July 30, 2025

The trail head to the Devil's Den trail at Devils Den State Park remains closed Monday, July 28, 2025, in West Fork, Ark. Police in Arkansas are searching for a suspect in the deaths of a couple who investigators said were attacked while on the wooded walking trail with their two young daughters. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Teacher hired in Arkansas charged in Devil’s Den park killing of couple that was hiking with kids

July 30, 2025

Officials say a 28-year-old Arkansas man has been arrested in the killings of a married couple in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park over the weekend. Arkansas State Police arrested the man from Springdale on Wednesday and charged him with two counts of capital murder. Police did not mention a possible motive. Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink were found dead Saturday on a walking trail at Devil’s Den. Authorities have said their young daughters were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.

Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Eugenio Suarez runs back to the dugout after flying out to Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter during the second inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Slugging third baseman Eugenio Suárez returns to Mariners in deal with Diamondbacks, AP source says

July 30, 2025

Slugging third baseman Eugenio Suárez is headed back to the Seattle Mariners in a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a person familiar with the deal said Wednesday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Suarez spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Mariners, hitting 53 home runs. The 34-year-old infielder has 36 homers this season and is tied with Seattle’s Cal Raleigh for the major league RBI lead with 87. He joins a lineup that already ranks fifth in the majors in home runs, thanks in large part to Raleigh — the major league leader with 41 homers. Suárez is in the final season of an eight-year, $79 million contract.

Austin Wells loses track of the outs in 9th inning and costs the Yankees a late opportunity

July 30, 2025

Perhaps nobody was happier the Yankees won Wednesday night than catcher Austin Wells, after his embarrassing mental lapse on the bases cost New York an opportunity in the ninth inning. Anthony Volpe hit a tying homer off Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks with one out in the ninth, then Wells singled and advanced to second base when Trent Grisham tried to bunt for a hit. Grisham was thrown out at first for the second out and credited with a sacrifice. Wells, however, thought the inning was over and wandered off the bag. He got tagged in a rundown for the third out, sending a back-and-forth game to extra innings as fans in the Yankee Stadium crowd of 45,355 groaned.

Oahu residents evacuate Ewa Beach to the side of Kunia Road due to the threat of tsunami in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP photo/Michelle Bir)

‘Over-evacuation’ may have prompted traffic problems before tsunami hit Hawaii, officials say

July 30, 2025

Hawaii officials say the timing of the tsunami warning and evacuation orders following this week’s massive earthquake off Russia helped make for severe traffic congestion in some areas. With hours of notice before the waves were to hit, some residents tried to run to the store for supplies or complete other errands. That complicated evacuation efforts that otherwise went smoothly. Hotels sent nonessential employees home early, putting additional drivers on the roads. A few tourists left for higher ground, rather than shelter on upper floors of hotels as called for in evacuation plans. Ed Sniffen, director of the state Department of Transportation, said that next time, he would like to provide more education about how people should manage that time.

This photo provided by Florida Department of Corrections shows Edward Zakrzewski. (Florida Department of Corrections via AP)

Florida set to execute man for killing wife, 2 kids in new state death sentence record for 1 year

July 30, 2025

A Florida man convicted of killing his wife and two children with a machete in 1994 is set for execution. Thursday’s would be the ninth death sentence carried out in Florida in 2025, a new state record for a single year. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis also set 10th and 11th executions for August. A death warrant signed by DeSantis for Thursday directs that 60-year-old Edward Zakrzewski be executed by lethal injection at 6 p.m. at Florida State Prison. The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Zakrzewski’s final appeal. Florida has executed more people than any other state this year. Texas and South Carolina are tied for second place with four each.

Arkansas police arrest man in Devil’s Den park killings after dayslong search, finding him nearby

July 30, 2025

This undated image provided by the New York Police Department shows Officer Didarul Islam, who was shot and killed at a Manhattan office building on Monday, July 28, 2025, in New York. (New York Police Department via AP)

NYPD officer killed in Manhattan office shooting to be laid to rest

July 30, 2025

A New York City police officer killed during a shooting at a Manhattan office tower is being laid to rest. The funeral of Officer Didarul Islam will take place Thursday at Parkchester Jame Masjid Funeral Home in the Bronx. The 36-year-old will then be buried at a cemetery in New Jersey. Islam was among four people fatally shot Monday in a midtown building housing the National Football League’s headquarters. The gunman also shot and wounded a fifth victim before killing himself. An immigrant from Bangladesh, Islam had worked his way up the nation’s largest police force, serving as a school safety agent before becoming a patrol officer.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., walks from the Senate chamber as Senate Republicans vote on President Donald Trump's request to cancel about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting spending, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Trump calls GOP’s Hawley ‘second tier’ senator after bill to ban stock trades in government advances

July 30, 2025

President Donald Trump has lashed out at Sen. Josh Hawley after the Republican’s proposal to ban stock trading by members of Congress — and the president and vice president — advanced in a committee vote. It’s the second time in as many days that Trump laid into senators in his own party. A day earlier, Trump tore into veteran GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa over an obscure Senate procedure. Hawley’s stock trade legislation with the panel’s top Democrat sailed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on a bipartisan vote. Trump called Hawley a “second-tier Senator” after the vote.

A price for beef is displayed on the edge of a shelf at a grocery store in Mount Prospect, Ill., Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Ranchers say expanding herds to take advantage of record retail beef prices isn’t so simple

July 30, 2025

South Dakota rancher Calli Williams wants to benefit from high beef prices, but it’s not so simple. She and her husband have faced challenges like drought, limited grass for grazing, and rising land costs. Expanding herds is difficult due to biology; it takes years to increase cattle numbers. Despite recent rains, past drought impacts linger. U.S. cattle herds are at record lows despite retail beef prices soaring. Consumers are still willing to pay high prices, valuing beef’s taste. The Williamses hope to expand their operation and pass it down to their young sons. They’re remaining optimistic despite challenges from weather and markets.

FILE - Rain falls as Irene Valdez visits a make-shift memorial for flood victims along the Guadalupe River, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Search for answers after Texas’ deadly floods brings lawmakers to devastated Hill Country

July 30, 2025

Texas lawmakers are expected to question local Kerr County officials on Thursday over their preparedness and response to the deadly July 4 floods that killed at least 136 people. Lawmakers have filed bills to address improving emergency communications and providing additional funding for affected areas. Republican lawmakers have been careful not to scrutinize the state’s response while emergency officials faced scrutiny from Democrats at a hearing last week. Lawmakers are also considering a highly partisan effort to redistrict the state’s congressional maps, making for a busy 30-day special session that has resulted in Democrats fleeing the state in protest.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Senate rejects bid to halt sale of bombs and rifles to Israel, but Democratic opposition grows

July 30, 2025

The Senate has rejected an effort from Sen. Bernie Sanders to block the sale of U.S. bombs and firearms to Israel. But the vote showed a growing number of Democrats opposed to the arms sales amid widespread hunger and suffering in Gaza. Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has repeatedly tried to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel over the last year. The resolutions before the Senate Tuesday would have stopped the sale of $675 million in bombs as well as shipments of 20,000 automatic assault rifles to Israel. They failed to gain passage, but 27 Democrats — more than half the caucus — voted for the resolutions.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller, right, gives autographs after the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Raiders sign Kolton Miller to 3-year, $66 million extension, AP source says

July 30, 2025

Kolton Miller, one of the NFL’s top left tackles, signed a three-year, $66 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, with $42.5 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the contract said Wednesday. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not announced. The Raiders announced only an extension has been signed. Miller, the 15th overall pick of the 2018 draft out of UCLA, has been one of the NFL’s top left tackles. Miller entered training camp with just one year left on his contract, but decided to practice rather than hold out.

Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro points a photo of him during a motorcycle caravan by supporters to protest the Supreme Court trial where he faces charges for alleged involvement in a 2022 coup attempt, in Brasília, Brazil, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Nova)

Trump signs order to justify 50% tariffs on Brazil

July 30, 2025

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose his threatened 50% tariffs on Brazil. The order Wednesday sets a legal rationale that Brazil’s policies and criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro constitute an economic emergency under a 1977 law. Trump earlier this month threatened the tariffs on Brazil in a letter to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But the legal basis of that threat was an earlier executive order premised on trade imbalances being a threat to the U.S. economy. But America ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus last year with Brazil, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran throws a pitch during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Phillies acquire hard-throwing closer Jhoan Duran in trade with Twins

July 30, 2025

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Jhoan Duran, trading two top prospects to the Minnesota Twins for the hard-throwing closer. Duran has 16 saves and a 2.01 ERA in 49 appearances this season, striking out 53 in 49 1/3 innings. Catcher Eduardo Tait and right-hander Mick Abel were shipped off to Minnesota in the deal. Philadelphia is competing with the New York Mets for the NL East title. The Phillies won the division last year before they were eliminated by the Mets in their NL Division Series.

New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart (30) shoots over Indiana Fever's Natasha Howard (6) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Liberty star Breanna Stewart has bone bruise in her right knee and is out indefinitely

July 30, 2025

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart has a bone bruise in her right knee, and the team has no timetable for her return. Coach Sandy Brondello says the team wants “to make sure she’s right for the playoffs.” She says the Liberty hope Stewart returns before that. A two-time MVP, Stewart was hurt early in the Liberty’s 101-99 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday night. Stewart seemed to injure the leg while running up the court and exited about 3 1/2 minutes into the game. She went to the locker room and never returned to the bench. A seven-time All-Star, Stewart is averaging 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

The offices of Showcase Magazine, a monthly publication based in Danville, Va., where city Councilmember Lee Vogler was attacked and set on fire, is seen on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

Virginia city councilman set on fire in workplace attack; suspect charged with attempted murder

July 30, 2025

Police say a city councilmember in Virginia was set on fire by a man who entered a local magazine office. Investigators say Wednesday the attack stemmed from a “personal matter” and was unrelated to his politics or work as councilman. Lee Vogler is an elected official in Danville, Virginia. Police say the suspect entered Vogler’s office, where he works at a local magazine, confronted him and doused him in flammable liquid. Authorities say both men then left the building and the 29-year-old suspect set Vogler on fire. The suspect was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.

On ‘Bite Me,’ Reneé Rapp punches back

July 30, 2025

Reneé Rapp’s second album, “Bite Me,” gave the 25-year-old multi-hyphenate an outlet to work through the whirlwind that has been her career so far. She toured her first album, “Snow Angel,” left HBO’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and played Regina in the 2024 musical remake of “Mean Girls.” Rapp told The Associated Press that she approached the project with intention. She said that process was grueling, but also fun. She hopes the result empowers fans, too. The album is out Friday. She’ll launch a tour in September.

Community Service Officers from the Old Orchard Beach Police Dept. patrol on bicycles, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Maine police chief says officer arrested by ICE is missed by colleagues and was eligible to work

July 30, 2025

Officials in a Maine town where immigration authorities arrested a police officer say the officer was a trusted member of the force who is missed by his colleagues. Old Orchard Beach officials are also expressing frustration with lack of information about the case from the federal government. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Old Orchard Beach Police Department reserve officer Jon Luke Evans, of Jamaica, on July 25. Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Elise Chard said Wednesday that Evans was federally approved to work in the country in May, and that the town and police department haven’t received any information about Evans’ case and his current whereabouts.

FILE - Former Washington Wizards player Gilbert Arenas takes part in a ceremony during the half-time of an NBA basketball game between the Wizards and the Miami Heat, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, 5 others charged with running illegal poker games at his LA mansion

July 30, 2025

Federal prosecutors say former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested along with five other people on suspicion of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at a Los Angeles mansion owned by Arenas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wednesday that all six defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business. His attorney said he hadn’t had much time to speak with his client and couldn’t comment on the case. The 43-year-old Arenas is also charged with making false statements to federal investigators.

California governor signs executive order to support boys and men and improve their mental health

July 30, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at supporting men and boys and improving their mental health outcomes. It directs state officials to recommend ways to lower suicide rates among young men and to connect them with education and career opportunities. The issue has come increasingly into focus after Democrats lost young men to President Donald Trump in last year’s election. Newsom released an episode of his podcast Wednesday where he discussed how to support the well-being of men and boys. Men make up half the population but account for 80% of suicides in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Secretary of Health & Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, during a ceremony announcing that major U.S. ice cream makers will phase out artificial colors by the end of 2027, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Monday, July 14, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Ousted vaccine panel members say rigorous science is being abandoned

July 30, 2025

Seventeen experts ousted from a U.S. vaccine committee are expressing little faith in what the panel has become. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, accusing them of being too aligned with manufacturers. He replaced them with a smaller group that includes several vaccine skeptics. In a commentary published Wednesday, the ousted members criticize Kennedy and the new panel for abandoning rigorous scientific review. They propose alternative ways to maintain sound vaccine recommendations, such as involving professional organizations.

‘Half-baked’ USDA relocation irritates members of both parties on US Senate Ag panel

July 30, 2025

U.S. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden testifies before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on July 30, 2025. (Photo via

Senator reintroduces AI regulation bill during first hearing as chair of subcommittee

July 30, 2025

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, speaks Aug. 12, 2024, at the David Lust Accelerator Building in Rapid City about

FILE - A doctor performs an ultrasound scan on a pregnant woman at a hospital in Chicago, Aug. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, File)

What we know about a new health data tracking system being announced by White House

July 30, 2025

President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new private health tracking system to help patients access their health records and monitor wellness is raising a host of privacy concerns. The system, a collaboration between the federal government and Big Tech, aims to allow seamless sharing of medical records among doctors, hospitals, and health apps. Patient advocates and ethicists worry about how health information could be used. Digital privacy advocates are skeptical about data security, fearing the monetization of sensitive health information.

Bessent says new Trump child savings accounts are ‘back door for privatizing Social Security’

July 30, 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the Trump administration was committted to protecting Social Security hours after he described a children’s savings program in President Trump’s recent tax package as a “back door for privatizing Social Security.” Democrats seized on Bessent’s privatization comment, suggesting the GOP aims to revive efforts to privatize the retirement program that is used by millions of Americans. The new program, called Trump Accounts, allows for savings accounts for babies born in the U.S. with a potential $1,000 deposit. These accounts can grow over time. Bessent’s remarks have reignited debate over a politically sensitive issue that Republicans have largely avoided for years.

Allen Hall, 71, poses for a photo in his room at a hotel in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with a bracelet and chain given to him by Cornelius Taylor, who died after he was crushed by a bulldozer at a homeless encampment in January. (AP Photo/Charlotte Kramon)

Emotional journey for Atlanta’s homeless as city races to house 400 people before the World Cup

July 30, 2025

Atlanta promised to house all residents of an encampment where a homeless man was fatally injured earlier this year, but advocates say the city fell short. The resulting tension between advocates and the city illuminates the complexities of getting people off the streets in a city that has been crushed by the nation’s affordable housing crisis and where homelessness continues to surge. The city originally offered housing to 14 people living in the encampment but agreed to house more after residents and advocates said there were at least 30. But eight were living in a hotel paid for by advocates.

FILE - Actor Alec Baldwin attends his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust," July 12, 2024, at the County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. (Ramsay de Give/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Judge dismisses lawsuit filed by Alec Baldwin for malicious prosecution in fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting

July 30, 2025

A New Mexico judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by actor Alec Baldwin for malicious prosecution in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western movie “Rust.” The judge in a ruling made public Wednesday dismissed the case without prejudice for lack of any significant action with the claim. Baldwin’s attorneys say settlement discussions have been ongoing and that they have been waiting to prosecute the case pending the outcome of those talks. Baldwin had alleged defamation, saying that prosecutors and investigators intentionally mishandled evidence. A judge last summer dismissed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin in the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

The Capitol is seen under dark skies in Washington, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Senate confirms Trump’s pick for counterterrorism agency, a former Green Beret with extremist ties

July 30, 2025

The Senate has confirmed Joe Kent, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Republicans looked past his connections to right-wing extremists and support for conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Kent has already been working for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. As the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, he will oversee an agency tasked with analyzing and detecting terrorist threats. In the role, he plans to devote agency resources to targeting gangs and other criminal groups. He is the latest Trump loyalist to win Senate confirmation to the upper echelons of U.S. national security leadership.

Chicago White Sox's Austin Slater runs after hitting a one-run single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Chicago, Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Yankees bolster outfield, acquire veteran Austin Slater from the White Sox

July 30, 2025

Austin Slater is heading to the New York Yankees, giving them another right-handed bat they can plug into a part-time role down the stretch. The active Yankees have acquired the veteran outfielder from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league pitching prospect Gage Ziehl. New York had a pressing need to bolster its outfield depth with star slugger Aaron Judge sidelined by a flexor strain in his right elbow. The 32-year-old Slater hit .236 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 51 games with the White Sox this season. The Yankees will be his fifth team in just over a year.

American Eagle’s ‘good jeans’ ads with Sydney Sweeney spark a debate on race and beauty standards

July 30, 2025

U.S. fashion retailer American Eagle Outfitters wanted to make a splash with its new advertising campaign starring 27-year-old actor Sydney Sweeney. It has. The question is whether some of the public reactions the fall denim campaign produced is what American Eagle intended. Titled “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” the campaign has sparked a debate about race, Western beauty standards, and the backlash to “woke” American culture. Most of the negative reception focused on videos that used the word “genes” instead of “jeans” when discussing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed actor. Some critics saw the wordplay as a nod to eugenics, a discredited theory that held humanity could be improved through selective breeding for certain traits.

Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes catches a line drive hit by San Francisco Giants' Wilmer Flores during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Pirates send 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes to Reds for reliever Taylor Rogers, a prospect and cash

July 30, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Gold Glove-winning third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds for veteran reliever Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and cash. The 28-year-old Hayes gives the Reds an elite defender at the hot corner who is under contract for the rest of the decade. The 20-year-old Stafura, a second-round pick by the Reds in 2023, is considered one of the better prospects in Cincinnati’s system.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Steven Cruz throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Nine pitchers, one shutout: How the Royals made history against the Braves with a 1-0 victory

July 30, 2025

The Kansas City Royals have made history by using nine relievers to achieve a 1-0 shutout against the Atlanta Braves. That ties a major league record set by Cleveland in 2016. Sam Long secured the win by escaping a jam in the 10th inning. Salvador Perez then hit a single to score MJ Melendez for the victory. Injuries to the starting rotation forced Royals manager Matt Quatraro to rely on the bullpen, which delivered an outstanding performance. They combined to allow five hits and one walk while striking out 10.

FILE - Soprano Anna Netrebko attends a news conference on the premiere of Manon Lescaut in the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Russian soprano’s case alleging national origin discrimination against the Met Opera to proceed

July 30, 2025

A federal judge says Russian soprano Anna Netrebko can move forward with her case claiming national origin discrimination by the Metropolitan Opera. The Met removed Netrebko after she refused to repudiate President Vladimir Putin over Russia’s campaign against Ukraine. The decision was made public Wednesday, a day after it was issued. The case, which will proceed alongside her claim of gender discrimination, has not been scheduled for trial. The Met said in a brief statement that the case was reinstated on purely technical grounds and will not succeed. An arbitrator ruled in 2023 that the Met violated the union’s collective bargaining agreement.

Recall issued over energy drinks mistakenly containing vodka

July 30, 2025

Energy drinks that mistakenly contain vodka are being recalled in more than a half dozen states. High Noon is recalling two production lots of High Noon Beach Variety packs because some contain cans with vodka inside that were mislabeled as Celsius Astro Vibe Energy Drink. The company says the cans contain vodka seltzer and were mislabeled as “sparkling blue razz”-flavored Celsius Astro Vibe energy drinks. The packs were distributed to retailers in Florida, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin. The company says a shared packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty Celsius energy drink cans to High Noon. People who purchased the drinks with the specified production lot codes are encouraged to dispose of them.

FILE - Sunken and damaged boats rest in the boat basin after a powerful tsunami sent repeated surges that broke up docks and tore loose boats in Crescent City, Calif., March 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard, File)

A tiny California city prone to tsunamis saw the highest waves in continental US after quake

July 30, 2025

Officials are warning people to stay away from beaches and waterways in a small California city near the border with Oregon that has recorded dozens of tsunamis, including one that turned deadly more than 60 years ago. Officials said at a briefing Wednesday that no injuries had been reported, but a dock at the city’s harbor was damaged. City Manager Eric Wier says it was a long night with a lot of uncertainty, but the city didn’t see flooding. He says the downtown is high enough that it was open Wednesday morning.

Texas state Rep. Carl H. Tepper, R-Lubbock, looks through U.S. Congressional District maps during a redistricting hearing at the Texas Capitol, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Texas Republicans get a bigger House edge under a new map, meeting Trump’s goals

July 30, 2025

Texas Republicans have proposed a new congressional map that creates five additional GOP-leaning districts as they brace for a challenging midterm election in 2026. The move aims to bolster their chances of maintaining control in the U.S. House. The redrawn map comes during a special legislative session called by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. President Donald Trump has urged Texas Republicans to reshape districts in the party’s favor. Some Democratic state lawmakers have talked of walking out of the special session to block action on redistricting, which has had mixed results in the past. Meanwhile, Democrats in California and New York are considering redrawing their districts to counter GOP efforts.

Sen. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., center, speaks during a news conference after a policy luncheon at the Capitol Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Republicans consider changing Senate rules to speed confirmation of Trump nominees

July 30, 2025

Senate Republicans are considering changing Senate rules to speed up confirmation of President Donald Trump’s executive branch nominees, forcing a possible clash with Democrats as Trump pressures them to fill dozens of administration posts before they leave town for the monthlong August recess. Trump’s pressure comes as Senate Majority Leader John Thune has already more than doubled the number of executive branch and judicial confirmations compared to Trump’s first term by holding the Senate in session for more days and longer hours all year. Still, Trump says he wants more, and Democrats are delaying a vote on most every nominee, arguing that Trump’s picks are extreme.

FILE - Federal agents stage at MacArthur Park Monday, July 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)

ICE entices new recruits with patriotism pitch and promise of $50,000 signing bonuses

July 30, 2025

The agency responsible for President Trump’s mass deportations agenda is launching a recruiting campaign. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking what the campaign says are “brave and heroic Americans” to become deportation officers, lawyers, and investigators. The campaign uses patriotic imagery and slogans like “AMERICA NEEDS YOU.” The agency is offering up to $50,000 in signing bonuses and other benefits. This expansion is funded by a $170 billion bill from Congress, with ICE receiving $76.5 billion. But there are concerns about whether the rapid growth will potentially lower recruitment standards.

FILE - Laura Loomer arrives at Philadelphia International Airport, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)

More Trump administration figures who met Laura Loomer’s ire are out. A look at her influence

July 30, 2025

President Donald Trump has downplayed the influence of Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur known for her incendiary social media presence, in his administration’s decision-making. But the list of officials who have drawn Loomer’s ire and swiftly thereafter gotten the axe from Trump’s administration has been growing. The latest was Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s vaccine chief, who announced his departure this week after Loomer criticized him for past statements against Trump. Loomer has publicly urged Trump to remove aides whom she deems disloyal. Trump has praised Loomer but distanced himself from some of her controversial remarks.

FILE - Colorado safety Carter Stoutmire (23) celebrates after an overtime victory in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, FIle)

Coach Deion Sanders’ return to Colorado lifts team spirits after his battle with bladder cancer

July 30, 2025

Colorado defensive back Carter Stoutmire sees Deion Sanders as more than just a coach. Sanders has returned to the team after battling bladder cancer, and his presence has lifted spirits. Stoutmire, whose father played in the NFL with Sanders, expressed relief at his return. Sanders revealed Monday that doctors removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer. His return has energized the team. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston praised Sanders’ leadership, noting his impact on and off the field. Sanders emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, a message that resonated with Livingston.

Hardhats hang on for 11-9 win over Brandon Valley

July 30, 2025

WATERTOWN, S.D. – The Rapid City Post 22 Hardhats rebounded from their stunning loss to Rapid City Post 320 yesterday

FILE - President Joe Biden walks after speaking during an interfaith prayer service in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Biden aide denounces GOP probe into former president’s health as baseless and denies any cover-up

July 30, 2025

A top aide to former President Joe Biden is denouncing a Republican investigation of his former boss. Steve Ricchetti, in an appearance Wednesday before the House Oversight Committe,e denounced a Republican investigation into Biden’s health in office as “baseless.” Ricchetti, in a statement to the committee, said Biden was aware of his administration’s actions “at all times,” and he dismissed claims there was a cover-up of his health. The testimony and pushback on the committee’s claims come as the Republican-led probe into Biden’s alleged decline has been ramping up this summer. At least seven more staffers are expected to testify in the coming weeks.

FILE - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Sean Plankey, Senior adviser to the Secretary for the U.S. Coast Guard, right, help serve sailors and Coast Guardsmen at Naval Support Activity in Bahrain, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool, File)

Senate committee advances Trump nominee to lead cybersecurity agency that protects election systems

July 30, 2025

A Senate committee has advanced the nomination of President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The agency is tasked with protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure, including election systems. Wednesday’s vote sends the nomination to the Republican-controlled Senate. If confirmed, Sean Plankey will inherit an agency that has been mired in partisan tensions over the role it should play in combating false claims about voting or election fraud. During his Senate hearing this month, Plankey wouldn’t directly answer when asked whether the 2020 election was rigged and stolen.

‘Downton Abbey’ star Elizabeth McGovern brings Ava Gardner’s tumultuous life to the stage

July 30, 2025

Elizabeth McGovern, known for her role in “Downton Abbey,” has written a play about Ava Gardner. The play, titled “Ava: The Secret Conversations,” explores Gardner’s relationship with journalist Peter Evans, who was tasked with ghostwriting her memoir. The production, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, features McGovern as Gardner and Aaron Costa Ganis as Evans. It begins performances off-Broadway in New York City this week. McGovern, who also sings with the band Sadie & The Hotheads, says writing songs helped her gain the confidence to write the play. She finds theater a refreshing escape from technology.

Fair Isaac: Fiscal Q3 Earnings Snapshot

July 30, 2025

BOZEMAN, Mont. BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) on Wednesday reported fiscal third-quarter net

Law enforcement video shows Bryan Kohberger in traffic stop months before Idaho murders

July 30, 2025

An Idaho sheriff’s office has released body-worn camera footage showing Bryan Kohberger during a traffic stop that occurred months before he killed four University of Idaho students in 2022. The video was released by the Latah County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. The video shows an August 2022 traffic stop, when Deputy Darren Duke pulled Kohberger over for speeding on a highway that runs between Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman, Washington. Kohberger is driving the same white Hyundai Elantra that police say he drove on Nov. 13, 2022, when he killed Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves in a rental home near the University of Idaho campus.

FILE - Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Jen Easterly speaks to The Associated Press in Washington, Oct. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

Army secretary directs West Point to rescind appointment of Biden-era cybersecurity director

July 30, 2025

The Secretary of the Army has directed the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to review its hiring practices and rescind the appointment of a newly announced hire who led the nation’s cybersecurity agency under President Joe Biden. The directive Wednesday came just a day after Jen Easterly was announced as the new chair of West Point’s social sciences department. The move showed how vigorously the Trump administration has sought to wield control over higher education and the military. It also highlighted how deeply concerns about censorship have seeped into the administration. As the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Easterly faced criticism from Republicans that her election-related work veered into censorship. Easterly has denied those allegations.

Pennington County Shares Update on New Administration Building Relocation

July 30, 2025

Pennington County is providing an update on the ongoing relocation of its Administration Building to 900 Concourse Drive. With construction

In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Vinay Prasad smiles for a portrait. (U.S. FDA via AP)

FDA vaccine chief leaving agency after less than 3 months

July 30, 2025

Dr. Vinay Prasad is stepping down as the Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine regulator after a brief tenure. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services says Prasad did not want to be a distraction and is leaving to spend more time with his family. Prasad, a longtime critic of the FDA’s leniency in drug approvals, joined the agency in May. He has faced scrutiny over his handling of a gene therapy for a form of muscular dystrophy. In recent weeks he became a target of conservative activists, who noted his past comments criticizing Trump.

Epstein files must be released by Trump administration under obscure law, Democrats contend

July 30, 2025

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference with Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee member

A&W Restaurants Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day 2025 with Free Floats and Support for Veterans

July 30, 2025

RAPID CITY, S.D. (July 30, 2025) — A&W Restaurants in Rapid City and across the Black Hills will celebrate National Root Beer Float Day on Wednesday, August 6, with free treats and a patriotic purpose. From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy a free small Root Beer Float at participating locations — no […]

New York Mets' Juan Soto reacts after fouling a ball off his leg while batting during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Mets slugger Juan Soto out of lineup a day after fouling a ball off his left foot

July 30, 2025

Mets slugger Juan Soto wasn’t in New York’s lineup for a series finale against the San Diego Padres after fouling a ball off the top of his left foot a night earlier. Manager Carlos Mendoza says Soto is “better but still sore. Getting treatment. We’ll see where we’re at.” The manager added that Soto will get in the batting cages to see if he could pinch-hit. Jeff McNeil is in the lineup in right field as the NL East-leading Mets tried to avoid being swept. The team announced that Soto had a bruised foot and that X-rays were negative.

Demolition begins on last pieces of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge

July 30, 2025

Demolition crews are working to remove large sections of the remaining pieces of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge after its deadly collapse last year. Maryland’s governor on Wednesday praised the work so far. State officials hope to finish construction on a new bridge by 2028. Officials say the replacement span will be located slightly east of its predecessor, which allows demolition and construction to proceed simultaneously. The project has an estimated $1.7 billion price tag, but that number could rise due to supply chain issues, tariffs and other costs. Officials say the 2028 completion date could also change.

Badlands Sabres in Urgent Need of Host Families as Season Approaches

July 30, 2025

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Badlands Sabres junior hockey team is calling on the local community to step up and

FILE - This Jan. 28, 2019 file photo shows the entrance to the main Duke University campus in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

Trump administration freezes $108M at Duke amid inquiry into alleged racial discrimination

July 30, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration is freezing $108 million in research funding to Duke University as the federal government accuses it of racial discrimination in the form of affirmative action. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke Wednesday on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The person says the National Institutes of Health halted the funding to the private university in North Carolina. Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Education Department sent a joint letter alleging racial preferences in Duke’s hiring and admissions. Duke has not commented.

New Ronald McDonald House® in Rapid City

July 30, 2025

Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota plans to build a Ronald McDonald House in Rapid City. Construction begins September, open doors by late 2026

FILE - Radioactive waste sealed in large stainless steel canisters is stored under five feet of concrete in a storage building at the Savannah River Site, near Aiken, S.C., Nov. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File)

Radioactive wasp nest found at site where US once made nuclear bombs

July 30, 2025

Workers at a South Carolina site that once made nuclear bomb parts have found a radioactive wasp nest. Officials say there’s no danger to anyone. Employees checking radiation levels at the Savannah River Site near Aiken found the nest on July 3. It was near tanks storing liquid nuclear waste. The nest had radiation levels 10 times above federal limits. Workers sprayed it with insect killer and disposed of it as radioactive waste. No wasps were found. Officials say the nest was likely contaminated from residual radioactivity. Watchdog group Savannah River Site Watch criticized the report for lacking details on the contamination source.

This combination of photos shows Jennifer Hudson, left, Michelle Obama, center, and Issa Rae. (AP Photo)

Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival returns with star power and cultural legacy

July 30, 2025

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival is back for its 23rd year, celebrating Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers. This nine-day event, starting Friday, features appearances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mara Brock Akil, Michelle Obama and Dwyane Wade. The festival has become a cultural reunion, drawing influential voices like Colman Domingo, Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. Set in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, it offers a platform for Black creatives to connect and share their stories. This year’s theme focuses on joy, with panels, screenings and discussions on Black storytelling, fashion, and history. The festival continues to affirm the value of Black storytelling.

July 30, 2025.

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