US & World News Archives - Page 2 of 86

Historic libraries bring modern comfort to book lovers and history buffs in New England

October 25, 2025

By LEAH WILLINGHAM and KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

Centuries-old private libraries are bringing modern comfort and awe to book lovers and history buffs in New England. About 20 athenaeums dating back to the 18th- and 19th centuries remain in the region. Back then, athenaeums were exclusive spaces that only people with education and money could access. Today, they are member-supported private libraries where people can explore a seemingly endless maze of books, biographies, town genealogies and more. One athenaeum executive director says some people visit every day to work remotely, read or socialize. Some of the libraries are free while others offer membership for a monthly fee. Most offer day passes and tours, too.

Barger, Varsho and Kirk lead homer barrage as Blue Jays rout Dodgers 11-4 in World Series opener

October 25, 2025

By RONALD BLUM - AP Baseball Writer

Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, Alejandro Kirk added a two-run homer in a nine-run sixth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays overwhelmed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1. Daulton Varsho started Toronto’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit with a two-run drive in the fourth off Blake Snell. The longball barrage was fitting as the Fall Classic returned to Toronto for the first time since 1993, when Blue Jays slugger Joe Carter hit the second walk-off homer to end a World Series. Shohei Ohtani hit his first Series home run for the heavily favored Dodgers, seeking to become the first repeat champion since the New York Yankees took three titles in a row from 1998-2000.

Anti-abortion pregnancy centers are looking to offer much more than ultrasounds and diapers

October 25, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL and KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

More anti-abortion pregnancy centers have been offering medical services such as testing for sexually transmitted infections. With coming changes to Medicaid, more women are expected to be uninsured or lack access to clinics. And more could seek care from the organizations, which generally provide free services and don’t bill insurance. In some states, they get taxpayer dollars. Critics of the centers say they lack accountability, don’t provide birth control and offering only limited ultrasounds that can’t be used for diagnosing fetal anomalies. One battle over the centers is heading to the Supreme Court in coming months.

Russia faces a shrinking and aging population and tries restrictive laws to combat it

October 25, 2025

By KATIE MARIE DAVIES - Associated Press

Russia has grappled with a shrinking and aging population for decades, with President Vladimir Putin viewing it as a threat to national security. Yet despite efforts like cash incentives and family-friendly policies, the number of deaths now outpaces births. Economic uncertainty, restrictions on immigration and the war in Ukraine are making the crisis worse. Desperate to reverse the trend, Russian authorities are also rolling out a wave of restrictive laws, such as banning “child-free propaganda” and limiting access to abortions. Putin has said that he wants to see a return to a time when women had “seven, eight, and even more children.”

Luka Doncic scores 49 to extend his sizzling season start in Lakers’ 128-110 win over Timberwolves

October 24, 2025

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Luka Doncic scored 49 points and became the fourth player in NBA history to begin a season with back-to-back 40-point performances, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic followed his 43-point performance in an opening-night loss to Golden State with his highest-scoring effort yet in a Lakers jersey, going 14 for 23 with five 3-pointers while adding 11 rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points and Julius Randle had 26 for Minnesota, which couldn’t slow the Lakers’ offense in a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff series won in five games by the Wolves.

Europe fights to avoid being sidelined by Trump’s world-shaping plans

October 24, 2025

By JILL LAWLESS and AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

Donald Trump has seized a central role on the global stage, leaving European allies on the sidelines. European governments have struggled to influence Trump’s policies on Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war. Geopolitical risk expert Lindsay Newman says Trump’s agenda disproves the idea that “America First” means isolationism. European efforts to bolster U.S. support for Ukraine got a boost this week when Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil and gas. But Trump continues to express frustration with Kyiv and has not managed to secure a ceasefire. European leaders also have had little impact on Trump’s Gaza peace plan, though they’re expected to play a role in reconstruction.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ‘deeply disturbed’ by gambling arrests of Billups and Rozier

October 24, 2025

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed shock over the arrests of Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier on gambling-related charges. Speaking on Friday night during Amazon Prime Video’s first broadcast, Silver said he was deeply disturbed by the indictments. The arrests, which happened on Thursday, involve nearly three dozen people, including Billups and Rozier. Rozier is accused of conspiring to help associates win bets based on his performance. Billups faces charges related to rigged poker games. Silver apologized to fans, noting the situation has overshadowed the league’s opening week.

Picasso portrait of muse Dora Maar in vivid hat, long hidden from view, sells for 32 million euros

October 24, 2025

By OLEG CETINIC - Associated Press

A long-hidden Picasso portrait of muse Dora Maar has sold for 32 million euros at an auction in Paris. The vividly hued portrait had remained out of view for more than eight decades in a family collection. Auctioneer Christophe Lucien called Friday’s sale to a buyer in the room “an enormous success.” Painted in July 1943, “Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar)” depicts Maar in a brightly colored floral hat. She had been the artist’s muse for about seven years, and the relationship was coming to a painful close. The work was purchased in 1944 and had not been on the market since.

Pentagon accepts $130 million donation to help pay the military during the government shutdown

October 24, 2025

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and LISA MASCARO - Associated Presse

The Pentagon has confirmed it’s accepted an anonymous $130 million gift to help pay members of the military during the government shutdown. The announcement Friday raises ethical questions after President Donald Trump had said a friend offered the gift to defray any shortfalls. While large and unusual, the gift amounts to a small contribution toward the billions needed to cover service member paychecks. The Trump administration told Congress last week that it used $6.5 billion to make payroll. The next payday is coming within the week, and it’s unclear if the administration will again move money around to ensure the military does not go without compensation.

Sports betting is a booming business. The FBI’s NBA probe is putting it in the spotlight

October 24, 2025

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

The stunning indictment that led to the arrest of more than 30 people — including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and other NBA figures — has drawn new scrutiny of the booming business of sports betting in the U.S. The multibillion-dollar industry has made it easy for sports fans — and even some players — to wager on everything from the outcome of games to that of a single play with just a few taps of a cellphone. But regulating the rapidly-growing industry has proven to be a challenge. Professional sports leagues’ own role in promoting gambling has also raised eyebrows.

Target is eliminating 1,800 corporate jobs as it looks to reclaim its lost luster

October 24, 2025

By LISA LEFF - Associated Press

Target is eliminating about 1,800 corporate positions in an effort to streamline decision-making and accelerate initiatives to rebuild the flagging discount retailer’s customer base. A company spokesperson said on Thursday that about 1,000 employees are expected to receive layoff notices next week, and the company also plans to eliminate about 800 vacant jobs. The cuts represent about 8% of Target’s corporate workforce globally, although the spokesperson says the majority of the affected employees work at the company’s Minneapolis headquarters. The veteran executive who is set to become Target’s next CEO on Feb. 1 announced the downsizing in a note to personnel.

Photos of protesters pushing back on Trump’s plan to surge federal troops to San Francisco

October 24, 2025

By NOAH BERGER - SAN FRANCISCO

Demonstrators in the San Francisco area protested the arrival of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at a U.S. Coast Guard base on Thursday, as President Donald Trump planned to surge federal forces into the city on Saturday to quell crime. However, Trump reversed course after saying he spoke with the mayor and business leaders who said they were working…

As Israel returns bodies, Palestinians face a grisly search through corpses for lost loved ones

October 24, 2025

By WAFAA SHURAFA and SARAH EL DEEB - Associated Press

Palestinian families are facing a grisly search through corpses for lost loved ones, with Israel returning bodies to Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal. Over the past 10 days, 195 Palestinian bodies have been released by Israel as part of an exchange of the dead, with Hamas gradually returning remains of 28 hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war. Families have flocked to Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, searching for the missing. Israel gave no identification for the bodies and doesn’t allow DNA testing material into Gaza. The bodies are decomposed and damaged. It’s up to families to recognize relatives. The Israeli military says all bodies returned are those of combatants. But some families say those they’ve identified were never fighters.

What to know about the blast at a Tennessee explosives plant that killed 16 people

October 24, 2025

By JONATHAN MATTISE - Associated Press

Authorities plan to give an update on the massive blast in Tennessee that killed 16 people earlier this month at an explosives plant. The briefing Friday will delve into the painstaking investigation of the Oct. 10 explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems. Authorities say the cause of the explosion hasn’t been determined. The company’s complex straddles the Hickman and Humphreys county line in unincorporated Bucksnort, about 60 miles southwest of Nashville. One of the victims’ families has already filed a lawsuit, and others are expected to follow suit. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has positively identified 14 of the 16 victims using rapid DNA testing.

Ontario premier doesn’t back down against Trump, posts video of Reagan opposing tariffs

October 24, 2025

By ROB GILLIES - Associated Press

The leader of Canada’s most populous province posted remarks by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan on social media on Friday showing Reagan opposed tariffs, hours after President Donald Trump announced he’s ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada because of a television ad that Trump said mis-states Reagan’s opposition to tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford didn’t back down and says Canada and the U.S. are friends, neighbors and allies and Reagan knew that both are stronger together. Trump doubled down on his criticism of the Ontario ads again on Friday and accused Canada of trying to influence an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling on his global tariff regime.

Another US strike in Caribbean targets alleged drug-running boat, killing 6, Hegseth says

October 24, 2025

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says another U.S. strike in the Caribbean targeted an alleged drug-running boat operated by the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, killing six people. It’s the 10th strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs. The death toll of the Trump administration’s campaign against drug cartels is up to at least 46 people. Hegseth warns the drug smugglers the U.S. will hunt them down and kill them. The pace of the strikes has quickened in recent days from one every few weeks in September when they began to three this week. Two of the strikes this week were carried out in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

How a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for meteoric growth in legal sports betting

October 24, 2025

By MARK SHERMAN - Associated Press

A 2018 Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates to the legalized sports-betting industry, now worth billions of dollars a year, even as it recognized that the decision was controversial. That high-court ruling is back in the spotlight after the arrests on Thursday of more than 30 people, including an NBA player and coach, in two cases alleging sprawling criminal schemes to rake in millions by rigging sports bets and poker games involving Mafia families. The court’s ruling struck down a 1992 federal law, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, that had barred betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states.

Trump’s favorability has fallen among Hispanics since January, a new AP-NORC poll finds

October 24, 2025

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX - Associated Press

A new poll shows President Donald Trump’s favorability has fallen among Hispanic adults since the beginning of the year, a potential warning sign from a key constituency that helped secure his victory in the 2024 election. The October AP-NORC survey finds 25% of Hispanic adults have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of Trump, down from 44% in January. The shift could spell trouble for Republicans looking to cement support with this group in future elections. Hispanic voters were motivated by economic concerns last November. The new poll shows that despite Trump’s promises of economic revitalization, Hispanic adults continue to feel higher financial stress than Americans overall.

Alaska Airlines resumes operations after an IT outage grounded its flights for hours

October 24, 2025

AP

Alaska Airlines says its operations have resumed after it had to ground its planes for hours because of an information technology outage. The airline says in a statement Friday that 229 flights were canceled because of the outage and that more flight disruptions were expected as it works to “reposition aircraft and crews.” It also adds it is working on getting travelers affected by the disruption to their destinations and recommends that passengers check their flight status before heading to the airport. The grounding Thursday affected Alaska Air and Horizon Air flights.

Tropical Storm Melissa stationary in the Caribbean as forecasters warn it will quickly intensify

October 24, 2025

By DÁNICA COTO - Associated Press

Tropical Storm Melissa is stationary in the central Caribbean, with forecasters warning it could soon strengthen and brush past Jamaica as a powerful hurricane. Catastrophic flooding and landslides are likely in southern Haiti in the coming days. U.S. forecasters said the storm’s slow movement will mean days of exposure to heavy rain and strong winds, which will worsen flooding and other dangers. Melissa had 45 mph winds early Friday. It could strengthen into a hurricane Saturday and a major hurricane later in the weekend. Authorities were opening shelters and making other preparations in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Zelenskyy to meet European leaders in London for talks on military aid for Ukraine

October 24, 2025

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet European leaders in London on Friday. They have pledged military support to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression if a ceasefire occurs. Hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the talks will focus on enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses and supplying longer-range missiles. The meeting aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has resisted peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 111 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukrainian authorities said Russian artillery struck a residential block in Kherson, killing two people and injuring 11 others.

Senegalese artist transforms Conakry’s walls with captivating street art, in photos

October 24, 2025

By MISPER APAWU - Associated Press

CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Street art graffiti is spreading in West Africa. In Guinea’s capital, an artist from Senegal is transforming city walls and public perceptions. Omar Diaw says graffiti was seen as vandalism in Conakry not even a decade ago. He decided to change minds by starting with public awareness murals. This is a photo gallery curated by AP…

Chargers dominate Vikings 37-10 as Justin Herbert throws for 3 TDs

October 23, 2025

By BETH HARRIS - AP Sports Writer

Justin Herbert threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, and the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 37-10. The Chargers snapped a skid of three losses in four games. They won for the first time since Week 6 at Miami. Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen joined Hall of Famer Antonio Gates as the only players in franchise history with 11,000 receiving yards. The Vikings lost consecutive games for the first time this season. Carson Wentz started on short rest in place of J.J. McCarthy, who missed his fifth straight game with an ankle injury.

New York Attorney General Letitia James will make first court appearance in mortgage fraud case

October 23, 2025

By BEN FINELY and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

New York Attorney General Letitia James is set to make her first court appearance in a mortgage fraud case. She will be the third adversary of President Donald Trump to face a judge on federal charges in recent weeks. James was indicted earlier this month on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with a 2020 home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia. James has denied any wrongdoing and decried the indictment as “nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.” The indictment stems from James’ purchase of a modest house in Norfolk, where she has family.

Trump says he’s ending trade talks with Canada over TV ad

October 23, 2025

AP

President Donald Trump says on social media that he is ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada because of recent television ads protesting U.S. tariffs, which he calles “egregious behavior” aimed at influencing U.S. court decisions. The post late Thursday comes after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he aims to double his country’s exports to countries outside the U.S. because of the threat posed by Trump’s tariffs.

One family fled Afghanistan. Then US deportations scattered them across the world

October 23, 2025

By MEGAN JANETSKY - Associated Press

What it means to seek refuge in the U.S. has been transformed, casting aside an ethos of helping the persecuted nearly as old as the country itself. One Afghan family’s story of separation across the world shows the human consequences.

Trump-Kim meeting speculation flares ahead of US president’s visit to South Korea

October 23, 2025

By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KIM TONG-HYUNG - Associated Press

As U.S. President Donald Trump makes his first trip to Asia since his return to office, speculation is rife that he may seek to meet Kim again during his stop in South Korea. If realized, it would mark the leaders’ first summit since their meeting at the Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019. Many experts say prospects for another impromptu meeting aren’t bright this time, but predict Trump and Kim could sit down for talks again in coming months.

US military flew supersonic B-1 bombers up to the coast of Venezuela

October 23, 2025

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The U.S. military has flown a pair of supersonic, heavy bombers up to the coast of Venezuela. Thursday’s flights come a little over a week after another group of American bombers made a similar journey as part of a training exercise to simulate an attack. The U.S. military has built up an unusually large force in the Caribbean Sea, raising speculation that President Donald Trump could try to topple Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. According to flight tracking data, a pair of B-1 Lancer bombers took off from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas on Thursday and flew up to the coast of Venezuela. A U.S. official confirmed that a training flight of B-1s took place in the Caribbean.

Black enrollment is waning at many elite colleges after affirmative action ban, AP analysis finds

October 23, 2025

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

An Associated Press analysis finds that the number of Black students enrolling at many elite colleges has dropped in the two years since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in admissions. New enrollment figures from 20 selective colleges provide mounting evidence of a backslide in Black enrollment. Many campuses have also seen decreases in Hispanic enrollment, though they have been more scattered and less pronounced. At Princeton and some others, the number of new Black students has fallen by nearly half. Some colleges attribute it to natural fluctuations. Some students say the changes are too big to ignore.

Trump gives disaster declarations to Alaska and others but denies Illinois, Vermont and Maryland

October 23, 2025

By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. However, he denied requests from Vermont, Illinois and Maryland. The disaster declarations made late Wednesday allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide financial assistance for repairing public infrastructure and, in some cases, help survivors with repairs and temporary housing. Trump has approved more disaster declarations than denied this year but has also suggested “phasing out” FEMA. The administration has taken longer to approve requests than previous ones, causing delays in crucial projects and assistance for survivors.

Photos of the White House’s East Wing, then and now

October 23, 2025

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — These photos show archival images of the White House East Wing, which housed several offices, including those of the first lady. It was built in 1942. On Monday, the White House started tearing it down to build President Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World…

Microsoft hopes Mico succeeds where Clippy failed as tech companies warily imbue AI with personality

October 23, 2025

By MATT O'BRIEN - AP Technology Writer

Remember Clippy? Microsoft’s infamous paper clip assistant might have been before its time. The software giant has introduced a new AI character called Mico (pronounced MEE’koh), designed to embody its Copilot virtual assistant. Mico, a floating cartoon face shaped like a flame or blob, aims to balance personality with functionality. This launch comes as AI developers navigate how to present chatbots in an engaging way without causing harm or annoyance. Unlike Clippy, which Microsoft pushed on desktop computer users at the turn of the 21st century, Mico is also easy to turn off.

States worry about how to fill the gap in food aid ahead of a federal benefits halt

October 23, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

A federal food aid program that helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries stands to be paused Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown. Even some states that want to step in to fill the gap have found they can’t. Recipients of the food aid, food banks, states and advocates are bracing for a pause to payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the end of next week. Some states have looked into funding food assistance themselves but they’re finding that federal control of some key details of the program is a major obstacle. On average, the benefit is $187 per person per month. Most beneficiaries have poverty-level incomes or below.

Lithuanian president says Russian military planes violated the Baltic country’s airspace

October 23, 2025

AP

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda says Russian military planes violated Lithuania’s airspace on Thursday evening. Lithuania’s foreign ministry will summon Russian Embassy representatives to protest the violation, Nausėda said in a post on the social media platform X. The incident occurred amid rising tensions in the region. The Baltics are increasingly worried by neighboring Russia’s aggression on Ukraine as a series of mysterious drone incidents and airspace violations by Russian war planes in recent weeks has fueled concerns that President Vladimir Putin might be testing NATO’s defensive reflexes. Some leaders have accused him of waging a hybrid war in Europe. Moscow denies probing NATO’s defenses.

Rare dinosaur mummies help scientists recreate their prehistoric lives

October 23, 2025

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

Researchers have unearthed a spooky pair of dinosaur mummies that seem to have been preserved in an unexpected way. Mummified dinosaurs are so old that their skin and soft tissues fossilize. Scientists found new remains at a Wyoming site, including a rare young duck-billed dinosaur mummy that was only several years old. The dinosaur mummies left impressions of their skin and scales on a thin layer of clay that formed with help from microbes. This style of mummification has preserved other organisms before, but scientists didn’t think it could happen on land. The study was published Thursday in the journal Science.

Senate rejects bills to pay federal workers during government shutdown

October 23, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

The Senate on Thursday rejected dueling partisan bills to pay federal workers during the government shutdown, with both Republicans and Democrats deflecting blame as many employees are set to miss their first full paycheck at the end of this week. Republicans objected as Democrats proposed a voice vote on their legislation to pay all federal workers and prevent President Donald Trump’s administration from mass firings. Democrats then voted down a Republican bill to pay employees who are working and not furloughed. The back and forth on day 23 of the government shutdown comes as the two parties are at a protracted impasse.

White House East Wing demolished as Trump moves forward with ballroom construction, AP photos show

October 23, 2025

The Associated Press,

Work continues on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) WASHINGTON (AP) — The entire White House East Wing has been demolished as President Donald Trump moves forward with a ballroom construction, Associated Press photos on Thursday showed….

What to know about the tumultuous Maine Senate primary

October 23, 2025

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and PATRICK WHITTLE - Associated Press

Maine Democrat Graham Platner remains committed to his U.S. Senate campaign despite a growing list of controversies. Platner, an oyster farmer and first-time candidate, aims to unseat Republican Susan Collins. He must first win a competitive primary against Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. Platner has faced backlash over old Reddit posts and a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol. He has since apologized and covered the tattoo. Supporters like Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna stand by him. Maine’s primary election is in June 2026.

What Americans think about legal sports betting, according to recent polls

October 23, 2025

By AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX - Associated Press

As sports betting expands, polling suggests Americans have become increasingly critical of its role in U.S. society and sports — although they’re more tolerant of legal betting for professional sports. A recent Pew Research Center poll found about 43% of U.S. adults say the fact sports betting is now legal in much of the country is a “bad thing” for society and sports, up from about 34% in July 2022. Betting scandals have multiplied since the Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a federal law that barred sports betting in most states. Most recently, dozens of people including current and former NBA players were arrested in a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling.

King Charles III prays with pope in historic visit, a welcome respite from royal troubles at home

October 23, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have visited the Vatican to pray with Pope Leo XIV. This historic meeting aims to strengthen ties between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The event on Thursday marked the first time since the Reformation that the heads of these two churches have prayed together. The visit comes amid renewed scrutiny of the British royal family over Prince Andrew’s ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Charles’ and Camilla’s visit had been planned for earlier in the year but was rescheduled after Pope Francis’s illness and death. The meeting included discussions on ecological sustainability, a priority for both Charles and the Vatican.

Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao

October 23, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who created the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao served prison time after failing to stop criminals from using the platform to move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking and terrorism. Zhao had asked Trump for a pardon previously. Zhao has deep ties to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture that the Republican president and his sons Eric and Donald Jr. launched in September.

Trump mulls asking Israel to free Palestinian leader Barghouti as US looks to Gaza’s post-Hamas rule

October 23, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is suggesting he could call on Israel to release imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, the most popular and potentially unifying Palestinian leader. Trump’s comment in a Time magazine interview comes as the United States aims to fill a leadership vacuum in postwar Gaza. The president’s acknowledgment of internal discussions on the issue underscores the difficult task ahead of finding credible political figures to oversee governance in Gaza. The U.S. and Israel say they’re committed to preventing Hamas from continuing to rule the territory. Barghouti was convicted in 2004 in connection with attacks in Israel that killed five people.

US home sales accelerated in September to their fastest pace since February as mortgage rates eased

October 23, 2025

By ALEX VEIGA - AP Business Writer

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes accelerated in September as declining mortgage rates and a pickup in available properties on the market encouraged home shoppers. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that existing home sales rose 1.5% last month from August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units. That’s the fastest sales pace since February. Sales jumped 4.1% compared with September last year. The national median sales price climbed 2.1% in September from a year earlier to $415,200. The housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates climbed from historic lows. Affordability remains a daunting challenge for most aspiring homeowners following years of skyrocketing home prices.

Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins and David Byrne are among Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees

October 23, 2025

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J, Pink, Sarah McLachlan and Talking Heads’ David Byrne are among the impressive list of nominees for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame class. It is an eclectic mix of pop, hip-hop, folk and rock innovators. Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane M. Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America are also nominated. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the glam rock band Kiss are also on the list of nominees. Eligible voting members have until midnight Eastern on Dec. 4 to turn in ballots.

Miami Heat’s Rozier, Trail Blazers’ Billups arrested in federal gambling probe, sources say

October 23, 2025

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and TIM REYNOLDS - Associated Press

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups have been arrested in connection with a federal investigation into illegal sports betting, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday. The exact charge or charges they face were not immediately known. The two people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they couldn’t discuss details of the investigation publicly. A message was left Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, on Thursday. Trusty previously told ESPN that Rozier was told than an initial investigation determining he did nothing wrong. FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to provide more details at a news conference Thursday.

Takeaways from AP’s report on the growing dangers of heat on pregnant agriculture workers

October 23, 2025

By DORANY PINEDA, MELINA WALLING and ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG - Associated Press

Agricultural workers are already among the most vulnerable to extreme heat. For pregnant workers, those risks are higher because the body must work harder to cool down and requires more liquids, making it more easily dehydrated. While protections exist, experts say they need better enforcement and more are needed. Compounding these risks is the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Here are takeaways from The Associated Press’ report on the dangers of heat on pregnant farmworkers. As global temperatures rise, advocates say more protections are needed to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant agricultural workers and their babies.

As heat gets more extreme, pregnant farmworkers are increasingly at risk

October 23, 2025

By DORANY PINEDA, MELINA WALLING and ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG - Associated Press

Agricultural workers are among the people most vulnerable to extreme heat. They toil under the hot sun and in humid greenhouses or nurseries, often with few breaks and places to adequately cool. For pregnant agricultural workers, those risks are higher because the body must work harder to cool down and requires more liquids, making it more easily dehydrated. Coupled with exertion, extreme heat exposes workers to more health risks, including miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births and low birth weight in infants. The Associated Press talked to agricultural workers who recounted working in extreme heat while pregnant. As global temperatures rise, advocates say more protections are needed to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant agricultural workers and their babies.

For pregnant people, extreme heat comes with extra risks

October 23, 2025

By MELINA WALLING - Associated Press

Being pregnant changes many of the processes that allow the body to stay cool during extreme heat. It increases the risk of dehydration, makes the heart work harder, speeds up breathing and even influences the psychological experience of feeling heat. It’s a problem that climate change, caused by the burning of fuels like gasoline and coal, is worsening. Intensifying extreme heat events, high temperatures well into the night and shattering weather records means more exposure for pregnant people, particularly in developing countries. Scientists say that pregnant people should be educated on their risk and be vigilant about their exposure, not just for their own health but for their baby’s, too.

Trump allies, undeterred by setbacks in courts and Congress, push anew for citizenship proof to vote

October 23, 2025

By JULIE CARR SMYTH - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s attempts to impose a proof-of-citizenship requirement to vote in the U.S. have stalled in Congress and been blocked by the courts. Now Trump’s allies are trying through a little-known independent federal commission that’s typically worked with states to set election and voting machine standards. The independent Washington-based U.S. Election Assistance Commission received 380,000 public comments reacting to a petition to add the requirement to the federal voter registration form. The proof-of-citizenship effort is being pushed by America First Legal, a conservative group co-founded by the Republican president’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller. Voting rights groups say it’s unnecessary and a potential tool for voter disenfranchisement.

Health care compromise appears far off as the government shutdown stalemate persists

October 23, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

The government shutdown has reopened debate on the future of health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Tax credits for people who get health insurance through the law expire at the end of the year. Democrats say they won’t vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate an extension of the subsidies. Republicans say they won’t negotiate that issue until the government reopens. As lawmakers debate, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds about 6 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about their health costs going up in the next year.