Bill Chappell

Hundreds of people gather near a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane at the perimeter of the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 16, 2021. SIGAR, released its interim report Wednesday detailing why Afghanistan’s government and military collapsed immediately after the U.S. withdrawal. Shekib Rahmani/AP hide caption toggle caption Shekib Rahmani/AP Hundreds of people gather near a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane at the perimeter of the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 16, 2021. SIGAR, released its interim report Wednesday detailing why Afghanistan’s government and military collapsed immediately after the U.S. withdrawal. Shekib Rahmani/AP Morale across Afghanistan’s […]

Demonstrators gather on the steps to the State Capitol to speak against transgender-related legislation bills being considered in the Texas Senate and Texas House in May 2021 in Austin, Texas. Eric Gay/AP hide caption toggle caption Eric Gay/AP Demonstrators gather on the steps to the State Capitol to speak against transgender-related legislation bills being considered in the Texas Senate and Texas House in May 2021 in Austin, Texas. Eric Gay/AP In a unanimous ruling on a controversial issue, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday has cleared the way for the state child welfare agency to resume investigating parents and doctors who […]

Elon Musk says he wants to see more details about the number of fake accounts on Twitter before his deal to buy the social media platform goes through. He’s seen here last week, arriving for the 2022 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images Elon Musk says he wants to see more details about the number of fake accounts on Twitter before his deal to buy the social media platform goes through. He’s seen here last week, arriving for the 2022 Met Gala […]

“God gave you a voice. Use it,” Elizabeth Bonker told her fellow graduates. “And no, the irony of a nonspeaking autistic encouraging you to use your voice is not lost on me.” Scott Cook/Rollins College hide caption toggle caption Scott Cook/Rollins College “God gave you a voice. Use it,” Elizabeth Bonker told her fellow graduates. “And no, the irony of a nonspeaking autistic encouraging you to use your voice is not lost on me.” Scott Cook/Rollins College She didn’t say a word — and that only made her message resonate more powerfully. Valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker recently delivered the commencement speech at […]

“It’s the dawn of a new era of black hole physics,” the Event Horizon Telescope team said as it released the first-ever image of supermassive black hole in the center of the Milky Way. EHT Collaboration hide caption toggle caption EHT Collaboration “It’s the dawn of a new era of black hole physics,” the Event Horizon Telescope team said as it released the first-ever image of supermassive black hole in the center of the Milky Way. EHT Collaboration For years, the supermassive black hole in the dark center of the Milky Way galaxy has been theorized about and studied — and […]

“I refuse to enforce this draconian law,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said of her state’s 1931 ban on abortion. She’s seen here in 2020. David Eggert/AP hide caption toggle caption David Eggert/AP “I refuse to enforce this draconian law,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said of her state’s 1931 ban on abortion. She’s seen here in 2020. David Eggert/AP Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she won’t enforce her state’s 1931 abortion law — and she’s hoping the Michigan Supreme Court finds it unconstitutional, even if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down its Roe v. Wade decision. “I’m very hopeful,” […]

US actress Amber Heard returns to the courtroom after a lunch break at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia on Wednesday. Elizabeth Frantz/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Elizabeth Frantz/AFP via Getty Images US actress Amber Heard returns to the courtroom after a lunch break at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia on Wednesday. Elizabeth Frantz/AFP via Getty Images Amber Heard took the witness stand in a Virginia courtroom on Wednesday to discuss her experiences and her relationship with Johnny Depp, her ex-husband, who is suing Heard in a $50 million defamation case. “I struggle to find […]

In March, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw moved to fire the plainclothes officer who shot a fleeing 12-year-old. The officer, Edsaul Mendoza, is now facing murder charges. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption toggle caption Matt Rourke/AP In March, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw moved to fire the plainclothes officer who shot a fleeing 12-year-old. The officer, Edsaul Mendoza, is now facing murder charges. Matt Rourke/AP Former Philadelphia police officer Edsaul Mendoza knew Thomas “T.J.” Siderio, 12, was unarmed when he shot him in the back and killed him, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said as he announced murder charges against Mendoza on […]

Google has expanded its policies to make it easier for people to request personal contact information be removed from online search results. Google / Screenshot by NPR hide caption toggle caption Google / Screenshot by NPR Google has expanded its policies to make it easier for people to request personal contact information be removed from online search results. Google / Screenshot by NPR Google is offering a new tool to anyone who doesn’t want their phone number, email or street address and other personal information to be found online: People can ask for their contact details to be stripped from search […]

Amber Heard has filed a countersuit against Johnny Depp, seeking $100 million in damages and saying his legal team falsely accused her of fabricating claims against Depp. The former couple are seen here in court last week. Jim Lo Scalzo /POOL/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jim Lo Scalzo /POOL/AFP via Getty Images Amber Heard has filed a countersuit against Johnny Depp, seeking $100 million in damages and saying his legal team falsely accused her of fabricating claims against Depp. The former couple are seen here in court last week. Jim Lo Scalzo /POOL/AFP via Getty Images Actor amber […]

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s attorney says Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill failed to ensure a fair trial for him. Court TV via AP/ Pool hide caption toggle caption Court TV via AP/ Pool Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s attorney says Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill failed to ensure a fair trial for him. Court TV via AP/ Pool One year after he was convicted of murdering George Floyd, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed an appeal hoping to overturn the jury’s verdict and reduce his sentence. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin last June to […]

Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, cites the U.S. vaccination program and previous widespread transmission of COVID-19 as reasons why the country is not now under pandemic conditions. Here, travelers are seen at Miami International Airport last week, after mask requirements were lifted. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, cites the U.S. vaccination program and previous widespread transmission of COVID-19 as reasons why the country is not now under pandemic conditions. Here, travelers are seen at Miami International Airport last week, […]

Disney operates like its own county government in Florida — but that could change, if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a new bill lawmakers approved this week. Here, tourists walk through Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., last month. Octavio Jones/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Octavio Jones/Getty Images Disney operates like its own county government in Florida — but that could change, if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a new bill lawmakers approved this week. Here, tourists walk through Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., last month. Octavio Jones/Getty Images The Florida Legislature has sent Gov. […]

Commercial trucks wait to cross the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in Pharr, Texas, last week, before Gov. Greg Abbott lifted his order requiring additional inspections of trucks arriving from Mexico. Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images Commercial trucks wait to cross the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in Pharr, Texas, last week, before Gov. Greg Abbott lifted his order requiring additional inspections of trucks arriving from Mexico. Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order imposing safety inspections on trucks crossing the border from Mexico inflicted billions of dollars in U.S. trade losses — including $1 billion per week at […]

Tiger Woods chips on the practice range on Friday, before starting his second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Tiger Woods chips on the practice range on Friday, before starting his second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images One year after watching from a hospital bed, Tiger Woods will play in the Masters Tournament this weekend. His very presence has been enough to electrify crowds in Augusta, Ga., 25 years after his first Masters championship. “Now driving — Tiger Woods!” course officials […]

Walt Disney World and Universal Parks & Resorts are devoting land to affordable housing developments, in hopes of easing central Florida’s housing crisis. Here, visitors drive past a sign welcoming them to Walt Disney World in the summer of 2020. Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images Walt Disney World and Universal Parks & Resorts are devoting land to affordable housing developments, in hopes of easing central Florida’s housing crisis. Here, visitors drive past a sign welcoming them to Walt Disney World in the summer of 2020. Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images Anyone looking […]

Editor’s Note: Please be aware that some of the images in this story are graphic. Soldiers walk amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday. Rodrigo Abd/AP hide caption toggle caption Rodrigo Abd/AP Soldiers walk amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday. Rodrigo Abd/AP Even before the outrage over hundreds of civilians reportedly killed in Bucha, Ukraine was accusing Russia of committing a number of war crimes, and many experts have backed those claims. President Biden on Monday called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to face a war […]

National Park Service ranger Betty Reid Soskin, 100, retired on Thursday. She’s seen here in 2013, working at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, Calif. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images National Park Service ranger Betty Reid Soskin, 100, retired on Thursday. She’s seen here in 2013, working at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, Calif. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images There’s no better way to learn history than from the people who lived it. And for years, Betty Reid Soskin — a.k.a. Ranger Betty […]

Olga and Oleksandr hug as they wait beside a vehicle painted with the word “volunteers” at an evacuation center in Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, on Tuesday. Olga’s father is stuck in Mariupol, and Oleksandr is hoping to get in a volunteer convoy to the city, now under Russian siege. Emre Caylak/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Emre Caylak/AFP via Getty Images Olga and Oleksandr hug as they wait beside a vehicle painted with the word “volunteers” at an evacuation center in Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, on Tuesday. Olga’s father is stuck in Mariupol, and Oleksandr is hoping to get in a volunteer convoy […]

A satellite image shows the destruction wrought on the theater (center left) in Mariupol, Ukraine. The city council says around 300 people are believed to have died in the bombing. Satellite Image ©2022 Maxar Technologies hide caption toggle caption Satellite Image ©2022 Maxar Technologies A satellite image shows the destruction wrought on the theater (center left) in Mariupol, Ukraine. The city council says around 300 people are believed to have died in the bombing. Satellite Image ©2022 Maxar Technologies About 300 people may have died from last week’s bombing of the drama theater in Mariupol, Ukraine, city officials said on Friday, […]

Tucker Carlson speaks during the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) Feszt last summer in Esztergom, Hungary. Janos Kummer/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Janos Kummer/Getty Images Tucker Carlson speaks during the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) Feszt last summer in Esztergom, Hungary. Janos Kummer/Getty Images It was a lurid and difficult to believe claim: that Ukraine was developing biological weapons with the assistance of the U.S. government. In fact, U.S. assistance to Ukrainian biological labs has been targeted at strengthening public health measures. Both the U.S. and Ukraine have also signed a treaty vowing never to produce or use biological weapons. But unlike […]

Pedestrians cross a street in front of a billboard displaying the letter “Z” in the colors of the ribbon of St. George and a slogan: “We don’t give up on our people,” in support of the Russian armed forces, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on March 7. AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption AFP via Getty Images Pedestrians cross a street in front of a billboard displaying the letter “Z” in the colors of the ribbon of St. George and a slogan: “We don’t give up on our people,” in support of the Russian armed forces, in St. Petersburg, Russia, […]

People who fled the war in Ukraine wait to be called to board a humanitarian train to relocate them to Berlin on Sunday in Krakow, Poland. Omar Marques/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Omar Marques/Getty Images People who fled the war in Ukraine wait to be called to board a humanitarian train to relocate them to Berlin on Sunday in Krakow, Poland. Omar Marques/Getty Images Three women and four kids who fled Russia’s war on Ukraine have a new temporary home in Germany after a Russian immigrant offered them space in his small apartment. The seven refugees spent five days trekking […]

Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev has condemned the invasion of Ukraine. His shows are still being canceled. Liudmila Malofeeva hide caption toggle caption Liudmila Malofeeva Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev has condemned the invasion of Ukraine. His shows are still being canceled. Liudmila Malofeeva Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev, 20, has condemned his native country’s invasion and war against Ukraine. But that hasn’t kept a string of his concerts from being canceled in Canada, from Montreal to Vancouver. Arts organizations cite the war’s terrible toll on civilians, expressing solidarity with Ukraine — and with Ukrainian members of their community and staff. But Malofeev’s defenders […]

A Ukrainian boy named Hassan, 11, smiles after being welcomed across the border in Slovakia. Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic hide caption toggle caption Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic A Ukrainian boy named Hassan, 11, smiles after being welcomed across the border in Slovakia. Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic An 11-year-old Ukrainian boy named Hassan was treated to a hero’s welcome in Slovakia this week, when he crossed the border after traveling 1,000 kilometers (roughly 620 miles) alone, fleeing the war with Russia. His mother had sent him to safety, unable to […]

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks at a press conference in December 2021 in Washington, D.C. Comments by Graham about Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn criticism from other lawmakers. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks at a press conference in December 2021 in Washington, D.C. Comments by Graham about Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn criticism from other lawmakers. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Sen. Lindsey Graham’s suggestion that Russians should assassinate President Vladimir Putin has drawn the ire of Republicans and Democrats concerned over the war in Ukraine. “Is there a Brutus in […]

They carried flowers, and handmade signs reading “нет войне” — No to War. They tried to lay their message outside Ukraine’s embassy in Moscow — and for that, they were arrested. That’s the story emerging in Russia about five children, ages 7 to 11, who went with their mothers to visit the embassy on Tuesday. Their excursion could have served as a reminder of shared humanity, even during a conflict. But police in Moscow didn’t see it that way. They detained the kids and parents, putting them in a holding cell. The police officers shouted at the parents, threatening that the […]

People hug outside a metro station in Kyiv on Thursday morning as Russia launched an attack on Ukraine and explosions could be heard in the city. Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images People hug outside a metro station in Kyiv on Thursday morning as Russia launched an attack on Ukraine and explosions could be heard in the city. Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images Russia’s wide-scale invasion of Ukraine has dramatically changed the mood in Kyiv, as a nation comes to grips with the new reality that it is at war. Many Ukrainians had […]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shown here at a press conference Wednesday, is moving to declare a state of emergency. Sergei Supinsky /AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Sergei Supinsky /AFP via Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shown here at a press conference Wednesday, is moving to declare a state of emergency. Sergei Supinsky /AFP via Getty Images Ukraine is moving to declare a national state of emergency, as the country faces the threat of an imminent Russian invasion. The move will clear the way for new measures to boost security — and to protect Ukraine’s economy. Ukraine’s foreign […]

Permanent Representative of Kenya to the U.N. Martin Kimani, shown last year, delivered a speech criticizing Russian actions. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images Permanent Representative of Kenya to the U.N. Martin Kimani, shown last year, delivered a speech criticizing Russian actions. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images Russia’s move to recognize breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as “republics” drew a sharp rebuke from Kenyan U.N. Ambassador Martin Kimani, who used a speech at the U.N. Security Council to recount the perils of clinging to vestiges of empire. Kimani said Russian […]

Hank the Tank is “our big bear friend who has adopted the Tahoe Keys neighborhood as his residential area,” police in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., say. State officials are now trying to trap the bear, who weighs 500 pounds. Bear League hide caption toggle caption Bear League Hank the Tank is “our big bear friend who has adopted the Tahoe Keys neighborhood as his residential area,” police in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., say. State officials are now trying to trap the bear, who weighs 500 pounds. Bear League It’s not easy for a 500-pound bear to sneak around a neighborhood — […]

Russia has created a list of Ukrainian civilians who would be detained or killed in case of an invasion, the U.S. says. Here, people walk past anti-tank barriers in the town of Avdiivka, on the eastern Ukraine front-line with Russia-backed separatists. Aleksey Filippov/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Aleksey Filippov/AFP via Getty Images Russia has created a list of Ukrainian civilians who would be detained or killed in case of an invasion, the U.S. says. Here, people walk past anti-tank barriers in the town of Avdiivka, on the eastern Ukraine front-line with Russia-backed separatists. Aleksey Filippov/AFP via Getty Images […]

Kamila Valieva of Team ROC reacts after skating during the women’s individual figure skating final on Thursday in Beijing. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Kamila Valieva of Team ROC reacts after skating during the women’s individual figure skating final on Thursday in Beijing. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images The machinery of international sport generated an extraordinary and painful spectacle in women’s figure skating at the Beijing Olympics, as young athletes tried to summon the performance of their lives without knowing all their rivals were clean. They did so with the knowledge that no medal ceremony would be held […]

Team USA reacts after losing to team Slovakia in a penalty-shot shootout during the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal match against Team Slovakia at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Team USA reacts after losing to team Slovakia in a penalty-shot shootout during the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal match against Team Slovakia at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images The U.S. men’s hockey team lost in crushing fashion on Wednesday, falling in a penalty shot shootout. Team USA had been one minute away from advancing to the Olympic semifinals […]

Left to right: Sha’Carri Richardson and Kamila Valieva onathan Ferrey/Getty Images;Matthew Stockman/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption onathan Ferrey/Getty Images;Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Left to right: Sha’Carri Richardson and Kamila Valieva onathan Ferrey/Getty Images;Matthew Stockman/Getty Images U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is calling out Olympic and anti-doping officials, after Russian skater Kamila Valieva was allowed to compete despite testing positive for a forbidden drug. “Can we get a solid answer on the difference” between their situations, Richardson asked on Twitter, after mediators ruled that Valieva should be allowed to skate in the women’s individual competition in Beijing. “The only difference I see is […]

The U.S. is telling its citizens to leave Ukraine now, citing “increased threats of Russian military action.” Because of the tensions, regular Ukrainians are taking lessons on using weapons and survival training — like this man who was instructed on shooting Thursday by a member of the Georgian National Legion paramilitary volunteer unit. Chris McGrath/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Chris McGrath/Getty Images The U.S. is telling its citizens to leave Ukraine now, citing “increased threats of Russian military action.” Because of the tensions, regular Ukrainians are taking lessons on using weapons and survival training — like this man who was […]

Armored units take part in joint exercises between Russia and Belarus, in this image from a Russian Defense Ministry video. The massive scale of the operation is stoking tensions along the Ukrainian border. Russian Defense Ministry / Screenshot by NPR hide caption toggle caption Russian Defense Ministry / Screenshot by NPR Armored units take part in joint exercises between Russia and Belarus, in this image from a Russian Defense Ministry video. The massive scale of the operation is stoking tensions along the Ukrainian border. Russian Defense Ministry / Screenshot by NPR Russia launched what’s being called its largest military exercise since […]

Kamila Valieva of Team ROC reacts during the free skating team event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite finishing first, Valieva and her teammates have yet to receive their medals. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Kamila Valieva of Team ROC reacts during the free skating team event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite finishing first, Valieva and her teammates have yet to receive their medals. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Medalists in team figure skating still haven’t received their prizes at the Beijing Olympics, because of an apparent failed doping test. Russian media report that the […]

SpaceX launched dozens of satellites earlier this month, and now says most of them were impacted by a geomagnetic storm. Official SpaceX Photos/Flickr Only a fraction of the 49 satellites SpaceX launched into orbit last week survived a geomagnetic storm, the company says. As many as 40 of the Starlink satellites “will reenter or already have reentered the Earth’s atmosphere,” according to SpaceX. The satellites were launched into low-Earth orbit last Thursday, with the plan of bringing them up to a higher altitude. But one day later, a strong geomagnetic storm dramatically changed conditions in the atmosphere, spoiling many of the […]

Rafael Nadal will face world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open, with a chance to rewrite the record books. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Rafael Nadal will face world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open, with a chance to rewrite the record books. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Rafael Nadal will play in the Australian Open final Sunday, with a chance to win his 21st Grand Slam. The feat would set him apart from Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are currently tied with […]

Mayra Guillén, second from left, and Lupe Guillén, second from right, have been vocal advocates for changes to military justice, after their sister Vanessa was murdered at 20 years old. The Guillén family says Vanessa endured sexual harassment — which is now a crime in the military. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption toggle caption Susan Walsh/AP Mayra Guillén, second from left, and Lupe Guillén, second from right, have been vocal advocates for changes to military justice, after their sister Vanessa was murdered at 20 years old. The Guillén family says Vanessa endured sexual harassment — which is now a crime in the […]

Football fans reveled in the exciting matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium — but the game’s ending in overtime left some feeling unsatisfied. Jamie Squire/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jamie Squire/Getty Images Football fans reveled in the exciting matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium — but the game’s ending in overtime left some feeling unsatisfied. Jamie Squire/Getty Images Football fans feasted on four incredible games this weekend — but after the Kansas City Chiefs […]

Britain’s Prince Andrew has been trying to block a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, who says he sexually abused her when she was a minor. Andrew is seen here last April. Steve Parsons/AP hide caption toggle caption Steve Parsons/AP Britain’s Prince Andrew has been trying to block a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, who says he sexually abused her when she was a minor. Andrew is seen here last April. Steve Parsons/AP Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit against Britain’s Prince Andrew can continue, a federal judge has ruled, denying “in all respects” the Duke of York’s request to dismiss the case. Giuffre says the disgraced […]

A tally on the chalkboard at Commerce Street Brewery in Mineral Point, Wis., shows that people have bought more than 110 beers for the late comedian Betty White. Courtesy of Commerce Street Brewery hide caption toggle caption Courtesy of Commerce Street Brewery A tally on the chalkboard at Commerce Street Brewery in Mineral Point, Wis., shows that people have bought more than 110 beers for the late comedian Betty White. Courtesy of Commerce Street Brewery Every small town should have a dream. And in Mineral Point, Wis., the long-running dream was that some day, Betty White would come back for a […]

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, pictured on Capitol Hill Wednesday, said of the attack on the Capitol last year, “Anyone who commits an act of violence should be prosecuted, and anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer should go to jail for a very long time.” Drew Angerer/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, pictured on Capitol Hill Wednesday, said of the attack on the Capitol last year, “Anyone who commits an act of violence should be prosecuted, and anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer should go to jail for a very long […]

Novak Djokovic will play in the 2022 Australian Open, after getting an exemption from vaccine requirements. He’s seen here removing his mask at the 2021 ATP Cup at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne last February. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Darrian Traynor/Getty Images Novak Djokovic will play in the 2022 Australian Open, after getting an exemption from vaccine requirements. He’s seen here removing his mask at the 2021 ATP Cup at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne last February. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked men’s tennis player who is also famously skeptical about coronavirus vaccination, will play in […]

A person wearing a face covering walks past a white flag memorial installation outside Griffith Observatory honoring the nearly 27,000 Los Angeles County residents who have died from COVID-19 on Nov. 18 in Los Angeles, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Mario Tama/Getty Images A person wearing a face covering walks past a white flag memorial installation outside Griffith Observatory honoring the nearly 27,000 Los Angeles County residents who have died from COVID-19 on Nov. 18 in Los Angeles, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images The coronavirus has now killed more than 800,000 people in the U.S., just two years after […]

School teachers grabbed at dollar bills in a “dash for cash” during intermission at a hockey game in South Dakota, sparking controversy for turning teachers’ need to pay for classroom supplies into a public spectacle. “As a teacher, I find this humiliating,” a commenter wrote after video of the event was posted to Twitter. “Scrambling against others on the ground for a few $1 bills? How about honoring teachers with genuine donations rather than turning us into silly entertainment for fans?” The Sioux Falls Stampede hockey team had urged fans not to miss Saturday’s contest, which it promoted as its inaugural […]

Actor Jussie Smollett was accused of staging an attack on himself in in January of 2019. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Scott Olson/Getty Images Actor Jussie Smollett was accused of staging an attack on himself in in January of 2019. Scott Olson/Getty Images A jury in Cook County, Ill., has found actor Jussie Smollett guilty of felony disorderly conduct for staging a fake hate crime nearly three years ago. Prosecutors said the former Empire star arranged for two men to attack him, wrap a noose around his neck and douse him with bleach in downtown Chicago, yelling racist and […]

Facebook has worked for years to revamp its handling of political ads — but researchers who conducted a comprehensive audit of millions of ads say the social media company’s efforts have had uneven results. The problems, they say, include overcounting political ads in the U.S. — and undercounting them in other countries. And despite Facebook’s ban on political ads around the time of last year’s U.S. elections, the platform allowed more than 70,000 political ads to run anyway, according to the research team that is based at the NYU Cybersecurity for Democracy and at the Belgian university KU Leuven. Their research […]

A swarm of more than 50 earthquakes has been detected off the Oregon coast in the past 24 hours, prompting seismologists to reassure Pacific Northwest residents that they’re not in danger. The Blanco Transform Fault Zone is very active, but it poses little threat, researchers say. USGS hide caption toggle caption USGS A swarm of more than 50 earthquakes has been detected off the Oregon coast in the past 24 hours, prompting seismologists to reassure Pacific Northwest residents that they’re not in danger. The Blanco Transform Fault Zone is very active, but it poses little threat, researchers say. USGS The Blanco […]

NASA introduced its new astronaut candidate class on Monday — the first such group in four years. Robert Markowitz /NASA-JSC hide caption toggle caption Robert Markowitz /NASA-JSC NASA introduced its new astronaut candidate class on Monday — the first such group in four years. Robert Markowitz /NASA-JSC NASA announced 10 astronaut candidates on Monday, selecting a group from more than 12,000 applications. The group, which includes four women, will train in hopes of being named to NASA’s first human missions to the moon in more than 50 years. The would-be astronauts reflect a broad stretch of America, from Alaska to Puerto […]

The Portland Trail Blazers fired Neil Olshey on Friday, after workers reportedly accused him of creating a hostile work environment. He’s seen here sitting near Damian Lillard in 2019. Steve Dykes/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Steve Dykes/Getty Images The Portland Trail Blazers fired Neil Olshey on Friday, after workers reportedly accused him of creating a hostile work environment. He’s seen here sitting near Damian Lillard in 2019. Steve Dykes/Getty Images The Portland Trail Blazers have fired Neil Olshey as their general manager, a dismissal that takes effect immediately. Olshey had been under investigation after workers reportedly accused him of creating […]

“Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage — not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression,” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said as she ordered the word “squaw” to be removed from federal place names. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images “Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage — not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression,” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said as she ordered the word “squaw” to be removed from […]

A copy from the first printing of the U.S. Constitution sold for more than $43 million Thursday night — a world record for a historical document at auction, Sotheby’s said. Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images A copy from the first printing of the U.S. Constitution sold for more than $43 million Thursday night — a world record for a historical document at auction, Sotheby’s said. Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images An unprecedented crowd-funded attempt to buy an extremely rare copy of the U.S. Constitution fell just short Thursday night, when a group […]

The Rio Grande is seen from the International Bridge near a section of the U.S.-Mexico border where a father and daughter drowned attempting to cross into the United States in 2019, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Oscar Alberto Martinez and his 23-month-old daughter, Angie Valeria, had migrated from El Salvador and planned to seek political asylum in the U.S. when they died. Verónica G. Cárdenas/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Verónica G. Cárdenas/Getty Images The Rio Grande is seen from the International Bridge near a section of the U.S.-Mexico border where a father and daughter drowned attempting to cross into the United States […]

Travis McMichael is testifying in his own defense in the murder trial over the February 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery on Thursday, with lead prosecutor Linda Dunikoski cross-examining him. The prosecution rested its case on Tuesday. “I want to give my side of the story,” McMichael said on Wednesday, telling the court that he wanted to explain what happened from his point of view. McMichael is one of three defendants in the case; all are facing murder charges. What are the charges McMichael faces? A grand jury indicted Gregory and Travis McMichael and William Bryan on nine criminal counts in Georgia […]

Jury selection in the federal sex crimes trial of Ghislaine Maxwell began Tuesday at Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in New York City. Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images Jury selection in the federal sex crimes trial of Ghislaine Maxwell began Tuesday at Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in New York City. Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images Jury selection in the federal sex-trafficking trial for Ghislaine Maxwell got underway Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom. Judge Alison Nathan questioned potential jurors about the case, looking to winnow down a jury pool of hundreds of people into […]

Pfizer’s agreement with a U.N. group to let other companies produce its new antiviral pill as a generic drug is meeting with a mixed reaction. In late summer, protesters at Pfizer’s world headquarters in New York urged the drugmaker to broadly share the patent for its COVID-19 vaccine. Bruce Gilbert/AP hide caption toggle caption Bruce Gilbert/AP Pfizer’s agreement with a U.N. group to let other companies produce its new antiviral pill as a generic drug is meeting with a mixed reaction. In late summer, protesters at Pfizer’s world headquarters in New York urged the drugmaker to broadly share the patent for […]

The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., will reportedly be renamed after a Miami-based investment group takes control of the property on Pennsylvania Avenue. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., will reportedly be renamed after a Miami-based investment group takes control of the property on Pennsylvania Avenue. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Former President Donald Trump’s company has agreed to sell its Trump International Hotel operation in Washington, D.C., according to multiple reports. The deal is said to be worth $375 million and will result in the Trump name being removed from […]

Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, sits with Ahmaud Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, at the murder trial of Greg McMichael his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in the Glynn County Courthouse. Stephen B. Morton/AP hide caption toggle caption Stephen B. Morton/AP Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, sits with Ahmaud Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, at the murder trial of Greg McMichael his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in the Glynn County Courthouse. Stephen B. Morton/AP Prosecutors are closer to resting their case against three white […]

One year after enduring an unprecedented backlog, the postal system is ready to handle mail and packages for the 2021 holiday season, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said. Here, an employee loads a sorting robot during a media tour of a U.S. Postal Service package support annex in La Vergne, Tenn. Brett Carlsen/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Brett Carlsen/Getty Images One year after enduring an unprecedented backlog, the postal system is ready to handle mail and packages for the 2021 holiday season, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said. Here, an employee loads a sorting robot during a media tour of a U.S. […]

Teacher Keishia Thorpe said she was speechless after winning the Global Teacher Prize 2021 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Thorpe teaches English to high school students whose families have immigrated to the U.S. Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images Teacher Keishia Thorpe said she was speechless after winning the Global Teacher Prize 2021 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Thorpe teaches English to high school students whose families have immigrated to the U.S. Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images Keishia Thorpe immigrated to the U.S. as a child, hoping for a better life […]

NASA’s ambitions for putting astronauts on the moon have been delayed. Here, newly minted astronauts from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency are seen last year. They’re the first candidates to graduate under the Artemis program, and could be eligible for assignments including the Artemis missions to the Moon, International Space Station, and missions to Mars. Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images NASA’s ambitions for putting astronauts on the moon have been delayed. Here, newly minted astronauts from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency are seen last year. They’re the first candidates to […]

Manfred Steiner, 89, recently earned his Ph.D. in physics from Brown University. Nick Dentamaro/Brown University hide caption toggle caption Nick Dentamaro/Brown University Manfred Steiner, 89, recently earned his Ph.D. in physics from Brown University. Nick Dentamaro/Brown University Manfred Steiner had a successful and productive career as a doctor, helping generations of medical students learn about hematology. But all along, he had a nagging feeling he should be doing something else: studying physics. At age 89, he has finally fulfilled that dream, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Brown University. “It’s my third doctorate, but this one I really cherish a lot. […]

Pfizer says that its COVID-19 pill reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 89%, in a clinical trial that tested the drug in adults with the disease who were also in high-risk health groups. The oral medicine is called Paxlovid. Similar to Merck’s new pill that was approved in the U.K. Thursday, Pfizer said its drug showed good results when administered within the first five days of the first COVID-19 symptoms. Based on the strength of the trial’s results, Pfizer says it will stop enrolling people into more clinical trials for the pill and will instead send the results it […]

Fred Rogers is memorialized in his role as Mister Rogers in a new statue unveiled by Rollins College in Florida. Scott Cook hide caption toggle caption Scott Cook Fred Rogers is memorialized in his role as Mister Rogers in a new statue unveiled by Rollins College in Florida. Scott Cook Rollins College in Florida has raised a statue of Mister Rogers, complete with puppets and adoring children. It’s a tribute to Fred Rogers, the beloved TV host who graduated from Rollins 70 years ago. Rogers wears his iconic cardigan and sneakers in the larger-than-life bronze statue on the Orlando-area campus, smiling […]

Joel Quenneville is no longer the head coach of the Florida Panthers, after an investigation found he and other leaders failed to act on sexual assault claims from a player on the Chicago Blackhawks during Quenneville’s tenure there. Michael Reaves/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Michael Reaves/Getty Images Joel Quenneville is no longer the head coach of the Florida Panthers, after an investigation found he and other leaders failed to act on sexual assault claims from a player on the Chicago Blackhawks during Quenneville’s tenure there. Michael Reaves/Getty Images Joel Quenneville resigned as the Florida Panthers’ head coach late Thursday, in […]

Atlanta pitcher Charlie Morton left Game 1 of the World Series against the Houston Astros with an injury that was later diagnosed as a fractured fibula. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Carmen Mandato/Getty Images Atlanta pitcher Charlie Morton left Game 1 of the World Series against the Houston Astros with an injury that was later diagnosed as a fractured fibula. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images A broken leg, a new record and a bat man: those are three of the interesting stories that emerged from the Atlanta Braves’ 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros in the first game of the World […]

Google says minors and their families can ask for an image to be removed from its search results, in a new policy unveiled Wednesday. Screengrab by NPR hide caption toggle caption Screengrab by NPR Google says minors and their families can ask for an image to be removed from its search results, in a new policy unveiled Wednesday. Screengrab by NPR Google installed a new policy Wednesday that will allow minors or their caregivers to request their images be removed from the company’s search results, saying that “kids and teens have to navigate some unique challenges online, especially when a picture […]

Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains, is seen here reflected in Twin Lakes near Leadville, Colorado. A hiker on the mountain didn’t answer rescuers’ phone calls because the number was unfamiliar. Lightvision, LLC/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lightvision, LLC/Getty Images Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains, is seen here reflected in Twin Lakes near Leadville, Colorado. A hiker on the mountain didn’t answer rescuers’ phone calls because the number was unfamiliar. Lightvision, LLC/Getty Images You can get a cellphone signal on the highest mountain in Colorado — and if you get lost hiking that […]

Orbital Reef is a new commercial space station that Blue Origin says will be operational by the end of the decade. It’s seen here in a promotional photo released by the company. Blue Origin hide caption toggle caption Blue Origin Orbital Reef is a new commercial space station that Blue Origin says will be operational by the end of the decade. It’s seen here in a promotional photo released by the company. Blue Origin First came the tourists. Next comes the business. Blue Origin says it will create a new privately owned space station in orbit around the Earth — what […]

People who arrive in China for the Beijing Olympcs unvaccinated will face isolation in a mandatory three-week quarantine. Here, a room is seen in the athlete’s village in Zhangjiakou, China. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lintao Zhang/Getty Images People who arrive in China for the Beijing Olympcs unvaccinated will face isolation in a mandatory three-week quarantine. Here, a room is seen in the athlete’s village in Zhangjiakou, China. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Olympic athletes, team staff and journalists who comes to the Beijing 2022 Winter Games next February will be required to be vaccinated — or face a three-week “hard […]

Terry Turner, 65, was arrested on Friday. He faces charges in the shooting death of Adil Dghoughi outside of Turner’s house in Martindale, Texas. Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office hide caption toggle caption Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office Terry Turner, 65, was arrested on Friday. He faces charges in the shooting death of Adil Dghoughi outside of Turner’s house in Martindale, Texas. Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s deputies arrested Terry Turner on a warrant accusing him of murdering Adil Dghoughi outside of Turner’s house in Martindale, Texas. Turner reportedly shot Dghoughi, a native of Morocco who was not armed, through the window of […]

“This parasite detaches the fish’s tongue, attaches itself to the fish’s mouth, and becomes its tongue,” the Galveston Island State Park says, describing the parasitic tongue-eating louse. Galveston Island State Park hide caption toggle caption Galveston Island State Park “This parasite detaches the fish’s tongue, attaches itself to the fish’s mouth, and becomes its tongue,” the Galveston Island State Park says, describing the parasitic tongue-eating louse. Galveston Island State Park It’s the stuff of nightmares, or science fiction: a parasite that wants to get inside an animal’s mouth, where it attacks — and replaces — the tongue. That’s the incredibly specific, […]

Former science teacher Berna Gómez played a pivotal role in new research on restoring some sight to blind people. She is named as a co-author of the study that was published this week. Moran Eye Center, the University of Utah hide caption toggle caption Moran Eye Center, the University of Utah Former science teacher Berna Gómez played a pivotal role in new research on restoring some sight to blind people. She is named as a co-author of the study that was published this week. Moran Eye Center, the University of Utah A former science teacher who’s been blind for 16 years […]

A dog lies on the ash-covered earth surrounded by volcanic lava following an eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, in the area of Todoque on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain in this undated screen grab taken from a handout video. Handout via Reuters hide caption toggle caption Handout via Reuters A dog lies on the ash-covered earth surrounded by volcanic lava following an eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, in the area of Todoque on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain in this undated screen grab taken from a handout video. Handout via Reuters Several dogs that are […]

The FDA is moving to approve OTC hearing aids, in a change that lawmakers and advocates have long called for. Here, a man displays his hearing aid before taking part in a meeting. Keith Bedford/Boston Globe via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Keith Bedford/Boston Globe via Getty Images The FDA is moving to approve OTC hearing aids, in a change that lawmakers and advocates have long called for. Here, a man displays his hearing aid before taking part in a meeting. Keith Bedford/Boston Globe via Getty Images People with mild or moderate hearing loss could soon be able to buy […]

League One Volleyball is a new pro league that aims to nurture players from the youth club level, where coaches and elite players will share their expertise. Art Camp hide caption toggle caption Art Camp League One Volleyball is a new pro league that aims to nurture players from the youth club level, where coaches and elite players will share their expertise. Art Camp U.S. women’s volleyball is second to none, sitting atop the world rankings. The game is thriving from the youth level up to the Olympics. But every year, the top U.S. women head to international leagues after college. […]

A slice of the 12-layer chocolate cake known as “Bruce” is adorned with colorful sprinkles at the British bakery Get Baked. But regulators say the topping is illegal, as it includes a color additive that is permitted only for other uses. Courtesy of Get Baked hide caption toggle caption Courtesy of Get Baked A slice of the 12-layer chocolate cake known as “Bruce” is adorned with colorful sprinkles at the British bakery Get Baked. But regulators say the topping is illegal, as it includes a color additive that is permitted only for other uses. Courtesy of Get Baked A British bakery […]

Jon Gruden resigned as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after the publication of emails he wrote from 2011-18, when he was an ESPN analyst, to then-Washington club executive Bruce Allen. The messages were roundly criticized as being misogynist, homophobic and racist. John Hefti/AP hide caption toggle caption John Hefti/AP Jon Gruden resigned as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after the publication of emails he wrote from 2011-18, when he was an ESPN analyst, to then-Washington club executive Bruce Allen. The messages were roundly criticized as being misogynist, homophobic and racist. John Hefti/AP Jon Gruden’s exit as an NFL coach […]

Colorado’s UCHealth hospital system is requiring any prospective organ transplant recipients to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here, a man receives a COVID-19 vaccine in Thornton, Colo., earlier this year. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images Colorado’s UCHealth hospital system is requiring any prospective organ transplant recipients to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here, a man receives a COVID-19 vaccine in Thornton, Colo., earlier this year. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images A large hospital system in Colorado says people on its organ transplant wait list won’t be offered an organ if they refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine, citing the “significant […]

A Virginia Beach, Va., family, subjected to racist harassment, got some relief after neighbors rallied to support them. John Quinn/EyeEm/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption John Quinn/EyeEm/Getty Images A Virginia Beach, Va., family, subjected to racist harassment, got some relief after neighbors rallied to support them. John Quinn/EyeEm/Getty Images Jannique Martinez’s home sits in a tidy cul-de-sac in Virginia Beach, Va., where she lives with her husband and kids and hosts the occasional bake sale. There’s just one problem, and it’s a loud one: a man who lives next door blares monkey sounds, banjo music and racist slurs at Martinez and […]

The sword used in an assault by a man dressed as a ninja is seen here. Kern County Sheriff’s Office hide caption toggle caption Kern County Sheriff’s Office The sword used in an assault by a man dressed as a ninja is seen here. Kern County Sheriff’s Office It seems unlikely, but it did indeed happen: a man “wearing full ninja garb” attacked members of a U.S. Army special operations unit in the middle of the night in the California desert, setting off a scramble for safety and resulting in at least two injuries, according to police and other records. The […]

Tommy Kirk, seen here with his canine co-star in 1957’s Old Yeller, has died. Kirk appeared in a string of hit Disney movies such as Swiss Family Robinson and The Absent-Minded Professor. LMPC via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption LMPC via Getty Images Tommy Kirk, seen here with his canine co-star in 1957’s Old Yeller, has died. Kirk appeared in a string of hit Disney movies such as Swiss Family Robinson and The Absent-Minded Professor. LMPC via Getty Images Tommy Kirk, whose prolific work as a child actor included classic movies such as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog and Swiss […]

Pfizer and BioNTech say they will submit a formal request for emergency use authorization of the vaccine in young children “in the coming weeks,” as they share data with the FDA about trials for kids from 5 up to 12. Here, a healthcare worker administers a dose of the vaccine to an older child at a pediatrician’s office in Michigan. Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images Pfizer and BioNTech say they will submit a formal request for emergency use authorization of the vaccine in young children “in the coming weeks,” as they share […]

Hurricane Sam has not triggered any storm warnings or watches, but with the storm predicted to reach major hurricane status on Saturday, forecasters are keeping a close eye. NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics hide caption toggle caption NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics Hurricane Sam has not triggered any storm warnings or watches, but with the storm predicted to reach major hurricane status on Saturday, forecasters are keeping a close eye. NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics Hurricane Sam is poised to become a major hurricane Saturday — just one day after it reached hurricane status. The storm will rapidly intensify as it passes over warm 84-degree water far out in the […]

Jelani Day went missing on Aug. 24. His body has now been identified, but police are still investigating how and why he died. His family approved the police releasing these images. Bloomington (Ill.) Police hide caption toggle caption Bloomington (Ill.) Police Jelani Day went missing on Aug. 24. His body has now been identified, but police are still investigating how and why he died. His family approved the police releasing these images. Bloomington (Ill.) Police The search for Jelani “J.J.” Day is officially over, as the coroner’s office in LaSalle County, Ill., identified a body found in a river as Day’s. […]

Firefighters wrapped foil around the base of the General Sherman tree to protect the gigantic sequoia from an intense wildfire. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks hide caption toggle caption Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Firefighters wrapped foil around the base of the General Sherman tree to protect the gigantic sequoia from an intense wildfire. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks The world’s largest tree recently got a blanket to help protect it from a raging wildfire. Photos of the sequoia named General Sherman — with a base measuring a massive 36 feet in diameter — set off a flurry […]

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is seen wrapped in fabric, in a posthumous art project that is an homage to the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude . Julien Mattia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Julien Mattia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is seen wrapped in fabric, in a posthumous art project that is an homage to the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude . Julien Mattia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images The Arc de Triomphe — the star attraction in the Place de l’Étoile in Paris — is shrouded in fabric today, as a […]

A little girl and her baby brother were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents this week after they were discovered abandoned along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Border Patrol hide caption toggle caption U.S. Border Patrol A little girl and her baby brother were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents this week after they were discovered abandoned along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Border Patrol U.S. Border Patrol agents found a toddler girl and her baby brother abandoned along the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas, this week, in what the local chief patrol agent calls a “heartbreaking” discovery. […]

Philip Morris International is buying Vectura, a large asthma inhaler maker, in a move that health groups have urged Vectura shareholders to reject on both ethical and practical grounds. Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett hide caption toggle caption Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett Philip Morris International is buying Vectura, a large asthma inhaler maker, in a move that health groups have urged Vectura shareholders to reject on both ethical and practical grounds. Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett Philip Morris International is buying British pharmaceutical firm Vectura, in a deal that will see a company synonymous with Big Tobacco taking over a […]

Sha’Carri Richardson, shown here last month, was suspended earlier this year after testing positive for THC. Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images Sha’Carri Richardson, shown here last month, was suspended earlier this year after testing positive for THC. Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images The World Anti-Doping Agency will review its ban on cannabis, in what the agency says is a response to “requests from a number of stakeholders” in international athletics. But it’s not clear when, or if, a change to the controversial policy might take effect: cannabis will remain forbidden for the 2022 athletic season. The news comes […]

Nicholas is expected to move along the coast in the western Gulf of Mexico before making landfall late Monday afternoon or evening. NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics hide caption toggle caption NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics Nicholas is expected to move along the coast in the western Gulf of Mexico before making landfall late Monday afternoon or evening. NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics The Texas Gulf Coast and southwestern Louisiana are under threat Monday, with Tropical Storm Nicholas bringing a “life-threatening storm surge, isolated tornadoes, and significant heavy rain up to 20 inches in places,” the National Weather Service said. Nicholas could strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall on […]

Nobody told Peter Hemans to spend the night at Hackensack Middle School last week, as terrible storms arrived in New Jersey. But Hemans did it anyway — and he’s now being praised for helping the school avoid the flooding brought on by Hurricane Ida’s remnants. Peter Hemans spent the night at New Jersey’s Hackensack Middle School, where he is the head custodian, to make sure emergency sump pumps were working properly. Principal Dr. A. Galiana hide caption toggle caption Principal Dr. A. Galiana Peter Hemans spent the night at New Jersey’s Hackensack Middle School, where he is the head custodian, to […]

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said that if someone opts not to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, “It really doesn’t impact me, or anyone else.” Stephen M. Dowell /Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Stephen M. Dowell /Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said that if someone opts not to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, “It really doesn’t impact me, or anyone else.” Stephen M. Dowell /Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is “completely incorrect” to suggest vaccines are a personal choice with no broad […]

Human Rights Campaign has ousted Alphonso David as its president, citing his efforts to help former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s staff respond to sexual harassment claims against Cuomo. David is seen here in May. John Amis/AP hide caption toggle caption John Amis/AP Human Rights Campaign has ousted Alphonso David as its president, citing his efforts to help former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s staff respond to sexual harassment claims against Cuomo. David is seen here in May. John Amis/AP The Human Rights Campaign has ousted Alphonso David as its president, saying it fired him for cause in the wake of […]

Members of the fire department in Lodi, N.J., perform water rescues Thursday on residents trapped after torrential rains from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Michael Candelori/NurPhoto/Reuters hide caption toggle caption Michael Candelori/NurPhoto/Reuters Members of the fire department in Lodi, N.J., perform water rescues Thursday on residents trapped after torrential rains from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Michael Candelori/NurPhoto/Reuters Hurricane Ida’s remnants created deadly havoc in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York days after the system hit the Gulf Coast — some 1,000 miles away. There was “just the right mix of weather conditions” in place to fuel the system, according to […]

Malaysia’s Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli competes in the final of the men’s shot put – F20 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. He was later disqualified for being late to the event. PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images Malaysia’s Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli competes in the final of the men’s shot put – F20 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. He was later disqualified for being late to the event. PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images It was only a matter of a few […]

Iceland’s soccer federation is in turmoil, after a scandal over sexual assault allegations against players prompted a mass resignation. Here, the country’s flag is seen in the stands during an international match. TF-Images/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption TF-Images/Getty Images Iceland’s soccer federation is in turmoil, after a scandal over sexual assault allegations against players prompted a mass resignation. Here, the country’s flag is seen in the stands during an international match. TF-Images/Getty Images The entire board of Iceland’s soccer federation has abruptly resigned after being accused of mishandling allegations of sexual assault committed by players on the national team — […]