national - Page 14 of 38 - The Rapid City Post

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Swensen)

Ohtani tops MLB jersey sales for 3rd straight season. Skenes and Raleigh break into top 20

September 26, 2025

Shohei Ohtani has topped Major League Baseball’s jersey sales for the third straight year. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star is followed by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. MLB’s top seven remained unchanged from the All-Star break. Ohtani is just the fourth player to lead in three consecutive years since MLB started tracking sales in 2010. Paul Skenes and Cal Raleigh entered the top 20, with Skenes at 18th and Raleigh at 20th. Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper moved up to eighth, while Clayton Kershaw finished among the top 20 for the 12th time.

This photo released by the Nation Park Service shows Turbid Lake on a sunny on Sept. 21, 2024, in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. (Jacob W. Frank/National Park Service via AP)

Former national park superintendents urge Trump administration to close parks in case of shutdown

September 26, 2025

A group of former national park superintendents is calling on the Trump administration to close the parks to visitors in case of a government shutdown. Forty former superintendents said in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that past shutdowns in which parks have remained opened have led to the vandalism of iconic symbols, destruction of wildlife habitats and possible endangerment of visitors. They said parks are already under strain from a 24% reduction in staff and severe budget cuts. Leaving parks open to visitors in a possible shutdown will make it much worse, they said.

FILE - Trailers sit parked in lines as work progresses on a migrant detention center at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility in the Florida Everglades, July 4, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, file)

Florida officials announce more than 6,000 immigration arrests

September 26, 2025

Over the last five months, Florida law enforcement officials have arrested more than 6,000 people suspected of being in the country illegally, a U.S. Border Patrol official announced Friday. The announcement comes as the state continues its aggressive approach to help carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Florida’s total is in comparison to the more than 5,000 arrests carried out over a three-month period in the Los Angeles area, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Scientists find new bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce shark bite injuries

September 26, 2025

Australian scientists have tested bite-resistant wetsuits by letting sharks bite them at sea. The study shows these suits can help keep swimmers safe. While fatal shark bites are rare, increased shark sightings have people looking for protection. Researchers at Flinders University tested four materials and found they all reduced damage from shark bites. The materials don’t prevent bites but can lessen injuries compared to standard wetsuits. Newer designs offer flexibility for activities like surfing and diving. Experts say these suits are promising for those in shark-prone areas but caution is still needed.

Minnesota’s political divide stalls gun control efforts after deadly church shooting

September 26, 2025

Minnesota is grappling with a political deadlock over gun control after a church shooting in August left two children dead and 21 injured. Gov. Tim Walz has vowed to call a special legislative session to address gun violence and school safety. However, a month later, discussions remain stalled. The state Legislature is very closely divided, making bipartisan support essential for any progress. Urban Democrats generally support gun restrictions, while rural Republicans oppose them. Walz has prioritized bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but consensus remains elusive. Both parties continue to debate potential solutions without reaching an agreement.

Alex Winter takes a most excellent adventure on Broadway with ‘Waiting For Godot’ and Keanu Reeves

September 26, 2025

Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves have reunited on Broadway for “Waiting for Godot,” decades after their “Bill & Ted” films. The two actors have taken different career paths but remained close friends. Winter plays Vladimir, while Reeves takes on Estragon. They aim to portray the characters in a grounded way, drawing inspiration from playwright Samuel Beckett’s real-life experiences. Winter also has a new film, “Adulthood,” releasing this fall. This marks Reeves’ Broadway debut, but Winter is a seasoned veteran, having performed on stage since his teens. They both share a love for literature and theater.

Zara Larsson hopes ‘Midnight Sun’ helps complete her pop superstar puzzle

September 26, 2025

Pop star Zara Larsson plans to continue to make the world dance with her new album, “Midnight Sun.” Out Friday, it serves as a love letter to her native Sweden where summer sunlight can extend until midnight. The “Lush Life” singer recently opened on Tate McRae’s tour and will headline her own dates starting next month in Europe before launching the North American leg in February. Larsson has never been shy about her desires to become the world’s biggest pop star, wrote on every song and introduced introspective tracks like “Ambition,” which highlights her professional insecurities and “Saturn’s Return,” which details her personal evolution.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee listens as President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Tennessee governor says more federal agents to join fight against crime in Memphis next week

September 26, 2025

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says an influx of additional federal law enforcement agents will focus on crime in Memphis starting next week. The Republican said at a news conference Friday in Memphis alongside city and state officials that some 13 agencies at the federal, state and local level will arrive in phases. They include the National Guard, though Lee did not say specifically when troops would arrive. He said the National Guard members will not make arrests and will not be armed, unless local law enforcement officials request it.

At the New York Film Festival, legacies loom large

September 26, 2025

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” isn’t part of the New York Film Festival’s lineup, but its agitated sense of inheritance and keeping a fighting spirit alive are all over this year’s cinematic convergence at Lincoln Center. Much of what so energetically animates “One Battle After Another” can be felt across a wide spectrum of the 106 features unspooling across the 18-day festival. Highlights at this year’s festival include Daniel Day-Lewis return from retirement, in “Anemone,” the Martin Scorsese documentary profile “Mr. Scorsese” and Ben Stiller’s family documentary “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.”

Mark Viso from Food For the Hungry, center, speaks as Angela Williams from United Way Worldwide, left, and Michael Nyenhuis from UNICEF USA, right, listen during the Concordia Annual Summit in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

After global aid cuts, nonprofits seek new energy and new partners on the UN sidelines

September 26, 2025

The many conferences on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly’s annual gathering of world leaders offer a unique forum for companies and philanthropies to help shape an uncertain future. In the face of significant foreign aid pullbacks from the U.S. and other wealthy countries, humanitarian actors described more pragmatic and focused discussions than in previous years. It’s also a forum to make big commitments. Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg announced a new partnership with the African Development Bank Group to bring more investment to the continent. The Gates Foundation also announced a deal with an Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer to help lower the cost of an HIV prevention injectable.

Ralphie VII, Colorado's new mascot, is guided by handlers during the animal's ceremonial run before the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

From Ralphie to Uga, live animal mascots inspire fans and create deep connections with their teams

September 26, 2025

Ralphie VII, the new live mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes, has made her debut, thrilling fans at Folsom Field. The year-old bison, weighing 700 pounds, ran across the field last weekend, marking the return of one of college football’s beloved live animal mascots. Ralphie VII had missed the first two home games as she got up to speed. Live mascots like Ralphie inspire fans and foster deep connections with their teams. Other famous live mascots include Georgia’s Uga, Texas’ Bevo, and LSU’s Mike the Tiger, each with their own unique traditions and fan followings.

A claw operator scoops up debris from homes demolished following Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

Helene interrupted this town’s outdoor tourism makeover. How businesses are doing a year later

September 26, 2025

The mountain “gateway” town of Old Fort, North Carolina, was well on its way to achieving a major goal: to become a hot spot for mountain biking and all things outdoors. Then nature, as one business owner put it, hit “the reset button.” A year ago, floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene inundated the town, washing out miles of multi-purpose trails and closing long stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a tourist lifeline. Chad Schoenauer has reopened his Old Fort Bike Shop, but he’s doing more repairs than sales these days. Tourism spending last year was way off in the mountains, but many are hoping for a successful fall foliage season to hit the reset button again.

FILE - A for sale sign stands outside a residence in Wheeling, Ill., Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Profit margin on flipping a home is at a 17-year low due to high prices

September 26, 2025

It pays less and less to buy and flip a home these days. The typical home flipping profit margin fell in the second quarter to its lowest level since 2008, with a typical return of 25.1% before expenses. That’s according to an analysis by Attom, a real estate data company. Rising home prices are driving up acquisition costs, making flipping less profitable. The median price for a flipped home reached a record high of $259,700, according to Attom. Meanwhile, with many aspiring homeowners priced out of the market, real estate investors are taking up a bigger share of U.S. home sales overall.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Thune says a shutdown can still be avoided if Democrats ‘dial back’ their demands

September 26, 2025

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is rejecting Democratic demands on health care as unserious but says a government shutdown is still “avoidable.” Thune tells The Associated Press in an interview he’s “a big believer that there’s always a way out.” Thune says Democrats are going to have to “dial back” their demands to immediately extend health insurance subsidies and reverse the health care policies Republicans passed over the summer. Absent that, the South Dakota Republican says, “we’re probably plunging forward toward the shutdown.” Democrats have shown little evidence of pulling back on their threats.

FILE - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro points at a map of the Americas during a new conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Sept 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jesus Vargas), File

Boat strikes, warships and Venezuela rhetoric raise questions about Trump’s goals

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump has sent American warships to the waters off Venezuela and has boasted about strikes on alleged drug boats. He claims Venezuela will face severe consequences if it doesn’t accept more deportees from the U.S. The naval buildup has sparked fears of invasion and speculation about Trump’s intentions toward Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. Experts say, however, that the flotilla isn’t large enough for a land offensive. Lawmakers and rights groups have raised questions about the legality of using military force against alleged drug traffickers. The Trump administration claims self-defense as justification, but further actions could face objections in Congress.

President Donald Trump speaks after signing an executive order regarding TikTok in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump escalates retribution campaign with charges against Comey and threats against liberal groups

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump’s unprecedented retribution campaign against his perceived political enemies reached new heights Thursday as his Justice Department brought criminal charges against a longtime foe and he expanded his efforts to classify certain liberal groups as “domestic terrorist organizations.” Former FBI Director James Comey, a longtime Trump target, was indicted by a grand jury for lying to Congress in a hastily brought case days after Trump publicly demanded action. Hours earlier, he signed a memorandum directing his administration to target backers of what he dubbed “left-wing terrorism” as he alleged without evidence a vast conspiracy by nonprofit groups and activists to finance violent protests.

A tent camp for displaced Palestinians stretches along the Muwasi, an area that Israel has designated as a safe zone, in Khan Younis southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Microsoft reduces Israel’s access to cloud and AI products over reports of mass surveillance in Gaza

September 25, 2025

Microsoft said it has disabled services to a unit within the Israeli military after a company review had determined its artificial intelligence and cloud computing products were being used to help carry out mass surveillance of Palestinians. The action came Thursday after The Associated Press and The Guardian published reports revealing how the Israeli Ministry of Defense had been using Microsoft’s Azure platform to aid in the war in Gaza and occupation of the West Bank.

The indictment of former FBI director James Comey is photographed Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

A look at the Trump-Comey relationship and the indictment against the former FBI director

September 25, 2025

The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey represents the first criminal case against a perceived adversary of President Donald Trump so far in this administration. It comes on the heels of his public demands for Justice Department prosecutions of people he dislikes. The criminal case, legally speaking, centers on false statements Comey is alleged to have made to Congress five years ago. But it also represents the latest chapter in a long-strained relationship whose bitter dynamics burst into public view when Trump fired Comey amid an intensifying FBI investigation into his first presidential campaign.

FILE - Smoke from the Dragon Bravo Fire moves over the Grand Canyon from the North Rim blocking the view for tourists at the Desert View overlook July 14, 2025, in Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Portions of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim are opening soon after a devastating wildfire

September 25, 2025

Grand Canyon National Park will soon reopen portions of the North Rim to public access in the aftermath of a wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and dozens of structures. The National Park Service announced Thursday that daytime access will begin Oct. 1 to locations including Point Imperial. That is the park’s highest overlook at the eastern end of the Grand Canyon. The Dragon Bravo Fire was sparked by lightning in early July and burned for about a week before exploding into a fast-moving conflagration that forced evacuations and consumed the Grand Canyon Lodge. The National Park Service has defended its handling of the fire.

FILE - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a ceremony at the Pentagon to commemorate the 24rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Sept. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Hegseth says Wounded Knee soldiers will keep their Medals of Honor

September 25, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that he has decided that the 20 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for the actions in 1890 at Wounded Knee will keep their awards. He announced it in a video posted to social media Thursday evening. Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, ordered the review of the awards in 2024 after a Congressional recommendation in the 2022 defense bill. This was itself a reflection of efforts by some lawmakers to rescind the awards for those who participated in the bloody massacre on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Wounded Knee Creek.

President Donald Trump walks out to greet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump to put import taxes on kitchen cabinets, furniture and heavy trucks starting next week

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will put import taxes of 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1. Trump said on his social media site that foreign manufacturers of furniture and cabinetry were flooding the United States with their products and that tariffs must be applied “for National Security and other reasons.” Trump said that foreign-made heavy trucks and parts are hurting domestic producers.

This photo taken Sept. 25, 2025, in Jackson, Miss. shows a blank screen on a phone while making a 911 call which resulted in a dial tone, during a 911 systems outage across Mississippi and Louisiana. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates)

Officials say 911 emergency lines are back up in Mississippi and Louisiana

September 25, 2025

911 systems across Mississippi and Louisiana are back online after going down Thursday afternoon, an AT&T spokesperson said. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said AT&T was reporting damage to some of its fiber optic lines and that was affecting 911 services across the state. Across Louisiana, 911 phone lines were also down. The state’s most populous cities, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans, reported emergency system outages Thursday afternoon.

FILE - A list of nine homicide victims all linked to a convicted felon is displayed by the Phoenix Police Department at a news conference Jan. 18, 2018 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Terry Tang, File)

What to know about Arizona serial killings that resulted in 8 murder convictions

September 25, 2025

An Arizona man has been convicted on eight murder charges for a string of fatal shootings in Phoenix after a trial that spanned several months. The jury in Phoenix found 43-year-old Cleophus Cooksey Jr. guilty in the killings that targeted random victims and the defendant’s mother and stepfather over a three-week span in 2017. He was also found guilty of other crimes including kidnapping, sexual assault and armed robbery. The sentencing portion of the trial begins Monday, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Cooksey has maintained his innocence.

FILE - An official walks toward an entrance to the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., March 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Jury deadlocks again in trial of officer charged with sexually abusing inmates at California prison

September 25, 2025

A federal jury has deadlocked for the second time in a trial of a former correctional officer charged with sexually abusing four inmates at a now-closed federal women’s prison in California. Prosecutors said Darrell Wayne Smith, who worked at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, assaulted the women in their cells and in the prison’s laundry room between 2019 and 2021. He faced 14 counts related to sexual abuse. Jurors, who had been deliberating since Sept. 18, could not reach a unanimous verdict and deadlocked on Wednesday. In March, Smith faced similar charges in a trial that also ended with a deadlock.

FILE - Guests ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe Theme Park at Universal Resort Orlando, April 10, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, file)

Woman sues Universal Orlando over injuries from same roller coaster in which man died after ride

September 25, 2025

A woman has sued Universal Orlando Resort, claiming she was injured on a roller coaster at its newest theme park. Sandi Streets filed the negligence lawsuit Wednesday in Orlando, a week after a man died from injuries on the same ride. Streets says she was invited to Universal’s Epic Universe theme park before it officially opened in May. She claims the dual-launch coaster caused her head to shake violently, resulting in permanent injuries. The lawsuit states she has suffered disability and medical expenses. Universal has not responded to request for comment.

Leonardo DiCaprio, from left, Chase Infiniti and Benicio Del Toro pose during a photo call for the film 'One Battle After Another' in Mexico City, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ brings revolution to the (very) big screen

September 25, 2025

Paul Thomas Anderson has spent about 20 years writing “One Battle After Another.” Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland,” the film explores themes like immigration, racism and systemic corruption. The story follows a revolutionary group called the French 75, who take justice into their own hands, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor deeply involved in the revolution. It’s Anderson’s most expensive project to date, shot entirely in VistaVision. The film aims to provoke thought about social issues and political division. It hits theaters on Friday.

FILE - Campers belongings sit outside one of Camp Mystic's cabins near the Guadalupe River, July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after a flash flood swept through the area. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman, File)

Parents of missing Camp Mystic flood victim call plan to reopen next year ‘unthinkable’

September 25, 2025

The parents of the only girl still missing from the July flood at Camp Mystic in Texas are demanding the camp halt its reopening plans. Camp Mystic officials said this week that they plan to reopen part of the camp and build a memorial to the 25 campers and two teenage counselors who were killed in the flood. The plan has drawn complaints from some parents who said they weren’t consulted. CiCi and Will Steward, whose 8-year-old daughter Cici’s body wasn’t recovered, said in a letter to the camp released Thursday that the reopening is “unthinkable.” Families urged the Legislature to pass bills to prevent similar tragedies. Several measures were signed into law in early September.

Thriller novelist Andrea Bartz is photographed in her home, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Judge approves $1.5 billion copyright settlement between AI company Anthropic and authors

September 25, 2025

A federal judge on Thursday approved a $1.5 billion settlement between artificial intelligence company Anthropic and authors who allege nearly half a million books had been illegally pirated to train chatbots. U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued the approval in San Francisco federal court Thursday after the two sides worked to address his concerns about the settlement, which will pay authors and publishers about $3,000 for each of the books covered by the agreement. It does not apply to future works.

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference Aug. 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Major charter school network expanding to Miami after lobbying for pro-charter state law

September 25, 2025

A charter school network backed by a billionaire hedge fund manager announced Thursday that it is expanding in Miami. That is after they successfully lobbied Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature to pass a new state law easing restrictions on the privately run schools and freeing up more state subsidies for the operators. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis made the announcement in Miami Thursday alongside Success Academy Charter Schools CEO Eva Moskowitz and Citadel investment firm founder Ken Griffin. The new state law they lobbied for clears the way for charter schools to move into underenrolled public schools. One public education advocate called it a “corporate takeover.”

FILE - This undated photo shows the Madison South Health Center that is owned and operated by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, in Madison. (AP Photo/Kevin Wang)

Wisconsin Planned Parenthood pauses abortions amid federal Medicaid funding cut

September 25, 2025

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin says it will stop scheduling patients for abortions starting next week as it works to provide the service in the face of Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill. Abortion funding across the U.S. has been under siege, particularly Planned Parenthood affiliates, which are the biggest provider. The organization warned earlier this year that about half its clinics that provide abortion could be closed as a result of a ban on Medicaid funding for the nonprofit for services other than abortion. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said Thursday it would pause scheduling abortions after the new law takes effect on Wednesday.

A plane had to be stopped by a safety zone at the end of the runway at a Virginia airport

September 25, 2025

Officials say no injuries were reported after a commercial regional jet overshot the designated touch down zone at a Virginia airport amid heavy rain, but was stopped in a safety area at the end of the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration says CommuteAir Flight 4339 “landed long” as it arrived at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport around 10 p.m. Wednesday. It was safely stopped by an engineered materials arresting system bed at the end of the runway. An official from CommuteAir says 50 passengers and three crew members were on board the flight from Washington Dulles International Airport. The FAA will investigate.

Q&A: Mariah Carey enters ‘the era of me’ with her first album in 7 years

September 25, 2025

Mariah Carey is releasing her 16th studio album, “Here for It All,” marking a new chapter in her career. This 11-track album out Friday showcases Carey’s evolution as an artist and blends soulful records, R&B, ballads and pop. Fans have eagerly awaited this release, which includes chart-topping singles like “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.” Collaborations with artists like Kehlani, Shenseea, The Clark Sisters and Anderson .Paak add to the album’s appeal. Carey describes this as “the era of me,” emphasizing her personal growth and connection with fans. Her spirituality and faith are woven into the music and reflect her journey with the title track and “Jesus I Do.”

FILE - A woman visits a makeshift memorial outside Sparetime Bowling Alley, the site of a mass shooting, Oct. 28, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Maine mass shooting survivors refile lawsuit after Pentagon watchdog report cites Army negligence

September 25, 2025

The survivors and family members of victims of the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history have refiled their lawsuit against the U.S. government following a new U.S. Department of Defense watchdog report that faults the U.S. Army for a high rate of failure to report violent threats by service members. Eighteen people were killed in Lewiston on October 2023 when Robert Card opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar and grill. Dozens of survivors and relatives sued the federal government earlier this month on grounds that the Army could have stopped Card, a reservist, from carrying out the shootings. The amended lawsuit was filed Tuesday.

‘Beast mode’ to ‘teraflop’: 10 words from the Merriam-Webster dictionary update

September 25, 2025

Merriam-Webster has announced a major update to its “Collegiate” dictionary, adding over 5,000 new words. The additions include “petrichor,” which describes the smell of rain on dry earth. There’s also “teraflop,” a unit of computing speed. Others are “beast mode,” referring to intense effort, and “love language,” about expressing affection. There’s also “rizz,” a slang for charisma, and “hard pass,” meaning a firm refusal. “Dad bod” describes a certain physique, and “side-eye” is a look of disapproval. “Farm-to-table” relates to locally sourced food, and “dumbphone” is a basic mobile phone.

FILE - Megan Mantia, left, and her boyfriend Thomas, return to Mantia's fire-damaged home after the Eaton Fire swept through, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)

LA County response to deadly fires slowed by lack of resources, outdated alert process, report says

September 25, 2025

An outside review of Los Angeles County’s response to January’s deadly wildfires found a lack of resources and an outdated emergency alert process led to delays in warning residents about the need to evacuate as flames began consuming neighborhoods. The Independent After-Action Report was commissioned by county supervisors after the Eaton and Palisades fires killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The report released Thursday says a series of weaknesses, including “outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communications vulnerabilities,” hampered the effectiveness of the county’s response. The county says it’s not intended to investigate or assess blame.

FILE - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George review troops during the POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon, Sept. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Hegseth abruptly summons top military commanders to a meeting in Virginia next week

September 25, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals and admirals to a base in northern Virginia for a sudden meeting next week. The directive doesn’t offer a reason for the gathering Tuesday of senior commanders of the one-star rank or higher and their top advisers. Confirmation comes from two people familiar with the matter who weren’t authorized to publicly discuss the sensitive plans and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Pentagon’s top spokesman confirms that Hegseth “will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week.”

FILE - Cleophus Cooksey Jr., accused of killing eight people over a three-week span in late 2017, listens during his trial in Maricopa County Superior Court, May 5, 2025, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic via AP, Pool, File )

Man accused of 8 fatal shootings in Phoenix area faces jury verdict following murder trial

September 25, 2025

A man tried for murder after he was accused of killing eight people in the metro Phoenix area in 2017 is set to hear a jury’s verdict against him. Cleophus Cooksey Jr.’s trial came more than seven years after the killings due to repeated delays caused by the pandemic. The 43-year-old is accused of murder and other charges stemming from the fatal shootings in Phoenix and nearby Glendale over a three-week span. If he is convicted in the verdict expected Thursday, prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. Cooksey has said the allegations against him are false. He pleaded not guilty.

FILE - Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., speaks during a news conference on the Voting Rights Advancement Act, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

Trump extends Georgia health insurance program with work requirements, despite red tape findings

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration has extended Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program for 15 months. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday that the program will continue through December 2026. It was set to expire next week. Pathways requires low-income adults to document 80 hours of work or other activities each month to qualify for health insurance. Pathways has enrolled far fewer people than originally projected, covering 9,175 people as of August. It has spent twice as much on administrative costs than on providing actual health care. Georgia’s program is closely watched because Republicans mandated similar work requirements throughout the country as part of the tax and budget overhaul signed into law by Trump.

This image provided by NASA/JPL-Caltech on Aug. 23, 2025, NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River, light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)

First radar images from new Earth-mapping satellite showcase Maine coast and North Dakota farmland

September 25, 2025

NASA has released the first radar images from a new Earth-mapping satellite showing the Maine coast and North Dakota farmland in incredible detail. The pictures are from a spacecraft that rocketed into orbit from India two months ago. The joint U.S.-Indian mission will survey virtually all of the world’s land and ice masses multiple times. By tracking even the slightest shifts in land and ice, the satellite will give forecasters and first responders a leg up in dealing with natural disasters. NASA says the pictures released Thursday are a preview of what’s to come once science operations begin in November.

U.S. Capitol Police officers with a K9 detector dog, patrols outside of Supreme Court, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Bipartisan group of top officials urges Court to reject Trump’s effort to fire Fed governor

September 25, 2025

A bipartisan group of former Federal Reserve chairs, Treasury secretaries, and top White House economists urged the Supreme Court Thursday to reject an attempt by President Donald Trump to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. In a filing with the court, the former officials argued that allowing the removal to proceed would undermine the Fed’s longtime independence from day-to-day politics and lead to higher inflation and a weaker economy. The filing from such an influential group underscores the unpredecented nature of Trump’s effort to remove Cook and the potentially far-reaching consequences for the economy if he were to succeed.

FILE - Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook, speaks during a conversations with leaders from organizations that include nonprofits, small businesses, manufacturing, supply chain management, the hospitality industry, and the housing and education sectors at the Federal Reserve building, Sept. 23, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Greenspan, Bernanke and Yellen urge Supreme Court to let Lisa Cook keep her job as a Fed governor

September 25, 2025

Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernanke, Janet Yellen and other former top economic officials appointed by presidents of both parties are urging the Supreme Court to preserve the Federal Reserve’s political independence and allow Lisa Cook to remain as a central bank governor for now. The filing Thursday comes as the justices are weighing an emergency appeal from the administration to remove Cook while her lawsuit challenging her firing by President Donald Trump proceeds through the courts. The Fed board was designed to be largely independent from day-to-day politics. No president has fired a sitting Fed governor in the agency’s 112-year history.

Mortgage rates are displayed at a credit union in Wheeling, Ill., Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage edges higher after declining four weeks in a row

September 25, 2025

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage ticked up this week, ending a four-week decline. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate rose to 6.3% from 6.26% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.08%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also edged higher, rising to 5.49% from 5.41% last week. Mortgage rates are influenced by factors like the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies and bond market investors’ expectations. The recent downward trend bodes well for prospective homebuyers who have been held back by stubbornly high home financing costs.

The Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, with just days to go before federal money runs out with the end of the fiscal year on Tuesday, Sept. 30. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

What we know about how a government shutdown would unfold

September 25, 2025

The threat of a government shutdown has become a recurring event in Washington. Another one of those moments has arrived as the beginning of the fiscal year approaches Wednesday. This time, however, prospects for a last-minute compromise look rather bleak. A lot of government would continue during a shutdown. FBI investigators, CIA officers, air traffic controllers and agents manning airport checkpoints continue to work. So do members of the Armed Forces. But they won’t get paid until the lapse in federal funding ends. In a provocative move, the White House is also threatening the mass firing of federal workers if a shutdown begins Oct. 1.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin, not pictured, at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump will hold talks with Pakistan’s prime minister in the latest sign of warming relations

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump is set to hold talks with Pakistan’s prime minister at the White House. The meeting with Shehbaz Sharif later Thursday is the latest sign of warming relations. Earlier this week, Sharif joined Trump and other leaders of Muslim and Arab countries at the U.N. General Assembly to discuss the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Ties have improved between the U.S. and Pakistan as Trump’s relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become strained over India’s increased purchases of discounted Russian oil after Moscow invaded Ukraine. The U.S. and Pakistan recently reached a trade agreement to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves and lower tariffs.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs returns to court a week before he faces sentencing

September 25, 2025

Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned to court a week before the Grammy-winning hip-hop producer faces sentencing for his July conviction on two prostitution-related charges. He waved to supporters and touched his heart before sitting down in Manhattan federal court on Thursday. Judge Arun Subramanian listened to arguments from lawyers on points of law that might help him decide how long the Bad Boy Records founder must spend behind bars. The 55-year-old Combs will have been jailed for nearly 13 months when he is sentenced on Oct. 3. His lawyers, noting that he was acquitted of the most series charges he faced, say he should go free now. Prosecutors say he should spend years more locked up.

Scientists find marine life thriving on World War II explosives in the Baltic Sea

September 25, 2025

An undersea submersible has spotted crabs, worms and fish thriving on the surfaces of World War II explosives thought to be toxic to marine life. Scientists found more creatures living on top of warheads than in the surrounding seabed at a former weapons dump site in the Baltic Sea. Researchers filmed networks of anemones, starfish and other underwater life in the Bay of Lübeck off the coast of Germany. The study was published Thursday in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. It’s the latest example of wildlife flourishing in polluted sites. Scientists hope to calculate how much contamination was absorbed by sea life.

FILE - Sen. Claiborne Pell, D-R.I., is shown at Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 15, 1991. (AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander, file)

What to know about the opposition around renaming new Pell grants after Trump

September 25, 2025

A proposal to name a new provision in the federal Pell Grant program after President Donald Trump has sparked controversy. The name change is part of a House appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year. Rhode Island’s congressional delegation says renaming the new grant would erase the legacy of U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who was instrumental in creating the program in 1973. Pell Grants provide financial aid to students with significant financial need. A new grant called the Workforce Pell Grant was introduced under a tax and spending cuts package Trump signed into law earlier this year.

Laila Lockhart Kraner carries ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ positivity to DreamWorks’ live-action hybrid film

September 25, 2025

Laila Lockhart Kraner, known for her role in “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” has seen the show’s messages of positivity and resilience shape her life. Six years after first playing Gabby, these lessons have become core principles for her. The series is loved by kids worldwide and is expanding with “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” opening Friday. The film emphasizes creativity and problem-solving for all ages. It features Gloria Estefan and Kristen Wiig, and the story follows Gabby’s adventure to rescue her dollhouse. The franchise has grown into a global sensation, with toys, music and live events, highlighting the power of imagination.

FILE - People walk past a "vote" sign on the first day of early voting in the general election in Miami, on Oct. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Campaign delays push to expand Medicaid in Florida until 2028, citing new state law

September 25, 2025

A campaign to expand Medicaid in Florida is delaying its push to get the issue on the ballot until 2028. In a statement Thursday, the group Florida Decides Healthcare cited a new state law restricting the process to get constitutional amendments before voters. The group had been working to get the measure on the 2026 ballot, while challenging the law in a federal court. That case is set to go to trial next January. Representatives for Gov. Ron DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

FILE - The likeness of George Washington is seen on a U.S. one dollar bill, March 13, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

US economy expanded at a surprising 3.8% pace in significant upgrade of second quarter growth

September 25, 2025

The U.S. economy expanded at a surprising 3.8% from April through June in a dramatic upgrade of the government’s previous estimate of second-quarter growth. The Commerce Department said Thursday that U.S. gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — rebounded in the spring from a 0.6% first-quarter drop caused by fallout from President Donald Trump’s trade wars. The department had previously estimated second-quarter growth at 3.3%. The first-quarter GDP drop, the first retreat of the U.S. economy in three years, was mainly caused by a surge in imports as businesses hurried to bring in foreign goods before Trump could impose sweeping taxes on them.

Fashion meets Freud. A new exhibit explores clothes through a psychoanalytic lens

September 25, 2025

A new exhibit at The Museum at FIT in New York City explores fashion through the lens of psychoanalysis. Curated by Valerie Steele, it features nearly 100 designer pieces to examine connections between fashion and such things as the unconscious mind and desire. Steele notes that Freud himself took care with what he wore. The exhibit discusses how Freud has played out in fashion in a variety of ways. There’s Marc Jacobs’ “Freudian slip” dress and John Galliano’s “Freud or Fetish” collection. Among the highlights is Elsa Schiaparelli’s “Hall of Mirrors” jacket. The exhibit runs from September 10 to January 4 of next year, with a companion book by Steele due in November.

Russian warplanes detected flying near Alaska for ninth time this year, US military says

September 25, 2025

The U.S. military says fighter jets have intercepted Russian warplanes near Alaska again. The North American Aerospace Defense Command reported the incident Thursday. The incident occurred Wednesday, marking the third time it has happened in about a month and the ninth time this year. NORAD says it detected two Tu-95s and two Su-35s in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. Nine U.S. aircraft, including an E-3 Sentry and four F-16s, were scrambled to intercept them. NORAD says the Russian planes stayed in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory. NORAD says such activity is regular and is not considered a threat.

"Now Hiring" sign is displayed at a retail store in Schaumburg, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Fewer Americans file for jobless benefits last week despite signs of a slowing labor market

September 25, 2025

U.S. jobless claim applications fell to their lowest level in two months last week as layoffs remain low despite mounting evidence of a softening labor market. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the week ending Sept. 20 fell by 14,000 to 218,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet had forecast 235,000 new applications. The four-week average of claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, declined by 2,750 to 237,500. The total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits for the previous week of Sept. 13 inched down by 2,000 to 1.93 million.

Palestinians survey the aftermath of an Israeli military strike on the Abu Dahrouj family home in Zawaida, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

AP, Reuters demand answers from Israeli government on airstrike that killed journalists last month

September 25, 2025

Two major news agencies are demanding that Israel clarify what happened during strikes last month that killed five journalists as part of the Israeli war against Hamas in Gaza. Reuters and The Associated Press — through their top editors, Alessandra Galloni and Julie Pace — called on the Israeli government to “explain the deaths of these journalists and to take every step to protect those who continue to cover this conflict.” Killed in the strikes were five journalists, including visual journalist Mariam Dagga, who worked for AP and other news organizations; Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri; and Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist whose work had been published by Reuters.

Phillip Swagel, director of the Congressional Budget Office, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

He’s the budget scorekeeper for Congress. Lately, it’s been a tough job

September 25, 2025

The Congressional Budget Office has faced criticism over its analysis of Republicans’ big tax breaks and spending cuts bill. Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise have denounced the CBO, while President Donald Trump has called the office “very hostile.” CBO Director Phillip Swagel emphasizes in an interview with The Associated Press the agency plays a nonpartisan role in assessing legislation. The CBO recently reported Trump’s tariffs could reduce the national deficit by $4 trillion but may cause temporary inflation. Swagel stresses the importance of unbiased analysis to inform Congress and the public. Swagel says the CBO’s priority is to make sure its work is accurate.

FILE - Pedestrians walk past the boarded up and closed Cinerama Dome movie theater, April 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Streaming is overtaking theaters for movie watchers, an AP-NORC poll finds

September 25, 2025

A new poll finds Americans are more likely to watch recently released movies from the comfort of their own homes instead of heading out to a theater. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows about three-quarters of U.S. adults say they watched a new movie on streaming instead of in the theater at least once in the past year, while about two-thirds say they’ve watched a movie in a theater. The results suggest American moviegoers are more likely to stream a film than see it in the theaters, a shifting tide that was accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath. Convenience and cost are both factors.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a news conference regarding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Trump-targeted GOP congressman Massie tours his Kentucky district with support from Sen. Rand Paul

September 24, 2025

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has enlisted help from a key ally, Sen. Rand Paul, as he tries to fend off President Donald Trump’s threats to oust him from Congress. Massie is running headlong into his toughest political fight. A super PAC launched by Trump aides has attacked him and he awaits a yet-to-be-known challenger whom Trump has said he would endorse. Massie on Thursday wraps up a two-day swing through his district alongside Paul, who has endorsed the congressman and shares Massie’s libertarian leanings. Massie says Paul’s endorsement of him offers “a counterbalance to Donald Trump’s presumed endorsement for somebody else.”

Louisiana’s $3B power upgrade for Meta project raises questions about who should foot the bill

September 24, 2025

Meta is racing to construct its largest data center yet, a $10 billion facility in northeast Louisiana as big as 70 football fields and requiring more than twice the electricity of New Orleans. Last month, the Louisiana Public Service Commission greenlit more than $3 billion in energy infrastructure to service Meta’s facility. Local residents, consumer advocacy groups and some regulators say the data center plans lacks transparency and key details are being withheld from the public, which could be on the hook for billions of dollars in electrical grid costs. Others say the rushed build-out is necessary for a facility that promises transformative economic impacts, though locals have mixed feelings.

Police officers ride during a procession Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Spring Grove, Pa., after multiple police officers were shot and killed. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Police gather for funeral of 3 Pennsylvania detectives ambushed by gunman

September 24, 2025

Hundreds of police officers are expected to attend a closed funeral for three Pennsylvania detectives shot and killed last week by a man who had been inside the home of a woman he was accused of stalking. The service Thursday at a church in Red Lion will follow a procession to bring the bodies of the three Northern York County Regional Police detectives from a funeral home. The detectives last week had gone to the home of the reported stalking victim. They were immediately fired upon when they opened the woman’s front door. Two other officers were also hurt. The stalking suspect died in the exchange of gunfire with police.

FILE - President Donald Trump shakes hands with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 13, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)

Trump is hosting Turkey’s Erdogan at the White House as the US considers lifting ban on F-35 sales

September 24, 2025

President Donald Trump plans to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday. Trump has hinted that the U.S. might soon lift its hold on advanced fighter jet sales to Turkey. During Trump’s first term, the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program because of concerns over Turkey’s use of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. Trump recently suggested a resolution might be near, mentioning ongoing trade and military deals with Turkey. Despite tensions over Turkey’s human rights record and ties with Russia, Trump sees Erdogan as a crucial partner, especially in efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Webster's New International Dictionary 2nd unabridged edition from 1948 is displayed for sale at Powell's Books on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Hard pass. Cold brew. Dad bod. Merriam-Webster adds over 5,000 words to ‘Collegiate’ dictionary

September 24, 2025

Merriam-Webster has fully revised its popular “Collegiate” dictionary with over 5,000 new words. They include “petrichor,” “dumbphone” and “ghost kitchen.” Also “cold brew,” “rizz,” “dad bod,” “hard pass,” “cancel culture” and more. The 12th edition is the first update in 22 years. It will be released Nov. 18. The company removed outdated geographical and biographical sections to make room for new content. Merriam-Webster’s president, Greg Barlow, says the goal is to make the dictionary more useful and engaging. Despite declining dictionary revenue among sellers overall, Merriam-Webster remains committed to its print editions. It sells about 1.5 million dictionaries a year but makes most of its money through digital content. The company’s website logs a billion visits annually.

Sandra Pita (on screen) speaks at a Memphis City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

Latinos in Memphis worry about possible immigration crackdown by Trump’s crime task force

September 24, 2025

President Donald Trump has created a task force to fight crime in Memphis. His order includes the deployment of the National Guard and various federal agencies that will descend upon the Tennessee city to, among other goals, enforce federal immigration law. One of the departments included in the Memphis Safe Task Force is Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That has some Latinos in Memphis worried that the surge will be used to target them at homes, schools and where they work as part of Trump’s plan for mass detentions and deportations of immigrants around the country.

This undated booking photo provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shows Texas death row inmate Blaine Milam. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP)

Texas man facing execution for fatally beating 13-month-old girl during ‘exorcism’

September 24, 2025

A Texas man is facing execution for killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter in what the couple had said was part of an “exorcism” to expel a demon from the child’s body. Blaine Milam was set to receive a lethal injection Thursday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. He was condemned for the December 2008 hammer beating of Amora Carson at his East Texas trailer. Prosecutors said Milam savagely beat, bit and strangled the girl over 30 hours. Milam has claimed innocence, blaming the killing on the girl’s mother. Milam’s attorneys have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop his execution, arguing his conviction was based in part on now discredited bite mark evidence.

Capitol Police officers adjust security barriers around the East Plaza at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. With just days to go before federal money runs out with the end of the fiscal year on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Congress has failed to pass legislation to keep the government running after becoming deadlocked during votes late last week. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

White House budget office tells agencies to draft mass firing plans ahead of potential shutdown

September 24, 2025

The White House is telling agencies to prepare large-scale firings of federal workers if the government shuts down next week. In a memo released Wednesday night, the Office of Management and Budget said agencies should consider a reduction in force for federal programs whose funding would lapse next week, is not otherwise funded and is “not consistent with the President’s priorities.” That would be a much more aggressive step than in previous shutdowns. A reduction in force would not only lay off employees but eliminate the position. Now there’s no pressure on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who have kept nearly all of their ranks united against a clean funding bill pushed by Republicans.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Bill Clinton sees this year’s Clinton Global Initiative as a ‘counterweight’ to aid cuts

September 24, 2025

Former President Bill Clinton opened the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting by raising his concerns about rising political violence and other issues. He highlighted worries about cuts to education, trade wars, and threats to free speech and sees the conference as “a counterweight” to those issues. One major announcement from the conference was a new partnership to provide an HIV prevention drug in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027. Clinton says this move responds to foreign aid cuts from the Trump administration. He emphasizes the initiative’s focus on creating solutions and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

FILE - Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel speak during a news conference at the Department of Justice, May 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Justice Department to try to charge ex-FBI Director James Comey, AP sources say

September 24, 2025

The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment as soon as Thursday against former FBI Director James Comey on allegations that he lied to Congress as prosecutors approach a legal deadline for bringing charges. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter. Officials are hoping to file the case in the Eastern District of Virginia days after President Donald Trump appealed to his attorney general to charge Comey and other perceived political adversaries and following Trump’s replacement last week of the office’s top prosecutor with a White House aide who had served as one of his one personal lawyers.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Pentagon adds exemptions to requirement for all troops to get the flu shot

September 24, 2025

The Pentagon has stepped back from the policy that requires all troops get the flu shot every year by introducing exemptions for reservists and proclaiming that the shot is only necessary in some circumstances for all service members. That’s according to a memo written by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg on May 29 and obtained by The Associated Press. The memo says the Pentagon decided reserve troops now will need to be on active duty for 30 days or more before being required to get an annual flu shot. It also says the military will no longer be paying for reservists or National Guard members to get the vaccine on their own time.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris exits the stage after the first stop of her book tour for her new book about her presidential campaign, "107 Days," at Town Hall in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Harris faces protesters, condemns Israel’s war in Gaza on first night of book tour

September 24, 2025

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was forced to confront Israel’s war in Gaza on the first night of her book tour. Four separate times, pro-Palestinian protesters interrupted her book discussion in a packed New York City performance center on Wednesday night. Responded to the protesters, she said, “What’s happening to the Palestinian people is outrageous and it beaks my heart.” She also condemned President Donald Trump for giving the Israeli government “a blank check.” The comments came in the midst of a discussion about her new book, “107 Days,” which details the hyperspeed campaign she launched against Trump after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. Few issues have divided the nation — and the Democratic Party — more than the war in Israel.

FILE - A fire burns in a home destroyed by the Marshall Wildfire in Louisville, Colo., Dec. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

Xcel Energy will pay $640M to settle claims from Denver-area wildfire that burned 1,000 structures

September 24, 2025

Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy said Wednesday it expects to pay about $640 million to settle lawsuits alleging it was responsible for starting Colorado’s most destructive wildfire that killed two people and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes in 2021. The announcement came right before jury selection was set to begin in a trial combining lawsuits brought by homeowners and insurers over the fire in the heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder. Court documents confirmed a settlement has been reached and the trial canceled. Xcel has maintained that its equipment did not cause or contribute to the fire. It said it does not admit any fault under the settlement.

‘Very mean squirrel’ seeking food has sent at least 2 people to the ER in a California city

September 24, 2025

Residents of a San Francisco Bay Area city are on the lookout for an aggressive squirrel that has sent at least two people to the emergency room. Joan Heblack told ABC affiliate KGO-TV that she was walking in a San Rafael neighborhood when a squirrel attacked her leg. Isabel Campoy says she too had been walking in the Lucas Valley neighborhood of San Rafael when the squirrel attacked, leaving her arm bloody. Flyers are now posted warning residents of the “very mean squirrel.” Experts say the squirrel was likely accustomed to people feeding and caring for it. Squirrels are not vectors for rabies.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Federal judge refuses to reinstate eight former inspectors general fired by Trump administration

September 24, 2025

A federal judge has refused to reinstate eight former inspectors general who sued after the Trump administration fired them with no warning and little explanation. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes on Wednesday said that while President Donald Trump likely violated the federal law governing the process for removing the non-partisan watchdogs from office, but the firings didn’t cause enough irreparable harm to justify reinstating the watchdogs before the lawsuit is resolved. The eight plaintiffs were among 17 inspectors general who were fired by Trump on Jan. 24. Each received identical two-sentence emails from the White House that attributed their removal to unspecified “changing priorities.” The mass firings targeted all but two of the cabinet agencies’ inspectors general.

FILE - Pope Leo XIV delivers a blessing during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 24 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

Pope names successor to embattled New Orleans archbishop after sex abuse settlement

September 24, 2025

Pope Leo XIV has named a successor to the embattled archbishop of New Orleans two weeks after the archdiocese agreed to a $230 million settlement for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Bishop James Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey was named coadjutor bishop of New Orleans. The position puts Checchio in line to succeed Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond when he retires. Aymond reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last November, suggesting that the Vatican kept him in place to finalize the abuse settlement and allow for an organized handover to his successor. The New Orleans archdiocese agreed Sept. 8 to a $230 million proposed settlement to end one of the U.S. church’s longest and most contentious legal battles over abuse claims.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcome third child, Rocki

September 24, 2025

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have welcome their third child and first daughter. Rihanna announced the birth of Rocki Irish Mayers in an Instagram post Wednesday. The couple first announced their pregnancy during the Met Gala in May. The couple has a track record for starry pregnancy announcements, with Rihanna emerging on the 2023 Super Bowl stage with a baby bump on full display. Their son Riot Rose was born later that year. The couple welcomed their first child, RZA, in 2022. The birth comes just months after A$AP Rocky was acquitted on firearms charges in Los Angeles in February.

Buddy Anthony surveys the remnants of his home on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Tylertown, Miss. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates)

Judge rules feds can’t require states to cooperate on immigration to get disaster money

September 24, 2025

A federal judge has ruled that it’s unconstitutional to require states to cooperate on immigration enforcement actions to get funding for disasters. A coalition of 20 state Democratic attorneys general in May filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the Trump administration is threatening to withhold billions of dollars of disaster-relief funds unless states agree to certain immigration enforcement actions. In a ruling Wednesday, U.S. District Judge William Smith found that the “contested conditions are arbitrary and capricious” and that the actions are unconstitutional because they are “coercive, ambiguous, unrelated to the purpose of the federal grants.”

Iris Weaver reaches for a plant while teaching a class on foraging, May 8, 2025, in Wenham, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Foraging revival: How wild food enthusiasts are reconnecting with nature

September 24, 2025

Humans first began foraging for food some 12,000 years ago, long before they developed agricultural tools that overshadowed the ancient act that helped sustain early humans. Yet some chefs and foraging enthusiasts say the search for wild mushrooms, edible plants, shellfish and seaweed has grown more popular in recent years. Chefs like Evan Mallett of Black Trumpet Bistro in New Hampshire are also sparking interest by using foraged ingredients in creative dishes. The renewed interest in searching for wild mushrooms and edible plants ranges from those wanting to be budget-conscious to those wanting to be more mindful of their environmental footprint.

A sign reading "The Presidential Walk of Fame" and pieces of brown paper are taped along the wall of the White House colonnade next to the Rose Garden, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump snubs Biden with autopen photo on new Presidential Walk of Fame

September 24, 2025

President Donald Trump has added a Presidential Walk of Fame to the White House, featuring portraits of previous commanders-in-chief — except for one. Instead of Joe Biden’s portrait, Trump hung a photo of an autopen signing the Democrat president’s name. This move reflects Trump’s ongoing attempts to delegitimize Biden, whom he has frequently criticized. Trump has never acknowledged his defeat to Biden in the 2020 election, falsely attributing it to voter fraud. The Walk of Fame is part of several design changes Trump has made since resuming office, including adding gold flourishes and new flagpoles.

Iris Weaver holds garlic mustard picked in a field during a class on foraging, May 8, 2025, in Wenham, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

What to know before you try foraging for edible plants and mushrooms in backyards or public spaces

September 24, 2025

Amid some renewed interest in foraging for edible wild plants, mushrooms and other foodstuffs, experts caution aspiring foragers to prioritize safety, plan carefully and learn proper identification. A critical consideration when gathering food from forests, urban landscapes and elsewhere is to avoid accidental poisoning. That means if you have any doubt about a plant’s safety, don’t touch or taste it. Foraging instructor Iris Phoebe Weaver says it can also be dangerous to rely solely on a comparison to online photos, which can be misidentified. Experienced foragers and field guides also recommend learning about plants’ toxic look-alikes, avoiding polluted areas, and respecting local rules and private property.

Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appears in Manhattan state court in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (Curtis Means/Pool Photo via AP)

Judge scolds Justice Department over public statements in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case

September 24, 2025

A New York judge warns Justice Department officials they could face sanctions for public comments about Luigi Mangione’s prosecution. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Margaret M. Garnett on Wednesday said at least two senior Justice Department officials likely broke court rules governing the conduct of lawyers by reposting comments President Donald Trump made about Mangione. Defense lawyers say these comments have prejudiced the case. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and stalking. The judge asks the department to explain the violations and warns of possible sanctions. A Justice Department spokesperson declined comment.

Jessica Chastain opposes Apple TV+ decision to delay ‘The Savant’ after Charlie Kirk’s death

September 24, 2025

“The Savant” star Jessica Chastain says she disagrees with the decision to postpone the release of the Apple TV+ political thriller series. Chastain, who is also the show’s executive producer, expressed disagreement with the decision on Instagram. She argued the show — about tracking down online hate groups to stop domestic extremists — is relevant and she has never avoided difficult subjects. The series, which features Chastain as a military veteran working undercover to prevent violence, was set to premiere Friday. Apple TV+ postponed it Tuesday after Charlie Kirk’s death. Chastain emphasized the show’s focus on heroes preventing violence and hopes it will reach audiences soon.

FILE - Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., protests against DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, as he and other House Democrats speak out against the Republican budget plan, on the House steps at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Trump’s workforce purge batters DC’s job market and leads to rise in homes for sale, report finds

September 24, 2025

A new report finds the Department of Government Efficiency’s remaking of the federal workforce has battered the Washington job market and put more households in the metropolitan area in financial distress. Wednesday’s report says the number of homes for sale in the District of Columbia-Maryland-Virginia region has jumped by 64% since June 2024. The region’s unemployment rate has increased more than three times compared with the rest of the nation. The report notes Washington has had the nation’s highest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for four straight months. The report warns these changes could shape consumer spending and investment in the local economy. The White House hasn’t responded to a request for comment.

President Donald Trump walks off after speaking to the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Judge rejects ex-FBI agent’s claim he was illegally fired for disparaging Trump in texts

September 24, 2025

A federal judge has thrown out a former FBI agent’s claims that he was wrongfully fired after sending disparaging text messages to a colleague about President Donald Trump. Peter Strzok, a former top counterintelligence agent who played a crucial role in the investigation into Russian election interference in 2016, alleged in a lawsuit that the FBI caved to pressure from Trump when it fired him. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson on Tuesday rejected Strzok’s claim that his August 2018 firing violated his First Amendment free speech rights. She said the FBI’s interest in avoiding the appearance of bias outweighed Strzok’s interest in expressing his political opinions.

Lincoln Center Theater charts path forward with new artistic director and a nod to the past

September 24, 2025

Lear deBessonet, the new artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater, has chosen “Ragtime” as her first show. The musical, which she previously directed off-Broadway, explores early 20th-century America through diverse characters. Opening night is Oct. 16. DeBessonet believes the musical’s multiple stories allow for personal connections. Tony Award-nominee Joshua Henry leads the cast. This revival is part of a broader season including “Kyoto” and “The Whoopi Monologues.” DeBessonet aims to create work that connects people and reflects diverse viewpoints, calling Lincoln Center a “magical temple” for theater.

FILE - A YouTube sign is shown near the company's headquarters in San Bruno, Calif., Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, file)

YouTube to start bringing back creators banned for COVID-19 and election misinformation

September 24, 2025

YouTube will offer creators a way to rejoin the streaming platform if they were banned for violating COVID-19 and election misinformation policies that are no longer in effect. YouTube parent Alphabet said in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that the decision reflects the company’s commitment to free speech. The move is the latest in a cascade of content moderation rollbacks from tech companies, who cracked down on false information during the pandemic and after the 2020 election but have since faced pressure from President Donald Trump and other conservatives who argue they unlawfully stifled right-wing voices. It comes as tech CEOs, including Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, have sought a closer relationship with the Republican president.

A centuries-old map is displayed at a ceremony marking its return to Mexico's national archives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)

A centuries-old map is returned to Mexico after it was recovered in Santa Fe

September 24, 2025

The FBI has handed over a centuries-old map to Mexican officials after it was discovered by a librarian in New Mexico. The “Villa de Santa Fe” map had been part of Mexico’s archives until it was discovered missing in 2011. The map shows the Spanish province of Nuevo Mexico, including locations of rivers, Spanish settlements and Native American pueblos. Historians joined federal investigators and Mexican officials for a ceremony on Tuesday at the consulate in Albuquerque. They talked about the significance of the map, saying it provided key documentation of the Camino Real, a 1,600-mile route that once served as a lifeline between Mexico City and Santa Fe.

FILE - Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., speaks during a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Senate Judiciary, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

Lawmakers and activists call for action after AP reveals US tech role in China’s surveillance state

September 24, 2025

Lawmakers and activists are urging U.S. tech firms to stop selling surveillance equipment to Chinese police. This follows an Associated Press report revealing the significant role American technology plays in enabling human rights abuses in China. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley wants tech companies to testify before Congress about their exports. An AP investigation found that companies like IBM, Dell, and Cisco sold billions in technology to Chinese authorities, despite warnings. Lawmakers from both parties are calling for stricter export laws. Civil society groups are also demanding that tech firms cut ties with China’s surveillance state.

Oscar Villanueva holds a sign outside El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where the late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is staged, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Kimmel returns to late night with an emotional monologue but no apologies following suspension

September 24, 2025

ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show following a nearly one-week suspension with an emotional monologue but without apologies. He said that he was never trying to make light of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, and paid tribute to his widow Erika for publicly forgiving her husband’s assassin. But he thanked people who stood up for him and for free speech, even people like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz who don’t like his comedy but defended his right to speak. Millions of people watched the climax of an episode that put him at odds with President Donald Trump’s supporters and tested the bounds of free speech.

FILE - A man runs on a small road in the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany, before sunrise on Sept. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)

From rock bottom to wellness: How 3 people kick-started their health journeys

September 24, 2025

Wellness advice seems to be everywhere these days. But starting a journey to better health can feel overwhelming. Experts say to start by defining your wellness goals and starting small. Try manageable steps like increasing your water intake or gradually quitting smoking. Some people who have turned their health around turned to holistic medicine for healing. Others just needed to find the right environment, like a welcoming fitness space. Motivational coach Andrea Leigh Rogers warns against wellness trends. She emphasizes consistency and small, effective changes. Try leaning on loved ones for support, or seeking out fitness partners to hold each other accountable.

FILE - President Donald Trump holds charts as he speaks about the economy in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, file)

The economy was a strength for Trump in his first term. Not anymore, according to recent polling

September 24, 2025

New polling shows President Donald Trump’s second-term strengths look different from his first. Once strengthened by economic issues, Trump’s approval is tepid on that front — and his best issues now are crime, border security and immigration. Trump’s overall approval has been fairly steady in Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling since the beginning of his second term. This month, about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling his job as president, back in line with his average approval rating after a slight uptick in August. There was a similar pattern during the Republican’s first White House term, when his approval in AP-NORC polling stayed within a narrow range.

In Jimmy Kimmel’s words: What the late-night host said upon his return from suspension

September 24, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel has returned to his late-night show after a suspension following remarks about Charlie Kirk’s killing. On Tuesday night, Kimmel mixed humor and emotion to address the situation. He expressed gratitude for the support he received, including from unexpected people like Ted Cruz. Kimmel clarified his intentions regarding his comments on Kirk, saying he never intended to make jokes about Kirk’s death. He also criticized the FCC’s actions and noted that the controversy boosted his ratings. Kimmel thanked ABC for allowing him to return, despite initial disagreements. He concluded by highlighting Erika Kirk’s act of forgiveness, urging others to follow her example.

This photo provided by the County of Maui shows a wild fire in Maui, Hawaii, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (The County of Maui via AP)

Maui officials lift evacuations, close shelters after wildfire threat to north shore town recedes

September 23, 2025

Officials on the Hawaiian island of Maui have lifted evacuation orders for residents living near a wildfire that broke out late Tuesday. Before the situation improved, police went door-to-door evacuating residents and emergency sirens sounded. Emergency shelters are also closing as residents return home. The fire was first reported Tuesday afternoon and grew to about 300 acres. Paia, a former sugar plantation town popular with windsurfers, is on Maui’s north shore. It is on the opposite side of the island from Lahaina, which was destroyed by a deadly wildfire in 2023.

FILE - Mystery novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler appears in 1946. (AP Photo, File)

A piano, a pregnant woman and a prison: Raymond Chandler’s ‘Nightmare’ is revealed

September 23, 2025

Raymond Chandler’s “Nightmare,” a rarely seen sketch, has been published this week in The Strand Magazine. The piece imagines Chandler in prison for a murder he can’t remember committing. His cellmates include strangers, a pregnant woman, and a piano that must be played lying down after nine o’clock. The story becomes even darker as Chandler learns of his likely execution. “Nightmare” was found among the papers of Chandler’s assistant, Jean Vounder-Davis, and was purchased at auction by Strand Managing Editor Andrew F. Gulli. Chandler scholar Tom Williams finds the piece intriguing, especially its reference to rejection.

FILE - A student walks across the University of Southern Mississippi School of Business in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

Former student sues University of Southern Mississippi and Omega Psi Phi over alleged hazing

September 23, 2025

A former Omega Psi Phi pledge who alleges he was so severely beaten during the Nu Eta chapter’s “Hell Night” that he had to relearn how to walk is now suing the fraternity, the University of Southern Mississippi and multiple other people and organizations. According to the federal lawsuit, Rafeal Joseph and other pledges were struck repeatedly with a wooden paddle made from a two-by-four plank on April 16, 2023. Afterward, Joseph went to the hospital where he underwent a blood transfusion and emergency surgery while being treated for bruised ribs, a hematoma, posterior compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle injury.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Washington, during an event with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump’s misleading comments on autism validate the ‘MAHA’ movement and reveal its political potency

September 23, 2025

President Donald Trump’s unproven statements about Tylenol, childhood vaccines and autism are validating the so-called Make America Healthy Again movement and revealing its potential political power. Members of the diverse coalition of anti-vaccine activists and others who distrust the American health care system said Trump’s Monday announcement was a watershed moment that signaled their voices were finally being heard. Yet, Trump’s platforming of inaccurate health claims on the White House stage also has alarmed medical professionals. Some of those are prominent Republicans who urged people to listen to their doctors and noted research contradicts the president’s guidance.

Rep. Tricia Cotham, R-Mecklenburg, center, holds a "Justice for Iryna" notebook before she introduces a bill in response to the murder of Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska during a North Carolina legislative session, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

North Carolina legislature passes ‘Iryna’s Law’ after refugee’s stabbing death

September 23, 2025

The North Carolina legislature has approved a criminal justice package in response to the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on Charlotte’s light rail. The package finalized Tuesday with a House vote limits bail and aims to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The measure already passed the Senate and now goes to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. His office said the measure is being reviewed. The bill also includes provisions that aim to help restart executions in the state. Public outrage over the death of Iryna Zarutska intensified with the release of security video showing the attack on the commuter train.

FILE - Elon Musk attends a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)

After cost-cutting blitz, Trump administration rehires hundreds of laid-off employees

September 23, 2025

Hundreds of laid-off federal employees who managed government workspaces are being called back to their jobs as the Trump administration walks back plans to slash its real estate portfolio. The administration has given employees until the end of this week to accept or decline reinstatement, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. Those who accept must report to work on Oct. 6 after what amounts to a seven-month paid vacation. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona, the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing the GSA, said there’s no evidence that those reductions “delivered any savings.”

Immigration agent who shot man in Chicago-area traffic stop says injuries were ‘nothing major’

September 23, 2025

A federal immigration agent called his injuries “nothing major” in police body camera footage released Tuesday, showing the moments after the agent shot and killed a Mexican immigrant during a traffic stop this month. Immigration officials had previously said the agent was “seriously injured” by being dragged behind a car. The local police footage was released as Chicago-area advocates and officials including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have called for more transparency and accountability in the case, which escalated tensions in the country’s third-largest city amid a federal immigration crackdown.

Bobby Cain, a member of the Clinton 12 who helped integrate Tennessee high schools in 1956, has died

September 23, 2025

Bobby Cain, who helped integrate one of the first high schools in the South in 1956 as one of the Clinton 12, has died in Nashville. He was 85. Cain was a senior when he entered the formerly all-white Clinton High School in Tennessee under court order. He had previously attended a Black high school about 20 miles away in Knoxville and was not happy about leaving his friends to spend his senior year at a new school in a hostile environment. Despite threats and violence, he stuck it out. In 1957 Cain became the first Black student in Tennessee to graduate from a state-run integrated school.

President Donald Trump speaks while meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, during the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims made by Trump about autism, Tylenol and pregnancy

September 23, 2025

President Donald Trump has announced his administration is recommending women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless necessary. He claims Tylenol is linked to autism, but experts criticize this as unfounded. Trump also made several erroneous statements including incorrectly stating the history of autism rates and that vaccines play a role. Additionally, medical professionals emphasize that Tylenol is safe during pregnancy when needed. They warn that untreated fevers can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

Will Berry speaks during a protest outside the Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Sept. 23,2025. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)

Victim’s son asks Alabama to stop execution of man who killed his mother in a gas station holdup

September 23, 2025

Alabama is scheduled to execute Geoffrey West on Thursday for the 1997 murder of Margaret Berry. Berry was killed during a gas station robbery. Berry’s son has asked the state to not execute West and let him serve life in prison. The two exchanged letters ahead of West’s scheduled execution by nitrogen gas. The two have asked to meet, but prison officials declined the request. Gov. Kay Ivey indicated she does not plan to commute the death sentence. Ivey has commuted one death sentence. The Republican governor said she did so only because of questions about the person’s guilt.

Build-A-Bear continues to rack up market gains, despite tariffs and teetering mall traffic

September 23, 2025

Tariffs and years of teetering mall traffic have roiled much of the toy industry. But Build-A-Bear investors are continuing to reap sizeable gains. Shares of the toy retailer, which specializes in plush animals that consumers can make in stores, are up more than 60% since the start of 2025. And the company’s profits have soared to record after record in recent quarters. St. Louis-based Build-A-Bear is not immune to U.S. President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs — with the retailer pointing to costs from import taxes on its goods sourced from China and Vietnam, in particular. But the company says it made efforts to reduce this exposure — and anticipates strong consumer demand to boost profits for rest of the year.

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