US & World News Archives - Page 12 of 85

US diplomat fired over relationship with woman accused of ties to Chinese Communist Party

October 9, 2025

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

The State Department says it’s fired a U.S. diplomat over a romantic relationship he admitted having with a Chinese woman alleged to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The dismissal is believed to be the first of its kind for violating a ban on such relationships that was introduced late last year under the Biden administration. The Associated Press reported earlier this year that in the waning days of Democrat Joe Biden’s presidency, the State Department imposed a ban on all American government personnel in China, as well as family members and contractors with security clearances, from any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.

One Tech Tip: Annoyed by junk calls to your iPhone? Try the new iOS 26 call screen feature

October 9, 2025

By KELVIN CHAN - AP Business Writer

Apple has introduced a new call screening feature for iPhone users to combat nuisance calls. This tool, part of the iOS 26 update, allows users to screen calls from unknown numbers. To activate it, users must update their iPhones and enable the feature in the Phone app settings. When an unknown caller dials, a Siri-style voice asks for their name and purpose. Users receive a transcription and can choose to answer or send a pre-written message. While some users find it helpful, others report issues with important calls not getting through. Apple is catching up with Google, which already offers a similar feature.

Vegas and Jack Eichel agree on an 8-year, $108 million contract extension

October 9, 2025

By STEPHEN WHYNO - AP Hockey Writer

Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights have agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension worth $108 million. Eichel will count $13.5 million against the salary cap from the time the new contract kicks in for the 2026-27 season through 2034. The soon-to-be 29-year-old center is the latest high-profile player to re-up with his team rather than test free agency next summer. Eichel set career highs last season with 66 assists and 94 points.

Hair museum filled with century-old mementos closes its doors, scattering contents around the nation

October 9, 2025

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH - Associated Press

Century-old wreaths made from human hair fill the walls of Leila’s Hair Museum, and glass cases overflow with necklaces and watch bands made from the locks of the dead. There also are strands of hair purported to come from past presidents, Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe and even Jesus. For around 30 years, this small attraction in the Kansas City suburb of Independence attracted an eclectic group of gawkers that included the likes of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne. But the museum’s namesake, Leila Cohoon, died last November at the age of 92. Now the collection of more than 3,000 pieces is headed to museums around the country.

Frustrated lawmakers say lack of trust is making it harder to end the government shutdown

October 8, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES, MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN - Associated Press

Lawmakers are openly venting their frustration as they try to gain traction to end the government shutdown. Groups of lawmakers have tried to brainstorm ways out of the standoff that for nine days has shuttered government offices, kept hundreds of thousands of federal employees at home and threatened their pay. But they have found themselves running up against a fundamental lack of trust in each other. President Donald Trump and Republicans have so far held to the stance that they will only negotiate on Democratic demands around health care benefits after they vote to reopen the government.

Greenland’s leader hails EU as trusted friend and urges investment in its minerals

October 8, 2025

By LORNE COOK - Associated Press

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has thanked the European Union for being a “trusted friend” and urged investment in Greenland’s resources. Speaking to the European Parliament on Wednesday, Nielsen highlighted the challenges of climate change and emphasized the need for partnerships with like-minded countries. He didn’t mention President Donald Trump’s talk of seizing the Arctic island. Greenland, a self-governing entity within the Danish realm, seeks EU investment in its mineral resources, renewable energy and infrastructure. Nielsen also called for financial support to develop telecommunications and regional airports.

Antetokounmpo says he’s ‘locked in’ with Bucks while noting possibility he could change his mind

October 8, 2025

AP

Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed that he’s “locked in” with the Milwaukee Bucks while acknowledging the possibility that could eventually change depending on how things develop over the next several months. The two-time MVP said that “I’ve always wanted to be in Milwaukee, always wanted to represent the city, as long as we have the opportunity to win.” He added that “now if in six, seven months I change my mind, that’s human, too. ”

Michael Busch hits another leadoff homer for the Cubs in NL Division Series against the Brewers

October 8, 2025

By JAY COHEN - AP Baseball Writer

Michael Busch sparked a fast start for the Chicago Cubs — again. Busch hit a leadoff homer in Chicago’s four-run first inning in Game 3 of the team’s NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. He became the first player in major league history with multiple leadoff homers in a single postseason series, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The 27-year-old Busch drove a full-count cutter from Quinn Priester deep to right-center, tying it at 1. It was the first baseman’s team-high third homer of the postseason. Busch also hit a leadoff shot against Freddy Peralta in Chicago’s 9-3 loss in Game 1 on Saturday.

Blue Jays beat Yankees 5-2 in Game 4 to reach first ALCS since 2016

October 8, 2025

By MIKE FITZPATRICK - AP Baseball Writer

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer each drove in a run, and eight Toronto pitchers shut down the New York Yankees in a 5-2 victory that sent the Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nine years. Nathan Lukes provided a two-run single and Addison Barger had three of Toronto’s 12 hits as the pesky Blue Jays bounced right back after blowing a five-run lead in Tuesday night’s loss at Yankee Stadium. AL East champion Toronto took the best-of-five Division Series 3-1 and will host Game 1 in the best-of-seven ALCS on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners. Those teams are set to decide their playoff series Friday in Game 5 at Seattle.

Prosecutors say no harm was done by social media posts about assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO

October 8, 2025

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER - Associated Press

Federal prosecutors say no harm was done to the prospects for a fair trial when two U.S. Justice Department officials reposted potentially inflammatory comments President Donald Trump made about Luigi Mangione after his arrest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Prosecutors sent a letter Wednesday to a Manhattan federal judge who last month asked them to explain the posts and what steps the department had taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on Dec. 4. The assassination happened as he arrived at a Manhattan hotel for his company’s annual investor conference.

Cubs use 4-run 1st inning to top the Brewers 4-3 and avoid NL Division Series sweep

October 8, 2025

By JAY COHEN - AP Baseball Writer

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a tiebreaking two-run single and the Chicago Cubs avoided a sweep by holding off the Milwaukee Brewers for a 4-3 victory in Game 3 of their NL Division Series. Crow-Armstrong’s two-out swing was part of a four-run first inning for Chicago — continuing a wild trend. Michael Busch kicked off the rally by becoming the first player in major league history with multiple leadoff homers in a single postseason series. The matchup of NL Central rivals is the first postseason series in which both teams scored in the first in each of the first three games. Jake Bauers rallied Milwaukee with an RBI single in the fourth and a leadoff drive in the seventh.

Senate Republicans vote down legislation to check Trump’s use of war powers against cartels

October 8, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES and MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

Senate Republicans have voted down legislation that would have put a check on President Donald Trump’s ability to use deadly military force against drug cartels. Democrats and one Republican were trying to counter the administration’s extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers to destroy vessels in the Caribbean. Congress is constitutionally responsible for making declarations of war, but the Trump administration has asserted that drug traffickers are armed combatants threatening the United States and thus its use of military force is legally justified. The U.S. military has carried out four strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, which the White House says killed 21 people and stopped narcotics from reaching the U.S.

Tigers rally to beat Mariners 9-3 and force decisive Game 5 in AL Division Series

October 8, 2025

By DAVE HOGG - Associated Press

Riley Greene and Javier Báez homered in a four-run sixth inning and the Detroit Tigers kept their season alive with a 9-3 win over the Seattle Mariners in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. The Tigers forced a Game 5 by winning at Comerica Park for the first time in more than a month. They went 0-8 after Tarik Skubal’s 6-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 6, including Seattle’s 8-4 win on Tuesday. The series decider will be on Friday in Seattle, with Skubal facing George Kirby.

Dolly Parton responds to concerns about her health: ‘I’m not dying’

October 8, 2025

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

Dolly Parton says not to worry, she “ain’t dead yet.” That’s what the country superstar shared in a video on social media Wednesday following public speculation about her health. Late last month Parton postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing “health challenges.” She was scheduled to perform six shows in December. Her dates have been moved to next year, in Sept. 2026. She did not provide additional details. On Tuesday, a Facebook posted shared by her sister Freida Parton escalated concerns around Parton’s health when she wrote that she had been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” Dolly Parton has clarified that her doctors say she is dealing with nothing major.

Judge tosses summons for former ‘The Bear’ writer who was handcuffed in NYC train seating dispute

October 8, 2025

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ - Associated Press

A New York City judge has dismissed a civil summons against Alex O’Keefe, a former writer for FX’s “The Bear.” O’Keefe was removed from a commuter train last month after a seating dispute. He accused transit officers of racial targeting after a passenger complained about how he was sitting. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said police intervened because O’Keefe had spread his legs across an adjacent seat, violating train rules. He was handcuffed and released with a summons for disorderly conduct. The summons was dismissed Tuesday. O’Keefe called the case “absurd” and said he would continue advocating for fellow commuters.

Trump has yet to provide Congress hard evidence that targeted boats carried drugs, officials say

October 8, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI, SEUNG MIN KIM, MATTHEW LEE, KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The Trump administration hasn’t provided evidence to lawmakers that recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats were justified. That’s according to two U.S. officials who were not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Bipartisan frustration is growing as the Senate votes on a war powers resolution Wednesday. The administration has only shared unclassified video clips of the strikes, which don’t confirm the presence of drugs. The Pentagon has pointed to public statements by officials, but lawmakers are questioning the legal basis for these actions. An administration memo declaring the U.S. is in an armed conflict with drug cartels has raised stark questions among some lawmakers about how Trump intends to use his war powers.

Retired Justice Kennedy laments coarse discourse of Trump era and its effects on the Supreme Court

October 8, 2025

By MARK SHERMAN - Associated Press

Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy says he is troubled that partisanship seemed to be “creeping its way into the court,” and that the state of political discourse in the country has gotten so vulgar and vile that he worries for the country. Kennedy said in an interview with The Associated Press Wednesday that the tone of recent opinions bothers him more than outcomes of cases. He was interviewed in advance of next week’s publication of his memoir, “Life, Law & Liberty.” He declined to identify any justices, but described some opinions as “attacks on your colleagues.” Kennedy called himself routinely put off by what he is hearing from President Donald Trump and members of Congress. Kennedy, 89, retired in 2018.

Winnipeg Jets sign Kyle Connor to an 8-year, $96 million extension

October 8, 2025

AP

Kyle Connor is staying in Winnipeg. The star left winger has signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension with the Jets. Connor will count $12 million against the salary cap from when the new deal kicks in next season through 2034. Connor had 41 goals and 56 assists for the Jets last season. Winnipeg drafted him 17th in the 2015 NHL draft. He has 284 goals and 298 assists over his nine seasons in the NHL, all with Winnipeg. The two-time all-star won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2022 for his sportsmanlike play.

Meet the 22 artists, scientists and authors who will each get $800,000 MacArthur genius grants

October 8, 2025

By THALIA BEATY - Associated Press

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced its 2025 class of fellows on Wednesday, a prize often called the “genius award.” This year, the fellows include Hahrie Han, a political scientist who studies what helps people connect across differences; Tommy Orange, a novelist whose books about Native American communities in Oakland, California, sparked a passionate following; and Matt Black, a photographer whose black and white images investigate poverty in America. The MacArthur fellows receive a $800,000 prize paid out over five years that they can spend however they choose. The foundation selects fellows over the course of years and consider a wide range of recommendations.

Authorities charge man with sparking deadly January wildfire that leveled LA neighborhoods

October 8, 2025

The Associated Press,

FILE – An aerial view shows the devastation left by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file) LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 29-year-old man charged with sparking the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history likely used a lighter to start a fire on New Year’s Day that…

Is there an AI bubble? Financial institutions sound a warning

October 8, 2025

By KELVIN CHAN and MATT O'BRIEN - AP Technology Writers

Financial institutions are raising concerns about a potential AI investment bubble. The Bank of England warns that tech stock prices, inflated by AI optimism, could face a sharp correction. On Wednesday, the IMF echoed these concerns, noting that global stock prices are surging due to high expectations for AI’s productivity potential. Experts point to rapid tech stock growth and stretched market valuations as signs of a bubble. While tech leaders like Jeff Bezos and Sam Altman acknowledge the risks, they remain optimistic about AI’s long-term benefits.

IRS to furlough nearly half of its workforce as shutdown enters second week

October 8, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

The IRS will furlough nearly half of its workforce as part of a new contingency plan. The agency said Wednesday that most operations are closed. This follows the failure of President Donald Trump and Congress to reach a funding agreement, leading to a government shutdown now in its second week. The IRS initially planned to stay open using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, but now only 53.6% of its 74,299 employees will remain working. Last week, Trump said around 750,000 federal workers nationwide were expected to be furloughed, with some potentially fired.

El Paso bishop brings Pope Leo XIV desperate letters from migrants in crosshairs of US crackdown

October 8, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

The Texas bishop on the front lines of the U.S. immigration crackdown has met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. Bishop Mark Seitz from El Paso brought letters from immigrant families living in fear of deportation under the Trump administration’s policies. On Wednesday, Seitz shared a video with the Pope, highlighting the migrants’ struggles. The Pope expressed support for the Catholic leaders aiding these communities. Seitz emphasized the Church’s commitment to teaching faith and recognizing the dignity of all people. The administration defends its actions as necessary for safety, but Catholic leaders have criticized the impact on families and communities.

Trump says Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose Guard deployment

October 8, 2025

By MICHELLE L. PRICE and SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor, both Democrats, should be jailed as they oppose his deployment of National Guard troops for his immigration and crime crackdown in the nation’s third-largest city. The Republican president made the comment in a social media post Wednesday. It’s the latest example of his calls for his opponents to be prosecuted or locked up Trump wrote on Truth Social that Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker “should be in jail for failing to protect” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The officials said they wouldn’t be deterred.

A knock at the door. A call from a strange number. Here’s how the Nobel Prize winners heard they won

October 8, 2025

By STEFANIE DAZIO and ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - Associated Press

This year’s Nobel Prize science winners got the good news from late-night phone calls and door knocks. The winners join the pantheon of Nobel laureates, from Albert Einstein to Mother Teresa. Sometimes, the award is anticipated. Potential winners plan tentative news conferences. In the western U.S., some wait up all night for the news. Others are fast asleep until the news comes with a knock at the door before dawn. Wednesday’s chemistry prize marked the first time this week where the Nobel committee reached all three winners ahead of the formal announcement.

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens rural schools and hospitals reliant on immigrant workers

October 8, 2025

By SARAH RAZA - Associated Press

The new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas spells trouble for rural parts of the U.S. that rely on immigrants to fill vacancies in skilled professions. Small communities often face workforce shortages in critical sectors like health care and education, struggling to attract American workers from other parts of the country. International medical graduates frequently accept positions in these underserved areas, while immigrant teachers with advanced training fill essential roles from elementary school classrooms to special education. Some groups are now seeking exemptions from the Trump administration for health care professionals and K-12 educators as experts warn the fee will prove insurmountable for rural communities lacking the resources to absorb the cost.

Buildings are turning to ‘ice batteries’ for sustainable air conditioning

October 8, 2025

By ISABELLA O'MALLEY - Associated Press

Buildings in the U.S. are turning to ice batteries for air conditioning — a technology that freezes water into ice at night when electricity is cheap and lets it thaw during the day to cool indoor spaces. Experts say it reduces emissions and strain on the grid and lowers electricity demand. With warming temperatures, rising electricity costs and growing energy demands, especially from data centers, ice thermal energy storage is gaining attention as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for air conditioning. Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky said it saved $278,000 during the first year their ice energy system went into operation.

Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has died

October 8, 2025

By MICHAEL CASEY - Associated Press

The first wife of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, Joan Kennedy, died Wednesday at the age of 89. She endured the assassinations of two brothers-in-law and stood by her husband through the Chappaquiddick scandal as well as through his failed 1980 run for president. The couple divorced in 1982. She worked for the mentally challenged and other causes but also struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism herself for much of her life, including several drunk driving arrests. Her son Patrick Kennedy praised her as a classically trained pianist and advocate for addiction recovery who helped break stigma and inspired others to seek help.

Comey will make first court appearance in Justice Department case accusing him of lying to Congress

October 8, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

Former FBI Director James Comey is set to make his first court appearance in a Justice Department criminal case accusing him of lying to Congress five years ago. Comey’s arraignment Wednesday is expected to be brief. But the case has amplified concerns the Justice Department is being weaponized in pursuit of President Donald Trump’s political enemies. Comey is expected to plead not guilty at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia. That will kick-start a process of legal wrangling in which defense lawyers will almost certainly move to get the indictment dismissed before trial, possibly by arguing the case amounts to a selective or vindictive prosecution.

Lawsuit against Trump’s Washington National Guard deployment exposes country’s deep partisan divide

October 8, 2025

By GARY FIELDS - Associated Press

A courtroom in Washington has become the latest battleground over President Donald Trump’s federal law enforcement intervention. A lawsuit challenges the ongoing National Guard deployment in the nation’s capital. States have taken sides along party lines, with 23 Republican-led states supporting the Trump administration and 22 Democratic-led states backing Washington’s opposition. The lawsuit was filed by Washington’s attorney general and argues the deployment is unlawful and unconstitutional. The case highlights deep divisions over Trump’s use of military forces in cities. States that could face their own deployments are closely watching the case. Legal experts differ over how they think the case will play out. Oral arguments begin Oct. 24.

Molecular discovery that won Nobel Prize in chemistry is likened to ‘Harry Potter’ enchanted handbag

October 8, 2025

By KOSTYA MANENKOV and STEFANIE DAZIO - Associated Press

Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing metal–organic frameworks. Hans Ellegren, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the prize in Stockholm on Wednesday. Robson is from the University of Melbourne, Kitagawa from Kyoto University, and Yaghi from the University of California, Berkeley. An expert likened their discovery to Hermione Granger’s enchanted handbag in the fictional “Harry Potter” series: small on the outside but very large on the inside. The awards continue with the literature prize on Thursday, the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, and the economics prize next Monday. The award ceremony is set for Dec. 10.

What to do if you’re underwater on your car loan

October 8, 2025

By JOSH JACQUOT - Edmunds

Higher prices and interest rates, long loan terms and early trade-ins are making it easier than ever to find yourself underwater on a car loan. Edmunds’ experts share advice on how to best remedy this situation. If you’re already upside down, the simplest way to avoid digging a deeper financial hole is to hold on to your current vehicle and keep making payments. Other strategies include buying a used vehicle or leasing your next vehicle.

Israeli military intercepts another flotilla heading to Gaza and detains scores of activists

October 8, 2025

By MELANIE LIDMAN and RENATA BRITO - Associated Press

The Israeli military has intercepted a nine-boat flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea trying to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and detained scores of activists on board. The Israeli Foreign Ministry says the 145 activists, who were in good health, were being brought to shore in Israel for processing and are expected to be deported soon. The interception on Wednesday came after nearly 450 activists, including European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg, were intercepted on more than 40 boats last week trying to reach Gaza with a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. That interception drew widespread condemnation and sparked large protests in several major cities and a one-day strike across Italy.

He lives alongside lions in Nairobi. The human-wildlife collision is dazzling — and dangerous

October 7, 2025

By KHALED KAZZIHA - Associated Press

The Kenyan capital Nairobi is renowned for having the only national park in a city. The wildlife in it roams freely, migrating in and out through the unfenced southern border, even as residential neighbourhoods are growing in that area, due to the city’s spread. In one neighborhood on the southern border of the park, lions have frequently crossed into residents’ backyards, picking off pets and even — rarely — attacking humans. Although human-wildlife conflict has existed for as long as humans have, predator attacks are likely to rise as space for Kenya’s lions shrinks and their hunting opportunities diminish.

A veteran defense lawyer turned judge will oversee the case against ex-FBI director James Comey

October 7, 2025

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

The federal judge overseeing the Justice Department’s prosecution of former FBI director James Comey has already handled cases in President Donald Trump’s orbit. U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff is scheduled to preside over Comey’s arraignment Wednesday. He’s a relative newcomer to the bench after Democratic President Joe Biden nominated him in 2021. He was randomly assigned to Comey’s case following a grand jury indictment in Virginia on charges including obstruction of a congressional proceeding. In 2019, he presided over an arraignment for associates of former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani. More recently, he ruled against a doctor who was attacked by prominent Trump allies.

Starving children screaming for food as US aid cuts unleash devastation and death across Myanmar

October 7, 2025

By KRISTEN GELINEAU - Associated Press

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said “no one has died” because of his government’s decision to gut its foreign aid program. But in Myanmar, families tell The Associated Press their loved ones have died as a direct result of the aid cuts. In one case, the father of a 2-year-old boy says his son died in May of malnutrition after the family’s food rations stopped arriving as a result of the aid cuts. In more than 60 interviews, the AP documented widespread suffering across Myanmar because of the U.S. decision. Children are screaming and crying for food. Health care services have been hobbled. The sick and the starving have wasted away, and people must forage for hours in the jungle each day to find food.

Federal government shutdown grinds into a second week, but quiet talks emerging

October 7, 2025

By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTI - Associated Press

As the federal government shutdown enters a second week, there’s no discernible endgame in sight. No negotiations, at least publicly, are underway. But signs of political discomfort, and quiet talks, are emerging. The Republicans who have majority control in Congress believe they have the upper hand politically, as they fend off Democratic demands to quickly fund health insurance subsidies as part of any plan to end the shutdown. But Democrats are also dug in, convinced that Americans are on their side in the fight to prevent the looming health care price spikes. Meanwhile, certain lawmakers are discussing what it would take to reopen the government, starting with addressing the health care problem.

Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts

October 7, 2025

AP

Thirty paintings by Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to support public television stations. The Bonhams auction is to begin Nov. 11 in Los Angeles with three of the paintings. Other auctions will follow. All profits will help public TV stations with licensing fees for popular programs that include “The Best of Joy of Painting” and “America’s Test Kitchen.” Bob Ross Inc. president Joan Kowalski says the auction will continue Ross’ legacy of supporting public television. Ross, who died in 1995, was in production with “The Joy of Painting” for 11 years. He enjoyed a resurgence of popularity during the COVID lockdowns. The auctions come as Congress has cut $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funding.

Tigers need to find offense before time runs out in the AL Division Series

October 7, 2025

By DAVE HOGG - Associated Press

The Detroit Tigers have less than 24 hours to find an offense that can save their season. Unfortunately for their chances in the American League Division Series, the Tigers have been looking for the last month without any success. Detroit only managed one run on five hits in the first eight innings of their 8-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, leaving them down 2-1 in the series and facing elimination on Wednesday.

Raleigh, Suarez, Crawford homer and Mariners top Tigers 8-4 for a 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series

October 7, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Cal Raleigh hit a two-run homer, Eugenio Suarez and J.P. Crawford had solo shots and the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 8-4 on Tuesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series. The Mariners are within a win of their first AL Championship Series since 2001. Their first chance to advance is on Wednesday afternoon in Game 4 at Comerica Park and if necessary, another opportunity awaits on Friday back in Seattle for a decisive Game 5. Seattle’s Logan Gilbert gave up one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking none over six innings.

NFL fines Jerry Jones $250,000 for obscene MetLife gesture he says was inadvertent

October 7, 2025

AP

The NFL has fined Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones $250,000 for an obscene gesture toward fans at MetLife Stadium. He says it was inadvertent. The incident came late in Dallas’ 37-22 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. Jones says he intended a “thumbs up” for celebrating Cowboys fans. Jones was caught on a video that went viral smiling widely as he pointed toward fans before briefly flashing the gesture. He says he was interacting with Dallas fans, not Jets fans. Jones called the gesture “inadvertent” and that he “put up the wrong show on the hand.”

Hundreds of hikers rescued from Mount Everest after severe snowstorm

October 7, 2025

AP

About 900 hikers, guides, and staff stranded by a snowstorm on Mount Everest’s Chinese side have reached safety. A severe storm hit Saturday night, trapping them at over 16,000 feet in elevation. By Monday noon, 350 hikers had descended, and the rest arrived by Tuesday. State media reported some hikers had hypothermia, and a dozen were helped with food, medicine and oxygen on the descent. The scenic area at Mount Everest is temporarily closed. In neighboring Nepal, a South Korean climber died in a storm near Mera Peak, a Himalayan mountain south of Everest.

Jews are celebrating Sukkot, a 7-day holiday intended as a time of joy

October 7, 2025

By The Associated Press

Sukkot, the Jewish holiday celebrating the traditional gathering of the harvest, has begun. It began at sundown Monday, Oct. 6 and continues through Monday, Oct. 13. Sukkot is considered one of the most joyful festivals on the Jewish calendar — distinctive in that it explicitly encourages Jews to rejoice and discourages public mourning. This year, the first full day of Sukkot falls on Oct. 7 — the second anniversary of Hamas’ 2023 attack on southern Israel that left more than 1,200 people dead and many others taken hostage.

Cubs once again turn to Jameson Taillon to avoid postseason elimination

October 7, 2025

By MATT CARLSON - Associated Press

For the second time in a week, the Chicago Cubs play a win-or-go-home game, this time against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 in their best-of-five NL Division Series. Once again, the Cubs will turn to Jameson Taillon on Wednesday. Taillon tossed four scoreless, two-hit innings against the San Diego Padres last Thursday and Chicago went on to take the deciding Game 3 of their Wild Card Series 3-1. This time, the Cubs need to prevail in three straight elimination contests to keep their season alive. The Brewers have a 2-0 lead in the series following 9-3 and 7-3 wins in Milwaukee.

Mourners remember Latter-day Saints president as a ‘healer of hearts,’ spiritually and literally

October 7, 2025

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and DEEPA BHARATH - Associated Press

Mourners reflected on the life and legacy of Russell M. Nelson, the charismatic sentimentalist who oversaw a global temple building boom as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at a funeral service in Salt Lake City. He died in late September at age 101. A church official described him as “the holder of hands and the healer of hearts.” Church spokesman Doug Andersen says nearly 20,000 tickets quickly were claimed for his funeral. The Tuesday service was broadcast globally and featured tributes and music by the Tabernacle Choir. The burial service will be held at Salt Lake City Cemetery but will not be open to the public.

Tigers-Mariners ALDS Game 3 starts after nearly 3-hour delay, moves to FS2, MLB Network, Fox One App

October 7, 2025

AP

Game 3 of the AL Division Series between the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers has started after a rain delay that lasted nearly three hours. Detroit was set to host Seattle with a late-afternoon start on Tuesday, but the infield was covered within an hour of the scheduled first pitch. The game was scheduled to air on FS1, but was moved to FS2, MLB Network and the Fox One App. The Tigers and Mariners split the first two games of the series in Seattle.

USDA warns that Hello Fresh subscription meals may contain listeria-tainted spinach

October 7, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

Federal health officials have issued a public health alert for certain Hello Fresh subscription meals containing spinach that may be contaminated with listeria. The U.S. Agriculture Department on Monday warned people not to eat Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. The products were shipped directly to consumers’ homes. They were produced by FreshRealm, a California firm linked to an expanding listeria outbreak tied to heat-and-eat pasta meals.

Purrfect ending: Missing Virginia store cat found after hitching a ride to another state

October 7, 2025

By JULIE WALKER and JOHN RABY - Associated Press

Francine the cat is back home at a Lowe’s store in Virginia after going missing for a few weeks. The calico cat hitched a ride to a sister facility in another state. After employees at the Richmond store discovered Francine was missing, surveillance footage revealed she had hopped onto a delivery truck. An employee shut the door and off it went to a distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina. Eventually, humane traps were set and Francine was caught. Two employees made the 90-minute drive Monday to pick up Francine. She was back on the job Tuesday, playing with customers, posing for photos and soaking in affection.

Why NFL field goals are getting longer, and what’s changed this season

October 7, 2025

By JOSH DUBOW - AP Pro Football Writer

NFL kickers are now making long-distance field goals more frequently, with many kicks exceeding 60 yards. This shift has sparked questions about whether the balls are altered. A rule change this year allows teams to prepare kicking balls before game day, leading to more consistent performance. There already have been four kicks of at least 60 yards this season, close to the single-season record. The new rules also have impacted punts, with average distances increasing. Kickers say the broken-in balls add a few extra yards to their kicks.

Bipartisan US governors’ group faces division over Trump’s deployment of troops to states

October 7, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL and DAVID A. LIEB - Associated Press

Democratic governors from California and Illinois are threatening to leave the National Governors Association unless it denounces President Donald Trump’s troop deployments to states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker contend that Trump’s deployment of the Guard against a governor’s will is a violation of state sovereignty. The bipartisan group, founded in 1908, usually advocates for issues where governors find common ground. However, some Republican governors support Trump’s actions, and the group hasn’t taken a position on the troop deployments. Democratic governors from Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota have already left the association this year.