four runs, and Cam Schlittler won his impressive major league debut as the New York Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 9-6. Jasson Domínguez had three hits, including an RBI single, and Aaron Judge added a two-run double to help the Yankees overcome four Seattle homers. New York has won three straight following its second six-game losing streak since mid-June. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, Schlittler was called up from the minors to start in place of injured Clarke Schmidt. The 24-year-old right-hander froze big league home run leader Cal Raleigh with a 100 mph fastball for his first strikeout and was charged with three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Read More »
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring in the first half of an MLS soccer match against the New England Revolution, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Lionel Messi has MLS-record 4th straight multi-goal game as Inter Miami beats New England 2-1

Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1. Miami has won four straight and is unbeaten in its last five. Defender Tanner Beason misplayed a header and Messi capitalized, scoring on a half-volley to open the scoring in the 27th minute. Messi made it 2-0 in the 38th. Messi has at least one goal in five straight games. He has 14 goals and seven assists in 15 regular-season matches. Nashville’s Sam Surridge with 16 is the only player with more MLS goals than Messi.

Read More »
FILE - Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA basketball game, April 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

Suns sign Devin Booker to 2-year, $145 million max extension through 2029-30, AP sources say

Two people with knowledge of the contract say the Phoenix Suns have signed star guard Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 max contract extension. The 28-year-old Booker has been one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, earning four All-Star appearances in 10 NBA seasons. The two-time all-NBA player has averaged 24.4 points since Phoenix took him out of Kentucky with the 13th overall pick of the 2015 draft. Booker averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor during a disappointing 2024-25 season for the Suns. Phoenix has revamped its front office and roster since a disappointing 2024-25 season, including a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston.

Read More »
FILE - Frank Layden, former president of the Utah Jazz, is introduced during a 20-year reunion ceremony for the team that reached the 1997 NBA Finals, at halftime of the Jazz's basketball game against the New York Knicks on March 22, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File)

Former Jazz coach and GM Frank Layden dies at 93

Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93.  Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He’s the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year. Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown’s Atlanta staff and became the New Orleans Jazz’s general manager in 1979.

Read More »
Paris Saint-Germain's Fabian Ruiz celebrates with team mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after scoring his side's opening goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between PSG and Real Madrid in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

After routing Real Madrid in Club World Cup, PSG eyes Chelsea and historic quadruple

Paris Saint-Germain routed Real Madrid 4-0 in a Club World Cup semifinal, moving closer to a historic quadruple. Having won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, PSG plays Chelsea on Sunday in the Club World Cup final. PSG’s blue, red and white jerseys don’t have glamorous names pressed across the back, and they may not be as ubiquitous as the the red shirts of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City’s light blue or Chelsea’s royal blue. But the team is filling up the trophy display at its cramped, outdated stadium, Parc des Princes.

Read More »
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber, right, is congratulated by Bryce Harper after hitting a three-run home run that also scored J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Bryce Harper after slump-busting game vs. Giants: ‘I’m really good. I mean, I really am’

Bryce Harper broke out of a slump with a career-best four extra-base hits — and then issued a reminder about his place in the game. After the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants 13-0, Harper said, “I’m really good. I mean, I really am.” Harper hasn’t been himself much of the season. The two-time NL MVP and eight-time All-Star missed most of June with inflammation in his right wrist. He had gone 1 for 14 in four games before Wednesday, when he hit a homer and three doubles, all to the opposite field.

Read More »
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio disembarks upon his arrival at Subang Air Base, outside of Kuala Lumpur Thursday, July 10, 2025. Rubio arrived in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. (Mandel Ngan/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump’s tariffs may overshadow Rubio’s first official trip to Asia

Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may overshadow 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 departed for a regional security conference in Malaysia. Top diplomats and senior officials from at least eight countries the Republican president has targeted for tariffs will be represented at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum in Malaysia.

Read More »
Tampa Bay Rays' Junior Caminero celebrates his home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Junior Caminero homers, scores twice to help the Rays end the Tigers’ winning streak

First-time All-Star Junior Caminero homered and scored twice and the Tampa Bay Rays beat Detroit 7-3 on Wednesday to end the major league-leading Tigers’ winning streak at five games. Down 3-2 after five innings, the Rays scored four times in the sixth and Caminero led off the seventh with his 22nd homer — a blast over the Detroit bullpen in left. The Rays broke it open against reliever Chase Lee in the sixth. With two out and a runner on second, Lee replaced Brant Hurter (4-1) and allowed four straight run-scoring hits, including doubles by Ha-Seong Kim and Danny Jansen. Zack Littell (8-7) allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Rays.

Read More »
Burna Boy poses for a portrait on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Burna Boy’s ‘No Sign of Weakness’ fulfills his rock star dreams

Afrobeats megastar Burna Boy is releasing his new album, “No Sign of Weakness,” on Friday. The Grammy-winning artist is bringing his own rock star dreams to life with features from Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, country hitmaker Shaboozey and hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott on the 16-track album. Fresh off becoming the first African artist to sell out Paris’ iconic Stade de France in April and recognized as one of the standard-bearers of the genre, the “Last Last” artist launched his world tour this week with North American dates beginning in November. It will feature a unique circular stage, providing a chance for fans to equally enjoy the musical experience.

Read More »
FILE - Students cross the campus of Dartmouth College, March 5, 2024, in Hanover, N.H. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Republicans urge US universities to cut ties with China-backed scholarship program

Dartmouth College and the University of Notre Dame say they’re ending their participation in a Chinese scholarship program. House Republicans have called the program a “nefarious mechanism” to steal technology for the Chinese government. Leaders of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party said Wednesday they had sent letters to Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Temple, the University of Tennessee and three University of California campuses. The lawmakers raised concerns about the schools’ partnerships with the China Scholarship Council. The study-abroad program is funded by China and sponsors hundreds of Chinese graduate students at U.S. universities annually. China’s U.S. Embassy hasn’t commented.

Read More »
FILE - Water overflows from the Canyon Lake spillway near New Braunfels, Texas, Friday, July 5, 2002, adding to the flood waters along the Guadalupe River. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

What flood insurance does and does not cover

Though natural disasters cycle across seasons and regions in the U.S., it’s often a shocking discovery for property owners how expansive and expensive flood and water damage can be when a major storm devastates their homes, businesses and communities. That’s because oftentimes insurance doesn’t cover what the policy holder thinks it does — or thinks it should. The disappointing surprise is that while the standard home insurance policy does cover fire and wind damage, even good property insurance typically doesn’t cover things like flooding and earthquakes, which usually require a special and separate policy for each. Here are the things to know about flood insurance.

Read More »
FILE - AB Hernandez, a transgender student at Jurupa Valley High School, competes in the high jump at the California high school track-and-field championships in Clovis, Calif., May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Trump administration sues California over transgender athlete policies

President Donald Trump’s administration has sued the California Department of Education for allowing transgender girls to compete on girls sports teams. The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that the policy violates federal law. The move escalates an ongoing battle between Trump’s Republican administration and Democratic-led California over trans athletes competing in girls and women’s sports. The lawsuit says California’s transgender athlete policies violate Title IX, the federal law that bans discrimination in education based on sex. Trump criticized the participation of a transgender high school student-athlete who won titles in the California track-and-field championships last month.

Read More »
FILE - Jasmine North, federal public defender mitigation investigator, speaks with Ralph Leroy Menzies during his competency hearing in Third District Court in West Jordan, Utah, Nov. 18, 2024. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool, File)

Utah judge schedules execution by firing squad for a man with dementia

A Utah judge has set an execution date for a man with dementia who has been on death row for 37 years. Sixty-seven-year-old Ralph Leroy Menzies is set to be executed Sept. 5 for abducting and killing Utah mother of three Maurine Hunsaker in 1986. When given a choice decades ago, Menzies selected a firing squad as his method of execution. He would be only the sixth U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977. Menzies’ lawyers have petitioned the court to reconsider his competency for execution. Judge Matthew Bates signed the death warrant Wednesday but agreed to review the new competency petition.

Read More »
FILE - The Automated Ball-Strike System plays on the scoreboard after a pitch call was challenged during the first inning of a spring training baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the San Diego Padres, Feb. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

MLB plans to use robot umpire challenge system in All-Star Game next week

Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season. MLB says it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday. Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges  successful in the 288 exhibition games using the Automated Ball-Strike System. ABS was installed at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards showing spectators the challenge result.

Read More »

‘Superman’ brings a message of hope to a cynical world

Superman might do more than just save Metropolis. Filmmaker James Gunn hopes the beloved superhero will bring hope to a cynical world. “Superman,” which flies into theaters nationwide Thursday, is a bit of a change in tone for the writer and director who brought a mischievous playfulness and snark to the chaotic worlds of “Suicide Squad” and the “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The film is threaded with optimism and what it means to be inherently good as audiences watch the metahuman save the day. Gunn doesn’t just focus on Superman’s humanity but highlights the importance of truth and the power of journalism to fight against injustice.

Read More »
FILE - Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress addresses attendees at First Baptist Church Dallas during a Celebrate Freedom Rally in Dallas, June 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

A surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts divided

A surprise move by the IRS that would allow pastors to back political candidates from the pulpit without losing their organization’s tax-exempt status is drawing praise from conservatives and even some progressive religious groups but concern from other leaders of faith, along with tax and legal experts. A 1954 provision prohibits nonprofits from engaging in political campaigns, but the IRS rarely enforces the rule. Supporters see this as a win for religious freedom, while critics warn it could lead to financial abuse and politicization of churches.

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

Trump promises West African leaders a pivot to trade as the region reels from sweeping aid cuts

President Donald Trump has promised West African leaders a shift from aid to trade during a White House meeting. On Wednesday. Leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau praised Trump while highlighting their nations’ untapped natural resources. This comes as the U.S. ends its charity-based foreign aid model, dissolving USAID earlier this month. Trump emphasized trade as a diplomatic tool, linking it to peace efforts, including a recent U.S.-facilitated deal in Congo. Critics warn the aid cuts could have devastating effects, especially in nations like Liberia, which heavily relied on U.S. support. The meeting reflects a transactional shift in U.S.-Africa relations.

Read More »
A U.S. Supreme Court police officer stands watch as anti-abortion protesters rally outside of the Supreme Court, Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Supreme Court keeps hold on Florida immigration law aimed at people in the US illegally

The Supreme Court has refused to allow Florida to enforce an immigration law making it a crime for people who are living in the U.S. illegally to enter the state. The high court’s action Wednesday will keep the law on hold while a legal challenge continues. The court did not explain its decision and no justice noted a dissent. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February in support of President Donald Trump’s push to crack down on illegal immigration. Immigrants rights groups sued, arguing that immigration is a federal issue beyond the power of the states. The law is similar to a Texas law that also has been blocked by a federal appeals court.

Read More »
Protesters chant slogans while demonstrating against the closure of the trans youth clinic at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The biggest gender-affirming care center for trans kids in the US is closing, prompting protests

Protesters are rallying against the closure of a major gender-affirming care center for kids and teenagers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The center is shuttering at the end of this month after serving the community for over 30 years. The closure is in response to the Trump administration’s threat to cut federal funds to places that offer gender-affirming care. Patients, families, health care workers, and activists have been protesting against the closure since February. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has warned the hospital that it may be violating the state’s antidiscrimination laws. Advocates have emphasized the lifesaving impact of the center’s care and its importance to the community.

Read More »

Ex-NBA player Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison for rape

An Oregon judge has sentenced former NBA player Ben McLemore to more than eight years in prison for raping a woman at a house party in 2021. KGW reports that the ex-Portland Trail Blazer was sentenced to 100 months in prison on Wednesday. The sentencing comes a week after a jury found the 32-year-old guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and one count of sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on another count of sexual abuse. The charges stemmed from a party at a home owned by a then-teammate. Prosecutors described the sexual encounter as rape. The defense argued it was consensual sex.

Read More »
FILE - In this image released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff's Office, law enforcement officers arrest Ryan Wesley Routh, a man suspected in an apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump, Sept. 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

Man accused of Trump assassination attempt in Florida seeks to remove defense attorneys from case

A man awaiting trial on federal charges of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course is seeking to get rid of his court-appointed federal public defenders. Court records show that a hearing for Ryan Routh’s motion regarding the proposed termination of his appointed counsel is scheduled for Thursday in Fort Pierce. The motion didn’t say why Routh no longer wished to be represented by the two attorneys. They didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Prosecutors have said Routh plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as Trump played golf in September 2024 at his West Palm Beach country club.

Read More »
Bryan Bedford, President Donald Trump's nominee to run the Federal Aviation Administration, testifies at the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Senate confirms new FAA administrator at a time of rising concern about air safety

The U.S. Senate has confirmed a new leader at the Federal Aviation Administration. Lawmakers on Wednesday confirmed Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator in a 53-43 vote. The vote puts Bedford in charge of the federal agency at a precarious time for the airline industry after recent accidents, including the January collision near Washington, D.C. Republicans and industry leaders lauded President Donald Trump’s choice of Bedford, citing his experience as an airline CEO. But Democrats and flight safety advocates opposed his nomination, citing Bedford’s lack of commitment to the 1,500-hour training requirement for pilots that was put in place after a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo.

Read More »
FILE - Milwaukee Brewers starter Dallas Keuchel throws during the first inning of a baseball game, June 26, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

Royals sign former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league contract

The Kansas City Royals have signed former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal. The team announced the signing on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Keuchel worked out for the team last week. He will head to its training facility in Arizona and then is expected to spend time at Triple-A Omaha in the hopes of returning to the big leagues. Keuchel appeared in four games for Milwaukee last season. He spent his first seven seasons with the Astros, helping them win the 2017 World Series. He was a two-time All-Star and won the Cy Young in 2015.

Read More »
FILE - Absentee ballots during a count at the Wisconsin Center, Nov. 8, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

Former Wisconsin clerk who failed to count ballots broke laws, the state’s elections commission says

An investigation by Wisconsin’s elections commission has concluded that unlawful actions by Madison’s former city clerk led to nearly 200 absentee ballots going uncounted in the 2024 presidential election. The report released Wednesday accuses Maribeth Witzel-Behl of violating five election laws, including mishandling absentee ballots. Whether she is actually charged with any crimes would be up to the Dane County district attorney. Two bags of uncounted ballots were discovered weeks after the election, but the clerk’s office delayed notifying officials. Witzel-Behl resigned in April. The commission will vote on the report’s findings and recommendations on July 17.

Read More »
Golden State Valkyries' Veronica Burton (22) is defended by Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Valkyries rout the Fever 80-61 as Caitlin Clark struggles in her return from injury

Veronica Burton had 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Kayla Thornton added 18 points and eight boards, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Indiana Fever 80-61 to spoil Caitlin Clark’s return. The Valkyries held Clark to just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting as the Fever scored their second-fewest points of the season. Clark returned after missing the past five games with a left groin injury. After Indiana went on a 10-1 run to get within 55-50, Burton ended Golden State’s drought with a 3-pointer. Burton also capped Golden State’s 9-0 run on another 3-pointer with 26 seconds left in the third for a 64-50 lead.

Read More »
FILE - Amazon employees load packages on carts before being put on to trucks for distribution for Amazon's annual Prime Day event at an Amazon's DAX7 delivery station, July 16, 2024, in South Gate, Calif. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Customers seeking deals gave Amazon’s Prime Day and competing sales a solid start

Retail analysts say the first day of Amazon’s Prime Day event and competing sales drove solid online spending. Adobe Digital Insights reports that U.S. consumers spent $7.9 billion at e-commerce sites on Tuesday. That was 9.9% more than on the comparable day last year. Analysts are evaluating sales by Amazon, Walmart, Target and other U.S. retailers for clues on whether President Donald Trump’s trade policy and unpredictable tariffs affect prices and consumer behavior. According to consumer data company Numerator, the average Prime Day order on Tuesday cost $58.37. However, the company says 42% of participating households placed more than two orders.

Read More »
Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, center, is joined by his wife Kathy LeMond, right, while being presented the Congressional Gold Medal by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, during a ceremony at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Cyclist Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony

Greg LeMond, who is one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three-time Tour de France winner, has been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. The 64-year-old LeMond received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife, Kathy, and children in attendance. It was announced he’d receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia.

Read More »
The new Galaxy Z Flip 7 is displayed during a Samsung preview event in New York, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Samsung unveils its new line of foldable devices at Unpacked

Samsung introduced several updates to its foldable devices lineup on Wednesday, with the new Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and the new Z Flip 7 FE taking stage at the latest Unpacked event. The Korean electronics company unveiled the upgrades — including a new version of their watch — in New York but also announced an expanded partnership with Google to inject more artificial intelligence into its foldable lineup.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
FILE - This photo from Tuesday May 3, 2011, shows the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse where the Second Circuit Court of Appeals is located in New York's lower Manhattan. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Appeals court overturns right-wing influencer’s conviction for spreading 2016 election falsehoods

A federal appeals court has overturned a self-styled right-wing propagandist’s conviction for spreading falsehoods on social media in an effort to suppress Democratic turnout in the 2016 presidential election. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday ordered a lower court to enter a judgment of acquittal for Douglass Mackey, finding that trial evidence failed to prove the government’s claim that the 36-year-old Florida man conspired with others to influence the election. Mackey was convicted in March 2023 in federal court in Brooklyn on a charge of conspiracy against rights after posting false memes that said supporters of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton could vote for her by text message or social media post.

Read More »
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers celebrates after a basket in the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Paige Bueckers is matching the hype, and then some, as the No. 1 pick for the Wings

Paige Bueckers has been just about everything the Dallas Wings hoped as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft. She has matched Caitlin Clark from a year ago as a rookie All-Star starter while shouldering a heavy load for a rebuilding team. The former UConn star is also passing her most predictable test. Bueckers is handling losing when she didn’t have much experience with it in college. Bueckers has even helped engineer quite the response. The Wings are 5-3 since blowing an 11-point lead late in a loss at Las Vegas that dropped them to 1-11.

Read More »

Barnes & Noble to Open New Rapid City Store July 16

RAPID CITY, S.D. — July 9, 2025 — Barnes & Noble is opening its first location in Rapid City on Wednesday, July 16, bringing the national bookseller to the heart of the Black Hills. The new 20,000-square-foot store is located at 1617 Eglin St. in Rushmore Crossing, in the former Big Lots space next to […]

Read More »
Exterior view of the Allegany County Circuit Court building in Cumberland, Maryland on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, where three members of a violent cultlike group known as Zizians appeared Tuesday for a motions hearing after they were arrested in February on trespassing and gun possession charges. (AP Photo/Lea Skene)

Three Zizians face trial together in Maryland amid sprawling federal investigation

Three members of a violent cultlike group will be tried together on charges of trespassing and illegal gun and drug possession in rural western Maryland. The group known as Zizians has been linked to six killings spanning three states in recent years. The Maryland cases were originally scheduled for separate trials, but the defendants requested a joint proceeding and a judge agreed. The co-defendants are Jack “Ziz” LaSota and her associates Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank. Authorities say they were arrested in February after a man told police “suspicious” people had parked two box trucks on his property.

Read More »
Officials ride a boat as they arrive to assist with a recovery effort at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after a flash flood swept through the area. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

How Americans think the government should respond to natural disasters, according to recent polls

Most U.S. adults who’ve experienced major flooding in the past five years think climate change was at least a partial cause. That’s according to polling conducted before the deadly Texas floods. But while Americans largely believe the federal government should play a major role in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, an analysis of Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling shows there’s less consensus about whether the government should be involved in combating climate change to try to keep extreme weather from worsening. February and June polls found Americans generally have high confidence in the National Weather Service and their local weather report. That trust could now be undermined.

Read More »
Tourists take a selfie at the Temple of Heaven as they take a half-day tour offering by a travel agency Trip.com Group, in Beijing on June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

China extends visa-free entry to more than 70 countries to draw tourists

China now allows citizens from 74 countries to enter visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy aims to boost tourism, the economy, and China’s global influence. The government has expanded the program significantly in recent months, adding many European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. In 2024, over 20 million foreign visitors entered without visas, more than double the previous year. However, major African nations remain excluded. A separate transit policy permits travelers from 10 other countries, including the U.S. and U.K., to stay for 10 days under specific conditions. Tourism companies report significant growth due to these relaxed entry rules.

Read More »
FILE - A person looks at their phone at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

Job scams are on the rise and more people are falling for them. Protect yourself with these tips

As job-seekers look for work in an challenging environment, an increasing number are falling victim to scams that promise good pay for completing easy online tasks. The Federal Trade Commission says the scams start innocuously, often with a tailor-made text or WhatsApp message. The tasks seem legitimate, but victims are then told they need to pay money to access their earnings. To avoid falling victim to these scams, ignore unexpected messages, never pay to access your pay, and avoid accepting positions where you rate, like, or leave phony reviews for products or services.

Read More »

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.

Read More »