Bill Chappell

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 — […]

Raiders fans do the wave during a recent preseason game in Las Vegas, as a stadium sign reminds them to wear face masks. The team now says spectators will have to show proof of vaccination — and that no masks will be required for those who have been vaccinated. Ethan Miller/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Ethan Miller/Getty Images Raiders fans do the wave during a recent preseason game in Las Vegas, as a stadium sign reminds them to wear face masks. The team now says spectators will have to show proof of vaccination — and that no masks will be […]

Taliban fighters take control of Afghan presidential palace in Kabul on Sunday, after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. The person second from left is a former bodyguard for Ghani. Zabi Karimi/AP hide caption toggle caption Zabi Karimi/AP Taliban fighters take control of Afghan presidential palace in Kabul on Sunday, after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. The person second from left is a former bodyguard for Ghani. Zabi Karimi/AP The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and removal of the U.S.-backed government is stunning in its speed and tragic in its impact, but it does not surprise experts who have monitored the […]

Canada plans to impose a new vaccine mandate on passengers and workers in the federally regulated air, rail and cruise ship sectors. Here, a police car is seen behind traffic cones near Vancouver International Airport in May. Andrew Soong/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Andrew Soong/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images Canada plans to impose a new vaccine mandate on passengers and workers in the federally regulated air, rail and cruise ship sectors. Here, a police car is seen behind traffic cones near Vancouver International Airport in May. Andrew Soong/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images All passengers and workers on commercial air flights […]

Police work the the scene after a deadly shooting took place in Plymouth, England, on Thursday. William Dax/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption William Dax/Getty Images Police work the the scene after a deadly shooting took place in Plymouth, England, on Thursday. William Dax/Getty Images A gunman in southwest England killed five people, including a young girl, before turning his weapon on himself, police say. It’s the deadliest mass shooting in Britain in more than 10 years. The gunman shot and killed a woman at one address in Plymouth early Thursday evening before killing “a very young girl,” Devon and Cornwall […]

Investigators say they’ve linked the Ranch Fire, pictured here shortly after its discovery, and other blazes to Gary Maynard, a former college professor. He is charged with starting only the Ranch Fire. U.S. Forest Service hide caption toggle caption U.S. Forest Service Investigators say they’ve linked the Ranch Fire, pictured here shortly after its discovery, and other blazes to Gary Maynard, a former college professor. He is charged with starting only the Ranch Fire. U.S. Forest Service Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire have also been facing a second enemy: a serial arsonist who went on a spree of setting fires in […]

A worker removes posters featuring FC Barcelona’s departing Argentinian star Lionel Messi on Tuesday. Messi is poised to join Paris Saint-Germain. Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images A worker removes posters featuring FC Barcelona’s departing Argentinian star Lionel Messi on Tuesday. Messi is poised to join Paris Saint-Germain. Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players in history, is leaving Spain to join French club Paris Saint-Germain, in a seismic shift in elite soccer. Word emerged just last week that Messi, 34, was parting with his longtime club, […]

Northern Sonoma County Fire District firefighters Erik Padilla, left, and Joe Young extinguish hot spots while protecting Lake Almanor West homes from the Dixie Fire on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. They work out of the Geyserville Fire Station. Noah Berger/AP hide caption toggle caption Noah Berger/AP Northern Sonoma County Fire District firefighters Erik Padilla, left, and Joe Young extinguish hot spots while protecting Lake Almanor West homes from the Dixie Fire on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. They work out of the Geyserville Fire Station. Noah Berger/AP The massive Dixie Fire in Northern California […]

After making history Monday, weightlifter Laurel Hubbard thanked the International Olympic Committee “for living up to the Olympic values and showing that sport is for all and that weightlifting can be done by all types of people.” Swen Pförtner/dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Swen Pförtner/dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images After making history Monday, weightlifter Laurel Hubbard thanked the International Olympic Committee “for living up to the Olympic values and showing that sport is for all and that weightlifting can be done by all types of people.” Swen Pförtner/dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images Laurel Hubbard has made history […]

Raven Saunders turned heads with her unique look for Friday’s qualifying round in the women’s shot put at the Tokyo Olympics. Saunders had one of the best throws of the day, earning her a spot in this weekend’s final. Patrick Smith/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Patrick Smith/Getty Images Raven Saunders turned heads with her unique look for Friday’s qualifying round in the women’s shot put at the Tokyo Olympics. Saunders had one of the best throws of the day, earning her a spot in this weekend’s final. Patrick Smith/Getty Images Raven Saunders brought her A game to her shot-put qualifying […]

Simone Biles competes in the artistic gymnastics balance beam event of the women’s qualification during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo. The U.S. will face off with other top qualifiers early Tuesday. Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images Simone Biles competes in the artistic gymnastics balance beam event of the women’s qualification during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo. The U.S. will face off with other top qualifiers early Tuesday. Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images Two U.S. women’s teams will compete […]

Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt celebrates as he crosses the line to win the men’s triathlon at the Tokyo Olympics. Blummenfelt won after a miscommunication between a media boat and the starting officials caused a rare false start in the endurance race. Adam Pretty/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Adam Pretty/Getty Images Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt celebrates as he crosses the line to win the men’s triathlon at the Tokyo Olympics. Blummenfelt won after a miscommunication between a media boat and the starting officials caused a rare false start in the endurance race. Adam Pretty/Getty Images The racers stood ready, primed to dive into […]

Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines celebrates winning the women’s 55kg weightlifting match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games — her country’s first Olympic gold medal. An Lingjun/CHINASPORTS/VCG via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption An Lingjun/CHINASPORTS/VCG via Getty Images Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines celebrates winning the women’s 55kg weightlifting match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games — her country’s first Olympic gold medal. An Lingjun/CHINASPORTS/VCG via Getty Images Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history Monday, winning the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The country had been trying to reach the podium’s top spot for nearly 100 years: it […]

Performers acted out pictograms of basketball and other Olympic sports during the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Performers acted out pictograms of basketball and other Olympic sports during the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Pictogram people become unlikely MVPs One of the most striking sequences in the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony revolved around pictograms. Tokyo organizers have been touting their “kinetic pictograms,” which show figures bursting into motion across dozens of disciplines. For Friday’s ceremony, they brought all 50 of those pictograms to life. Dressed in the stark hues of […]

Banners of the Czech Republic (bottom) and the Olympic Refugee teams (top) are seen on a building at the Olympic and Paralympic Village ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Czech team is investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases. Behrouz Mehri/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Behrouz Mehri/AFP via Getty Images Banners of the Czech Republic (bottom) and the Olympic Refugee teams (top) are seen on a building at the Olympic and Paralympic Village ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Czech team is investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases. Behrouz Mehri/AFP via Getty Images Czech Olympic officials are […]

John Coates, president of the Australian Olympic Committee, center, is coming under fire for his remarks to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, right, ordering her to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Toru Hanai/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Toru Hanai/Getty Images John Coates, president of the Australian Olympic Committee, center, is coming under fire for his remarks to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, right, ordering her to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Toru Hanai/Getty Images Australian Olympics chief John Coates is being criticized after lecturing Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and ordering her to attend the opening ceremony […]

Tokyo’s government is reporting new daily coronavirus cases at a rate not seen in more than six months. Here, people cross a street next to the Tokyo International Forum. Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images Tokyo’s government is reporting new daily coronavirus cases at a rate not seen in more than six months. Here, people cross a street next to the Tokyo International Forum. Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images Two days before the Olympics’ opening ceremony, Tokyo is reporting new COVID-19 cases at levels not seen since January — when Japan was enduring a record spike in coronavirus infections. […]

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto says officials will evaluate the status of the Games depending on the rates of coronavirus infections. Behrouz Mehri /Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Behrouz Mehri /Getty Images Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto says officials will evaluate the status of the Games depending on the rates of coronavirus infections. Behrouz Mehri /Getty Images The CEO of the Tokyo Olympics’ organizing committee is not dismissing the idea that the Games could still be canceled if COVID-19 cases continue to rise, sending a jolt through the massive event that is set to begin in a matter of days. […]

Images of the Eagle Nebula show the Hubble Space Telescope’s ability to capture pictures in both visible (left) and infrared (right) light. NASA is celebrating the successful restart of the telescope’s payload computer, opening the door to more observations. NASA hide caption toggle caption NASA Images of the Eagle Nebula show the Hubble Space Telescope’s ability to capture pictures in both visible (left) and infrared (right) light. NASA is celebrating the successful restart of the telescope’s payload computer, opening the door to more observations. NASA The Hubble Space Telescope is returning to operation more than a month after its original payload […]

Home away from home: Passengers on the Seven Seas Mariner will sail around the world in a “deluxe veranda suite” — a voyage that will last more than four months. Regent Seven Seas Cruises hide caption toggle caption Regent Seven Seas Cruises Home away from home: Passengers on the Seven Seas Mariner will sail around the world in a “deluxe veranda suite” — a voyage that will last more than four months. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Now, that’s a long — and expensive — trip. A 132-night “world cruise” sold out in under three hours, despite pandemic worries that have hobbled […]

Oliver Daemen, 18, will join Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos and two others on a trip to the edge of space next week. Blue Origin hide caption toggle caption Blue Origin Oliver Daemen, 18, will join Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos and two others on a trip to the edge of space next week. Blue Origin One year after graduating from high school, Oliver Daemen will become the first paying customer to fly on the New Shepard spacecraft, Blue Origin announced Thursday. Daemen, 18, has been taking a gap year before starting college in the Netherlands. He’ll now make history as […]

Sharon Rivera adjusts flowers at daughter Victoria’s grave at Calvary Cemetery in New York City in 2020. Her daughter, 21, died of a drug overdose in 2019. According to new CDC data, drug overdose deaths soared to more than 93,000 last year. Kathy Willens/AP hide caption toggle caption Kathy Willens/AP Sharon Rivera adjusts flowers at daughter Victoria’s grave at Calvary Cemetery in New York City in 2020. Her daughter, 21, died of a drug overdose in 2019. According to new CDC data, drug overdose deaths soared to more than 93,000 last year. Kathy Willens/AP More than 93,000 people died of a […]

A technician fills a syringe from a vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. Jon Cherry/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jon Cherry/Getty Images A technician fills a syringe from a vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. Jon Cherry/Getty Images Tennessee’s top vaccine official says she has been fired as punishment for doing her job in the face of political pushback. Dr. Michelle Fiscus was caught up in a controversy after she passed along legal guidance to health providers saying teenagers do not need parents’ consent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine shot — a position established […]

Scientists say a Belgian woman was infected with two coronavirus variants at the same time, including beta. Beta’s spike protein is shown here in a scientific illustration. Juan Gaertner /Getty Images/Science Photo Library hide caption toggle caption Juan Gaertner /Getty Images/Science Photo Library Scientists say a Belgian woman was infected with two coronavirus variants at the same time, including beta. Beta’s spike protein is shown here in a scientific illustration. Juan Gaertner /Getty Images/Science Photo Library The patient came to the hospital because she was repeatedly falling down. She was breathing fine, and her blood oxygen levels were good. But tests […]

Charities and state agencies are rushing to support people who were displaced by the partial collapse of a large condo building in Surfside, north of Miami Beach, with officials calling for donations from the public. Gianrigo Marletta/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Gianrigo Marletta/AFP via Getty Images Charities and state agencies are rushing to support people who were displaced by the partial collapse of a large condo building in Surfside, north of Miami Beach, with officials calling for donations from the public. Gianrigo Marletta/AFP via Getty Images The catastrophe that leveled part of a large condominium building in Surfside, […]

Demonstrators gather outside Cup Foods in April to celebrate the murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. John Minchillo/AP hide caption toggle caption John Minchillo/AP Demonstrators gather outside Cup Foods in April to celebrate the murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. John Minchillo/AP A Minnesota judge will sentence Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd — a punishment that is being closely watched, with prosecutors requesting a 30-year sentence. In April, a jury found the former Minneapolis police officer, […]

Carli Lloyd was recently recognized for 300 career caps — international games — during a match between Nigeria and the U.S. women’s national team in Austin, Texas. Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images Carli Lloyd was recently recognized for 300 career caps — international games — during a match between Nigeria and the U.S. women’s national team in Austin, Texas. Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images It’s very hard for a team to win either a World Cup, soccer’s crown jewel, or an Olympic gold medal. To win those championships back-to-back is “incredibly challenging,” says Carli Lloyd, […]

“I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word,” says Billie Eilish after an old video emerged showing her mouthing along to a racist slur in a song. Vianney Le Caer/Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP hide caption toggle caption Vianney Le Caer/Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP “I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word,” says Billie Eilish after an old video emerged showing her mouthing along to a racist slur in a song. Vianney Le Caer/Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP Pop star Billie Eilish is apologizing for mouthing a racist […]

New York Democrats will rank their choices for mayor on Tuesday, in a tight primary race among eight candidates: Eric Adams, Kathryn Garcia, Maya Wiley, Andrew Yang, Scott Stringer, Ray McGuire, Shaun Donovan and Dianne Morales. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images New York Democrats will rank their choices for mayor on Tuesday, in a tight primary race among eight candidates: Eric Adams, Kathryn Garcia, Maya Wiley, Andrew Yang, Scott Stringer, Ray McGuire, Shaun Donovan and Dianne Morales. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images New York City Democrats select their candidates […]

The Kansas City Monarchs team of 1948. Jackie Robinson played for the storied Negro Leagues franchise before breaking MLB’s color barrier in 1947. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Inc. hide caption toggle caption Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Inc. The Kansas City Monarchs team of 1948. Jackie Robinson played for the storied Negro Leagues franchise before breaking MLB’s color barrier in 1947. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Inc. Numbers drive baseball, a game whose managers, analysts and fans obsess over matchups, tendencies and results. Its box scores, those proto-spreadsheets, instantly turn human accomplishments into history. The quest is for clean, comparable data. But for […]

Annemiek Van Vleuten, left, and Anna Van Der Breggen are among the elite cyclists who are expected to race in next summer’s Tour de France Femmes, a one-week race for women. Luc Claessen/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Luc Claessen/Getty Images Annemiek Van Vleuten, left, and Anna Van Der Breggen are among the elite cyclists who are expected to race in next summer’s Tour de France Femmes, a one-week race for women. Luc Claessen/Getty Images Elite female cyclists will be part of the world’s most famous bike race next summer, when the Tour de France will hold a women’s stage race […]

Crazy worms — an invasive species from Asia — pose a threat to forests, scientists say. The worms can thrash around so violently that they can jump out of a person’s hand. They also lose their tail — on purpose. Josef Görres/Plant and Soil Science Department University of Vermont hide caption toggle caption Josef Görres/Plant and Soil Science Department University of Vermont Earthworms are often seen as a welcome presence in gardens, and even on fishing hooks. But in the Northeast, experts say invasive “crazy worms” from Asia are creating havoc in forests — and they say the unusual worms are […]

Dr. Aaron Kesselheim (left), a professor at Harvard Medical School, at a documentary film screening in 2018 in Boston. He has resigned from a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel over the FDA’s decision to approve an Alzheimer’s drug. Scott Eisen/AP Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation hide caption toggle caption Scott Eisen/AP Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation Dr. Aaron Kesselheim (left), a professor at Harvard Medical School, at a documentary film screening in 2018 in Boston. He has resigned from a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel over the FDA’s decision to approve an Alzheimer’s drug. Scott Eisen/AP Images for AIDS […]

Eugene Goodman of the U.S. Capitol Police will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a June 18 Washington Nationals home game. He’s seen here at the Senate carriage entrance of the Capitol. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Eugene Goodman of the U.S. Capitol Police will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a June 18 Washington Nationals home game. He’s seen here at the Senate carriage entrance of the Capitol. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, hailed as a hero […]

The decision by students at Magdalen College, part of Oxford University, to remove a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has touched off anger in the U.K. The college is seen here in a photo from last May. Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images The decision by students at Magdalen College, part of Oxford University, to remove a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has touched off anger in the U.K. The college is seen here in a photo from last May. Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will no longer hang […]

“I noticed there were like little bumps all over this bird that was flopping around,” photographer Tony Austin says of a crow he documented. “And sure enough, it was covered in ants.” Tony Austin hide caption toggle caption Tony Austin “I noticed there were like little bumps all over this bird that was flopping around,” photographer Tony Austin says of a crow he documented. “And sure enough, it was covered in ants.” Tony Austin Photographer Tony Austin knew he had gotten lucky when a murder of crows landed near him on a recent nature walk. But then one of the birds […]

Former President Trump’s curiously wrinkled trousers overshadowed his speech at a Republican Party convention in North Carolina. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images Former President Trump’s curiously wrinkled trousers overshadowed his speech at a Republican Party convention in North Carolina. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images Former President Donald Trump transfixed a sizeable part of the nation over the weekend — not through his words, as he has often done, but because of his pants. Or more specifically, because of unusual wrinkles in Trump’s pants that people struggled to explain. The focus on Trump’s attire overshadowed his […]

Cuba’s pitcher Yoanni Yera Montalvo throws the ball during a training session at the Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana last month. Cuba’s losses this week in Florida to Venezuela and Canada in Olympic baseball qualifying play means the team will not compete in the Summer Games. Ramon Espinosa/AP hide caption toggle caption Ramon Espinosa/AP Cuba’s pitcher Yoanni Yera Montalvo throws the ball during a training session at the Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana last month. Cuba’s losses this week in Florida to Venezuela and Canada in Olympic baseball qualifying play means the team will not compete in the Summer Games. Ramon Espinosa/AP For […]

Louisville, Ky., nonprofit Change Today, Change Tomorrow says they received a large reparations payment from a donor. “It is a blessing for us but also definitely owed,” said the group’s founder Taylor Ryan, seen here at right with deputy director Nannie Grace Croney. Courtesy Change Today, Change Tomorrow hide caption toggle caption Courtesy Change Today, Change Tomorrow Louisville, Ky., nonprofit Change Today, Change Tomorrow says they received a large reparations payment from a donor. “It is a blessing for us but also definitely owed,” said the group’s founder Taylor Ryan, seen here at right with deputy director Nannie Grace Croney. Courtesy […]

“At present, pathogens have greater power than WHO,” World Health Organization leader Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday. “They exploit our interconnectedness and expose our inequities and divisions.” Tedros is seen speaking earlier this month in Geneva, Switzerland. Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images “At present, pathogens have greater power than WHO,” World Health Organization leader Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday. “They exploit our interconnectedness and expose our inequities and divisions.” Tedros is seen speaking earlier this month in Geneva, Switzerland. Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images The COVID-19 pandemic proves that the world needs a […]

YouTube Belgium is recalling Ambassador Peter Lescouhier from his post in South Korea, saying the diplomat can’t perform his duties in a “serene” manner after his wife was accused of assaulting two clothing store workers. Surveillance video of the incident sparked public outrage after it was broadcast on national television in Korea. Belgian authorities also say they’re waiving diplomatic immunity for Lescouhier’s wife, Xiang Xueqiu. She said she would invoke that privilege earlier this month, to avoid potential charges. The Belgian embassy says it’s waiving Xiang’s immunity “based on the request of the police.” But citing South Korea’s foreign ministry, the […]

A new public survey reflects Americans’ “mixed views” on trans issues, Gallup says, as people said athletes should compete based on the sex listed on their birth certificate. Here, protestors march against a bill restricting transgender girls from sports teams in Pierre, S.D., in March. Toby Brusseau/AP Images for Human Rights Campaign hide caption toggle caption Toby Brusseau/AP Images for Human Rights Campaign A new public survey reflects Americans’ “mixed views” on trans issues, Gallup says, as people said athletes should compete based on the sex listed on their birth certificate. Here, protestors march against a bill restricting transgender girls from […]

Nearly 130 million U.S. adults have completed their vaccine regimens, the CDC says, with another 70 million vaccine doses currently in the distribution pipeline. Here, Maryland National Guard Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead greets soldiers last week at a mobile vaccine clinic in Wheaton, Md. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Nearly 130 million U.S. adults have completed their vaccine regimens, the CDC says, with another 70 million vaccine doses currently in the distribution pipeline. Here, Maryland National Guard Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead greets soldiers last week at a mobile vaccine clinic in Wheaton, Md. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images […]

People embrace after the verdict is announced in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minn. Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg via Getty Images “I can’t breathe.” “I’m scared.” For many people, hearing someone say those words would prompt a scramble to help. But not all. It depends who’s listening. A year ago today, the world watched as George Floyd’s life was taken from him him in an agonizing 9-and-a-half-minute video — a murder a police officer was convicted of committing. This month, we saw long-suppressed footage […]

The new law will allow Alabama public schools to offer yoga for students. Here, kids participate in a yoga class in Pennsylvania. Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images The new law will allow Alabama public schools to offer yoga for students. Here, kids participate in a yoga class in Pennsylvania. Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a bill to allow public schools to offer yoga, ending a ban that stood for nearly 30 years. Christian conservatives who back the […]

Young Palestinians inspect the damage an Israeli attack inflicted on houses in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. A man who lives in the middle of the Gaza Strip says his family is traumatized by the violence. Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Young Palestinians inspect the damage an Israeli attack inflicted on houses in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. A man who lives in the middle of the Gaza Strip says his family is traumatized by the violence. Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images The battle between Israel and […]

The Trump Organization, which is under criminal investigation by the New York attorney general’s office, is headquartered in New York’s Trump Tower. John Minchillo/AP hide caption toggle caption John Minchillo/AP The Trump Organization, which is under criminal investigation by the New York attorney general’s office, is headquartered in New York’s Trump Tower. John Minchillo/AP New York State Attorney General Letitia James is investigating former President Donald Trump’s business, the Trump Organization, “in a criminal capacity,” her office says, ratcheting up scrutiny of Trump’s real estate transactions and other dealings. The state attorney general is joining forces with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus […]

Palestinians inspect their destroyed houses Friday following overnight Israeli airstrikes in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Khalil Hamra/AP hide caption toggle caption Khalil Hamra/AP Palestinians inspect their destroyed houses Friday following overnight Israeli airstrikes in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Khalil Hamra/AP Israel has ramped up its attacks on the Gaza Strip to a new level, including using 160 aircraft along with artillery and tank fire to pummel what it says is a tunnel network that Hamas militants rely on to move people and equipment. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel isn’t done. “This is not […]

A doctor prepares to administer a vaccine injection at New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., in January. The Food and Drug Administration has approved emergency use authorization of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for patients ages 12 to 15. Kevin Hagen/AP hide caption toggle caption Kevin Hagen/AP A doctor prepares to administer a vaccine injection at New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., in January. The Food and Drug Administration has approved emergency use authorization of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for patients ages 12 to 15. Kevin Hagen/AP The Food and Drug Administration said Monday that children 12 to 15 years old are […]

China will set up a “line of separation” at Mount Everest’s summit, as Nepal struggles to control a COVID-19 outbreak. This photo from last week shows mountaineers using headlights near the Khumbu icefall of Mount Everest, as seen from Nepal’s base camp. Prakash Mathema/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Prakash Mathema/AFP via Getty Images China will set up a “line of separation” at Mount Everest’s summit, as Nepal struggles to control a COVID-19 outbreak. This photo from last week shows mountaineers using headlights near the Khumbu icefall of Mount Everest, as seen from Nepal’s base camp. Prakash Mathema/AFP via […]

Syringes filled with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are shown in April at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center in Miami. Wilfredo Lee/AP hide caption toggle caption Wilfredo Lee/AP Syringes filled with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are shown in April at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center in Miami. Wilfredo Lee/AP The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old, a decision that could come by some time early next week. The vaccine is currently authorized only for people age 16 and older. A ruling should come “shortly,” Pfizer Chairman […]

Children account for more than a fifth of new U.S. coronavirus cases in states that release statistics by age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images Children account for more than a fifth of new U.S. coronavirus cases in states that release statistics by age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images The number of children contracting COVID-19 in the U.S. is much lower than the record highs set at the start of the new year, but children now account for more than a fifth […]

Funeral pyres burn in a disused granite quarry repurposed to cremate the dead due to COVID-19 on Friday in Bengaluru, India. The U.S. is set to impose new travel restrictions against travelers from the country. Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images Funeral pyres burn in a disused granite quarry repurposed to cremate the dead due to COVID-19 on Friday in Bengaluru, India. The U.S. is set to impose new travel restrictions against travelers from the country. Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images The Biden administration is set to enact a travel ban on any non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents coming […]

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was lit up this week, as the theme park prepared to reopen on Friday, April 30. State health restrictions allow the resort to operate at 25% capacity. Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was lit up this week, as the theme park prepared to reopen on Friday, April 30. State health restrictions allow the resort to operate at 25% capacity. Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images The gates of Disneyland are opening again Friday, to welcome customers for the first time since the […]

Fox News says a New York court should dismiss Smartmatic’s $2.7 billon lawsuit against the cable TV network and some of its hosts, saying its coverage of bogus election-fraud claims is protected by the First Amendment. Fox also says the voting technology company hasn’t backed up its allegations of “actual malice” related to its defamation claims. Smartmatic has accused Fox News of being part of a “disinformation campaign” that amplified former President Donald Trump’s debunked claims that the 2020 U.S. election was rigged against him. In response, Fox News says its coverage of Trump’s allegations was “accurate and disinterested” and that […]

Demonstrators walk in the street during a protest march in Elizabeth City, N.C., after the shooting death of Andrew Brown Jr. Local officials plan to release body-camera footage of the incident on Monday. Sean Rayford/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Sean Rayford/Getty Images Demonstrators walk in the street during a protest march in Elizabeth City, N.C., after the shooting death of Andrew Brown Jr. Local officials plan to release body-camera footage of the incident on Monday. Sean Rayford/Getty Images A state of emergency is now in effect in Elizabeth City, N.C., where the local sheriff’s office is expected to publicly release […]

Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew Ginther speaks during a news conference Wednesday about the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant on Tuesday. Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus (left) and interim Police Chief Michael Woods listen. Andrew Welsh-Huggins/AP hide caption toggle caption Andrew Welsh-Huggins/AP Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew Ginther speaks during a news conference Wednesday about the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant on Tuesday. Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus (left) and interim Police Chief Michael Woods listen. Andrew Welsh-Huggins/AP Columbus, Ohio, police have released the name of the officer who shot and killed 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant, saying officer […]

Derek Chauvin, seen here in a booking photo provided by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, faces sentencing in June. The former Minneapolis police officer was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Minnesota Department of Corrections via AP hide caption toggle caption Minnesota Department of Corrections via AP Derek Chauvin, seen here in a booking photo provided by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, faces sentencing in June. The former Minneapolis police officer was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Minnesota Department of Corrections via AP With Derek Chauvin found guilty of murder, […]

The Hennepin County Government Center, where former police officer Derek Chauvin is being tried on murder charges, is surrounded by security fencing and is guarded against possible violence. Jurors are escorted into the building by sheriff’s deputies. Here, members of the Minnesota National Guard and other agencies stand watch outside the building in Minneapolis. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Stephen Maturen/Getty Images The Hennepin County Government Center, where former police officer Derek Chauvin is being tried on murder charges, is surrounded by security fencing and is guarded against possible violence. Jurors are escorted into the building by sheriff’s deputies. […]

Senior Special Agent James Reyerson of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension testifies Wednesday at the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. pool via AP hide caption toggle caption pool via AP Senior Special Agent James Reyerson of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension testifies Wednesday at the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. pool via AP Senior Special Agent James Reyerson of Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is testifying in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, in last May’s death of George […]

Major League Baseball has taken the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta, citing Georgia’s new voting law. The Atlanta Braves had been planning to show off their 4-year-old stadium during the midsummer game. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Todd Kirkland/Getty Images Major League Baseball has taken the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta, citing Georgia’s new voting law. The Atlanta Braves had been planning to show off their 4-year-old stadium during the midsummer game. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images Major League Baseball’s 2021 All-Star Game will be played in Colorado’s Coors Field, the league says, after it canceled plans for Atlanta […]

YouTube Sgt. Ker Yang, the crisis intervention training coordinator for the Minneapolis Police Department, is testifying Tuesday in former police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder charges. Yang is the latest in a string of police officials who are testifying about the department’s training, and Chauvin’s use of force against George Floyd, who died in police custody last May. Inspector Katie Blackwell, who used to run the Minneapolis Police Department’s police training unit, told jurors on Monday that Chauvin was not following the training he received when he held his knee on George Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes. “I don’t […]

YouTube The officer with the most seniority on the Minneapolis Police Department said on Friday that he’s never been trained to put his knee on someone’s neck, noting that doing so could kill someone. The senior officer, Lt. Richard Zimmerman of the department’s homicide unit, also testified that putting someone in handcuffs brings the threat level “way down” – and he said anyone who is cuffed while facedown on the ground should be moved immediately. The trial of former officer Derek Chauvin on murder charges has entered a more technical phase, centering on officers’ application of police policy and George Floyd’s […]

Courteney Ross, who was George Floyd’s girlfriend, remembered him as “a mama’s boy” as she testified in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minn. Court TV via AP, Pool hide caption toggle caption Court TV via AP, Pool Courteney Ross, who was George Floyd’s girlfriend, remembered him as “a mama’s boy” as she testified in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minn. Court TV via AP, Pool Prosecutors began the fourth day of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder charges by calling George Floyd’s girlfriend, Courteney Ross, to […]

Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is shown to be extremely effective in young teenagers. Esteban Felix/AP hide caption toggle caption Esteban Felix/AP Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is shown to be extremely effective in young teenagers. Esteban Felix/AP New clinical trials showed that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine elicits “100% efficacy and robust antibody responses” in adolescents from 12-15 years old, the drug company announced Wednesday. The trial included 2,260 trial participants; the results are even better than earlier responses from participants ages 16-25. Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech say they will submit the results “as soon as possible” to the U.S. […]

In this image from video, witness Donald Williams answers questions on Monday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minn. Court TV/AP hide caption toggle caption Court TV/AP In this image from video, witness Donald Williams answers questions on Monday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minn. Court TV/AP Jurors in Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder charges is hearing more from a key prosecution witness on Tuesday, as Donald Williams returns to the stand. Williams, a trained martial arts fighter, says he warned Chauvin that he was using a “blood […]

Defense attorney Eric Nelson (left) with his client, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, on Monday. Chauvin is on trial for murder in the death of George Floyd in police custody in May 2020. AP hide caption toggle caption AP Defense attorney Eric Nelson (left) with his client, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, on Monday. Chauvin is on trial for murder in the death of George Floyd in police custody in May 2020. AP Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder charges will see several significant battles over how essential facts in the case are interpreted, the former Minneapolis police officer’s defense […]

The Hennepin County Government Center is pictured on the third day of jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on March 11. The prosecution and defense will make their opening arguments on Monday. Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images The Hennepin County Government Center is pictured on the third day of jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on March 11. The prosecution and defense will make their opening arguments on Monday. Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images The prosecution and defense will make […]

A sign framed with flowers lists the victims’ names on the fence outside a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colo. The suspected gunman is making his first court appearance on Thursday. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images A sign framed with flowers lists the victims’ names on the fence outside a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colo. The suspected gunman is making his first court appearance on Thursday. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images The suspect in the Boulder, Colo. grocery store shooting that left 10 people dead is due to make […]

Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, who was killed along with nine other people in a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, Colo., Monday. Boulder Police Department via AP hide caption toggle caption Boulder Police Department via AP Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, who was killed along with nine other people in a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, Colo., Monday. Boulder Police Department via AP Heartache and remembrances are pouring out for Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, who was killed along with nine other people in a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, Colo., on […]

Opening arguments are slated to begin in former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial on March 29. Here, people march near the Minnesota State Capitol to honor George Floyd in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Opening arguments are slated to begin in former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial on March 29. Here, people march near the Minnesota State Capitol to honor George Floyd in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images A 14th juror was selected in former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial on Monday, […]

“There are not yet enough vaccine doses in Europe to stop the third wave by vaccination alone,” German Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday. Here, a health care worker displays a vial of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Stuttgart, Germany. Marijan Murat/Pool/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Marijan Murat/Pool/AFP via Getty Images “There are not yet enough vaccine doses in Europe to stop the third wave by vaccination alone,” German Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday. Here, a health care worker displays a vial of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Stuttgart, Germany. Marijan Murat/Pool/AFP via Getty Images German Health […]

The judge in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin says he won’t move the case to another venue or delay the proceedings. Chauvin’s defense attorney had sought to change the trial’s location, arguing that a jury pool would be unduly influenced by recent news of Minneapolis’ settlement with George Floyd’s family. “I do not think that that would give the defendant any kind of a fair trial beyond what we are doing here today,” Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill said. “I don’t think there’s any place in the state of Minnesota that has not been subjected to […]

Actor Yaphet Kotto appears on his wedding day in Baltimore, Md., on July 12, 1998. Kotto, the commanding actor of the James Bond film Live and Let Die and as Lt. Al Giardello on the 90’s NBC police drama Homicide: Life on the Street, died Monday at age 81. John Gillis/AP hide caption toggle caption John Gillis/AP Actor Yaphet Kotto appears on his wedding day in Baltimore, Md., on July 12, 1998. Kotto, the commanding actor of the James Bond film Live and Let Die and as Lt. Al Giardello on the 90’s NBC police drama Homicide: Life on the Street, […]

The U.S. and U.S. Capitol Police flags were flown at half-staff after the death of officer Brian Sicknick. On Sunday, the FBI arrested two men who are accused of spraying chemicals on Sicknick and others. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The U.S. and U.S. Capitol Police flags were flown at half-staff after the death of officer Brian Sicknick. On Sunday, the FBI arrested two men who are accused of spraying chemicals on Sicknick and others. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Two men have been arrested for allegedly spraying a chemical on Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick and two […]

A new message from the Vatican underlines its objection to same-sex marriage. The message cited Pope Francis’ own words from 2016. Tiziana Favi/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Tiziana Favi/AFP via Getty Images A new message from the Vatican underlines its objection to same-sex marriage. The message cited Pope Francis’ own words from 2016. Tiziana Favi/AFP via Getty Images The Roman Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex marriages, no matter how stable or positive the couples’ relationships are, the Vatican said on Monday. The message, approved by Pope Francis, came in response to questions about whether the church should reflect […]

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is the subject of new misconduct allegations, after a female aide accused him of groping her. Cuomo is seen here earlier this week, speaking at a vaccination site in New York City. Seth Wenig/Pool / Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Seth Wenig/Pool / Getty Images New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is the subject of new misconduct allegations, after a female aide accused him of groping her. Cuomo is seen here earlier this week, speaking at a vaccination site in New York City. Seth Wenig/Pool / Getty Images A woman who works as an aide to […]

A Philips cassette tape is shown in 1965. Lou Ottens, who lead the invention of the first cassette tape, has died at 94. Alfred Assmann/Picture Alliance via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Alfred Assmann/Picture Alliance via Getty Images A Philips cassette tape is shown in 1965. Lou Ottens, who lead the invention of the first cassette tape, has died at 94. Alfred Assmann/Picture Alliance via Getty Images Lou Ottens, who put music-lovers around the world on a path toward playlists and mixtapes by leading the invention of the first cassette tape, has died at age 94, according to media reports […]

A screenshot from MPR’s live Facebook video feed of jury selection in trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. MPR News/Screenshot by NPR hide caption toggle caption MPR News/Screenshot by NPR A screenshot from MPR’s live Facebook video feed of jury selection in trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. MPR News/Screenshot by NPR Jury selection in the highly-anticipated trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin began in district court on Tuesday, even as the judge in the case awaits higher courts’ rulings that could halt the proceedings. Chauvin faces charges in the killing of George Floyd last […]

New York lawmakers approved a bill Friday to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of the extraordinary authority to issue COVID-19 directives — a power it granted last year. But the measure allows existing orders to be extended. Cuomo is seen here during a news conference last month. Seth Wenig/POOL /AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Seth Wenig/POOL /AFP via Getty Images New York lawmakers approved a bill Friday to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of the extraordinary authority to issue COVID-19 directives — a power it granted last year. But the measure allows existing orders to be extended. Cuomo is seen […]

Updated at 2 p.m. ET At least 15 people died in a vehicle crash in Imperial County, Calif., Tuesday, when a crowded SUV collided with a truck, according to hospital officials. “We believe there [were] 27 passengers in this SUV that struck a semi-truck full of gravel,” said Judy Cruz, managing director of the emergency department at the El Centro Regional Medical Center. Fourteen people died at the scene of the crash, Cruz said, and another person died after they were taken to the hospital. Nine people were transported to nearby hospitals, she said. Doctors want three patients to be air-lifted […]

Vernon Jordan has died at 85. He’s seen here in November of 1992, when he led then-President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team. Jennifer K. Law/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jennifer K. Law/AFP via Getty Images Vernon Jordan has died at 85. He’s seen here in November of 1992, when he led then-President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team. Jennifer K. Law/AFP via Getty Images Updated at 10:20 a.m. ET Vernon Jordan, the civil rights lawyer who built a career as a power broker in politics and business, has died at age 85. Jordan “passed away peacefully last evening surrounded by loved […]

Tony Finau and other top golfers wore red in a tribute to Tiger Woods on Sunday, wishing him a full recovery from a dangerous car crash. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Sam Greenwood/Getty Images Tony Finau and other top golfers wore red in a tribute to Tiger Woods on Sunday, wishing him a full recovery from a dangerous car crash. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images Tiger Woods is under medical care for a terrible car accident – but golf audiences saw his image at tournaments around the U.S. on Sunday, as many of the game’s top golfers wore Woods’ signature red […]

Vaccine makers are moving to test booster shots, prompted by new coronavirus variants that have sprung up in South Africa, the U.K. and elsewhere. Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images Vaccine makers are moving to test booster shots, prompted by new coronavirus variants that have sprung up in South Africa, the U.K. and elsewhere. Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images The U.S. is still ramping up its vaccination program, hoping to finally clamp down on the COVID-19 pandemic. But even as vaccine doses are being rolled out, their makers are exploring several strategies to […]

Al Jazeera, the Qatar-funded media company, wants to build a new audience among American conservatives, as it prepares to launch a news platform called Rightly. The digital venture pairs the Arab company with political commentators such as Stephen Kent, who will host an interview-based show on the platform. “Onward and upward,” tweeted Yaser Bishr, digital executive director for Al Jazeera Media Network, as he shared a story about the launch. Kent’s show will debut on Thursday, according to Politico, which first reported on Al Jazeera’s new venture. The outlet’s goal, Politico’s Playbook states, is to lure “center-right folks who feel left […]

One week after winter storms triggered boil-water notices in Texas, more than 8.7 million people are still affected. Here, a volunteer loads food and bottled water at a mass distribution site in Del Valle, Texas. Thomas Ryan Allison/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Thomas Ryan Allison/Bloomberg via Getty Images One week after winter storms triggered boil-water notices in Texas, more than 8.7 million people are still affected. Here, a volunteer loads food and bottled water at a mass distribution site in Del Valle, Texas. Thomas Ryan Allison/Bloomberg via Getty Images Some 8,707,769 people remain under boil water notices in […]

Cristian Pavon’s family says negligence caused his death last week at age 11. Their home had been without power for two days as extreme cold hit Texas, a relative says. Here, an electrical substation is seen in Houston on Sunday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Cristian Pavon’s family says negligence caused his death last week at age 11. Their home had been without power for two days as extreme cold hit Texas, a relative says. Here, an electrical substation is seen in Houston on Sunday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A Houston-area family whose son died during an […]