News

Pope Leo XIV to travel to Turkey and Lebanon next month on his first foreign trip

Pope Leo XIV plans to visit Turkey and Lebanon next month on his first foreign trip as pope. The Vatican announced Tuesday that Leo will be in Turkey from November 27th to 30th and Lebanon from November 30th to December 2nd. The trip includes a pilgrimage to Iznik to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. This visit fulfills plans made by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April. The trip offers an opportunity for Leo to address peace in the Middle East and the challenges faced by Christians in the region.

Canadian PM Carney visits Trump as relations between the longtime allies sit at a low point

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at a time when one of the world’s most durable and amicable alliances has been fractured by Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. Carney’s second visit to the White House on Tuesday comes ahead of a review of the free trade agreement, which is critical to Canada’s economy. More than three-quarters of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state and his tariffs have Canadians feeling an undeniable sense of betrayal. Relations with Canada’s southern neighbor and longtime ally are at a low point.

The Button King’s legacy lives on in quirky South Carolina museum

J.D. Stevens feels his late father’s presence when he enters a shed near his South Carolina home. It’s the home of the Button Museum, filled with creations by Dalton Stevens, known as the Button King. Dalton Stevens began sewing buttons on a denim suit in 1983 during sleepless nights. His fame grew from a newspaper story to a local TV spot picked up by then-upstart news network CNN eventually leading to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1987. Dalton’s fame lasted for decades, with appearances on various talk shows. The Button Museum in Bishopville has objects made of buttons, including a hearse, coffin, outhouse and piano, all created by Stevens.

Interest in women’s sports is growing. Here’s how some women-owned companies are responding

Laura Youngson has made a significant impact by addressing inequality in sports for women and girls. In 2017, she organized a high-altitude soccer match on Mount Kilimanjaro, highlighting the issue. The event led to a documentary and a Guinness World Record. However, Youngson noticed the players wore men’s cleats, which inspired her to launch IDA Sports, creating cleats specifically for women. This move is part of a broader trend where companies like Moolah Kicks and Liv Cycling focus on women’s needs in sports. As interest in women’s sports grows, these brands are rejecting the outdated “shrink it and pink it” mentality.

Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski hits 104.3 mph while throwing 3 innings of shutout relief

Jacob Misiorowski rediscovered the form that earned the flamethrowing rookie so much acclaim in the first few weeks after the Milwaukee Brewers called him up from the minors. He was throwing heat. More importantly, he was throwing strikes. Misiorowski fired three innings of scoreless relief while reaching at least 100 mph on 31 of his 57 pitches during the Brewers’ 7-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of their NL Division Series on Monday night.

Cubs head back home on the brink of elimination after losing 2 straight in Milwaukee

The Chicago Cubs’ hitters aren’t putting enough balls in play, and their pitchers aren’t keeping balls in play. That combination has the Cubs heading back to Chicago on the brink of elimination. Chicago gave up three homers and mustered just one hit after the second inning of a 7-3 loss at Milwaukee on Monday night that gave the Brewers a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five NL Division Series. The Cubs must win two straight in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday to send the series back to Milwaukee for a deciding Game 5 on Saturday.

Brewers’ Chourio hits 3-run homer in Game 2 of NLDS after hurting his hamstring in series opener

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio returned to the lineup and hit a three-run homer in Game 2 of an NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs on Monday night after tightness in his right hamstring caused him to exit the series opener. Chourio sent an 0-2 pitch from Daniel Palencia over the center-field wall with two outs in the fourth inning. Chourio’s 419-foot drive extended Milwaukee’s lead to 7-3. Chourio went 3 for 3 with three RBIs in Milwaukee’s 9-3 Game 1 victory Saturday before leaving in the second inning.

Lineup and Misiorowski-led bullpen provide power as Brewers beat Cubs 7-3 for 2-0 lead in NLDS

Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio each hit a three-run homer, William Contreras added a solo shot and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-3 to move one win from a trip to the National League Championship Series. The Brewers have a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five Division Series, which shifts to Wrigley Field in Chicago for Game 3 on Wednesday. Milwaukee is attempting to win a postseason series for the first time since reaching the NLCS in 2018. Vaughn and Chourio hit the first two three-run homers in Brewers postseason history.

Attorney General Bondi will face Senate questions over political pressure on Justice Department

Attorney General Pam Bondi will face lawmakers at a congressional hearing amid growing questions about political influence over the Justice Department. It has already criminally charged one of President Donald Trump’s longtime foes and is facing intense White House pressure to prosecute others. Bondi’s testimony Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee comes just ahead of former FBI Director James Comey’s first court appearance following an indictment that has deepened concerns that the department is being used to seek vengeance against Trump’s political opponents. The hearing is likely to split along deeply partisan lines, with Republicans expected to laud the Justice Department’s efforts to confront violent crime and reverse Biden-era priorities.

Top photos from Week 5 of the NFL season

Photo highlights from the fifth week of the NFL season. This gallery was curated by AP photo editors. See this gallery in AP Newsroom AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Categories: US & World News

Duluth Preps For West Superior Street Reconstruction

DULUTH, Minn. — Another massive reconstruction project is on the horizon for Duluth as West Superior Street in Lincoln Park is in line for a rebuild. The nearly 2-mile stretch that will see the reconstruction begins at West Michigan Street and heads through Lincoln Park, past 27th Avenue W, and ends at the Carlton Street intersection. The construction will be much…

A divided Israel marks 2 years since Oct. 7 attack as war in Gaza grinds on and hostages languish

Israelis are mourning the dead and fearing for the remaining hostages as they mark two years since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack plunged the region into a devastating war. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are conducting indirect negotiations in Egypt. The main memorial ceremony is being organized by bereaved families, not the government, reflecting deep divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, which many blame for the failure to secure a ceasefire that would free the hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities in the Gaza Strip, where those who can are fleeing another Israeli invasion of Gaza City.

Dodgers’ Snell shines as bullpen holds off Phillies’ rally for 4-3 Game 2 win in NLDS

Blake Snell strikes out nine over six shutout innings for the Dodgers, leading to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night. Shohei Ohtani delivers an RBI single in a four-run seventh inning, helping the Dodgers maintain a 4-1 lead into the ninth. Nick Castellanos hits a two-run double, making it a 4-3 game. Relievers Alex Vesia and Roki Sasaki hold off the Phillies’ rally. The Dodgers take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series and can advance to the NL Championship Series with a Game 3 win on Wednesday.

Jilly Cooper, British author of bestselling risqué novels, including ‘Rivals,’ dies at 88

British author Jilly Cooper, known for her bestselling novels, including “Rivals” and “Riders,” has died. She was 88. The author died on Sunday after a fall, a statement from her agency Curtis Brown said. Her agent, Felicity Blunt, praised Cooper for defining culture, writing and conversation for over 50 years. Cooper was best known for her books in “The Rutshire Chronicles,” which portrayed the sex lives and excesses of the well-off, horse-riding set in 1980s England. Her books sold millions of copies in the United Kingdom alone, with “Rivals” adapted as a hit Disney+ TV series last year.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers want him sent to a New Jersey federal prison that offers drug treatment

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers want the hip-hop mogul sent to a low-security federal prison in New Jersey to serve his four-year, two-month prison sentence. They told a judge Monday that the facility’s drug treatment program will help him stay clean. Combs’ lawyers wrote a letter urging  the judge presiding over his case, Arun Subramanian, to “strongly recommend” that the federal Bureau of Prisons place Combs at FCI Fort Dix, a massive prison located on the grounds of the joint military base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Ashland School District Impacted by Northland College’s Closure

ASHLAND, Wis.– The Ashland community is coming to terms with what they’re calling a significant loss after the Northland College closed its doors last spring. “We are definitely nervous about what it will do to our staffing and our entire community. About 15% of our staff is Northland College graduates, and over 20% of our staff is related to Northland…

Rush announce reunion tour five years after the death of drummer Neil Peart

Five years after their influential drummer Neil Peart died of glioblastoma, the Canadian band Rush have announced a reunion tour Monday. Rush co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed a 12-date, seven city tour is scheduled for summer 2026. It will kick off in June at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. That’s where the band played their final show in 2015. The reunion tour will end in Cleveland and they’ll also hit Mexico City; Fort Worth, Texas; Chicago; New York and Toronto. Taking Peart’s place is award-winning German composer and producer Anika Nilles. She has previously toured with Jeff Beck.

Twin Ports Interchange Project Close to Fully Opening

DULUTH, Minn. –After five years of detours and construction, the long-anticipated Twin Ports Interchange Project will be fully open before the end of the month, and the long time nickname is a thing of the past. “The can of worms is officially no longer a thing, which is something to celebrate,” Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said. A ribbon-cutting was held…

Wisconsin DOJ asks judge to pause voter citizenship verification order

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is asking a judge to immediately put on hold his order that would require elections officials to verify the citizenship of all 3.6 million registered Wisconsin voters before the next statewide election in February. The state justice department, which represents the Wisconsin Elections Commission, on Monday asked for a stay pending an appeal. The fight over verifying the citizenship status of voters in battleground Wisconsin comes as President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has sought voter records from at least 26 states, including Wisconsin.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ breaks record, sells 2.7 million copies in U.S. on first day

It’s the life of a saleswoman. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” sold 2.7 million copies in traditional album sales in its first day in the U.S. according to Luminate, an industry data and analytics company. That includes physical and digital formats. That’s impressive for several reasons. Swift has broken her record for most first week sales in one day. “The Life of a Showgirl” has also become the second-largest sales week for any album in the modern era, since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991. That was also accomplished in just one day. The album was released Friday.

Connor McDavid signs a two-year, $25 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid has signed a contract extension to remain with the Edmonton Oilers. The three-time MVP and the only NHL organization he has played with finalized a two-year, $25 million contract Monday on the eve of the start of the season. McDavid will count $12.5 million against the salary cap from 2026-28, the same he has had since 2019. The deal for the best hockey player in the world does not come close to approaching the richest contract in league history agreed to last week when Minnesota signed Kirill Kaprizov for $136 million over eight years.

State supreme court battles move to Pennsylvania, where 3 Democratic justices hope to keep seats

Republicans and Democrats have begun pouring money into an election this November for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. It’s the latest example of how state high court races have become proxy battles for the biggest issues roiling the country, from abortion to voting rights to redistricting. Both parties are expected to spend millions of dollars on campaign flyers, digital and TV ads and get-out-the-vote efforts. At stake is whether the highest court in the most populous presidential swing state will keep its liberal majority. But overall spending in Pennsylvania is nowhere near the $100 million spent this year in Wisconsin — a record amount for a state supreme court race.

The Supreme Court begins a term that will examine Trump’s expansive claims of presidential power

The Supreme Court has opened its new term. The court Monday rejected more than 800 pending appeals, including a challenge by Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned ex-girlfriend. In its first arguments, the court also appeared to be inclined to rule against a criminal defendant from Texas in a case about the constitutional right to a lawyer. A major thrust of the next 10 months is expected to be the justices’ evaluation of President Donald Trump’s claims of presidential power. Pivotal cases on voting and LGBTQ rights also are on the agenda. On Tuesday, the justices will hear arguments over bans passed by many states on therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is now facing a felony charge in Indianapolis altercation

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is now facing a felony charge of battery involving serious bodily injury in addition to the misdemeanor charges stemming from a weekend incident in Indianapolis that led to his arrest. Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears made the announcement about the new charge, which carries a potential sentence of one to six years in prison. Sanchez was pepper-sprayed and stabbed multiple times during the altercation, according to court records filed Sunday. A police affidavit alleges that Sanchez, smelling of alcohol, accosted a 69-year-old truck driver who backed into a hotel’s loading docks, leading to a confrontation outside the vehicle that prompted the driver to pull out a knife to defend himself.

Garfield Avenue Concrete Repairs Begin

  DULUTH, Minn. — Concrete repairs on Garfield Avenue in Duluth have begun. The work will extend from Railroad Street to Nelson Street. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the repairs, with lanes being shifted around the work area. The project is expected to run through the end of October. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Road Construction/Traffic

DOJ contradicts DeSantis: Some detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ likely never in removal proceedings

U.S. government lawyers say detainees at the Florida Everglades immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” likely include people who have never been in removal proceedings. This contradicts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s claims since the facility opened in July. The U.S. Department of Justice made this admission Thursday in a court filing. They argue that detainees don’t have enough in common to be certified as a class in a lawsuit over access to attorneys. Civil rights groups allege detainees have been denied proper access to legal counsel, violating their constitutional rights. DeSantis’s office hasn’t responded to requests for comment.

Bari Weiss is the new editor-in-chief of CBS News after Paramount buys her website

Paramount is buying the successful news commentary website The Free Press and installed its founder, Bari Weiss, as editor-in-chief of CBS News. The move, while anticipated, is a bold one for David Ellison, new corporate leader of Paramount and CBS. Weiss will report directly to Ellison and be responsible for shaping editorial priorities and driving innovation at CBS News. Ellison said he believes the majority of the country wants news that is balanced and fact-based, and he wants CBS to be their home. Some at CBS News have expressed worry that the move will be seen as friendly to President Donald Trump.

Pope Leo XIV starts to correct some of Francis’ more problematic financial decisions

Pope Leo XIV has begun correcting some of Pope Francis’ more questionable financial reforms and decisions. On Monday he canceled a law that had concentrated financial power in the Vatican bank known by its acronym IOR. Leo’s first-ever executive decree says the Holy See generally does use the Vatican bank. But it can turn to non-Vatican banks in other countries if the Vatican’s investment committee “deems it more efficient or convenient.” The law is the clearest sign yet that Leo is starting to correct some of Francis’ more problematic decisions and recalibrating the Vatican’s centers of power.

Supreme Court rejects appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell, imprisoned former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned ex-girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein. The justices Monday declined to take up a case that would’ve renewed attention on the Epstein sexual-abuse saga after President Donald Trump’s administration sought to tamp down criticism over its refusal to publicly release more investigative files. Trump’s Republican administration had urged the high court to stay out of the case. Lawyers for Maxwell argued she never should’ve been tried or convicted for a role in luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. Maxwell is serving 20 years and recently was transferred from a Florida prison to a Texas prison camp.

Silly mistakes, costly blunders and head-scratching decisions led to sloppy football

Sunday was filled with sloppy football, silly mistakes and head-scratching decisions. Another NFL player gave away a touchdown by carelessly dropping the ball before he crossed the goal line. A roughing-the-kicker penalty erased a touchdown return in a different game. The Super Bowl champions ignored their record-setting running back.  The most egregious play of Week 5 occurred when Cardinals running back Emari Demercado turned a 72-yard touchdown run into a touchback by slowing down near the goal line and releasing the ball as Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed swiped at his arm. Officials initially ruled it a touchdown but a video review showed Demercado didn’t have possession when he entered the end zone.

ICC convicts Darfur militia leader over past atrocities in Sudan

The International Criminal Court has convicted a leader of the feared Janjaweed militia of playing a leading role in a campaign of atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region over 20 years ago. It is the first time the court has convicted a suspect of crimes in Darfur. The court ruled Monday that the atrocities were part of a government plan to violently snuff out a rebellion in the western region of Sudan. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman showed no emotion as Presiding Judge Joanna Korner read out 27 guilty verdicts. He will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum life sentence.

Ukraine claims it struck Russian ammo plant, oil terminal and weapons depot

Ukraine has launched long-range drone and missile attacks on key Russian targets. These include an ammunition plant, an oil terminal in Crimea, and a weapons depot. The strikes are part of Ukraine’s strategy to pressure Russia’s military logistics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the country is using domestically produced weapons and aims to expand these capabilities with foreign funding. Ukraine’s defense industry is growing, with plans to export surplus weapons by the end of the year. The country hopes to provide at least half of its front-line weapons needs with domestically produced arms.

Canada’s last hockey stick factory survives in face of tariff threats and globalization

Roustan Hockey, Canada’s last major wooden hockey stick factory, faces challenges from trade tensions. Located southwest of Toronto, the factory has roots dating back to the 1800s. It survived globalization but now grapples with tariffs from the U.S. under former President Donald Trump. These tariffs have created uncertainty for the business, affecting shipments to the U.S. and causing delays. The Canadian economy has also been hit, with a 1.6% contraction in the second quarter. Despite the decline in wooden stick demand, Roustan Hockey continues to produce, emphasizing its cultural significance in Canada.

Photos show a water buffalo festival in Thailand at the start of harvest season

CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — The humble water buffalo has become a prized show animal in Thailand. They were celebrated Monday at an annual buffalo racing festival and beauty pageant in the city of Chonburi. These days tractors have largely replaced the buffalo for heavy farm work. But the contests have sparked a renewed interest in the animals. The festival held…

French Prime Minister resigns after less than a month in office

France’s new prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has resigned just a day after naming his government and less than a month in office. The French presidency announced Monday that President Emmanuel Macron accepted his resignation. Lecornu’s choice of ministers faced criticism across the political spectrum. His decision to bring back former finance minister Bruno Le Maire to serve at the defense ministry was particularly controversial. Other key positions were largely unchanged from the previous cabinet, with Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, Jean-Noël Barrot as foreign minister, and Gérald Darmanin at the justice ministry.

Snowstorm traps hundreds of hikers on Mount Everest during China’s national holiday

Rescue workers are helping hundreds of hikers trapped by heavy snow at a tourist camp on Mount Everest in Tibet. Chinese state media reported late Sunday that about 350 hikers reached a meeting point in Tingri county. Rescuers are in contact with another 200 hikers. They were trapped at camps at an elevation of over 16,000 feet. A hiker who managed to descend told Jimu News that the snowfall crushed some tents. Hundreds of rescuers headed up the mountain Sunday to clear paths and bring down the trapped people. The snowstorm struck during a national holiday in China, when many people travel.

Photos from 2 years of war between Israel and Hamas bear witness to its horrors

It’s been two years since Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, plunging the region into war. Photos taken by Associated Press journalists have charted the turmoil and devastation. The first images were of bodies in the streets in southern Israel, scorched homes and triumphant Palestinian fighters parading hostages and captured military vehicles into Gaza. Then came the Israeli airstrikes lighting up…

Julio Rodríguez lifts Mariners over Tigers 3-2, Seattle takes Game 2 of ALDS to even series

Julio Rodríguez hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in Game 2 of their AL Division Series to even the series. With the game knotted at 2-2 and one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, AL MVP candidate Cal Raleigh doubled with one out. Shortly after, Rodríguez doubled home Raleigh to put the Mariners in front for good. Closer Andrès Muñoz retired the Tigers in order for the save one night after throwing two innings in a 3-2 loss in 11 innings. Jorge Polanco homered twice for Seattle. After going scoreless against Seattle starter Luis Castillo and three Mariners relievers, the Tigers tied the game against Matt Brash in the top of the eighth.

Voting is underway in California on new maps that could swing US House control, check Trump’s power

The fight for control of the U.S. House is underway in California. Voters are considering whether to drastically reshape congressional districts to add as many as five Democratic seats in advance of the 2026 midterm elections. The plan championed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is intended to offset Trump’s moves in Texas to gain five Republican districts ahead of the midterms. Ballots are arriving at voters’ homes and voting concludes on Nov. 4. The outcome of the election could determine which party controls the closely divided House and the reach of President Donald Trump’s power in the second half of his term.

Glensheen Hosts First Children’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Families gathering for some fall fun at Glensheen’s first-ever Fall Children’s Day. The family-friendly event is geared for all ages and brings people out to explore the bright fall colors around the estate. The activities include giant tic tac toe, a leaf scavenger hunt, pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin hunt I-spy, and arts and crafts inside the winter…

ISD 709: Duluth East Football Players Accused of Racial Slurs Toward Duluth Denfeld Players

DULUTH, Minn. — Reports of racial slurs toward Denfeld High School football players by Duluth East players are being investigated by the Duluth School District (ISD 709).  Below is a statement from the district to FOX 21 on Sunday: “Duluth Public Schools has been made aware of reports that racial slurs were directed at Denfeld High School football players by…

Small Plane Crashes Near McGregor Airport, 3 Injured

MCGREGOR, Minn. — A small plane crashed Sunday after taking off from the McGregor Airport, injuring the three people inside. The crash was reported around 4:30 p.m. Missing dog The Piper PA-28-140 was located about a half-mile short of the runway. The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office told FOX 21 the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff and was attempted to…

Brewers’ Chourio tests hamstring during workout, his status for Game 2 of NLDS vs Cubs is uncertain

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio’s status for Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs remains uncertain a day after he had an MRI on his right hamstring. Brewers manager Pat Murphy says the MRI was inconclusive. Murphy says Chourio was still testing the strained hamstring during a workout on Sunday. Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Monday night. The Cubs plan to start left-hander Shota Imanaga while the Brewers will use lefty Aaron Ashby as an opener.