US & World News Archives - Page 7 of 85

Gold prices topped $4,300 this week. What’s driving the surge?

October 17, 2025

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

As economic uncertainty deepens, the rush for gold continues — with prices for the precious metal topping $4,300 for the first time this week. The going price for New York spot closed at a record $4,326 per troy ounce on Thursday. Futures also traded as high at more than $4,344 per troy ounce Thursday, before falling below the $4,300 mark Friday morning. Still, gold is up 6.7% over the last week, marking one of its best weeks to date. Gold sales can rise sharply when anxious investors seek a “safe haven” for their money. For the U.S., the latest gains arrive amid the now weekslong government shutdown and ongoing trade wars abroad.

What to know about federal charges against former National Security Advisor John Bolton

October 17, 2025

AP

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has turned himself in to federal authorities in Maryland and pleaded not guilty after being indicted on charges of keeping top secret documents at his home and sharing classified information with family members. Bolton’s criminal case is the third brought by the Justice Department in recent weeks against someone deemed adversarial to President Donald Trump. It also amplifies concerns that Trump is using the nation’s top law enforcement agency to punish political foes. Bolton didn’t comment to reporters as he entered the federal courthouse Friday in Greenbelt, about 13 miles northeast of Washington. A grand jury returned an 18-count indictment Thursday against him.

US has seized survivors after strike on suspected drug-carrying vessel in Caribbean, AP source says

October 17, 2025

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and - Associated Press

Two U.S. officials have confirmed to The Associated Press that the U.S. military has carried out a sixth, deadly strike in the Caribbean. One of the officials said the strike, conducted on what is believed to be a semi-submersible or submersible vessel, killed at least one person and left behind at least two survivors. Both officials were granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Photos of the latest styles at Sao Paulo Fashion Week

October 17, 2025

By ETTORE CHIEREGUINI - Associated Press

SAO PAULO (AP) — The catwalks at Sao Paulo Fashion week have featured creations from Brazilian designers including Gloria Coelho, Joao Pimenta, Dario Mittmann, Leandro Castro and Menino Rei. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

US blocks a global fee on shipping emissions as international meeting ends without new regulations

October 17, 2025

By SIBI ARASU and JENNIFER McDERMOTT - Associated Press

The U.S. has blocked a global fee on shipping emissions as an international maritime meeting ended Friday without adopting new regulations. The world’s largest maritime nations had been discussing ways to move the shipping industry away from fossil fuels. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump urged countries to vote against the regulations. The International Maritime Organization adjourned its meeting Friday. The proposed regulations would have set a marine fuel standard and imposed fees for emissions above allowable limits. Shipping emissions have grown to about 3% of the global total, prompting calls for action.

How to watch the Orionid meteor shower, debris of Halley’s comet

October 17, 2025

By CHRISTINA LARSON - AP Science Writer

The Orionid meteor shower peaks this year with the arrival of a new moon, offering a rare chance to see shooting stars without moonlight interference. During Tuesday morning’s peak, exerts predict up to 20 meteors per hour could be visible under ideal conditions. Viewing lasts until early November. The source of the Orionids is debris from Halley’s comet. You don’t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.

Hannibal Gadhafi, son of late Libyan leader, ordered released in Lebanon if he pays $11 million bail

October 17, 2025

By BASSEM MROUE - Associated Press

A Lebanese judge has ordered the release of he son of Libya’s late leader Moammar Gadhafi on condition he pay $11 million bail. Hannibal Gadhafi has been held in Lebanon for a decade without charge. His lawyers have said he has been ill in his cell at police headquarters in Beirut. On Friday, judicial officials said he was taken to the Justice Palace in Beirut, where Judge Zaher Hamadeh ordered his release once the bail condition is met. One of his lawyers said Gadhafi does not have the money or access to accounts to pay the bail.

King Charles III’s visit to Vatican marks a historic step in path of unity between two churches

October 17, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

The Catholic Church and Church of England are taking a historic step toward unity. Next week, King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV will pray together in the Sistine Chapel. This marks the first time since the Reformation that the heads of these churches pray together. The ecumenical service on October 23 focuses on caring for God’s creation. Buckingham Palace and Vatican officials announced the details on Friday. During the visit, Charles will receive a new title and recognition at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. The visit was originally scheduled for April but was postponed due to Pope Francis’ illness, shortly before his death.

How Trump’s approval shifted after the ceasefire in Gaza, according to a new AP-NORC poll

October 17, 2025

By STEVE PEOPLES and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds that more U.S. adults support President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict in Israel after he brokered a ceasefire deal in Gaza, but his approval ratings on domestic issues remain weak. The survey reveals that Trump’s apparent success on the world stage has not improved his overall standing at home. Even some of those who voted for him believe he needs to do more to address issues such as the economy, health care and immigration. The poll was conducted Oct. 9-13, after the ceasefire deal was announced. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of the way Trump is handling his job overall, unchanged from September.

Madagascar’s coup leader is set to be sworn in as president after military takeover

October 17, 2025

By GERALD IMRAY and NQOBILE NTSHANGASE - Associated Press

An army colonel who seized power in a military coup is set to be sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader in a lightning-fast power grab that ousted the president and sent him fleeing from the country into hiding. Col. Michael Randrianirina, the commander of an elite army unit, will take the oath of office at the Indian Ocean nation’s High Constitutional Court on Friday, he said in a statement published on state media. His ascent to the presidency would come just three days after he announced that the armed forces were taking power in the sprawling island of around 30 million people off of Africa’s east coast.

Peru’s president refuses to resign after Gen Z protests leave at least 1 dead, 100 injured

October 16, 2025

By FRANKLIN BRICEÑO - Associated Press

Peru’s president refuses to resign after Gen Z protests turned violent overnight, prompting investigations by authorities into at least one civilian death. Authorities said on Thursday they are investigating the death of protester Eduardo Ruíz, who was shot during the demonstrations. The protests began a month ago, initially focusing on better pensions and wages for young people, but have expanded to address broader issues like crime and corruption. The unrest follows the swearing-in of Peru’s seventh president in less than a decade. The protests are part of a global wave of generational discontent against governments.

Dodgers near repeat World Series trip, beat Brewers 3-1 behind Glasnow, Edman for 3-0 NLCS lead

October 16, 2025

By BETH HARRIS - AP Sports Writer

Tommy Edman hit a tiebreaking single off hard-throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski in a two-run sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 to take a 3-0 lead in their NL Championship Series. Los Angeles moved within one win of becoming the first defending champion to reach the World Series since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies. No team has won consecutive titles since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees took three in a row. Only one Major League Baseball team has overcame a 3-0 postseason deficit, the 2004 Boston Red Sox against the Yankees.

Democrats say Trump needs to be involved in shutdown talks. He’s shown little interest in doing so

October 16, 2025

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

Democrats are calling on President Donald Trump to get more involved with negotiations to end the government shutdown. Trump is showing no interest in interjecting in the fight that has stretched through three weeks with little movement. Republican leadership in Congress is hoping it stays that way, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterating Thursday that negotiations are possible “once the government opens up.” But some in Trump’s party are expressing frustration with the lack of movement. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she thinks some in the Trump administration are happy that the role of Congress is being diminished.

Ahead of Zelenskyy meeting, Trump shows signs he might not be ready to send Kyiv Tomahawk missiles

October 16, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks at the White House on Friday. The U.S. leader is signaling he’s not ready to agree to sell Kyiv a long-range missile system that the Ukrainians say they desperately need. The meeting comes a day after Trump had a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In recent days, Trump had shown openness to selling Ukraine long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, even as Putin warned against it. Following Thursday’s call with Putin, Trump appeared to downplay the prospects of Ukraine getting the missiles.

A war on drugs or a war on terror? Trump’s military pressure on Venezuela blurs the lines

October 16, 2025

By JOSHUA GOODMAN, ERIC TUCKER and DAVID KLEPPER - Associated Press

Legal experts say U.S. strikes against alleged members of Latin American drug cartels are pushing the bounds of international law. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. military has struck several boats, killing 27 people, after authorities received information suggesting they were carrying drugs. Trump’s administration is justifying this use of force by relying on a legal framework created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. That framework allowed authorities to use lethal force against al-Qaida combatants responsible for the attacks on the U.S. The gangs now being targeted in Latin America, however, are a different foe, fueled not by anti-U.S. ideology but by the drug trade.

Venezuela floated a plan for Maduro to slowly give up power, but was rejected by US, AP source says

October 16, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI and DAVID KLEPPER - Associated Press

Venezuelan government officials floated a plan in which President Nicolás Maduro would eventually leave office, a bid aimed at easing mounting U.S. pressure on the government in Caracas. That’s according to a former Trump administration official who requested anonymity about the sensitive matter. The proposal called for Maduro to step down from power in three years and hand over authority to his vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who would complete his current six-year term that runs until January 2031. But the Trump administration rejected Maduro’s proposal as unsatisfactory as it continues to question the legitimacy of his rule.

Western Conference teams dominate NBA championship betting with season on the horizon

October 16, 2025

By MARK ANDERSON - AP Sports Writer

The Western Conference is so strong that its championship might feel like the real NBA Finals. BetMGM Sportsbook shows that six of the top seven potential NBA champions from a betting liability standpoint are from the West. Miami is the only Eastern team. Western teams have won three of the last four championships, with Boston in 2024 being the exception. Oklahoma City and Denver are the top favorites at BetMGM. Meanwhile, the MVP race appears to be among Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic. Dallas’ Cooper Flagg is the favorite for Rookie of the Year.

Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74

October 16, 2025

AP

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74. Frehley’s agent says he died peacefully Thursday surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall. Family members say in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.

Mahmoud Khalil can freely travel around US as he fights his deportation case, judge rules

October 16, 2025

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ - Associated Press

A federal judge has lifted travel restrictions for Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, allowing him to speak at rallies across the U.S. as he fights a deportation case. Khalil, freed from immigration detention in June, had been limited to traveling in New York, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. His lawyer argued for the change, citing First Amendment rights. Despite objections from government attorneys, Magistrate Judge Michael Hammer allowed the travel, noting Khalil isn’t a flight risk. He said Khalil must notify federal authorities of his travel plans ahead of time.

California to begin selling affordable state-branded insulin beginning next year

October 16, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER - Associated Press

Gov. Gavin Newsom says California will begin selling affordable insulin under its own label on Jan. 1, nearly three years after he first announced a partnership to sell state-branded generic drugs at lower prices. But California won’t be the only state making lower-cost insulin available. The nonprofit Civica says Thursday it will also distribute its economical diabetes medication to pharmacies nationwide. Starting in the new year, insulin pens will be available in California under the CalRx label for $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack.

UN condemns military takeover in Madagascar as coup leader to be quickly sworn in as president

October 16, 2025

AP

The United Nations chief has condemned the military takeover in Madagascar as an army colonel who led the coup is set to be quickly sworn in as president three days after announcing soldiers had taken charge. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres “condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the return to constitutional order and the rule of law,” according to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Col. Michael Randrianirina is due to be sworn in as Madagascar’s leader at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court on Friday. He says the country will be run by a military council for up to two years before new elections.

Ex-Trump national security adviser Bolton charged in probe of mishandling of classified information

October 16, 2025

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

Ex-Trump national security adviser John Bolton has been charged in a federal investigation into the potential mishandling of classified information. The investigation burst into public view in August when the FBI searched Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington office for classified records he may have illegally retained. Bolton’s attorney says many of the documents seized were approved as part of a pre-publication review for his book. Bolton’s indictment Thursday sets the stage for a court case centering on a longtime fixture in Republican foreign policy circles. Bolton served in President Donald Trump’s first administration before being fired and emerging as a vocal critic.

Energy Department offers $1.6 billion loan guarantee to upgrade transmission lines across Midwest

October 16, 2025

By MATTHEW DALY - Associated Press

The Department of Energy says it has finalized a $1.6 billion loan guarantee to a subsidiary of one of the nation’s largest power companies to upgrade nearly 5,000 miles of transmission lines across five states, mostly in the Midwest, for largely fossil fuel-run energy. The project by AEP Transmission, a subsidiary of Ohio-based American Electric Power, will help meet surging electricity demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. The project will upgrade power lines in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia. Thursday’s announcement deepens the Trump administration’s commitment to traditional, polluting energy sources even as it works to discourage the U.S. from clean energy use.

Indiana announces new 8-year contract with coach Curt Cignetti worth nearly $93 million

October 16, 2025

AP

Indiana has announced a new eight-year contract with coach Curt Cignetti worth at least $92.8 million. The deal rewards him for pushing the Hoosiers into national championship contention in just two seasons. The school said the average annual compensation for Cignetti will be approximately $11.6 million. The contract runs through November 30, 2033. Cignetti is 17-2 since arriving from James Madison. The Hoosiers advanced to the College Football Playoff for the first time last year and are currently ranked No. 3 nationally.

A look at the Tomahawk, a US cruise missile that could come into play in the Ukraine war

October 16, 2025

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The Tomahawk cruise missile has been in the U.S. military’s inventory since the 1980s. While slow by missile standards, the cruise missile flies around 100 feet (about 30 meters) off the ground, making it harder to detect by defense systems. The missile also boasts an impressive range of around 1,000 miles and precision guidance systems that make it the go-to weapon for striking targets that are deep inland or in hostile territory. President Donald Trump has hinted that he might give Tomahawks to Ukraine, which could make a key difference for Kyiv in its war with Moscow. While the United States launched Tomahawk missiles almost exclusively from ships or submarines, Ukraine doesn’t possess a Navy with ships capable of carrying the 20-foot-long missile.

Kanchha Sherpa, last surviving member of pioneering Mount Everest expedition, dies at 92

October 16, 2025

By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA - Associated Press

Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the first Mount Everest expedition team, has died at 92. He was part of the 1953 team that helped New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reach the summit. The Nepal Mountaineering Association says Kanchha Sherpa died at his home in the Kathmandu district of Nepal on Thursday. Born in 1933, he began his mountaineering career at 19 and was active until age 50. He was one of three Sherpas to reach the final camp before the summit with Hillary and Tenzing. In 2024 he expressed concerns about overcrowding on Everest and urged respect for the mountain.

Carter Hart agrees to join the Golden Knights after being acquitted of sexual assault

October 16, 2025

By STEPHEN WHYNO - AP Hockey Writer

Goaltender Carter Hart has agreed to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the first of the five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players to land an NHL contract since they were acquitted of sexual assault in a high-profile case. Vegas announced an agreement for Hart on Thursday, the second day after the window opened for the players to sign. Hart and the others are not eligible to play in games until Dec. 1 as part of the league’s reinstatement process for him, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton.

Russian barrage causes blackouts in Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks Trump’s help

October 16, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Russia has launched a heavy bombardment on Ukraine’s energy facilities, using hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to meet with President Donald Trump to request more air defenses and long-range missiles. Eight Ukrainian regions experienced blackouts after the attacks, and the capital, Kyiv, faced outages. Zelenskyy accused Russia of using cluster munitions and targeting emergency crews. Ukrainian officials call Russia’s strategy “weaponizing winter.” Zelenskyy is seeking more Western help, including cruise missiles and air defense systems, to defend against aerial attacks and strike back at Russia.

Photo highlights from Week 3 of soccer’s U20 World Cup in Chile

October 16, 2025

By The Associated Press

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — This photo gallery, curated by AP photo editors, highlights some of the most compelling images of the U20 World Cup soccer tournament in Chile. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Categories: US & World News

Afghanistan’s Taliban government blames Pakistan for twin drone strikes on Kabul

October 16, 2025

By SIDDIQULLAH ALIZAI and MUNIR AHMED - Associated Press

Afghanistan’s Taliban government says Pakistan carried out two drone strikes on Kabul the day before. The Wednesday attacks came before the two countries declared a truce following the deadliest violence between them in years. Khalid Zadran, a spokesman for the Kabul police chief, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the drones hit a civilian house and a market. He did not give casualty figures, but hospital doctors said earlier that five people were killed and dozens were injured. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants, a charge rejected by the Taliban.

UK court opens inquest into death of boxer Ricky Hatton

October 16, 2025

By JAMES ROBSON - AP Sports Writer

A court in Manchester has opened and adjourned an inquest into the death of former boxing champion Ricky Hatton. Hatton died last month at 46. He was found unresponsive at his home on September 14 by his manager, Paul Speak. Speak was there to take Hatton to the airport for a planned comeback fight in Dubai. The court heard the provisional cause of death is hanging. Hatton was last seen by his family on September 12. Fans lined the streets for his funeral last week. Hatton was a two-weight world champion and had been open about his mental health struggles.

Food assistance is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues

October 16, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL and MORGAN LEE - Associated Press

About 40 million people could see food assistance disappear next month if the federal government shutdown continues. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has told states not to send the companies that issue debit cards for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program November’s information yet. And at least some states have stopped approving new applications for SNAP. It’s possible that the government could find funding to keep the program going even if the shutdown continues, but at $8 billion a month, that would be a challenge. State officials say a pause in benefits would be a blow to families and the broader economy.

The greatest women’s college basketball players: Who made the list?

October 16, 2025

By DOUG FEINBERG - AP Basketball Writer

Cheryl Miller, Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker are among a select group named the best to ever play the game during the 50 years of the women’s basketball poll. As part of the season-long anniversary, a group of 13 former players and Associated Press sportswriters voted based on what players accomplished during their collegiate careers. The first team included the frontcourt of USC’s Miller, Parker from Tennessee and Breanna Stewart of UConn. Taurasi, another UConn great, and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark are the first-team guards. The second-team consists of UConn’s Sue Bird and Virginia’s Dawn Staley in the backcourt, Delta State’s Lusia Harris, Tennessee’s Chamique Holdsclaw and UConn’s Maya Moore in the frontcourt.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: ‘I’m not there yet’ in his quest to be among the all-time greats

October 16, 2025

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

Giannis Antetokounmpo has legacy on his mind. Despite his impressive achievements, including an NBA championship and MVP awards, he believes there’s more to accomplish. As he enters his 13th NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo remains focused on winning. Bucks general manager Jon Horst praises him as the best player in the world, highlighting his impact on the team’s success. While trade speculations persist, Antetokounmpo expresses commitment to Milwaukee, acknowledging the possibility of change. For now, his goal is to achieve greatness and be remembered among the NBA’s elite.

Senate Democrats, holding out for health care, ready to reject government funding bill for 10th time

October 16, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES and MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

Senate Democrats are poised for the 10th time to reject a stopgap spending bill that would reopen the government. They are insisting they won’t back away from demands that Congress take up health care benefits. The repetition of votes on the funding bill has become a daily drumbeat in Congress. It underscores how intractable the situation has become as the vote has at times been the only item on the agenda for the Senate floor. House Republicans have left Washington altogether. The impasse has lasted over two weeks, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed, even more without a guaranteed payday and Congress essentially paralyzed.

Trump’s push for law and order shows he’s no longer encumbered by government guardrails

October 16, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT and JILL COLVIN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is embracing tough-on-crime policies in his second term. The Republican has deployed National Guard troops to cities led by Democratic officials and has plans to do more. In some ways, taking a hard line against crime suspects has long been part of Trump’s brand. In Trump’s first term, he was reined in by some of his advisers. But those aides are long gone. Now Trump sees political advantages in his crackdown heading into next year’s midterm elections. Critics say Trump’s approach stokes racial divisions. But the White House says Trump is making good on a campaign promise to try to make cities safer.

Badgers coach Luke Fickell facing plenty of heat as No. 1 Ohio State heads to Wisconsin

October 16, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

No. 1 Ohio State’s drive toward a potential second straight national championship includes a visit this week with an old friend going through a career crisis. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell played for Ohio State from 1993-96 and worked on the Buckeyes’ staff for 16 years. Now he’s occupying one of the hottest seats in college football. Fickell’s Badgers carry a four-game skid into Saturday’s game with the top-ranked Buckeyes. Ohio State is a 25 1/2-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Buckeyes say they’re taking nothing for granted.

Nestlé cuts 16,000 jobs as part of an intensifying cost-cutting campaign

October 16, 2025

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN - AP Business Writer

Nestlé is cutting 16,000 globally as the Swiss food giant looks to trim costs and continue with its turnaround efforts. Nestlé, which makes Nescafé drinks, Purina pet food and other products, said Thursday that the job cuts will take place over the next two years. It is raising its savings target to 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.76 billion) by the end of 2027, up from a previous target of 2.5 billion Swiss francs ($3.13 billion).

Colleges are fighting to prove their return on investment

October 16, 2025

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

For many young Americans, deciding on college has become a complex choice. Increasingly, a main question is whether a degree is worth its cost. Confidence in higher education has dropped due to high tuition, student loans and a tough job market. Colleges are now trying to prove their value. New rankings and reports focus on the financial benefits of degrees. Research shows most bachelor’s degrees still pay off, but not all lead to good salaries. More students are choosing technical schools or trades over four-year universities to avoid debt. In response, colleges are working to align degrees with job market needs.

2 green comets shine bright. How to spot them in the night sky

October 16, 2025

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

Two bright green comets are streaming through the skies and are visible to skygazers in the Northern Hemisphere. Both hail from the outer edges of our solar system. Comet Lemmon will have its closest brush with Earth on or around Tuesday. To spot the pair, go outside just after sunset and look north for Comet Lemmon close to the horizon. Comet SWAN is traveling away from the sun and will also be near the horizon, but to the southwest. The comets appear green because of gases streaming off their surfaces. From Earth, they’ll look like gray, fuzzy patches.

Fear and worry in Lesotho: Photos show those affected as US aid cuts hit care for HIV patients

October 16, 2025

By BRAM JANSSEN - Associated Press

MAPUTSOE, Lesotho (AP) — For the 2.3 million residents of Lesotho, the announcement of massive cuts to the U.S. aid that sustained much of the small African nation’s health care system came as a shock. The country long had one of the world’s highest HIV infection rates but recently made notable progress and hit key milestones in its fight against…

March Madness in October? Top programs using exhibitions to cash in and check team chemistry

October 16, 2025

By TERESA M. WALKER - AP Sports Writer

The last weekend of October now looks like the second week of March Madness even though the games don’t count. The NCAA recently changed rules to allow more exhibitions without requiring proceeds to go to charity. This has led to more high-profile matchups between top programs before the season officially starts. The games provide a chance to test chemistry with rosters being overhauled every season because of transfers. They also provide a new revenue source for cash-hungry schools sharing revenue with athletes.

Who’s winning the blame game over the government shutdown? Everyone and no one, AP-NORC poll finds

October 16, 2025

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new poll finds most Americans see the government shutdown as a significant problem as it drags on. The AP-NORC poll also finds there’s plenty of blame being cast on President Donald Trump as well as Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Leaders warn the shutdown could become one of the longest ever. Americans are beginning to see the impacts on their lives with delayed flights and hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed or working without pay. The poll shows roughly 6 in 10 Americans say Trump and Republicans in Congress have “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of responsibility for the shutdown, compared with 54% who say that about Democrats.

Obesity remains high in the US., but more states are showing progress, a new report finds

October 16, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

For the first time in more than a decade, the number of states with rates of obesity of 35% or more dropped. That’s being viewed as an encouraging sign that America’s epidemic of excess weight might be improving. But cuts to federal staff and programs that address chronic disease could endanger that progress. Those are the findings of a new report released Thursday. Nineteen states had obesity rates of 35% or more in 2024, down from 23 states in 2023. That’s according to data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and analyzed by the nonprofit group Trust for America’s Health. It follows a CDC report last year that found that the overall rate of obesity in the U.S. is holding steady at about 40%.

Embattled French PM Sébastien Lecornu survives no-confidence votes in Parliament

October 16, 2025

AP

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has survived two votes of no-confidence that could have toppled his fragile new government. The National Assembly’s decision Thursday clears the way for Lecornu to focus on a significant challenge: passing a 2026 budget for the European Union’s second-largest economy through a divided Parliament before the end of the year. Lecornu’s survival also means President Emmanuel Macron will not have to dissolve the National Assembly and call snap legislative elections. Macron had indicated he might take the risky step if Lecornu had fallen.

Cuomo and Sliwa aim to blunt Mamdani’s momentum in first NYC mayoral debate

October 16, 2025

By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE and JILL COLVIN - Associated Press

New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa are slated to face off in a debate. The candidates will meet Thursday as voters prepare to choose who will be the next to lead America’s biggest city. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, defeated Cuomo in the city’s Democratic primary this summer. But Cuomo has relaunched his campaign to run on an independent ballot line in the general election, hoping that the city’s moderate and conservative voters will help him defeat the progressive Mamdani in their rematch.

US aid cuts deal a massive blow for the small African nation of Lesotho: Takeaways from AP’s report

October 16, 2025

By RENATA BRITO - Associated Press

In the wake of massive U.S. cuts to foreign aid, the tiny country of Lesotho in southern Africa faces deep uncertainty and worry over its HIV-positive residents. Lesotho long had the world’s second-highest HIV infection rate. Over years, with nearly $1 billion in U.S. aid, Lesotho patched together a health network efficient enough to slow the epidemic’s spread. But when President Donald Trump froze foreign assistance and dismantled USAID, chaos and confusion followed in Lesotho. Clinics shut down, workers were let go, and patients stopped treatment. Much of Lesotho’s system to treat hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive residents is crumbling, and experts are sounding alarms, even as some U.S.-funded programs are temporarily reinstated.

The tiny African nation of Lesotho had victories in its HIV fight. Then, the US aid cuts came

October 16, 2025

By RENATA BRITO - Associated Press

In the wake of massive U.S. cuts to foreign aid, the tiny country of Lesotho in southern Africa faces deep uncertainty and worry over its HIV-positive residents. Lesotho long had the world’s second-highest HIV infection rate. Over years, with nearly $1 billion in U.S. aid, Lesotho patched together a health network efficient enough to slow the epidemic’s spread. But when President Donald Trump froze foreign assistance and dismantled USAID, chaos and confusion followed in Lesotho. Clinics shut down, workers were let go, and patients stopped treatment. Much of Lesotho’s system to treat hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive residents is crumbling, and experts are sounding alarms, even as some U.S.-funded programs are temporarily reinstated.

Guerrero, Springer sparks Blue Jays, who hit 5 HRs and cut Mariners’ ALCS lead to 2-1 with 13-4 rout

October 16, 2025

By ANDREW DESTIN - AP Sports Writer

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer woke up Toronto’s offense as the Blue Jays hit five home runs to rebound from an early deficit, routing the Seattle Mariners 13-4 and closing to 2-1 in the AL Championship Series. Julio Rodríguez’s two-run, first-inning homer off Shane Bieber put Seattle ahead and stirred thoughts of a possible sweep, but Andrés Giménez sparked the comeback with a tying, two-run homer in a five-run third against George Kirby. Springer, Guerrero, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger went deep as the Blue Jays totaled 2,004 feet of homers among 18 hits.

Just-released hostage attends funeral of fellow soldier, whose body was among few returned from Gaza

October 16, 2025

By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO and MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

Mourners in Jerusalem gathered at Capt. Daniel Peretz’s funeral, where Matan Angrest, a recently released hostage, paid his respects. Angrest was abducted in the same attack that killed Peretz. Over the past few days, Hamas released nine bodies of deceased hostages, including Peretz, leaving some families in limbo. In Judaism, burial is essential for spiritual closure. Families continue to struggle, unable to properly mourn without their loved ones’ remains. Only when all hostages are returned can families and the country begin to heal from traumatic grief.