Today: September 24, 2024
Today: September 24, 2024

World

World

Saudi Arabia is being considered by the women's tennis tour for possible business

Like other sports, women’s tennis is looking into the possibility of getting into business with Saudi Arabia. And while holding a tournament there is not imminent, WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said Friday that he visited that country with some players in February as part of the evaluation process. “It’s a very difficult and very challenging topic that’s being, obviously, measured by many, many different groups right now,” Simon said at an event in London to mark the 50th anniversary of the meeting that led to the founding of the WTA. He acknowledged there “are still

June 30, 2023
Saudi Arabia is being considered by the women's tennis tour for possible business
World

Tax break for offshore wind developer Orsted gets blowback in New Jersey Legislature

The future of a bill that would let Danish offshore wind developer Orsted keep tax credits that it otherwise would have to return to New Jersey ratepayers was uncertain Friday afternoon after it failed to gather enough support in the state Senate. The measure to allow Orsted to keep federal tax credits to help counter what lawmakers termed lingering economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and elevated inflation was passed by the state Assembly earlier Friday, but did not received enough votes in the Senate. It received 20 “yes” votes — one short of the amount

June 30, 2023
Tax break for offshore wind developer Orsted gets blowback in New Jersey Legislature
World

Van Gundy, Kolber, Rose and Young are among roughly 20 ESPN personalities laid off

Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose and Steve Young are among roughly 20 ESPN commentators and reporters who were laid off on Friday as part of job cuts by the network. ESPN had planned this additional round involving on-air talent to prevent further reductions to off-air staff after two rounds of mandated cuts by its corporate owner, the Walt Disney Company. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced in February that the company would reduce 7,000 jobs either through not filling positions or layoffs. Friday’s announcement resembled what happened in April of 2017, when reporters and hosts were informed at one

June 30, 2023
Van Gundy, Kolber, Rose and Young are among roughly 20 ESPN personalities laid off
World

At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say

A truck rammed into several other vehicles and market traders in western Kenya killing at least 51 people, police said. The Friday evening accident occurred at a location known for vehicle crashes near the Rift Valley town of Londiani, which is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of the capital, Nairobi. Officers at the scene counted 51 bodies, but more people were believed to be trapped in the wreckage, Rift Valley police commander Tom Odera told The Associated Press. The Kenya Red Cross Society said on Saturday 32 people were injured and hospitalized, and asked Kenyans

June 30, 2023
At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say
World

North Carolina megachurch exits Southern Baptist Convention after expulsions over women pastors

Less than a month after finalizing the ouster of one of its largest churches for having women pastors, the Southern Baptist Convention has lost another of its biggest congregations. Elevation Church — a North Carolina-based megachurch that draws thousands of worshippers to its multiple campuses and has wielded a strong influence on contemporary Christian worship music — sent notice to the SBC on June 26 that it was withdrawing its affiliation. Elevation’s letter didn’t state a reason. Elevation Pastor Steven Furtick’s wife, Holly Furtick, preaches at Elevation to men and women, and has links to her sermons on her website.

June 30, 2023
North Carolina megachurch exits Southern Baptist Convention after expulsions over women pastors
World

Fox News settles with former Tucker Carlson producer who testified in Dominion case for $12 million

Fox News will pay one of its former producers $12 million to settle her claims that she faced a discriminatory workplace and that the network tried to coerce her into giving false testimony in Dominion Inc.’s defamation lawsuit against the network, her lawyer said Friday. The payout to Abby Grossberg will settle all litigation that she brought against Fox Corp., Fox News Network and her former co-workers, including former Fox host Tucker Carlson. The settlement was revealed with the filing of a “Notice of Voluntary Dismissal” in a lawsuit she had filed this year in Manhattan

June 30, 2023
Fox News settles with former Tucker Carlson producer who testified in Dominion case for $12 million
World

Recovering Titan with the Odysseus underwater robot was complex, dangerous, emotional

When Edward Cassano and his colleagues arrived in the remote stretch of ocean where the Titan submersible had gone missing, they quickly learned that they would have to do what other deep-sea experts had already tried unsuccessfully: to find the lost sub in some of the most forbidding depths of the North Atlantic. They set to work deploying their own remotely operated vehicle, the Odysseus, from a ship with a giant “umbilical cord,” then lowered the behemoth to the ocean floor, a process that took about an hour and a half, Cassano said Friday at a

June 30, 2023
Recovering Titan with the Odysseus underwater robot was complex, dangerous, emotional
World

First smoky air, now clouds of bugs. Winged aphids invade New York City

By the time Martin DuPain got back home from a short walk Thursday afternoon, he was covered with a smattering of tiny flying critters. They were in his hair, on his shirt and in his nose. When he sneezed, the bugs came flying out. As if the smoke and haze sweeping in from wildfires in Canada weren’t enough, New York City has been invaded in recent days with plumes of flying insects that have become both a nuisance and a source of fascination — what were they, where’d they come from and will they ever go

June 30, 2023
First smoky air, now clouds of bugs. Winged aphids invade New York City
World

Why social media is being blamed for fueling riots in France

Social media companies are once again under scrutiny, this time in France as the country’s president blames TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms for helping fuel widespread riots over the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old driver. On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron accused social media of playing a “considerable role” in encouraging copycat acts of violence as the country tries to tamp down protests that surfaced long-simmering tensions between police and young people in the country. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said police made 917 arrests on Thursday alone. More than 300 police officers have also been injured attempting to

June 30, 2023
Why social media is being blamed for fueling riots in France
World

Downtown Chicago course presents significant challenge for NASCAR Cup Series

There are seven 90-degree turns. There are manhole covers, and transitions from concrete to asphalt and back. The margin for error is small, and any rain will make the course exponentially more difficult. Welcome to the first street race in NASCAR Cup Series history. NASCAR brings its 75th season to downtown Chicago this weekend for an experience unlike any other on the circuit. With Lake Michigan and Grant Park serving as the backdrop, the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course begins right in front of Buckingham Fountain and races by several downtown landmarks. No one is exactly sure what to

June 30, 2023
Downtown Chicago course presents significant challenge for NASCAR Cup Series
World

New Jersey governor considers 5-year extension of internet gambling

A bill to extend internet gambling in New Jersey for another five years is in the hands of Gov. Phil Murphy, following its approval Friday by the state Legislature. The measure was approved by the state Assembly and Senate with minimal opposition from lawmakers, and now goes to the Democratic governor for action. But the approval did little to dispel the mystery surrounding unexpected and unannounced changes made to the bill earlier this week that have rankled the Atlantic City casino industry. Internet gambling began in New Jersey 10 years ago. The original renewal bill would

June 30, 2023
New Jersey governor considers 5-year extension of internet gambling
World

Suspected gunman in Texas shooting that killed 5 neighbors indicted on capital murder charge

A man accused of killing five neighbors in Texas after some of them complained that gunfire was keeping a baby awake was indicted Friday on a capital murder charge that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors said they do not yet know whether they will seek the death penalty against Francisco Oropeza, 38, who is a Mexican national and had been deported multiple times in the years prior to the April attack outside Houston. “I think it’s a little too early for us to make that call,” San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon said. Oropeza

June 30, 2023
Suspected gunman in Texas shooting that killed 5 neighbors indicted on capital murder charge
World

Wider than websites? LGBTQ+ advocates fear broader discrimination after Supreme Court ruling

A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing a Colorado Christian graphic artist to refuse to work with same-sex couples has LGBTQIA+ people across the country worried about just how far the consequences will reach. The high court’s conservative majority sided with Lorie Smith, a designer of wedding websites for heterosexual couples who argued that a ruling against her would force writers, painters, musicians and other artists to do work that is against their beliefs. Opponents warned that a win for Smith would allow a range of businesses to discriminate, refusing to serve Black, Jewish or Muslim customers, interracial or interfaith

June 30, 2023
Wider than websites? LGBTQ+ advocates fear broader discrimination after Supreme Court ruling
World

Draymond Green, Kuzma staying put as NBA free agency opens, sources tell AP

Kyle Kuzma doubled his salary in Washington, and Draymond Green ensured that Golden State’s championship core stays together. Free agency in the NBA got off to its traditional fast start on Friday night, with Kuzma agreeing to a $102 million, four-year deal with the Wizards and Green getting a new contract that’ll pay him $100 million over four seasons with the Warriors. Both of those deals — first reported by ESPN and subsequently confirmed to The Associated Press by people with knowledge of the negotiations — got done shortly after the 6 p.m. EDT time start to the offseason player

June 30, 2023
Draymond Green, Kuzma staying put as NBA free agency opens, sources tell AP
World

Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says

Kyrie Irving wants to run it back with Luka Doncic. The enigmatic guard and the Dallas Mavericks agreed Friday on a $126 million, three-year contract in the opening hour of NBA free agency, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because contracts can’t be signed until Thursday. Irving, who wouldn’t talk about his future during his partial season with Dallas and declined to meet with reporters after the season, appeared to reference his decision to return in a one-word tweet with “peace” and “love” emojis. The

June 30, 2023
Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says
World

Web designer in Supreme Court gay rights ruling cited client who denies making wedding site request

A Colorado web designer who the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday could refuse to make wedding websites for gay couples cited a request from a man who says he never asked to work with her. The request in dispute, from a person identified as “Stewart,” wasn’t the basis for the federal lawsuit filed preemptively seven years ago by web designer Lorie Smith, before she started making wedding websites. But as the case advanced, it was referenced by her attorneys when lawyers for the state of Colorado pressed Smith on whether she had sufficient grounds to sue. The

June 30, 2023
Web designer in Supreme Court gay rights ruling cited client who denies making wedding site request
World

Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under

Taylor Moore and Taylor Pendrith shared the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under Friday, hoping to hold off a veteran trying to end a victory drought and a promising young pro aiming for his first PGA Tour victory. Pendrith shot an 8-under 64 at Detroit Golf Club, one off the tournament record. Moore, who began the day tied with Monday qualifier Peter Kuest, had a 67 to match Pendrith at 13-under 131. Rickie Fowler (65) and former top-ranked amateur Ludvig Aberg (67) were a shot back after two straight solid rounds. The 34-year-old Fowler jumped into

June 30, 2023
Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under
World

65-year-old Bernhard Langer leads US Senior Open at difficult SentryWorld

Bernhard Langer has been able to avoid most of the trouble at SentryWorld in the U.S. Senior Open. He still was far from unscathed Friday in a 3-under 68 that gave him the second-round lead. “Believe it or not, I had two three-putts and a hit a sand wedge from the middle of the fairway into the water hazard, which is painful when you think about that from 100 yards,” the 65-year-old German star said after his morning round. Langer had six birdies and three bogeys a day after having a birdie and a bogey

July 01, 2023
65-year-old Bernhard Langer leads US Senior Open at difficult SentryWorld
World

Judge awards Black church $1 million after BLM banner burned by Proud Boys during protest

A judge on Friday awarded more than $1 million to a Black church in downtown Washington, D.C. that sued the far-right Proud Boys for tearing down and burning a Black Lives Matter banner during a 2020 protest. Superior Court Associated Judge Neal A. Kravitz also barred the extremist group and its leaders from coming near the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church or making threats or defamatory remarks against the church or its pastor for five years. The ruling was a default judgment issued after the defendants failed to show up in court to fight the case. Two

July 01, 2023
Judge awards Black church $1 million after BLM banner burned by Proud Boys during protest
World

Passengers were stuck because United Airlines canceled their flights. The CEO took a private plane

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby apologized Friday for hopping on a private plane to get out of the New York area earlier this week while thousands of United passengers were stranded because the airline canceled so many flights. “Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers who were waiting to get home,” Kirby said in a statement issued by the airline. “I sincerely apologize to our customers and our team members who have been working around-the-clock for several days — often through severe weather — to take care of our customers.” Kirby concluded

July 01, 2023
Passengers were stuck because United Airlines canceled their flights. The CEO took a private plane
World

Bittersweet reunion: Fletcher brothers face each other for first time in majors after father's death

David and Dominic Fletcher got to play against each other for the first time in a major league game. Fittingly, it came at a stadium where they had watched plenty of games while growing up. Unfortunately, the Fletcher brothers biggest fan was not in attendance Friday night when David’s Los Angeles Angels hosted Dominic’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Angel Stadium. Their father, Tim, died suddenly earlier this month. He was 60. “This would have been one of his proudest moments,” Dominic Fletcher said. “Every night he turned on the TV and had both of our games going

July 01, 2023
Bittersweet reunion: Fletcher brothers face each other for first time in majors after father's death
World

Shooting in France shows US is not alone in struggles with racism, police brutality

A police killing caught on video. Protests and rioting fueled by long-simmering tensions over law enforcement treatment of minorities. Demands for accountability. The events in France following the death of a 17-year-old shot by police in a Paris suburb are drawing parallels to the racial reckoning in the U.S. spurred by the killings of George Floyd and other people of color at the hands of law enforcement. Despite the differences between the two countries’ cultures, police forces and communities, the shooting in France and the outcry that erupted there this week laid bare how the U.S. is not alone in

July 01, 2023
Shooting in France shows US is not alone in struggles with racism, police brutality
World

Ohtani hits the longest home run of his MLB career (493 feet) to reach 30 this season

Shohei Ohtani hit a 493-foot home run Friday night — the longest of his major league career — to become the ninth player to reach 30 homers in a season by July 1. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way superstar drove a slider from Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Tommy Henry to right field in the sixth inning to get the Angels within 5-1. It was the longest home run in the majors this year. Ohtani became the first player since Baltimore’s Chris Davis in 2013 to hit 30 homers by the end of June. Davis had 31. Babe

July 01, 2023
Ohtani hits the longest home run of his MLB career (493 feet) to reach 30 this season
World

As if air travel isn't hard enough, 5G wireless signals could disrupt flights starting this weekend

Airline passengers who have endured tens of thousands of weather-related flight delays this week could face a new source of disruptions starting Saturday, when wireless providers are expected to power up new 5G systems near major airports. Aviation groups have warned for years that 5G signals could interfere with aircraft equipment, especially devices using radio waves to measure distance above the ground and which are critical when planes land in low visibility. Predictions that interference would cause massive flight groundings failed to come true last year, when telecom companies began rolling out the new service. They then agreed to limit

July 01, 2023
As if air travel isn't hard enough, 5G wireless signals could disrupt flights starting this weekend
World

Rays score 15 unanswered runs to rally for 15-4 win over sinking Mariners

When the Tampa Bay Rays have clicked at their best during this impressive first half of the season, it’s been a collective effort. Friday night may have taken that to an extreme. Randy Arozarena and Josh Lowe homered and the Rays scored 15 unanswered runs highlighted by an eight-run eighth inning in their 15-4 win over the Seattle Mariners. “That’s what we saw the first few months of the season, the first two months specifically,” Lowe said. “It’s pretty cool to see that come back around and hopefully we can have a few more of those innings.”

July 01, 2023
Rays score 15 unanswered runs to rally for 15-4 win over sinking Mariners

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