News Archives - Page 2 of 865

Reds and Mets chasing final National League playoff spot on last day of regular season

September 27, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

One playoff berth remains up for grabs heading into the final day of Major League Baseball’s regular season. Cincinnati will earn the National League’s third and final wild card if the Reds beat the Milwaukee Brewers or the New York Mets lose at Miami on Sunday. A New York victory and Cincinnati loss would send the Mets to the playoffs instead. The Reds and Mets have identical 83-78 records. Cincinnati owns the head-to-head tiebreaker because it won four of its six meetings with the Mets this season.

Trump’s moves to consolidate power, punish enemies draw comparisons to places where democracy faded

September 27, 2025

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s consolidation of power and targeting of his political opponents bring back unnerving memories for those who have watched elected leaders undermine democracies elsewhere in the world. Since he returned to office in January, Trump has been remaking the federal government into an instrument of his personal will. Those familiar with other countries where that has happened, including Hungary and Turkey, say there is one striking difference: Trump appears to be moving more rapidly, and more overtly, than others did. Trump has both scoffed and winked at the allegation that he’s an authoritarian: “I’m not a dictator,” he told reporters last month.

Guardians clinch AL playoff berth with 3-2 win over Rangers

September 27, 2025

By BRIAN DULIK - Associated Press

C.J. Kayfus was hit by a pitch from Robert Garcia with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning, scoring Petey Halpin to clinch a playoff berth for the Cleveland Guardians with a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Cleveland is guaranteed at least an American League wild card and remains tied with Detroit atop the AL Central. The Guardians own the head-to-head tiebreaker going into the final day of the regular season Sunday. Garcia intentionally walked Gabriel Arias to load the bases before hitting Kayfus on the right arm with his second pitch to the rookie. Cade Smith retired five batters for the win as three Guardians relievers combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

Tigers clinch playoff berth with 2-1 win over Red Sox in Game 161 and avert September collapse

September 27, 2025

By JIMMY GOLEN - AP Sports Writer

The Boston clinch party moved across the diamond. Less than 24 hours after the Red Sox drenched the home clubhouse at Fenway Park to celebrate their postseason berth, the Detroit Tigers were spraying Champagne in the visitors’ locker room after beating Boston to earn a spot in the American League playoffs. After blowing a 14-game lead in the AL Central and an eighth-inning lead on Friday night that would have secured their spot a day earlier, the Tigers beat the Red Sox 2-1 on Saturday. Assured at least a wild card, Detroit can still win the division and host a first-round playoff series with a win Sunday at Boston and a Cleveland loss to Texas.

4 dead after flooding in Arizona, including in historic mining town

September 27, 2025

AP

Four people have died after heavy rain caused flooding in Arizona, including three in a rural 19th-century mining town where floodwaters forced people to seek safety on their rooftops and washed out a propane distributorship, scattering about 1,000 tanks downtown. About 2.5 inches of rain fell in the mining town of Globe on Friday. Another storm moved in Saturday afternoon, temporarily halting the search for people possibly missing in the flood. Another person was found dead Saturday morning near a vehicle caught in floodwaters in suburban Phoenix the night before.

What to know about Iran’s nuclear program as UN reimposes ‘snapback’ sanctions

September 27, 2025

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program have been reimposed. This puts Tehran under new pressure as tensions remain high in the wider Mideast over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. At the U.N. General Assembly this week in New York, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tried a last-minute diplomatic push to stop the sanctions. However, Iran’s supreme leader boxed in their efforts by describing diplomacy with the United States as a “sheer dead end.” Meanwhile, efforts by China and Russia to halt the sanctions failed Friday.

McIlroy gives as good as he gets at Ryder Cup, telling fans to shut up, then sending them to exits

September 27, 2025

By EDDIE PELLS and MICHAEL R. SISAK - Associated Press

With the match tightening and the crowd screaming, Rory McIlroy backed off his approach shot from the rough on the 16th hole at Bethpage Black and shouted “Shut the (expletive) up!” Then he stepped in, hit that approach to 3 feet and Tommy Fleetwood made the putt to cap Europe’s 3-and-2 victory over Collin Morikawa and Harris English at the Ryder Cup. McIlroy paired with Shane Lowry for a 2-up win over Justin Thomas and Cameron Young in the afternoon. With the help of McIlroy’s 3 1/2 points over his first four matches, Europe all but wrapped up the 2025 edition of an event that seems to grow more combustible each year.

Long, fraught timeline of Iran nuclear tensions

September 27, 2025

By The Associated Press

The United Nations has reimposed nuclear sanctions on Iran, putting new pressure on Tehran’s ailing economy as tensions remain high in the wider Mideast over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a last-ditch effort to try to halt the sanctions at the U.N. General Assembly met this week in New York. Efforts by China and Russia to stop the sanctions failed as well. The clock started when France, Germany and the United Kingdom on Aug. 28 declared Iran wasn’t complying with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers

WNBA suspends Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve 1 game for behavior and comments in playoff loss to Mercury

September 27, 2025

By DOUG FEINBERG - AP Basketball Writer

The WNBA has suspended Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve for one game for her conduct and comments during and following the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Mercury on Friday night. Her conduct and comments included aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing a game official on the court, failure to leave the court in a timely manner upon her ejection with 21.8 seconds to play in the fourth quarter, inappropriate comments made to fans when exiting the court, and remarks made in a postgame press conference. Reeve will serve the suspension on Sunday when the Lynx play the Mercury in Game 4 of the teams’ semifinals series in Phoenix.

Statue of rock n’ roll queen Tina Turner unveiled in Tennessee community where she grew up

September 27, 2025

By ADRIAN SAINZ - Associated Press

A 10-foot statue of rock n’ roll queen Tina Turner has been unveiled in the rural Tennessee community where she grew up, before she became a singer and electrifying stage performer and one the world’s most recognizable and popular entertainers. The statue was revealed during a Saturday ceremony in Brownsville, located about an hour drive east of Memphis. The city of about 9,000 people is near Nutbush, the community where Turner went to school as a child. Turner, 83, died May 24, 2023, after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich. Her Grammy-winning singing career included the hit songs “Nutbush City Limits,” “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”

NFL eyes Asia as next destination as it bolsters ties with Dublin

September 27, 2025

By KEN MAGUIRE - AP Sports Writer

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league wants to expand its slate of international games to Asia. He didn’t specify which countries and a spokesman declined further comment. But it could be an indication the league is ready to stage a game in the Middle East and it comes a day after announcing that Rio de Janeiro will join the list of hosts in 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings play in Ireland’s first regular-season game — and Goodell said he has “no doubt” there will be more in Dublin. In 2026, Australia will host a regular-season game for the first time. Goodell says “Our next step after Australia would be probably moving into Asia.”

The sparse indictment of Comey by Trump’s Justice Department belies a complicated backstory

September 27, 2025

By BYRON TAU - Associated Press

The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey is only two pages and alleges he falsely testified to Congress in 2020 about authorizing someone to be an anonymous source in news stories. There’s a backstory and it involves a long-running feud between Trump and Comey. Trump blames Comey for having started an investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 campaign that led to the appointment of a special counsel. Trump has spent years bashing Comey and saying he was worthy of being charged with treason. Comey has hardly backed down. In a 2018 memoir, Comey compared Trump to a mafia don and said he was unethical and “untethered to truth.”

Europe romps to another session win in Ryder Cup for a commanding 5-point lead

September 27, 2025

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Golf Writer

Another day, more of the same for the dominant European team in the Ryder Cup. Jon Rahm delivered another great performance and another point. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood had another easy time. Europe was so good Saturday morning in foursomes that it’s assured of having the lead going into Sunday with still another session to play. Scottie Scheffler has made some history of his own. He’s the first No. 1 player in the world to lose his first three matches in the Ryder Cup. Europe went 3-1 in fourballs, just like Friday. The lead is now five points.

Reds have put themselves in position to keep the Mets out of the playoffs

September 27, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

The Cincinnati Reds have put themselves in position to earn their first playoff berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season while keeping the free-spending New York Mets out of the postseason. Cincinnati’s 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and New York’s 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins on Friday enabled the Reds to tie the Mets for the National League’s third and final wild-card playoff berth. The Reds own the head-to-head tiebreaker over New York. The Mets’ $322.6 million payroll at the start of the season led all MLB teams.

As Democrats prepare for a possible federal shutdown, their endgame is uncertain

September 27, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

Senate Democrats have struggled for months to counter President Donald Trump. Now, with a possible government shutdown looming, they’ve settled on a bold, one-step strategy if they don’t get significant concessions on health care before federal funding runs out Wednesday. That strategy is to vote to shut down. The plan is heartily endorsed by many of the party’s frustrated voters in the base and by activists. Less clear is what’s in the party playbook come that deadline. That’s when the administration could begin laying off hundreds or even thousands of federal workers, if it carries through with plans laid out by the White House this week.

Thieves steal $1M worth in craft whiskey from Washington distillery

September 27, 2025

By REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

Thieves have stolen 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey from Westland Distillery in a rare U.S. liquor heist. Nearly $1 million in product was stolen, including the distillery’s sought-after limited edition Garryana whiskey. The Skagit Valley Sheriff’s Office is investigating the July 31 theft. Officials say someone used fraudulent documents to pick up the shipment. An expert says similar heists are rare in the U.S., though they happen occasionally in parts of Europe where it is easier to sell alcohol on the secondary market.

Aaron Nola shakes off miserable season and stakes his claim for spot in Phillies’ playoff rotation

September 27, 2025

By DAN GELSTON - AP Sports Writer

Aaron Nola has shown he might still be valuable for the Phillies in the postseason. On Friday night, he pitched a near-perfect game against the Twins, leading to a 3-1 victory. Nola took a perfect game into the sixth inning and moved into second on Philadelphia’s career strikeout list. He allowed just two hits and struck out nine over eight innings. Despite a challenging season with injuries and inconsistency, Nola’s performance suggests he could be a key player for the NL East champions. Phillies manager Rob Thomson is considering using him out of the bullpen in the playoffs.

Schwarzenegger directs a band in a beer tent at Munich’s Oktoberfest

September 27, 2025

AP

Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken up the baton at Munich’s Oktoberfest. The former California governor spontaneously conducted a live band and the singing crowd in a beer tent on Friday night. The Austrian-born star of “The Terminator” and “True Lies” clearly enjoyed himself. Afterward, he took selfies with the musicians, according to German news agency dpa. Schwarzenegger, dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, was accompanied by his partner Heather Milligan and his son, Christopher. He has visited the world’s largest folk festival in Bavaria several times in the past, dpa reported. Oktoberfest began on September 20 and ends October 5.

Trump says he’ll send troops to Portland, Oregon, to handle ‘domestic terrorists’

September 27, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he’ll send troops to Portland, Oregon, to handle “domestic terrorists” as he expands his controversial deployments to more American cities. He made the announcement Saturday on social media, writing that he was directing the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.” He said he was “authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve blasts WNBA refs after Napheesa Collier hurt late in playoff loss

September 27, 2025

By DAVID BRANDT - AP Sports Writer

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve lost her cool during during the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA playoff semifinals. The Lynx, down 2-1 in the series, face Game 4 on Sunday in Phoenix. Reeve was ejected Friday night after receiving her second technical foul in the final minute. It occurred when Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Napheesa Collier, leading to Collier’s leg injury. Reeve criticized the officiating, calling for changes at the league level. She expressed frustration with the officiating crew, describing their selection as “malpractice.”

Russia addresses world leaders at UN three years into Ukraine invasion

September 27, 2025

By JENNIFER PELTZ and EDITH M. LEDERER - Associated Press

Russia gets the microphone at the U.N. world leaders’ meeting Saturday. It comes three years into an invasion of Ukraine that the international community has broadly deplored and a that powerful member newly says Ukraine can repel. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is due to give his country’s address at the General Assembly, four days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Ukraine can win back all the territory it has lost to Russia. It was a notable tone shift from a U.S. leader who had previously suggested Ukraine would need to make some concessions and could never reclaim all the areas Russia has occupied since seizing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and launching a full-scale invasion in 2022.

US revokes visa for Colombia’s president after he urges American soldiers to disobey Trump

September 27, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN - Associated Press

Tensions between the United States and Colombia have escalated with the State Department saying it was revoking the visa of Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro’s visa. The decision comes after Petro participated in a New York protest Friday during the U.N. General Assembly. He urged American soldiers to disobey President Donald Trump’s orders. The State Department says his actions were “reckless and incendiary.” Petro returned to Colombia on Saturday and dismissed the punishment. He says he’s also a European citizen and doesn’t need a visa to travel to the U.S. There have been repeated clashes between Petro, a leftist and former rebel leader, and Trump’s Republican administration.

Some people tape their mouths shut at night. Doctors wish they wouldn’t

September 27, 2025

By KENYA HUNTER - AP Health Writer

Some people are taping their mouths shut to improve sleep, but doctors advise against this practice. Social media claims it reduces snoring and enhances sleep, but there’s no scientific backing. Experts warn it could worsen sleep disorders like sleep apnea or even cause suffocation. Dr. Kimberly Hutchison from Oregon Health & Science University highlights the risks. Mouth breathing isn’t ideal, she says, but taping isn’t a solution. Dr. David Schulman of Emory University suggests alternatives like CPAP machines or prescription mouthpieces. Identifying the cause of mouth breathing, such as sleep apnea, is crucial. A sleep test can provide answers.

Why many young adults turn on TV or movie subtitles, according to a new poll

September 27, 2025

By JOCELYN NOVECK and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new poll finds that younger adults are more likely to use subtitles while watching TV or movies than are older adults. About 4 in 10 adults under 45 use subtitles at least “often” when watching TV or movies, compared with about 3 in 10 adults over 45. That’s according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. U.S. adults 60 and older are especially likely to say they “never” or “rarely” use subtitles. The poll suggests many young adults use subtitles because they’re watching in noisy environments or are multitasking, while older adults choose them to better hear or understand what’s being said.

Prince William says 2024 was the hardest year of his life

September 27, 2025

AP

Prince William has told “Schitt’s Creek” star Eugene Levy that 2024 was the hardest year of his life. Appearing on Levy’s show “The Reluctant Traveler,” William reflected on last year, when his wife Kate and his father King Charles III both underwent cancer treatment. The episode, airing Oct. 3, features William showing Levy around Windsor Castle and chatting over a pint. Kate announced in January that her cancer is in remission and she has since taken on more public engagements. Charles has also returned to public duty. Neither of them has disclosed the type of cancer they had.

Jake Knapp grieving the death of girlfriend Makena White

September 27, 2025

AP

PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp is grieving the loss of girlfriend Makena White. Knapp says in a message his manager shared with The Associated Press that it’s difficult to process. A friend has posted an update on White’s Instagram page that she died earlier this week. The details of the death have remained private. They had been together for two years and she was known for her energy. Knapp is an easygoing Californian who played at UCLA. He won his first PGA Tour title as a rookie last year in the Mexico Open. He describes White as selfless toward others.

Trump’s trade battle with China puts US soybean farmers in peril

September 27, 2025

By DIDI TANG and JOSH FUNK - Associated Press

American soybean farmers are worried about where they’re going to sell their crops and whether they’ll lose money this year because China hasn’t bought any for months. Beijing traditionally has snapped up at least a quarter of all soybeans grown in the U.S. but it is in effect boycotting them. It’s in retaliation for the high tariffs President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods and to strengthen its hand in negotiations over a new overall trade deal. Farmers like Caleb Ragland in Kentucky hope there will be a trade deal soon, but some significant aid might be needed to help them survive. Trump says he’s considering an aid package.

Sabally’s 23 points lead Mercury over Lynx 84-76 in Game 3 of WNBA semifinals

September 26, 2025

By DAVID BRANDT - AP Sports Writer

Satou Sabally scores 23 points, leading the Phoenix Mercury to an 84-76 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA playoff semifinals. The Mercury now have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. They can secure a spot in the Finals on Sunday in Game 4. Sabally’s crucial 3-pointer and free throws in the final minutes helped seal the win. Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper each added 21 points. Minnesota’s Natisha Hiedeman scored 19 points off the bench. The game featured 15 lead changes, highlighting its intensity.

Red Sox rally from a 3-run deficit to walk off the Tigers and secure a playoff spot

September 26, 2025

By JIMMY GOLEN - AP Sports Writer

The Boston Red Sox streamed out of the dugout to greet Romy Gonzalez at the plate when he scored the winning run that clinched the team’s first playoff berth since 2021. The Red Sox celebrated their return to the postseason on Friday night after a 4-3, walk-off victory over the Detroit Tigers. It was the first time in at least a century that the Red Sox clinched a postseason berth with a walk-off win. The Red Sox will play the best-of-three wild-card round on the road.

Alaskans are receiving $1,000 checks. Here’s why

September 26, 2025

By BECKY BOHRER - Associated Press

Alaska plans to start distributing to residents the annual dividend payment derived from the state’s $83 billion oil wealth fund. This year’s payout is $1,000 per person. It’s one of the smallest Alaska Permanent Fund dividends in the last 20 years. It comes as lawmakers must balance the check size against other programs and needs that also compete for state funding. Lawmakers within the last decade abandoned as unaffordable a longstanding dividend calculation in favor of negotiating a sum during the budget-writing process. Had the old formula tied to the fund’s market performance been followed, this year’s check would have been around $3,800 a person.

Trump’s vast federal cuts create distrust on Capitol Hill as shutdown risk grows

September 26, 2025

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

As Congress confronts a possible government shutdown, it’s also weighing the Trump administration’s willingness to simply halt federal spending — even when it’s against the law. Billions upon billions of dollars have been stalled, scrapped or withheld by the Trump administration so far this year. It’s one of the most brazen affronts to the federal budgeting process in 50 years. And it’s creating an undercurrent of distrust on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers face a deadline next week to pass legislation to keep government funded past Sept. 30. The Trump administration is preparing to fire federal workers, rather than simply furlough them, if there is a funding lapse.

Private equity sees profits in power utilities as electric bills rise and Big Tech seeks more energy

September 26, 2025

By MARC LEVY - Associated Press

Private investment firms that are helping finance America’s artificial intelligence race and the huge buildout of energy-hungry data centers are getting interested in the local utilities that deliver electricity to regular customers — and the servers that power AI. Billions of dollars from such firms are now flowing toward electric utilities in places including New Mexico, Texas, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Greg Brown, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor, says that’s because there’s a lot of money to be made. Buyout proposals are coming at a time when electricity bills are rising fast across the U.S. Opponents worry buyouts will further drive up electric bills for regular people.

“Shine For MAC” Event Raises Funds For Neurodivergent Community

September 26, 2025

Xavier Walt,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Funds were raised tonight in Hermantown as MAC’s “Shine for MAC” event welcomed members of the community On top of being used to raise funds for the organization, the event was all about providing a fun and sensory-safe space for kids and their families to come together and have fun, and when MAC reached out to partners…

Denfeld Teacher Receives Fellowship To Learn In Greece

September 26, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — A teacher within Duluth Schools has just received news that she’ll be away from the classroom in the Spring, but for a good reason. “I’ll be based in Athens, and then, darn, I might have to go out to the islands in Greece to go visit schools that are doing awesome outdoor activities there as well.” Come…

FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say

September 26, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington that followed the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. That’s according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. The bureau had reassigned the agents last spring but has since fired them. The FBI declined to comment. The number of FBI employees terminated was not immediately clear, but two people said it was roughly 20.

Reds overtake Mets for NL’s 3rd wild-card spot by beating Brewers 3-1

September 26, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Gavin Lux hit two doubles and scored the go-ahead run as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1, overtaking the New York Mets for the third National League wild-card spot. Cincinnati’s win and New York’s 6-2 loss to Miami enabled the Reds to tie the Mets in the standings. However, the Reds — vying for their first postseason berth since 2020 — own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Mets. The Reds handed a rare loss to Quinn Priester after he had set a Brewers record by winning 12 straight decisions.

DNA evidence links a dead man to the 1991 killings of 4 girls at Texas yogurt shop

September 26, 2025

By JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press

Austin police have identified a new suspect in the 1991 yogurt shop murders of four teenage girls. They announced Friday that DNA tests point to Robert Eugene Brashers, who died by suicide in 1999. The case remains open, and police plan to share more details at a news conference on Monday. Amy Ayers, Eliza Thomas, and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison were killed at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store. The murders shocked the city and became one of its most notorious crimes. Two men were previously convicted, but their convictions were overturned on appeal.

Sara Jane Moore, who tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975, dies at 95

September 26, 2025

By TRAVIS LOLLER - Associated Press

Sara Jane Moore, who spent more than 30 years in prison for trying to shoot President Gerald Ford, has died. She was 95. A longtime acquaintance says Moore died Wednesday at a nursing home in Franklin, Tennessee. A bystander knocked Moore’s shot astray in the 1975 assassination attempt in San Francisco. Moore eventually voiced regret. She was paroled from prison in 2007, roughly a year after Ford’s death. Moore dabbled in leftist groups but was also a sometime FBI informant. Her confusing background baffled the public. Even her own attorney claimed he never understood why she fired at Ford.

Listeria found in Walmart, Trader Joe’s meals may be linked to deadly fettuccine outbreak

September 26, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Brest Fettucine Alfredo may be contaminated with listeria previously linked to a deadly outbreak. FreshRealm, the food producer that distributed the products, says tests showed that pasta in the meals may be contaminated with the same bacteria tied to a recall of chicken fettuccine Alfredo this summer. That outbreak killed three people and sickened at least 17.

Transportation Department tightens noncitizen truck driver rules after fatal crash in Florida

September 26, 2025

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

The U.S. Transportation Department has tightened requirements for noncitizens to get commercial driver’s licenses after fatal crashes that officials say were caused by immigrant truck drivers. The government announced the change Friday. A nationwide commercial driver’s license audit began after officials say a driver in the country illegally made a U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed two people. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also threatened to revoke $160 million in federal funding for California because the state should never have issued 25% of 145 licenses that investigators reviewed.

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

September 26, 2025

By MATTHEW DALY and MATTHEW BROWN - Associated Press

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.

Judge rules ‘MyPillow Guy’ Mike Lindell defamed Smartmatic with false claims on voting machines

September 26, 2025

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that MyPillow founder Mike Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic by falsely claiming its voting machines helped rig the 2020 presidential election. The judge identified 51 instances where Lindell made false claims. However, the question of whether Lindell acted with “actual malice” won’t be resolved until later. Smartmatic needs to prove that to collect damages. Lindell has faced similar legal issues with Dominion Voting Systems. He says he plans to continue his fight against voting machines. He also continues to express interest in a possible run for governor of Minnesota against incumbent Tim Walz.

Trump says he’s ordered the declassification and release of all government records on Amelia Earhart

September 26, 2025

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he has ordered the government to declassify and release all records on missing aviator Amelia Earhart. He made the announcement Friday after returning to the White House from a trip to New York. The Republican president wrote on his social media site that Earhart’s fate is an “interesting story” and that people have been asking him about whether he’d consider declassifying and making public everything the government knows about her, including her final flight. Earhart’s plane vanished during her attempt to fly around the world in 1937. Trump says her disappearance has “captivated millions.”

Successful Chum September Sock Drive with Barbie’s Dream Homes Realtor

September 26, 2025

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — A local realtor teamed up with Chum to host a September sock drive to help those in need. Barbie’s Dream Homes of Edmunds Realty has collected around 1,500 pairs of socks this month during the drive. Community members have dropped off socks of all types and sizes, all going towards individuals and families in need. With cold…

Jury convicts Michigan veterinarian of theft for refusing to return dog to homeless man

September 26, 2025

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

A veterinarian in Michigan has been convicted of theft for refusing to return a dog to a homeless man. Amanda Hergenreder discovered the 16-year-old dog tied to a truck last November. A jury in Grand Rapids returned a verdict Friday. Hergenreder took the dog to her clinic, where she performed various medical procedures and removed a rotten tooth. She named the pit bull mix Biggby. She declined to return the dog to Chris Hamilton because there were no assurances that the animal’s living conditions would be investigated. Hamilton knew the dog as Vinny. The dog died in July.

Man found on Moccasin Mike Road in Superior identified

September 26, 2025

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department has identified the person found deceased in the area of Moccasin Mike Road and Wisconsin Point Road on September 24, 2025. He was identified as Superior resident, 53-year-old Tracy Alan Woodhull. The Superior Police Department is still investigate this incident. On September 24, 2025, at approximately 1:39am officer got the report of a man…

Sheila St. Clair Remembrance Ceremony

September 26, 2025

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sept. 27, 2025, marks ten years since indigenous woman Sheila St. Clair went missing from her home in Duluth. To honor her memory and highlight the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, organizers are hosting a remembrance ceremony for Sheila. This event is intended to bring the community together to support and empathize with victims, families,…

Wisconsin Republican Bill Berrien quits governor’s race amid fallout over sexually explicit links

September 26, 2025

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

Wisconsin business owner Bill Berrien has ended his Republican campaign for governor, days after it was reported that he followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online, including a nonbinary pornography performer. Berrien is a former Navy SEAL and one of three announced prominent Republican candidates. He issued a lengthy statement Friday saying, “I had no idea that running for political office could be almost as dangerous” as “hunting down war criminals in Bosnia.” Berrien said he concluded he could not win the Republican primary. Berrien’s departure leaves U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who got into the race on Tuesday, and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann as the only Republican candidates. There are numerous Democrats running.

Congdon Park neighborhood under boil alert

September 26, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

DULUTH, Minn. — A boil water notice is in effect for residents in the Congdon Park neighborhood. The boil alert is in place for those living on the 3300 to 3800 blocks of Greysolon Road, Greysolon Place, East Superior Street, and 36th Avenue East from London Road to Superior Street. Officials say during a hydrant replacement on London Road, a…

Gunman who blamed NFL for hiding brain injury dangers had CTE, medical examiner confirms

September 26, 2025

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ - Associated Press

A medical examiner has confirmed that Shane Tamura, who killed four people in a Manhattan office tower this summer, was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Tamura, a Las Vegas casino worker, shot himself in the chest after the July 28 shooting in a building housing NFL headquarters. The victims included a police officer, a security guard and two office workers. He accused the NFL of hiding evidence of brain injuries. A note found in Tamura’s wallet revealed his self-diagnosis and urged the study of his brain. Tamura played high school football in California a decade ago but never played in the NFL.