US & World News Archives - Page 8 of 86

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.

‘Gen Z’ protesters lead global wave of generational discontent

October 15, 2025

By SHEIKH SAALIQ - Associated Press

A new wave of protests is unfolding worldwide, driven by young people expressing discontent with their governments. This week, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina was forced out after a military mutiny, following weeks of demonstrations by “Gen Z Madagascar.” Similar protests have erupted in countries like Nepal, the Philippines, and Morocco, fueled by issues like inequality and corruption. These mostly leaderless movements are made up of young people who grew up in the internet age. They use digital platforms for mobilization, combining online and in-person organizing to push for change.

Suspension of Lions safety Brian Branch for postgame fight vs. Chiefs is upheld on appeal

October 15, 2025

AP

The one-game suspension of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was upheld on Wednesday by a hearing officer appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association. Jordy Nelson, the hearing officer, denied the appeal by Branch, who was suspended for a game without pay by the league on Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City. Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a postgame melee. Detroit (4-2) will host NFC South-leading Tampa Bay (5-1) without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary.

With fragile Gaza ceasefire taking hold, Trump says he’s now looking to ‘get Russia done’

October 15, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI and SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

With a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire holding, President Donald Trump says he’s now focused on ending Russia’s war on Ukraine. He is considering providing Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk missiles if Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t agree to end the war soon. Trump plans to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks Friday, where the two are expected to discuss a potential sale of weapons, including the Tomahawk. Zelenskyy, who has long sought the weapons system, said it would help Ukraine put the sort of pressure on Russia needed to get Putin to engage in peace talks.

Smucker sues Trader Joe’s, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables

October 15, 2025

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

J.M. Smucker is suing Trader Joe’s, saying its new frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are too similar to Smucker’s Uncrustables in their design and packaging. In the lawsuit, which was filed Monday in federal court in Ohio, Smucker said Trader Joe’s round, crustless sandwiches have the same pie-like crimp markings on their edges that Uncrustables do. Smucker also alleged that the boxes Trader Joe’s sandwiches come in are the same blue color that Smucker uses for its “Uncrustables” lettering. A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with Trader Joe’s.

Dodgers’ starters dominate Brewers. Glasnow, Ohtani will try to continue the trend in NLCS

October 15, 2025

By BETH HARRIS - AP Sports Writer

Dave Roberts has found a way to navigate the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen struggles by leaning heavily on starting pitching. The Dodgers have taken a 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Championship Series. Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered standout performances, allowing just one run over 17 innings. Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani are set to start the next two games. Ohtani, despite a postseason slump at the plate, remains a key contributor. The Brewers, facing a nine-game road playoff losing streak, need to win in Los Angeles to extend the best-of-seven series.

Supreme Court case could lead to loss of Black representation in Congress, but the scope is unknown

October 15, 2025

By MATT BROWN, GARY FIELDS and NICHOLAS RICCARDI - Associated Press

The Supreme Court has indicated a willingness to limit race-based districts under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. During 2 1/2 hours of arguments on Wednesday, the court’s six conservative justices seemed inclined to effectively strike down a Black majority congressional district in Louisiana because it relied too heavily on race. The landmark civil rights law has created majority-Black and Latino districts that vote reliably Democratic in some of the nation’s most conservative states. If the high court limits or strikes down Section 2, it would likely benefit Republicans and could open up more than a dozen Democratic-controlled seats for Republicans to target. However, it wouldn’t fully start until the 2028 elections and yield may few GOP gains.

Trump confirms the CIA is conducting covert operations inside Venezuela

October 15, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela. The president on Wednesday also said he’s considering land operations following recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats from Venezuela. Trump told reporters at an Oval Office event that he had authorized the move because Venezuela is allowing criminals and drugs to flow into the U.S. Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted at least five strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in 27 deaths. The New York Times was first to report that Trump had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations.

Federal government to withhold $40M from California for not enforcing trucker English requirements

October 15, 2025

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he will withhold $40 million from California because it is the only state that is failing to enforce English language requirements for truckers. The move was announced Wednesday. It comes after an investigation of a deadly Florida crash involving a foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn on Aug. 12. California had issued the driver a commercial license. The investigation pf the crash found what Duffy called significant failures in the way California is enforcing rules that took effect in June after one of President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Duffy says truckers are supposed to be disqualified if they can’t demonstrate English proficiency.

JD Vance dismisses bipartisan outrage over racist and offensive Young Republican group chat

October 15, 2025

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions. Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, has criticized the backlash, labeling it “pearl clutching.” Vance compared the dustup to past violent comments by a Democratic candidate, arguing that Jay Jones’ remarks concerning political violence were worse. Other Republicans, like Vermont’s Gov. Phil Scott, demand resignations, calling the comments “unacceptable.” Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have urged investigations, condemning the messages as discriminatory.

A crowd of 700, but no witnesses? South Carolina investigation into mass shooting at bar stalls

October 15, 2025

By JEFFREY COLLINS - Associated Press

A sheriff says his deputies continue their methodical investigation into a shooting at a South Carolina bar that killed four people and injured 16 others. Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner says authorities are testing DNA, analyzing weapons, and enhancing video footage. He says testing physical evidence is important because none of the 700 people at the party has identified any shooter likely because they fear retribution if they talk. No arrests have been made. The sheriff says investigators believe the shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island began as a dispute between two or three people.

Trump claims India will stop buying Russian oil, escalating pressure on Moscow over Ukraine war

October 15, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil. This change, not yet confirmed by the Indian government, could support Trump’s efforts to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Trump mentioned the change will happen within a short period of time. The Indian embassy in Washington has not commented. Trump has been frustrated by his inability to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion almost four years ago. India is the second biggest purchaser of Russian oil, after China.

Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules

October 15, 2025

By DAVID BAUDER - AP Media Writer

Journalists at the Pentagon turned in access badges and cleaned out their workspaces on Wednesday, the price for refusing to agree to new restrictions on their jobs being removal from being at the seat of U.S. military power. The refusal was near-unanimous, from trade publications, wire services, television networks and newspapers, and included outlets that appeal largely to conservatives like Fox News Channel and Newsmax. Many of the reporters chose to turn in their badges together at the 4 p.m. deadline set by the Defense Department to vacate the building. Reporters said their work will continue despite the loss of access.

Hegseth’s plane diverted to UK due to cracked windshield on flight from Brussels to US

October 15, 2025

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plane made an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom because a windshield cracked on a flight back to the U.S. from a NATO meeting and all aboard are safe. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a post on X that the plane landed “based on standard procedures.” After Hegseth left Brussels, open source flight trackers spotted his plane lose altitude and begin broadcasting an emergency signal. In February, an Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was similarly forced to return to Washington after an issue with the cockpit windshield.

Faulty engineering led to implosion of Titan submersible headed to Titanic wreckage, NTSB finds

October 15, 2025

By PATRICK WHITTLE - Associated Press

The National Transportation Safety Board says faulty engineering led to the implosion of an experimental submersible that killed five people on the way to the wreck of the Titanic. The NTSB made the statement Wednesday in its final report on the hull failure and implosion of the Titan submersible in June 2023. Everyone on board the submersible died instantly in the North Atlantic when Titan suffered a catastrophic implosion as it descended to the wreck. The NTSB report says the faulty engineering of the Titan did not meet necessary strength and durability requirements.

Firefighters rescue stranded pup from rising floodwaters in Southern California

October 15, 2025

AP

A firefighter has rescued a stranded pup from rising floodwaters in Southern California. Video captured the Ventura County firefighter climbing down a ladder to reach the dog during Tuesday’s rare October storm. The pup was stuck on reeds on the edge of a flood channel northwest of Los Angeles. Officials said the 19-pound female pug or French bulldog mix was cold but otherwise unharmed. She did not have a tag or microchip. According to the Ventura County Animal Services’ website, the dog is staying at the Camarillo Animal Shelter. She could be adopted as soon as Saturday if her owners are not identified.

What to know about deporting family members of US troops

October 15, 2025

By JESSE BEDAYN - Associated Press

Federal immigration authorities have detained the parents of a U.S. Marine after the Trump administration changed a policy that sought to protect military families from deportation. Previously, military service helped keep families members from deportation and offered better chances of receiving green cards. This policy change, issued in February, appears to mean that immigration authorities will no longer exempt families of service members or veterans. Experts say this could impact military recruitment, as the promise of family protection has been a key tool for over a decade.

Madagascar’s president rose to power off youth discontent and was taken down by it

October 15, 2025

By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME - Associated Press

Andry Rajoelina, once a young mayor who led protests against Madagascar’s government, has been ousted as president. Sixteen years ago, he rose to power through a military-backed coup. On Tuesday, the same military unit removed him following weeks of youth-led protests. Rajoelina first gained popularity as a radio DJ and formed his own political party. In 2009, he led protests against former president Marc Ravalomanana. Recently, protests over water and power cuts expanded to issues like corruption. The Gen Z movement, backed by the military, demanded his resignation, mirroring his own rise to power.

What to know about President Trump’s threat to take World Cup matches from Boston

October 15, 2025

By MICHAEL CASEY - Associated Press

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump threatened to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston, after suggesting that parts of the city had been “taken over” by unrest. Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and about 30 miles from Boston, is set to stage matches as the U.S. cohosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Trump described Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as “radical left” before suggesting the games could be taken away. Wu, in a statement, didn’t directly respond to the threats. Instead, she said the city is looking forward to hosting World Cup matches.

Judge says she’s inclined to block the Trump administration from firing workers during the shutdown

October 15, 2025

By JANIE HAR - Associated Press

A federal judge says she’s inclined to block President Donald Trump’s administration for now from firing workers during the government shutdown. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston said at a hearing in San Francisco on Wednesday she believes the evidence would ultimately show the firings were illegal and in excess of authority. The hearing is continuing. The judge hasn’t issued a ruling. The White House budget office said Friday mass firings of federal workers had started. That announcement prompted labor unions for federal employees to ask the judge for a temporary restraining order blocking the Republican administration from issuing new layoff notices and implementing those already sent out.

New York health officials confirm state’s first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus

October 15, 2025

AP

New York health officials have confirmed the state’s first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus and the first such case in the country in six years. The state Department of Health said Tuesday that the mosquito-borne virus, which has been spreading in China and elsewhere, was identified in a person living in Nassau County on Long Island. The county’s health department said the unnamed individual began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling outside of the region but not out of the country. Health officials say it’s not clear how the individual contracted the virus, but that they were likely bit by an infected mosquito.

UN agency says C02 levels hit record high last year, causing more extreme weather

October 15, 2025

By JAMEY KEATEN and SETH BORENSTEIN - Associated Press

The United Nations weather agency said carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reached record highs last year, intensifying climate change and extreme weather. The World Meteorological Organization said CO2 growth rates have tripled since the 1960s, reaching levels that existed 800,000 years ago. The report, released Wednesday, highlights emissions from coal, oil, and gas, along with wildfires, as major contributors. Despite flat fossil fuel emissions last year, CO2 levels continue to rise. The agency has urged policymakers to reduce emissions, warning that the world is heading into a dangerous state. Other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide have also hit record levels.

This family visit to a military based ended with ICE deporting a Marine’s dad

October 15, 2025

AP

A U.S. Marine says his parents were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after they visited a California military base and one of them was later deported. Steve Rios, of Oceanside, California, told NBC that his parents were detained late last month while picking up his pregnant sister and her husband, who is also a Marine at Camp Pendleton. Rios says his parents came to the U.S. from Mexico three decades ago and had pending green card applications. He says they were initially released with ankle monitors. But after another visit to the base, ICE agents stopped them at the gate and detained his parents. Rios says his father has since been deported.

LeBron James, Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry enter season as the NBA’s largest 20-year club

October 15, 2025

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Kyle Lowry are making history as they enter their 20th NBA seasons or more. This marks the first time the league has three players in the 20-season club simultaneously. James will soon become the first to play 23 seasons. Despite their age, they continue to contribute significantly, thanks to rigorous personal training programs. Paul recently re-joined the Los Angeles Clippers, while Lowry is balancing his playing career in Philadelphia with a new analyst role at Amazon Prime. Other players say their dedication and longevity is inspiring.

Democrats say they won’t be intimidated by Trump’s threats as the shutdown enters a third week

October 15, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

The government shutdown is entering a third week, and Democrats say they’re not intimidated by President Donald Trump’s efforts to fire thousands of federal workers or by his threats of more firings to come. In fact, Democrats appear emboldened. And they’re showing no signs of caving as they return to Washington from their home states. On Tuesday evening, Senate Democrats once again rejected a Republican bill to open the government. At the same time, Republicans are confident in their strategy not to negotiate on Democratic demands on health care until Democrats provide the votes to reopen the government,

Trump threatens to yank World Cup games from Boston though it’s up to FIFA to choose sites

October 15, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is threatening to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston. He suggested Tuesday that parts of the city had been “taken over” by unrest. The city is set to stage seven matches as the U.S. cohosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. It wasn’t immediately clear what unrest Trump was referring to, but earlier this month there were multiple arrests in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent on Boston Common. World Cup host sites aren’t up to Trump but are contracted with FIFA, which would face significant logistical and legal issues if it made changes now.

Why a Supreme Court case from Louisiana will matter for the future of the Voting Rights Act

October 15, 2025

By GARY FIELDS - Associated Press

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is the primary way plaintiffs can challenge racially discriminatory election practices. The Supreme Court on Wednesday is hearing arguments in a Section 2 case out of Louisiana. It’s a rehearing of a lawsuit over Louisiana’s redrawn congressional map. At the heart of this case is whether the remedy for racially discriminatory voting and election practices violates the U.S. Constitution. A ruling against Section 2 would leave the 60-year-old law largely neutered, after the court overturned another of its core provisions 12 years ago. A ruling is due next year.

Walking is good for you. Walking backward can add to the benefits

October 15, 2025

By STEPHEN WADE - AP Sports Writer

Backward walking, also known as retro walking or reverse walking, adds variety to an exercise routine. Turning around not only provides a change of view, but also makes different demands on your body. While taking a brisk walk can have impressive mental and physical benefits, hoofing it for your health may feel repetitive and even boring after a while. Backward walking can be done on or off a treadmill, solo or with a partner. It can serve as a warmup or a mini form of cross-training. Experts say the key is to start off slowly.

Photos show polar bears chilling at home in abandoned Russian research station

October 15, 2025

By VADIM MAKHOROV

Polar bears that have taken over an abandoned polar research station off Russia’s far eastern coast were intimately captured in drone footage by Vadim Makhorov. The photographer was filming the landscape of Kolyuchin Island during a cruise in the Chukchi Sea in September, when he noticed polar bears using one of the abandoned buildings as a shelter. The small island…

Scientists hope underwater fiber-optic cables can help save endangered orcas

October 15, 2025

By ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG - Associated Press

Scientists from the University of Washington recently deployed a little over 1 mile of fiber-optic cable in the Salish Sea to test whether internet cables can monitor endangered orcas. The technology is called Distributed Acoustic Sensing. It transforms cables into continuous underwater microphones that can pinpoint whale locations and track their movements. If successful, the world’s 870,000 miles of existing undersea cables could become a vast ocean monitoring network. It could provide real-time data on how marine mammals respond to vessel noise, food scarcity and climate change. The breakthrough would be particularly valuable as new marine protected areas are established under the High Seas Treaty in January.

The Latest: Supreme Court set to hear arguments over the Voting Rights Act

October 15, 2025

By The Associated Press

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday over a core provision of the Voting Rights Act that is designed to protect racial minorities. Lawyers for Louisiana and the Trump administration will try to persuade the justices to wipe away the state’s second majority Black congressional district and make it much harder to take account of race in redistricting. The current lineup of justices previously upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a 2023 case that required Alabama to draw an additional congressional district to benefit Black voters. Now the conservative-led court is poised to rehear a similar case this time out of Louisiana that could modify or undo that decision.

Federal workers endure financial strain and fear layoffs as the government shutdown drags on

October 15, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN, JOEY CAPPELLETTI, JESSE BEDAYN and SAFIYAH RIDDLE - Associated Press

Federal workers furloughed or working without pay are feeling the financial squeeze and fear being swept up in the Trump administration’s layoffs. The fate of the federal workers is among several pressure points that could push lawmakers to agree to resolve the stalemate. The shutdown began Oct. 1 after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix, demanding an extension of health insurance subsidies. The Republican White House has used the workforce as leverage to pressure Democrats. Labor unions have filed lawsuits to stop the layoffs. Frustration among workers is growing as the shutdown drags on. Furloughed federal worker Peter Farruggia says some bills will go unpaid this month.

Madagascar’s military coup leader tells AP he is “taking the position of president”

October 15, 2025

AP

Madagascar’s military coup leader has said he is “taking the position of president” in an interview with The Associated Press at his barracks. Col. Michael Randrianirina, who led a rebellion by soldiers that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, said he expects to be sworn in as the Indian Ocean country’s new leader in the next few days. Randrianirina announced Tuesday that the armed forces were taking power in Madagascar, capping weeks of protests against Rajoelina and his government by mainly youth groups. He said Wednesday he is taking the role as head of state after the country’s High constitutional Court invited him to do so.

Former Kenyan premier Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, dies at 80

October 15, 2025

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI and RODNEY MUHUMUZA - Associated Press

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died of a heart attack in India. He was 80 years old. A statement from a hospital in Kerala State said Odinga suffered a cardiac arrest and didn’t respond to resuscitation efforts. Odinga ran for Kenya’s presidency five times over three decades. In March, he signed a political pact with current President William Ruto that involved his opposition party in government policymaking. Odinga was known for advocating democratic reform and regional diplomacy. He recently lost an election to become the African Union chairperson.