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Detroit makes Jahmyr Gibbs NFL's newest highest-paid running back with 3-year deal

Paula Pasche, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:16:15 +0000

The Detroit Lions have agreed to a contract extension with Jahmyr Gibbs, a three-year deal worth up to $75.7 million that his agents say makes him the NFL's newest highest-paid running back.

Two days earlier, Atlanta briefly made Bijan Robinson the NFL's highest-paid running back.

He rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns and had 77 receptions for 616 yards and five scores in 2025.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor got a two-year, $44 million deal earlier Thursday.

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AP Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.

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Less-invasive heart valve procedure now an option for more patients, including those at lower surgical risk

Frank McGeorge, MD — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:20:58 +0000

Open-heart surgery has long been the standard treatment for severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the heart’s aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow.

But cardiologists say a less-invasive procedure that was once reserved for the sickest patients is now available to a broader group — including some people considered low risk for traditional surgery.

The procedure, called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, allows doctors to replace a failing aortic valve without opening the chest.

Instead, physicians thread a catheter through a blood vessel — typically from the leg — and guide a replacement valve into position inside the heart.

“It started with possibly open heart surgery, but I wasn’t real keen on that because of all the pain that goes along with it,” said Chuck Young, 70, who underwent the procedure at Henry Ford Health after learning his symptoms were more serious than he initially believed.

Young said he chalked up his fatigue to aging.

“I just assumed I was just getting old,” he said. “That’s what I was feeling.”

A common condition that can be easy to miss

Aortic stenosis develops when the aortic valve becomes stiff or narrowed, forcing the heart to work harder to push blood to the rest of the body.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a noticeable decline in activity level.

Doctors say some patients minimize those changes, gradually adapting by slowing down.

“He had a very stenotic valve, which means tight, and he was actually more symptomatic than he thought,” said Dr. Nikhil Ambulgekar, a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health. Ambulgekar said that while Young did not initially report classic warning signs such as chest pain or shortness of breath, further discussion revealed he had reduced activities he previously did with ease.

From high-risk option to broader use

TAVR is not new. The Food and Drug Administration first approved the technology in 2011, but it was initially limited to patients considered too high risk to tolerate open-heart surgery.

Over time, clinical trials and longer-term follow-up data have supported expanding eligibility.

Physicians now consider TAVR for additional patients, including some who are at low surgical risk, depending on factors such as anatomy, overall health and life expectancy.

For patients, the appeal is clear: less trauma, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries.

Young said he was discharged quickly — and felt well enough to return to projects at home sooner than expected.

“I was out the next day,” he said, adding that he “started building a shed” shortly after the procedure.

“It’s very unbelievable how easy it was and how good I felt after it was done,” Young said.

Benefits — and an important tradeoff

In TAVR procedures, the replacement valves used are bioprosthetic valves, which are made in part from treated animal tissue.

Experts say those valves tend to be flexible and do not require long-term blood-thinning medication.

But they do not last as long as fully mechanical valves commonly used in open surgery.

Bioprosthetic valves typically have a usable lifespan of 10 to 15 years, physicians say, though durability can vary depending on a patient’s age, health and other factors.

That reality makes the initial decision between TAVR and open surgery an important one — particularly for younger patients who may outlive the first replacement valve.

If a bioprosthetic valve wears out and a patient remains healthy, doctors may be able to place another valve through a catheter in some cases. Otherwise, the patient may need open-heart surgery to replace the older valve.

A shifting landscape in heart care

Doctors say the evolution of TAVR reflects a broader trend in cardiovascular medicine: using less-invasive approaches when evidence shows outcomes comparable to traditional surgery for selected patients.

Still, cardiologists emphasize that treatment choices should be individualized. Valve anatomy, other medical conditions, lifestyle and long-term planning all play a role, and many hospitals evaluate patients through a “heart team” approach that includes cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

For Young, the expanded availability of TAVR meant avoiding an operation he hoped to sidestep — and returning quickly to the routines he enjoys.

For doctors, it is one more sign that a procedure once reserved for only the most fragile patients is becoming a mainstream option for many others.

Contractors building border wall ordered to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico

Mikella Schuettler, Associated Press — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:38:22 +0000

The Trump administration has ordered construction crews on a border wall to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico after ranchers said pumping groundwater needed to make concrete could threaten their livestock.

The order comes as crews across the southern border race to complete one of President Donald Trump's highest domestic priorities — barriers that span four states and received over $46 billion in federal funding. Controversies have sprouted up in Texas and California, with border-town residents and environmentalists reporting a wide variety of issues with construction.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees border wall construction, has said water is needed to make concrete for roads, wall construction and dust suppression. Cattle ranchers in the area say the drought has already forced them to reduce their herd size.

“It would put us in an immediate catastrophe and having to do something with our livestock. I mean, it could potentially put some people out of business, us included,” said Russell Johnson, a cattle rancher whose property runs along the border.

Johnson raised the issue at a public meeting in July after noticing an industrial well, which drilling crews told him would pump 300 gallons a minute, on land he leases for grazing. Johnson has roughly 12 wells across his ranch, which pump between three and seven gallons a minute.

A spokesperson for CBP said on Monday that border wall contractors in New Mexico have been instructed to stop drilling new wells, but did not comment on whether the wells already drilled could be pumped. The agency said they would collaborate with New Mexico and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a groundwater strategy.

“CBP is committed to working collaboratively with local landowners to ensure that construction activities do not adversely impact their water needs,” read the statement.

The federal contractors building the wall in New Mexico — Caddell Construction Co. and Fisher Industries — did not respond to emails or phone calls seeking comment. Messages left with receptionists for Barnard Construction and Spencer Construction Co., the contractors building near Johnson's ranch, were not immediately returned.

State agency that monitors wells said contractors drilled illegally

The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, which monitors and approves wells across the state, said staff have counted eight wells drilled without the office’s permission along the southern border, but cautioned there could be more. Staff visited two wells in July and reported they were pumping 200 gallons per minute.

“All non-tribal wells in New Mexico, whether they are drilled on state or federal land, must have permits from the state engineer before they can be drilled or water can be pumped from them,” the Office of the State Engineer said in a statement.

The wells for border construction were all drilled on federally owned land near the border, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection letter to New Mexico state authorities. CBP did not respond to follow up questions about whether the federal government has a right to pump groundwater on federal land without state oversight.

Cattle ranchers report culling herds due to water scarcity

Tom Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association, says water is the No. 1 concern for ranchers and that if wells start to go dry, it’s already too late. During wall construction in Trump's first term, Patterson said, contractors bought water from farms, ranches, or municipalities in the area, which meant the amount of water being pumped from nearby basins didn’t increase during construction.

“Why do they need all this water?” said Patterson. “And why can’t they buy it as they have in the past from farmers, ranchers, or even from Luna County?”

Johnson said the moratorium on future well drilling is a step in the right direction, but he’s still worried after a contractor told him the well near his ranch could eventually be pumped if crews ended up needing the water. Though beef prices are up, Johnson has been forced to reduce his herd to one third its original capacity. He cites the drought, which has left less grass for cattle to graze on, as the main reason for the drop.

Before the first border wall went up, Johnson remembers seeing at least one truck of people crossing his ranch every week. Now, he says illegal crossing hardly ever happens on his ranch. As a former Border Patrol agent, he supports the border wall but doesn’t believe it should cost him his livelihood.

So far, half a mile of secondary wall has gone up near Johnson’s property.

“They need to stop pumping all of these wells because they were all drilled illegally,” Johnson said.

New Mexico politicians scramble to claim credit for deal

Both candidates in the race for a congressional seat that represents this area in New Mexico claimed credit for the moratorium.

Congressional candidate Greg Cunningham, a Republican, said he advocated for the agreement between CBP and border wall contractors and was the first to announce the news over social media on Friday.

“Ranchers, families and local officials brought us their concerns. I raised it with the Trump Administration. They listened. They acted fast,” Cunningham said in a post on X.

Congressman Gabe Vasquez, who faces Cunningham in November's midterm elections, spoke about the issue on the House floor earlier this month.

“This illegal drilling by this administration should never have happened, but when it did, I heard our ranchers’ concerns loud and clear and immediately raised hell in Washington to get the job done and protect New Mexicans’ water rights.”

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This story has been updated to correct that while the wells are on federal property along the border specific locations weren't given in a letter to state authorities.

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Schuettler is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer COVID questions

Eric Tucker, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:07:07 +0000

A Senate committee voted along party lines Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress over his refusal to answer questions at a hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a referral to the Justice Department for potential investigation over whether the country's longtime top infectious disease official properly exercised his constitutional rights.

A department spokesperson confirmed Thursday evening that the department had received the contempt referral, is "reviewing it and will work with the Senate accordingly.”

The vote approving the contempt resolution came a week after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, an episode that raised fresh legal questions about the ability of Congress to compel testimony from a previously pardoned witness.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the committee chairman who pressed for the contempt finding, said that constitutional protection did not apply because Fauci last year received a pardon from Democratic President Joe Biden and thus did not have to worry about the threat of prosecution.

“Dr. Fauci faced no risk of federal prosecution," Paul said at the outset of Thursday's vote. "All he had to do was tell the truth.”

He told colleagues that the issue before them was not Fauci's opinions, policies or “anything he said from a podium six years ago.”

Instead, he added, “We were voting on whether a witness who has received the benefit of a sweeping federal pardon can be ordered by this committee to answer questions and then defy that order without consequence.”

Fauci, in a statement last week explaining his decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights, said he had good reason to fear the possibility of criminal charges given what he said was Paul's determination “to get me to say something, anything, that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words, quote, behind bars, unquote."

Fauci's lawyer, David Schertler, said in a statement that the contempt resolution was "a continuation of Senator Paul’s personal vendetta against Dr. Fauci, who spent 50 years in public health and has saved countless lives.” Schertler accused Paul of abusing his power by trying to “weaponize the Justice Department.”

“Today’s partisan committee vote is a crude political stunt intended to punish Dr. Fauci for exercising his constitutional rights," Schertler said. “The Senate should reject Senator Paul’s meritless and politically-motivated contempt resolution. For years, Senator Paul has proclaimed to anyone who would listen that Dr. Fauci should be prosecuted and put in prison. Dr. Fauci has committed no crime – and Senator Paul knows it.”

The pardon from Biden covered acts from 2014 through the January 2025 day it was issued, but does not shield him from state-level prosecutions or protect him from federal investigations into any testimony he did give that lawmakers deemed false. The current Justice Department has repeatedly initiated false statement investigations into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump as part of what critics have called a retribution campaign.

Democrats who unanimously opposed the contempt resolution agreed with Fauci that he had a well-founded fear of self-incrimination given the publicly stated desires of Republican lawmakers, including Paul, to see him prosecuted in connection with COVID. The Trump administration has also raised questions about whether the Biden pardons were valid given Biden’s frequent use of an autopen to conduct official business.

“The goal was to wait for Dr. Fauci to make any kind of misstatement and then have a weaponized Department of Justice file criminal charges for that new statement that would not have been covered by the pardon, leaving Dr. Fauci little choice but to invoke his constitutional right to not walk directly into a trap,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., before the vote.

Trump himself weighed in Thursday at the White House, noting in response to a reporter's question that two advisers from his first term, Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, were jailed on contempt charges during the Biden administration after they defied congressional subpoenas and refused to even show up for their scheduled hearings.

“When you see that happen, you sort of say maybe he should,” Trump said of Fauci being prosecuted. “What he did is far more serious than a lot of crimes, frankly.”

Paul's decision to send the referral directly to the Justice Department would leave it to prosecutors in Washington to decide whether to investigate or potentially attempt to prosecute Fauci for contempt. A referral from Congress does not compel the Justice Department to act.

The committee's top Democrat, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, questioned whether the referral would be legally valid if Paul did not seek a vote before the full Senate, where the 60 votes needed to pass the resolution are seen as unlikely. He said punishing a witness for exercising a constitutional right against self-incrimination would complicate future efforts by Congress to conduct oversight and compel appearances and testimony.

“If this committee now seeks to punish a witness for asserting their (constitutionally) protected Fifth Amendment rights, future witnesses will argue that appearing before Congress exposes them to punishment regardless of whether they comply with a subpoena and invoke a constitutional protection,” he said. “They will point directly to this vote — this vote — as a justification for refusing to appear at all.”

Union representing IRS workers asks judge to block Trump tax audit immunity deal

Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:12:52 +0000

The labor union representing Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service workers asked a judge Thursday to block a sweeping tax audit immunity agreement for President Donald Trump, arguing it would force career employees to choose between following a political order and abiding by the law.

The group joined a lawsuit filed in May that sought to block the proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund," which the Trump administration later scrapped after bipartisan pushback. The updated lawsuit, filed by legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, now also targets the audit immunity deal conferred on the president, his sons and the Trump Organization, which remains in place.

The updated lawsuit says Trump and his family are “obligated to pay taxes owed, just like every other taxpayer." But under the immunity order, IRS employees will be forced to drop ongoing audits of the president and his businesses, giving Trump "a lucrative and unconstitutional emolument," the lawsuit says.

“The integrity of our tax system depends on one fundamental principle: every taxpayer is subject to the same laws and the same standards,” Doreen Greenwald, the national president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said in a statement. “When political actors direct employees to treat certain taxpayers differently, it undermines public confidence in our tax system and places dedicated civil servants in an impossible position.”

The lawsuit asks the court to bar the Trump administration from implementing or enforcing the immunity deal, which officials have said applies only to claims open at the time of the settlement and does not protect the president from examination of future tax filings. The case alleges the agreement violates a law that bars the president from interfering with tax audits.

According to the initial outline of the audit deal, spelled out in a one-page document signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the U.S. was “forever barred and precluded” from examining current tax filings or prosecuting any of the plaintiffs — Trump, his sons and the Trump Organization — as well as other “related or affiliated” individuals.

It’s unclear how much Trump owes the federal government in back taxes, but the latest details of the deal could wipe away what could be more than $100 million in back taxes, according to previous New York Times and ProPublica reporting.

The Justice Department and an attorney for Trump didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment Thursday.

The original lawsuit filed in May was focused on the “Anti-Weaponization Fund" announced as part of the settlement of Trump's lawsuit over his leaked tax returns. The fund was proposed as a way to compensate people who say they were politically targeted by the Justice Department, but it quickly drew outrage over the potential that those considered for payments could include people convicted of assaulting police at the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.

The judge overseeing the case, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, blocked the administration in May from proceeding with the fund.

Days later, Blanche told Congress that the administration was no longer moving forward with the fund. Blanche on Sunday formally rescinded plans for the fund in writing amid pressure from two Republican senators who were threatening to block his confirmation as attorney general.

The updated lawsuit filed Thursday says Blanche's order on the fund doesn't go far enough to prevent the administration from moving forward with the payouts in the future and is asking the judge to permanently block officials from taking further action to create the fund.

The lawsuit notes that Trump has "made clear that he intends to keep the Fund alive, affirming his belief that the January 6 rioters and other Fund beneficiaries 'should be paid back for what they were forced to endure.'"

Monroe County man banned by Scouting America charged with abusing minors

Khalil Maycock, Jason Wilger — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:00:22 +0000

A Monroe County man has been arrested on multiple charges, including four counts of criminal sexual conduct.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said John Steven Sorovetz turned himself in after being notified of outstanding warrants.

He is facing five charges: two are felonies, and three are misdemeanors.

According to court records, the felony charges are Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2nd Degree, in a relationship, and Accosting for Immoral Purposes.

Court records also show the three misdemeanors are Criminal Sexual Conduct, 4^th Degree Multiple Variables.

Deputies said the charges follow a lengthy investigation, and that based on the pattern of behavior they uncovered, they believe there may be additional victims.

The criminal case comes months after two lawsuits were filed against Sorovetz.

The first lawsuit, filed in January, alleges Sorovetz was an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 508 and used his position to groom and sexually abuse a child years after the child’s father died, according to court documents.

The court document also listed Scouting America as a part of the lawsuit, but they have since been dismissed, according to attorneys for Sorovetz and the minor in the case.

Local 4 reached out to Scouting America to ask what role Sorovetz had in the troop.

They didn’t respond to that question but sent a statement:

“We are aware of the recent arrest of John Steven Sorovetz. He was not currently registered with scouting and was permanently banned from scouting in January of 2026.
Scouting America maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework designed to prevent abuse and respond immediately to concerns. Key measures include:
· mandatory safeguarding training for all volunteers and employees,
· policies requiring two trained adults and prohibiting one-on-one interactions in all settings, including digital communication,
· a screening process for adult leaders and staff that includes criminal background checks,
· restrictions on the use of recording devices in private areas, and
· mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to law enforcement.
Scouting America also provides a 24/7 Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1), including call and text options, and an email contact (scouts1st@scouting.org) to report concerns. Additional information is available at www.scouting.org/training/safeguarding-youth/
Scouting America partners with the Department of Homeland Security’s iGuardian program to help youth recognize and respond to online risks. Resources are also available at www.know2protect.gov.
Michigan Crossroads Council, Scouting America

A second lawsuit, filed in March, alleged Sorovetz used his status as a trusted adult in a caretaking role to sexually abuse a child.

The lawsuit also referenced Sorovetz knowing the child since she was in first grade.

Flood Law and Lipton Law, which represents families in the civil cases, released a statement from one of the families that said:

“These criminal charges reinforce what we have known all along: John Steven Sorovetz betrayed the trust his community placed in him and exploited his position of influence to harm vulnerable minors. His disturbing pattern of grooming, manipulation and abuse is something that no child or family should ever have to endure. This has been an incredibly difficult and painful road for our family, but we are grateful that these charges are moving forward and hope they bring some measure of accountability and justice.”
Family of one of the victims

Local 4 reached out to Sorovetz’s legal team in a statement; they said:

“Don’t believe everything you read. People have financial motivations to push this case and Mr. Sorovetz is looking forward to his day in court. My client has passed multiple polygraph tests.”
Sorovetz's Legal Team

Local 4 also asked the legal team what role Sorovetz had in the Monroe chapter of Scouting America.

The attorney said his client did not have a leadership role, was a parent, and was on “some sort of committee.”

Todd F. Flood, Founder and Managing Partner of Flood Law, and Jody Lipton, Owner and Managing Partner of Lipton Law, counsel for the plaintiffs in the civil action, released a joint statement:

“Our clients came forward when it would have been easier to stay quiet. Today, Monroe County heard them. We thank the Prosecutor’s Office for treating this case with the seriousness it deserves.
John Sorovetz served as an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 508 in Rockwood. Parents trusted him with their sons. That trust is exactly what makes these charges so serious.
Mr. Sorovetz will have his day in court, and a jury will have the final word. Our position has not changed. We believe our clients. We have from day one. And we will stand with these families as their fight moves from the civil courts into the criminal justice system.”
Todd F. Flood and Jody Lipton

Local 4 also reached out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for more information about this arrest, but they were unable to provide anything further because this is an ongoing investigation.

Sorovetz is expected to return to court Aug. 20.

Trump administration moves forward with Head Start overhaul, proposing to eliminate regulations

Moriah Balingit, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:31:23 +0000

President Donald Trump's administration said Thursday it plans to overhaul Head Start, tossing out many of the regulations that are the hallmark of the early education program for the nation's neediest children.

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the federally funded preschool program, said the proposed changes would encourage more local decision-making. But the proposal has sparked alarm across the Head Start community, where advocates say it threatens the backbone of the antipoverty initiative.

The Associated Press previously reported on the proposed rule, which became public Thursday when it was posted online. The public will have 60 days to weigh in before it goes into effect, though it could face legal challenges that might delay implementation.

Head Start centers serve around 700,000 of the nation’s most vulnerable children, including those who are homeless, in foster care or disabled. That wouldn't change under the overhaul, though some of the changes could make it more difficult for out-of-work or homeless parents to enroll their children.

Alex J. Adams, an assistant secretary at Health and Human Services, said the department is hoping to give Head Start centers the flexibility to change the way they operate. That means eliminating most of Head Start's regulations, such as standards for low staff-to-student ratios or requirements to provide services to preschoolers' families.

"Federal mandates can certainly hinder local decision-making, drive up costs and limit the program’s reach,” Adams said on a call with reporters. He highlighted a decade-long decline in Head Start enrollment. “If we get this proposed rule right, we will grow the number of Head Start slots.”

On a call previewing the proposed changes, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy spoke reverently about Head Start, which was started by his uncle Sargent Shriver during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

“It’s a program that works for the most vulnerable of the poorest kids in our society, and it’s really important we protect it,” Kennedy said.

But the changes would undermine many of the things that make Head Start distinct from other early education programs, according to current and former Head Start leaders.

“This version of Head Start is a shell of the program,” said Khari Garvin, who oversaw Head Start under Democratic President Joe Biden. “This is a deeply diluted version of the program, which, in my view, will cause child and community outcomes to wane.”

What makes Head Start different

Head Start, which began in the 1960s as part of Johnson's War on Poverty, is currently governed by more than 100 pages of regulations. Those require centers to have low staff-to-student ratios and a research-backed curriculum, among other things, and they ensure centers are providing wraparound services that are critical to children in poverty, including medical and dental screenings and parent coaching.

The Trump administration wants to toss out nearly all of that rule book, erasing some 1,400 regulations. Instead, Head Start’s operators — which include nonprofits and school districts — would look to state and local childcare licensing requirements for guidance, including on matters of child safety and class sizes. The proposal also scraps detailed requirements on preventing lead exposure in Head Start facilities.

Other aspects of the program would be scrapped entirely. Operators would no longer be required to provide robust family support services spelled out in current regulations that help parents move toward financial independence. They would no longer have deadlines for providing regular health screenings or evaluating children for developmental delays. Gone, too, is a mandate that children brush their teeth at school.

While the proposed rules largely loosen requirements, Adams emphasized centers have the option to continue to operate as they had in the past. He estimated the new rules could generate more than $2 billion in savings and potentially allow Head Start to serve more children.

Head Start advocates called the changes out of touch and unrealistic. Many Head Start preschools are under financial pressure, facing rising labor, healthcare and supply costs. And they aren't likely to get more money: The Trump administration hasn't called for increasing the program's $12 billion in annual funding. So without regulations for class sizes and services, advocates worry operators would be forced to make tough choices, laying off staff or forgoing traditional offerings like developmental screenings.

Alongside the deregulation, the proposal would add some new requirements. Staffers would have to deliver all instruction in English, except in tribal communities that run immersion programs in native languages. There would be a 5% cap on administrative expenses, down from 15%. The proposal also includes a requirement for 30 minutes of physical activity — outside if the weather permits — for every three and a half hours of the program. New nutrition standards, championed by Kennedy, would require programs to provide more nutrition education for families, including warning them of “the negative health consequences of sugar-sweetened beverages and grain-based desserts.”

State rules are more lenient

Overall, experts emphasize, state childcare licensing requirements are far more lax than Head Start's current regulations. State rules are largely focused on ensuring children are healthy and safe. Generally speaking, they do not require centers to provide things like medical or dental screenings, they don't specify ways to engage with parents, and they don't speak to what — if anything — should be taught in childcare settings.

Shantel Meek, who heads the Children’s Equity Project at Arizona State University, co-authored an analysis that compared state licensing requirements with Head Start standards and found massive gaps.

“Whereas licensing is, like, the bare minimum to keep kids safe, Head Start includes keeping kids safe but also ensuring that kids are developing, growing, learning well,” Meek said. “It’s a totally different purpose.”

Critically, states allow adults to care for far more children than is allowed under Head Start standards. If the proposal goes through, about 80% of Head Start students would have worse staff-to-student ratios, Meek's analysis found. In Mississippi, for example, one Head Start teacher is only allowed to teach up to four 2-year-olds. State childcare regulations would permit up to a dozen 2-year-olds to be supervised by one adult.

Head Start, which operates in all 50 states, has long had support from both Democrats and Republicans. But it has faced repeated threats under the Trump administration, whose budget chief, Russell Vought, had previously called for it to be eliminated. Not long after Trump, a Republican, took office again in early 2025, some Head Start programs had to briefly shutter because they had problems accessing their federal money. Later, a budget draft eliminated Head Start's funding, but it was restored after widespread backlash.

In a call with reporters, Kennedy said he believes Head Start is effective. He cited research showing its graduates have fewer law enforcement encounters, do better in school and have better jobs than their peers. He added that he tried to shield Head Start from many of the cuts that hit the rest of his agency.

Still, the Trump administration succeeded last year in laying off much of Head Start's support staff and closing half of its regional offices.

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The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Detroit homeowner says she waited weeks for storm-damaged tree cleanup — until Local 4 called

Demond Fernandez, Jeff Jewell — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:20:28 +0000

A Detroit homeowner says she spent weeks trying to get storm-related tree damage near her property cleaned up, with little response, until Local 4 contacted the city.

“I’ve been living in misery looking at this tree for a month,” said Kathie Sykes, who lives in Detroit’s Grandmont neighborhood.

She said large limbs and branches came down during severe storms on July 3, falling from a tree on the city right-of-way.

Sykes said the heavy debris blocked the sidewalk and left limbs hanging in a way that damaged her fence.

“It’s a headache to have to look out your window and see this every day,” Sykes said.

Sykes said she and her husband tried to remove what they could but stopped when the debris shifted and risked making the damage worse.

“Me and my husband tried to get as much of what we could out of the yard, but it began to move,” Sykes said. “And I said if we move it any more, it’s going to bust the fence even more.”

Sykes said she followed the steps the city of Detroit recommends: she reported the issue using the Improve Detroit app and also called the city’s Forestry Division. But she said days turned into weeks without the debris being removed.

“I want it removed, so I can have my yard back,” Sykes said.

Local 4 reached out to Detroit’s General Services Department, which provided a statement explaining the delay.

“We apologize for this delay in service and inconvenience it’s caused,” the department said in part. “The initial request for service was entered in Improve Detroit under a blocked basin issue and was sent to another department. Eventually it was sent to us but under a non-urgent category. Upon learning about this situation, we sent crews to this location immediately to resolve the issue.”

After Local 4 made calls Thursday, the General Services Department sent crews out to address the issue, Sykes said.

“You work fast. And I really appreciate it. And it looks better now,” Sykes said. But she added she still wants clearer communication when residents are waiting.

“At least get back and reach out to somebody and let them know how long it’s going to take for you to remove the tree,” Sykes said.

The General Services Department said it received a record number of calls following last month’s storms. Of roughly 1,000 calls during that period, more than 500 involved tree service requests.

City staff said residents with an open downed-tree issue in Improve Detroit are advised to follow up and check the status directly through the Improve Detroit site.

Trump signs 2 immigration actions to limit birthright citizenship and curb 'birth tourism'

Will Weissert And Rebecca Santana, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:10:05 +0000

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is once more trying to limit the number of people who are born in the country who can become American citizens, in a sign that even after his first attempt at limiting birthright citizenship was rejected by the Supreme Court, he's ready to try again.

The president said he was signing two executive actions on immigration, including one limiting the number of people eligible for U.S. citizenship after being born in the United States.

The written executive order released later Thursday was narrower in scope than the previous one shot down by the Supreme Court and appeared to focus on restricting automatic citizenship to specific categories of people, including children born to adults with connections to foreign embassies or organizations as well as anyone considered an “alien enemy” of the United States.

It also aimed to restrict birthright citizenship to anyone whose parents “engaged in fraudulent activity to obtain citizenship."

A second order seeks to curb what Trump called “birth tourism” by increasing restrictions on visitors to the U.S. who want to obtain visas to give birth while in the country.

Trump said he thought his latest actions would be constitutional.

“I thought we were going to win it at the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, we had a bad decision, very unfair decision. Our country suffers because of it and we’re ending it a different way,” Trump said.

In June, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s previous efforts to declare that children born to people in the U.S. illegally or temporarily aren’t American citizens, and upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship.

On Trump’s first day in office of his second term, he signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, which allows anyone born in the United States to automatically become an American citizen.

Trump’s administration was immediately sued by opponents who said the executive order went against the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, which makes anyone born in the country a citizen, with very limited exceptions.

The executive order was blocked by several lower courts and never took effect.

In June, the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s order by a 6-3 vote. But the vote was too close for many immigration advocates and legal observers who felt the legal question of birthright citizenship was a long-settled issue.

Louisiana school board and federal government end 61 years of segregation monitoring

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:55:11 +0000

A Louisiana school board and the federal government have agreed to end more than 60 years of oversight meant to end segregation.

The agreement was announced Thursday on the first day of classes for Bossier Parish Schools near Shreveport.

“Dismissal of the case allows us the freedom to make our own decisions that are in the best interest of all students, staff and our community, while keeping in mind the history of the past 61 years,” Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland said in a statement.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the settlement. Last month she announced she had helped lift a desegregation mandate for the rural Concordia Parish School Board along the Mississippi River.

“It’s long past time for these old consent decrees to come to an end. These decades-old cases are expensive, ineffective, and they take power away from local communities,” Murrill said on social media.

The U.S. Justice Department spent decades fighting for such cases but reversed course under Trump. Officials in his administration have framed the remaining segregation orders as federal intrusion into local school systems. Louisiana officials agree they’re no longer needed and describe them as relics of a time when Black students were forbidden from attending some schools.

The Bossier Parish Schools order said the parents who filed the original suit in 1964 that led to the oversight agreement are dead and that their children, who were part of the original court proceedings, couldn't be contacted.

The school system said it worked for decades with the Department of Justice, collaborating with its lawyers over “every new school, classroom wing addition and attendance zone change.”

Rowland thanked past board members and employees for doing everything the system needed to do to get out from the intense federal monitoring.

The superintendent said he trusts district leadership to make sure everyone in the system is treated fairly.

Michigan State Police release 2025 traffic crash data: What to know

Karen Drew, Kayla Clarke — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:51:22 +0000

Michigan State Police released the final traffic crash data for 2025, revealing that traffic fatalities declined slightly even though the total number of crashes increased.

According to the data, 1,065 people were killed in crashes on Michigan’s public roads in 2025. The number of fatalities in Michigan crashes has been relatively unchanged since 2004.

Recent crash data shows us that the total number of crashes have been pretty steady since 2023.

Michigan State Police vehicles.

We spoke to Michigan State Police Lieutenant Ty Howard, who shared the department’s top concern with us.

“What we’re concerned about is the 18% increase in pedestrian fatalities along with bicycle deaths as well too. There’s been numerous individuals within our state struck on e-bikes and also pedestrians being struck,” Howard said.

Michigan State Police call bicyclists and pedestrians “vulnerable roadway users.” Here’s the 2025 data on them:

There were 35 bicyclists killed in 2025. That’s up 21% from the year before.
There were 184 pedestrians killed in 2025. That’s up 18% from the year before.

It’s worth noting that deadly crashes involving commercial vehicles were also up in 2025. There were 128 people killed. That’s up 16% from the year before.

Here’s a look at some more crash data released by MSP:

Distracted-driving crash fatalities dropped to 44 people killed. That’s down 32%.
Drug-involved crash deaths dropped to 210. That’s down 23%.
Teens killed in crashes fell to 61. That’s down 21%.

“If you’re driving the vehicle, put the phone down. You need to focus on what’s in front of you, and that’s the roadway,” Howard said.

The data also revealed which holiday is the deadliest for motorists. In 2025, that ended up being Labor Day. There were 15 deadly crashes and 17 people were killed.

The second-deadliest holiday for motorists was Memorial Day. Thirteen people were killed. You can find a more in-depth look at holiday crash statistics here.

Michigan’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission is working to make roads safer. They launched the Safer by 2030 initiative in December 2025 with the goal of reducing crash fatalities by 30% using “awareness, engagement, and enforcement.”

The state has an interactive dashboard to look at crash data online. You can find it at this link: michigan.gov/msp/divisions/cjic/dashboard-portal/crash-dashboard.

‘God is still in control’: Massive fire destroys Troy church, congregation plans to rebuild, worship

Jay Scott Smith, Sunny Shields — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:54:33 +0000

The yellow tape remained up outside of the Troy Church of Christ on Thursday afternoon, in the aftermath of the massive fire that leveled the building overnight.

It did not destroy the spirit of the parishioners here today.

“My Family grew up at this church,” Ron Palmer, a former elder at the church, said on Thursday. He has been a member for 71 years, predating the opening of the building in 1958.

“My kids grew up here; My daughter was married here,” Palmer said. “We built this church from the ground up.”

Emergency crews responded to the church on Trombley Road around 3:15 a.m.

After initially entering the building, the roof reportedly suffered a partial collapse, which required firefighters to try to put the fire out from the outside.

No one was inside the building at the time, and no firefighters were injured. Thursday was supposed to be the fourth day of Vacation Bible School here at the Troy Church of Christ.

Instead, it was spent cleaning up and assessing the damage as a group of parishioners and their kids watched from outside.

“The church is the People,” Patrick Oja, a current church elder, said. “It’s just a building, and Buildings can be rebuilt, and things can be replaced. It’s the people who’ve been part of this community for more than 70 years.”

“Obviously it’s devastating,” Manuel Florescu, the church’s pastor, said. “This is more than a building for us; it’s kind of a second home.”

“The core group of our members has been here and been supportive,” he said. “Now, we just have to get over the shock and figure out the next steps.”

One of those steps is what to do this Sunday. Florescu said that there will be Sunday service, but they just aren’t sure where.

“I heard on the news that he said we’re going to meet this Sunday; we just don’t know where,” Alex Calder, the executive director at Kensington Church in Troy, said. “So, I thought I’ll go over and tell them they can use our church”

“I talked to him this morning and just told him, as a church body, we’re here for you,” he said. “We care about your church, and we care about making sure that your church has a home if you need one.”

While this fire may have destroyed the church, the message remains the same.

“God is still in control,” Palmer said. “He will make beauty out of the ashes.”

Georgia woman says she was wrongly diagnosed with cancer and had hysterectomy due to labeling error

Kim Chandler And Emilie Megnien, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:49:06 +0000

An Atlanta-area woman alleges that she was wrongly diagnosed with cancer and underwent an unneeded hysterectomy because of a labeling error.

Cassandra Barksdale and her attorneys filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Kaiser Permanente alleging the mix-up led to the surgery and months of physical and emotional pain.

According to the lawsuit, another patient's tissue sample was mistakenly labeled as belonging to Barksdale, who at age 43 then underwent a full hysterectomy on May 15, 2025, and was told she would get instructions about chemotherapy.

It's unclear how the mix-up occurred. In September, Barksdale was informed that a DNA analysis found the tissue sample showing an aggressive form of endometrial uterine cancer belonged to a different patient and not to her, the lawsuit says.

“She came into Kaiser Permanente looking for answers, and she left with a diagnosis that did not belong to her. And every step that was taken after that was based off of misinformation,” her attorney Shannan Young said.

Barksdale went to Kaiser Permanente Southwood Medical Center in Jonesboro, Georgia, in early 2025 to seek treatment for heavy bleeding and fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in and around the uterus. She underwent a biopsy on March 10, 2025.

Barksdale said that after she got the biopsy results on March 17, 2025, she lived for months believing she had an aggressive type of cancer, sending her and her sons into a deep depression.

“I even started making funeral plans with them to let them know, you know, if I don’t make it out, this is what I want done,” Barksdale said.

Representatives for Kaiser Permanente wrote in a statement that, “Ms. Barksdale should not have experienced this.”

“We have highly trained staff and very thorough processes in place to prevent errors like this from taking place. After this occurred last year, we took immediate steps to ensure it could not happen again. We realize the impact of this incident and are committed to working with Ms. Barksdale and her counsel to resolve this in the most fair and accountable way we can.”

Because of privacy laws, information about the other patient — including what happened to her and whether cancer treatment was delayed — isn’t publicly available.

It is not clear just how often pathology samples are mislabeled or mixed-up during medical testing. An Ohio woman filed a similar lawsuit saying a 2019 error on a biopsy led to a misdiagnosis of lung cancer and unneeded surgery. Researchers studying prostate cancer discovered three cases of biopsy sample misidentification over two years, according to a 2011 research paper.

Labs have turned to a number of best practices to try and prevent errors, including barcode systems for specimen labeling and point-of-care testing.

The Georgia lawsuit asks for unspecified damages.

“There’s no amount of money that’s going to return back to her, her healthy organs, or erase the experiences and the pain that she’s had. But our justice system recognizes that when somebody’s negligence harms another person, accountability requires more than ‘I’m sorry,'” Young said.

___

Chandler reported from Montgomery, Alabama.

Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs signs record $67.5M deal, becomes highest-paid running back in NFL history

Brandon Carr — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:37:29 +0000

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history by average annual value.

The deal, first reported by ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter on X and confirmed by Gibbs’ agent Todd France, includes $51.5 million guaranteed and can reach a maximum value of $75.75 million.

Extensions handed out by the Lions:

🏈Jahmyr Gibbs: 3-years, $67.5M
🏈Aidan Hutchinson: 4 years, $180M
🏈Jack Campbell: 4-years, $81M
🏈Jared Goff: 4 years, $212M
🏈Amon-Ra St. Brown: 4 years, $120.01M
🏈Penei Sewell: 4 years, $112M
🏈Jameson Williams: 3 years, $80M
🏈Kerby… https://t.co/XXBWMOm11d
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2026

Gibbs’ contract averages $22.5 million per season, surpassing the league’s previous top running back salaries.

The deal puts him ahead of Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ($22.25 million), Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ($22 million) and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million).

Jahmyr Gibbs is now the highest paid RB in NFL history.

The #Lions star gets a 3-year, $75.75M deal with $51.5M guaranteed — the highest APY and the highest guarantee ever for a RB. The deal is confirmed by his agent Todd France of @AthletesFirst on IG (Toddfrance_). pic.twitter.com/Atw3g3ZFno
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2026

The agreement comes during a changing landscape for NFL running backs.

Before this offseason, only one player at the position had reached the $20 million-per-year mark.

Now, Gibbs, Robinson and Taylor have all joined that group.

Gibbs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive players since Detroit selected him No. 12 overall in the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama.

In his first two seasons with the Lions, Gibbs became a key piece of Detroit’s offense, using his speed, receiving ability and versatility to create mismatches for opposing defenses.

Entering his fourth NFL season, Gibbs has been participating in team meetings during training camp, but Thursday (Aug. 5) marked his first day back on the practice field.

Gibbs had a breakout 2025 season, rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns.

The new contract keeps one of Detroit’s most important offensive weapons under contract as the Lions continue building around a young core that has helped establish the team as a consistent playoff contender.

Gibbs’ deal also reflects the growing value of versatile running backs who can impact the game as both runners and receivers.

US sees a big jump in nausea cases among frequent marijuana users in the hospital

Mike Stobbe, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:45:28 +0000

In the past year, the U.S. has seen a jump in frequent marijuana users going to the hospital with a nausea and vomiting condition, according to a report released Thursday.

“The abruptness and sustained magnitude of the increase” is largely due to the condition getting its own diagnosis code last fall, which is providing a more accurate picture of what was an underrecognized problem, the authors of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report wrote.

Hospital emergency room diagnoses of the condition, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, rose 16% from last October to May of this year, federal researchers found.

The syndrome — seen in people who frequently use marijuana, especially smokers — is characterized by recurring nausea, uncontrollable vomiting and excruciating abdominal pain.

Past research has suggested that an estimated 2.75 million Americans suffer from it each year, and that hospital emergency room visits have been rising as daily recreational marijuana use has increased.

But experts also have said that the syndrome probably has been underdiagnosed, possibly because doctors may not have understood patients' marijuana use or because they attributed the suffering to a different illness.

Tracking the syndrome depended on combining diagnostic codes for nausea and vomiting, and for cannabis use. But last October, a new code was introduced to streamline the diagnosis.

In the new paper, researchers at the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control looked at emergency room data from about 7,500 healthcare facilities across the country through May. From January 2023 through the summer of 2025, almost 200,000 syndrome-related visits were made to the emergency departments.

The burden on ERs was relatively flat over most of the study period. But then it jumped in October, when the new code went into effect.

The largest increases were seen in people aged 15 to 24, in teenage girls and women, and in Black Americans and in American Indian and Alaska Natives.

The increase in younger people diagnosed with the syndrome “was actually one of the surprising findings for us,” said CDC's Alana Vivolo-Kantor, the study's first author.

“Because the assumption going in was, ‘well, how can they have chronic use?’” she said. “How early were they using cannabis?”

The findings suggest a need to raise awareness about the syndrome, particularly in teens and young adults. The report also suggests a need for more research, including into how newer high-potency THC and hemp-derived products — some of which come in the form of vapes, drinks and gummies — are being used by, and affecting, younger Americans, she said.

___

Detroit Lions OC Drew Petzing says Jahmyr Gibbs will be ready, praises Isiah Pacheco at training camp

Brandon Carr — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:25:17 +0000

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing isn’t worried about running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ absence from practice, saying one of the team’s top offensive weapons will be ready when it matters most.

Gibbs has not participated on the practice field during training camp, but Petzing said the team remains confident in the Pro Bowl running back despite the missed reps in a new offensive system.

“He’s one of our best players,” Petzing said. “We always want him out there, but I know he’s going to be ready when the moment comes. So, not concerned about it at all.”

Petzing acknowledged there is value in on-field work with teammates, particularly under a new coordinator, but said Gibbs’ experience and communication with coaches minimize any concerns.

“I think his skill set is very obvious,” Petzing said. “We know what that’s going to look like when he hits the field for us.”

While Gibbs has been sidelined, running back Isiah Pacheco has received an increased workload.

Petzing praised Pacheco’s work ethic and physical running style, saying the veteran has impressed coaches since organized team activities.

“He’s been awesome,” Petzing said. “Just the way he approaches the job, how physical and how tough he is, how hard he practices, how much he cares.”

Petzing said Pacheco’s attention to detail and competitive nature have stood out early in camp.

“He can have an unbelievable practice, and if there’s one rep he didn’t do exactly the way he wanted, he beats himself up over it,” Petzing said. “I think that is contagious.”

The Lions’ new offensive coordinator said his offense will emphasize toughness and adaptability rather than relying on one player or personnel package.

“It needs to be physical. It needs to be tough. It needs to be difficult to defend,” Petzing said. “It’s not going to all run through one person. It’s not going to run through one personnel. It’s going to change week to week.”

Petzing dismissed the idea that personnel groupings, including his previous use of multiple tight-end sets, would define Detroit’s offense.

“It’s an opportunity to put your best players on the field,” Petzing said. “If it’s 13 personnel, if it’s 11 personnel, if it’s 10 personnel, that’s what it’s going to be.”

He also praised the competitiveness throughout the roster, saying playing time and touches will be earned throughout training camp.

“You show me you do something at a high level,” Petzing said, “it’s my job to put you in that position over and over again.”

Petzing highlighted the physical mindset developing along the offensive line, noting that full-contact practices have provided a clearer evaluation of the group’s progress.

“If the physicality is not there, the toughness isn’t there, the other part doesn’t matter,” Petzing said.

Among the receivers, Petzing said Jameson Williams has continued building on last season’s progress by becoming more physical at the line of scrimmage and at the top of routes.

“The speed is second to none,” Petzing said. “He’s tried to really improve by gaining some of that play strength, being faster at the line of scrimmage and playing physical at the top of the route.”

As training camp continues, Petzing said the focus remains on refining the Lions’ offensive identity before shifting toward opponent-specific game planning later this summer.

“We have to be good at what we’re good at,” Petzing said. “Right now, the focus is very much still on how do we get better at what we are.”

Jaylen Brown processing how he became a former Celtic. Ready to win with LeBron, Embiid and 76ers

Dan Gelston, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:20:44 +0000

Jaylen Brown got the call that Boston — the franchise that drafted him as a teenager and where he blossomed into an NBA Finals MVP and champion — had traded him and heaved his phone across the room.

No, it wasn't a prank call.

Brown was indeed headed to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was set to form an All-Star trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

Little did he know LeBron James was on his way to Philly, too.

Brown has slowly settled into his new team, all while admitting he's still processing the details of his messy breakup with the Celtics.

If the 29-year-old Brown lived in a perfect world, he'd still wear Celtics green this season, and for the rest of his career, if he could, rather than get traded.

He's ready to move on and try with perhaps the best starting five in the NBA to win a championship with the Sixers.

“I'm still processing to some degree," Brown said Thursday. “Just, the excitement of coming to a new city, a new place, new expectations, new energy. Then also leaving somewhere that you've been for a very, very long time.”

Brown, the No. 3 pick in the 2016 draft, formed a potent 1-2 partnership on the court with Jayson Tatum that resulted in the 2024 NBA championship. Their off-court relationship was dissected throughout NBA media circles and the topic of are they-or-aren't they friends could have strained their effectiveness in Boston.

Brown, who still has three seasons and about $182 million left on what was then a record, five-year, $304 million supermax deal he signed in 2023, was respectful of Tatum, but noted they had “not really” talked since the trade.

“We won a championship together," Brown said. “Anybody that you win a championship with, you think that’s what a brotherhood or a lifelong legacy would entail. Obviously, there’s ups and downs in any type of relationship, for sure.”

Brown has spoken in previous years about how he has felt disrespected by both media and people around the league for what he has achieved during his career.

Though he took Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals honors during the Celtics' most recent championship run, he was left off the U.S. 2024 Paris Olympics roster.

Then, last season, with Tatum playing in just 16 games during the regular season while he rehabbed from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Brown averaged career highs in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.1) while finishing sixth in MVP voting.

The Celtics promptly dangled him as trade bait to Milwaukee in a failed bid to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Brown said the “whole process” of how his career in Boston ended bothered him.

“Maybe one day, we’ll share the details of how everything transpired and all the moving parts that took place in this,” Brown said. "Obviously, it’s a lot of speculation; I feel no need to chime in on it because I’m focused on what’s in front of me.”

The 76ers and new team president Mike Gansey swooped in and landed Brown in exchange for Paul George and a slew of draft picks.

Brown alone was a significant upgrade and made the 76ers, who haven't won an NBA title since 1983, a serious contender to win the East.

Little did Brown know his presence was enough to help sway four-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA champion James, leading to the free agent signing last month with the Sixers.

“I thought maybe after Jaylen, we had a better chance,” Gansey said. “I guess that was all we needed.”

How's this for a starting five: two league MVPs in Embiid and James, a five-time All-Star in Brown, a 2026 All-Star starter in Maxey and third in last season's NBA rookie of the year voting in VJ Edgecombe.

Expectations this season are sky high.

Brown faced much of the same pressures to win in Boston, dealing with a hefty media corps and trying to please an overzealous fanbase. He thrived.

“I think at different points in my career, how I handled pressure would probably look different at this point,” Brown said. “I probably ignore a lot of it, you know, just water under the bridge. My relationship with the media hasn't always been the best. That's part of the reason why I started streaming (on Twitch) and stuff like that.”

Brown — deeply involved in Boston community initiatives — skipped holding the traditional introductory press conference at the Sixers' New Jersey complex or South Philadelphia home arena. Instead, he chose a recreation center where he was greeted by screeching, joyous children in Brown T-shirts, high-fived the mascot and a DJ pumped tunes until he and other team personnel arrived.

“As I’m still getting to learn this community, I just wanted to make it clear that this was an important pillar in my life, community and the foundation," Brown said. "As I’m getting started on the journey here in Philadelphia, the introduction, the first impression is everything. I just wanted to let people know in Philadelphia that this is something that’s important to me.”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

Body found in California home burned by wildfire believed started by chain saw

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:11:59 +0000

A dead body was found inside a central California home burned by a wildfire that investigators believe was accidentally started by sparks from a chain saw, authorities said Thursday.

Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the blaze that has destroyed seven structures and scorched more than 15 square miles (39 square km) of forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County.

Smith is suspected of “recklessly causing" the blaze on Monday while “operating equipment capable of producing sparks” without clearing flammable vegetation as required, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Prosecutors will determine whether to file criminal charges.

An apologetic Smith told KCRA-TV that he was using a chain saw to cut some scrap wood when it ignited.

“I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened,” Smith told the news station. “This is going to destroy my life, one way or another."

Investigators will determine whether the fire contributed to the death of the person found in a burned home near the town of Angels Camp, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office said.

In eastern Washington state, three major fires continued to burn around the city of Spokane. Officials said Thursday that cooler temperatures and calmer winds have allowed firefighters to make progress against the blazes. No deaths have been reported, though at least 800 buildings have been destroyed.

Republican Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio says Rep. Max Miller should leave House and end fall campaign

Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:03:29 +0000

Republican Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio called on Rep. Max Miller Thursday to resign his House seat and abandon his fall reelection bid.

Miller is facing a congressional ethics investigation related to domestic abuse allegations leveled against him by his ex-wife, and anxiety over his electability this fall is growing within his party. But the second-term, Cleveland-area congressman has continued to insist that he will hold the course.

In a post on X, Husted said he knows Miller, his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, and their daughter, and “I do not see how a campaign for Congress benefits any of them.”

“I believe Max would be making the right decision to step aside as a candidate and resign from Congress to focus on what is in the best interest of his daughter,” he wrote. “Years from now, I believe he will look back and know it was the right choice for her.”

Another Republican senator, Tim Sheehy of Montana, also urged Miller on Thursday to “step aside and seek help.”

“Staying in this race makes it far more likely we lose this seat and hand Democrats a majority to impeach President Trump,” he said on X.

Miller faces Democrat Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker and local councilman, for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District.

A message seeking comment was left with Miller's spokesperson. The congressman has vehemently denied all allegations of domestic abuse leveled against him by his former spouse.

Husted’s and Sheehy's comments added to the increasing pressure on Miller from both Democrats and fellow Republicans. Sen. Bernie Moreno, the state's senior senator, reacted to Miller's livestream on X Sunday by saying that Miller is unfit to serve — though he never specifically urged Miller to resign or end his November campaign.

Under Ohio law, Miller would need to withdraw by Saturday to allow enough time for the replacement process to play out before the 4 p.m. Monday deadline.

Donovan O'Neil, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Ohio, an influential conservative organization, also labeled Miller “unfit to serve” in an X post Thursday.

O'Neil said Republicans just a month ago called out Graham Platner, a now-former Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, over a sexual assault claim he denied and they “should be just as willing to call out Max Miller and exorcise our own demons from the GOP.”

President Donald Trump, for whom Miller was a senior aide during the first term, has cautioned Miller that he may face an uphill battle this fall — but he continued to stop short on Thursday of weighing in on whether Miller should resign or withdraw.

The president was asked about the embattled congressman while taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office at a Thursday signing event.

“Well, I’m not going to get involved in that,” Trump said. He echoed his earlier comments that it was a “very sad situation.”

Unusually intense haboob dust storms strike Phoenix twice this week

Sudhin Thanawala, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:30:35 +0000

Dust storms that blanketed the Phoenix area in thick haze this week were among the most intense to hit the region in years, scientists said Thursday.

The storms — called haboobs — occur throughout the U.S. Southwest when strong downdrafts from thunderstorms stir up loose dust and dirt that get blown along in front of the approaching storm cell.

They can produce massive walls of dust and debris that blind drivers and make people sick.

The latest storm rolled in during the early morning hours Thursday, three days after the other one struck. There were no reports of any significant impacts, though both storms reduced visibility to half a mile (0.8 kilometers).

“Luckily, they both happened when it was later at night, so there was less traffic on the roads,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno in Phoenix.

Both storms were extreme, Category 5 events on a scale of dust storm severity, with huge concentrations of dust and wind speeds of about 50 mph (80 kph), according to researchers at Arizona State University, which helped develop the scale.

The scale — unveiled this year — was developed using data going back to 2010.

“To have Class 5 dust storms occur one right after another a few days apart is unprecedented in our records,” said Randall Cerveny, a professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at Arizona State. “We don't see that.”

They were only the fifth and sixth dust storms in the last 16 years to reach Category 5, Cerveny told The Associated Press in a phone interview.

He noted the Phoenix region has been drier than normal, which can increase the amount of dust that is kicked up. Scientists have said human-caused climate change increases the odds of both severe drought and heavier storms that could set the stage for more intense dust storms in the future.

Possible Strait of Hormuz deal, a large attack in Yemen and other Mideast news

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:34:41 +0000

Iran says it's in the final stage of drafting an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz waterway with Oman, while two Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon.

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Thursday. Full coverage can be found here.

Iran says a deal with Oman is close

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, has said an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, which lies on the other side of the waterway, is in the “final stage” of drafting. Speaking Wednesday, he said a joint statement will be issued “if certain parties do not obstruct this process,” apparently referring to the U.S.

The agreement is likely to be contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iran’s ports.

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly said Thursday that any temporary routes through the Strait of Hormuz will not have impediments such as approvals, permissions, tolls or charges.

Asked Thursday if a deal has been reached with Iran to reopen the vital waterway, U.S. President Donald Trump said he didn’t want to say.

“It has been sort of open right now,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.

The strait is crucial to global shipping and energy supplies. Before the war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passed through the waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

— Michelle Price in Washington

Ships struck over the past week in the Strait of Hormuz

At least two ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz in the past week, while several others reported near misses or warnings from entities claiming to represent Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, according to maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence.

The company added that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued to claim attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The claims could not be independently verified.

Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased to 84 transits during the week of July 27 to Aug. 2, up from 45 the previous week. But traffic is still far below the more than 700 transits seen in a typical week before the crisis, Lloyd's List said.

Yemen's Houthis kill 30 government forces in major attack

Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked government forces in two provinces, killing at least 30 troops and wounding 50 others, government officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.

The attacks mark a major escalation since a truce in 2022 largely halted fighting. The civil war pits the Iran-backed Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition allied with Yemen's internationally recognized government.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year.

— Samy Magdy in Cairo

Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon as negotiators meet in Rome

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and another four were seriously wounded in an explosion in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said Thursday. The deaths are Israel's first since a shaky truce was implemented in June between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The Israeli army launched strikes Wednesday in southern Lebanon in response to what it described as Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire and issued a call for residents of another village to flee — the first such warning Israel has issued in weeks.

The escalation came as Lebanese and Israeli negotiators met in Rome to discuss implementation of the June deal under which Israeli forces are supposed to withdraw from areas they occupy in southern Lebanon, in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Uganda approves sending troops for international force in Gaza

Ugandan authorities won parliamentary approval Thursday to deploy troops as part of the International Stabilization Force for Gaza.

The 20,000-strong force, proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in February to ensure “future prosperity and enduring peace,” has not yet materialized.

Several other countries pledged troops to the mission, including Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Albania and Indonesia, which has since put its commitment of troops on indefinite hold.

The Gaza ceasefire has stalled, as Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that Israel will not withdraw from its current lines in Gaza until Hamas has completely disarmed.

Israeli settler charged in West Bank killing of Palestinian activist

Israeli prosecutors have charged a settler with the killing of a Palestinian community leader last year in the occupied West Bank.

Prosecutors accuse Yinon Levi of reckless manslaughter in the death of prominent Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen in July 2025. The charge holds a lesser punishment than murder under Israeli law. The indictment also charges Levi with armed trespassing and malicious property damage.

It is extremely rare for Israel to charge settlers with violence against Palestinians. Israeli rights group B’Tselem said the charges against Levi mark the first time since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that an Israeli has been indicted for the death of a Palestinian in the West Bank.

In that time, the group said, Israeli settlers and soldiers have killed at least 1,100 Palestinians in the territory.

Iraq moves to crack down on armed militia groups

Iraq said Thursday that any armed activity outside of state authority after Sept. 30 will be prosecuted under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Law, the latest move in a push to bring all weapons under government control.

Several powerful, Iran-backed armed factions have rejected calls to surrender weapons or dissolve their organizations, saying they remain committed to the “option of resistance.”

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. launched strikes on Iraq last week after Riyadh accused Iraqi militias of using drones to attack its oil facilities.

The retaliatory strikes in Iraq hit bases of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a collection of armed groups close to Iran that are officially part of Iraq’s security forces but often operate outside of state control.

SpaceX shares rise even as company insiders get a chance to sell for the first time

Bernard Condon, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:48:10 +0000

Stock in Elon Musk's space company rose Thursday even after many SpaceX insiders were freed up to sell for the first time.

Investors in SpaceX have pushed the shares down sharply in recent days in anticipation of insiders possibly selling in the first of several so-called lockup expirations that free them up to trade. More than 900 million shares became newly available to buy or sell with Thursday's release, doubling what was available previously.

SpaceX shares rose 6.1% to close at $114.92. A day earlier they had one of their biggest routs in SpaceX's short history as a public company, dropping nearly 14%.

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas said the expiration of lockup provisions that bar employees and others from selling was an opportunity for others to get into the stock cheaply. He believes the stock could rise to $300 by the middle of next year, nearly triple its current level.

Morgan Stanley was one of the investment banks that earned big fees helping take SpaceX public last month.

Earlier this week, SpaceX reported it had lost $541 million, or 9 cents per share, in the three months through June, less than half what financial analysts had forecast. Revenue jumped to $7.8 billion, up more than 90% from the year-earlier period.

The company also posted a massive increase in spending on R&D and infrastructure, particularly involving artificial intelligence, and other major projects. Investors are growing increasingly nervous with big capital spending figures in technology companies, triggering sell-offs.

In June, Musk sold SpaceX shares to the public for the first time in the biggest initial public offering ever. Shares jumped as high as $225 a share, briefly making Musk a trillionaire.

The plunge in the stock since has wiped out hundreds of billions of dollars in market value, leaving the shares trading at even less than its initial $135 offering price.

Rubber ducks by the thousands splash into Chicago River for annual Special Olympics fundraiser

Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:58:18 +0000

A deluge of 90,000 rubber ducks poured out of a truck and into the Chicago River on Thursday, then bobbed along a stretch of the skyscraper-lined river in the annual Chicago Ducky Derby that raises thousands of dollars for charity.

The truck dumped the ducks from one side of a half-raised bridge. After forming a yellow pool in the river, the ducks floated for around 15 minutes before a winner and runner-up were plucked from the water.

The annual event, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois, draws thousands of participants. At an accompanying festival, participants snapped pictures with inflatable ducks and doodled on a chalkboard under the prompt, “I adopt a duck because …” Some sported rubber duck-printed shirts.

Becky Cavanagh, the Ducky Derby ambassador and a 13-year Special Olympics athlete, held up the winning duck to the cheers of crowds packed on both sides of the river.

Cavanagh said her favorite part about the Special Olympics was “making new friends.” Asked before the race how she felt about picking the winning duck, she cheered. “Woo!”

Special Olympics Illinois organizes competitions across the state for people with disabilities and special needs. It costs $10 to sponsor a “lone duck,” which will feed an athlete lunch at a competition, and $30 for a “quack pack” of six ducks, which supplies gold medals for a team. The competition has raised more than $480,000.

The sponsor of the fastest duck wins an SUV, and the runner-up will win $2,500 in cash, said Pete Beale-DelVecchio, president of Special Olympics Illinois.

“It really is a fantastic day for our athletes,” he said ahead of the race at an area next to the river, where derby attendees posed with inflatable rubber ducks and bopped along to a live DJ.

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Mayes-Osterman is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Meta says its AI model hacked another company, adding to worries about bots going rogue

Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:38:50 +0000

Meta said Thursday that one of its artificial intelligence models accessed the internet on its own and hacked another company, the latest in a series of disclosures about AI models going rogue.

In recent weeks OpenAI and Anthropic also have described instances of AI models going beyond humans' instructions to access the web and find ways around other companies' digital security.

Meta said in a statement that a “misconfiguration" during cybersecurity testing by Irregular, an independent company hired by Meta, inadvertently allowed one of its models to access the internet.

“The model subsequently exploited a security vulnerability in a third-party service, in a manner similar to previously-reported instances with other companies,” the company said. Meta said it is investigating the incident and will issue a report when that's complete.

The disclosure has added to worries about AI models acting autonomously.

Separately this week, the United Kingdom's AI Security Institute announced it had found “unsanctioned agent behavior” during cyber testing. In one case, an agent created fake online identities to pressure a person to approve use of malicious code.

“On investigation, we found that some of the agents being tested had engaged in sustained, potentially harmful activity directed at real people and organizations,” AISI said Tuesday. “We declared a security incident and, within roughly one hour of discovery, had contained it and begun a full investigation.”

During the agency's testing, Anthropic and OpenAI models took “autonomous, unsanctioned action” on the internet. Some guardrails to prevent misuse had been disabled, the agency said.

“As was standard in our cyber testing, we had intentionally permitted internet access, and model-provider cyber classifiers were deliberately disabled — conditions that do not reflect how frontier models are made available to the public,” AISI said. “We do this to best assess the maximum capability of models.”

Anthropic said it is “grateful” for AISI's work and added that it underscores the need for a broader conversation about how to safely evaluate AI agents as their capabilities grow.

OpenAI said the AISI incidents took place “in testing environments with reduced safeguards, under conditions that do not reflect ordinary use." It added it will continue working with others across the industry to "strengthen shared practices for conducting evaluations safely as models become more capable.”

The first company to disclose a hack late last month, OpenAI said it had tasked the AI models involved with pursuing “advanced exploitation using complex attack paths” to test cyber capabilities, but the technology went to unexpected lengths. It apparently decided on its own to target Hugging Face, a well-known AI development hub and marketplace, to obtain information it needed to carry out a task.

A spokesperson for Irregular, the San Francisco-based AI security company, said the Meta episode involves a test-environment issue that was disclosed last week by Anthropic.

Irregular said it's writing a paper to share “best practices for containment” to prevent such incidents in the future and securely run cyber tests.

McConnell says he's leaving rehabilitation center to continue recovery at home

Kevin Freking, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:35:07 +0000

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says he’s been discharged from a rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery from home.

The former Senate leader was first admitted to the hospital on June 14. He disclosed weeks later that his hospitalization was the result of a fall and said he was undergoing physical therapy.

McConnell, 84, gave no specific date for his return to the Capitol, but senators are expected to soon leave Washington for the traditional August recess. Votes are unlikely for the next five weeks once they adjourn.

McConnell had polio in his early childhood and has long acknowledged some difficulty walking and climbing stairs as an adult. The Office of the Attending Physician has said McConnell was undergoing a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation since he left the hospital, which includes multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls.

The senator is determined to finish out his seventh term, which concludes in January.

McConnell’s absence is being felt in the Senate as Republicans were unable to advance a farm bill out of committee Thursday. The committee's chairman, Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas, said he spoke with McConnell this week about the bill.

“I know how much he would have wanted to be here to advocate for Kentucky’s farmers and rural communities,” Boozman said in kicking off the committee's meeting Thursday.

But there has also been criticism that McConnell has not been transparent enough about his health. The state's Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, recently called on the senator to either prove that he is fit to continue serving after his lengthy hospital stay or resign from office.

US stocks edge lower as oil prices rise and more earnings reports roll in

Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:08:37 +0000

Stocks edged further away from their recent records on Thursday as Wall Street faced pressure from rising oil prices and mixed company earnings.

Wall Street opened the week soaring higher and notching records, but has calmed over the last two days. Markets are dealing with uncertainties over the ongoing U.S. war with Iran and its impact on inflation. Companies from a variety of sectors reported their latest financial results, adding to an already busy round of corporate earnings.

The S&P 500 fell 13.59 points, or 0.2%, to 7,709.96. It pulled further away from its record set on Tuesday, though the index is still solidly on track to notch weekly gains.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 464.02 points, or 0.9%, to 53,885.10. The Nasdaq composite fell 15.09 points, or 0.1%, to 26,348.35.

Both the Dow and Nasdaq are also heading into Friday on track for solid weekly gains.

“August is off to an extremely strong start, but there is still plenty of August left to go, and August is typically a volatile month for stocks,” said Clark Bellin, president and chief investment officer at Bellwether Wealth, in a research note.

Warner Bros. Discovery rose 1.7% after reporting earnings that came in ahead of what investors were expecting. Molson Coors rose 1.3% after also reporting encouraging financial results.

On the losing end, Honeywell Aerospace fell 23.2% after turning in results that fell well short of forecasts. AppLovin slumped 19.7% after the digital ad company reported mixed financial results for its most recent quarter.

Strong overall profits from companies has helped allay concerns on Wall Street about the market being overpriced. Roughly 85% of companies in the S&P 500 have reported their results and overall earnings growth for the period is shaping up to be the strongest since 2021.

Outside of earnings, SpaceX rose 6.1%. More than 911 million SpaceX shares held by early investors and employees became eligible for sale on Thursday as a lockup period for the stock expired. That is more than double the shares that were initially offered to the public for sale during the initial public offering for Elon Musk’s company. SpaceX jumped as high as $225 a share following its market debut in June, but has since slumped below its initial $135 offering price. The stock is currently trading around $115.

Oil prices gained ground as uncertainty remains over the U.S. war with Iran that has stifled the global flow of oil. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, rose 3.8% to $82.49.

Iran has said that it is close to a deal with Oman for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has also previously said a deal is close, but the conflict has had many starts and stops over the last five months.

A fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas once passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices surged as high as $113 during the conflict and higher prices have added more heat to inflation by raising the price of gasoline and raising costs for shipping.

The rate of inflation is stuck above 3% and higher costs have been squeezing businesses and households, while threatening to crimp broader economic growth. The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace during the second quarter. Households are still spending and the jobs market remains resilient, but worries linger for both areas of the economy.

Higher gas prices and added costs for shipping goods could prompt households to shift more spending toward necessities. That could hurt businesses focusing on nonessential items and services for many people, such as travel and entertainment.

Employment remains strong, but growth has been easing. A weekly report on Thursday showed that the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week, though layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years. Employers pulled back on hiring in June, adding only 57,000 jobs. The latest monthly jobs report, for July, will be released on Friday.

Worries about inflation and the jobs market have prompted the Federal Reserve to hold its benchmark interest rate steady. Stubborn inflation, though, is nudging the central bank toward raising interest rates before the end of the year in order to help tame inflation. Raising rates could also slow economic growth while weighing down prices for stocks and other investments.

Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.67% from 4.63% late Wednesday.

European markets mostly rose.

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Associated Press writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report.

Free community worship event coming to Detroit’s Aretha Franklin Amphitheater

Brandon Carr — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:18:50 +0000

Fresh Start Ministries will host a free community outreach event to bring Metro Detroit residents together for an evening of worship, prayer, and encouragement.

The event, titled “Find One, Bring One,” is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater in Detroit.

The gathering will be led by Fresh Start Ministries Pastor Charles T. Winfield and will feature a special appearance by gospel recording artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly.

Fresh Start Ministries will host a free community outreach event to bring Metro Detroit residents together for an evening of worship, prayer, and encouragement.

Organizers say the program will include worship, biblical teaching, prayer, and messages centered on hope, healing, and spiritual renewal.

According to Fresh Start Ministries, the outreach is intended to provide a welcoming environment where individuals and families can receive encouragement and prayer while strengthening connections within the community.

The ministry is encouraging attendees to invite a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who may be seeking hope or support.

The event’s theme, “Find One, Bring One,” reflects that goal of personal invitation and community engagement.

The event is free and open to the public and will take place at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, 2600 Atwater St. in Detroit.

Tickets will be available through the venue’s box office.

Fresh Start Ministries says the outreach is part of its ongoing mission to promote faith, hope and community throughout Metro Detroit.

Congo monitors 200 boat passengers near Kinshasa after a traveler dies with Ebola-like symptoms

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:57:25 +0000

Congolese health authorities held nearly 200 boat passengers in quarantine near Kinshasa on Thursday after one traveler who was previously aboard the boat died with symptoms matching the Ebola virus.

Congo has been battling an Ebola outbreak since May that has been deemed the fastest in history in terms of transmission, with confirmed cases reaching 4,000, including over 1,800 deaths, according to Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC.

The passenger had become sick and disembarked nearly three weeks ago in Pimu, in the province of Mongala, more than 1,000 kilometers (more than 600 miles) from Kinshasa along the Congo River, Kaseya said Thursday, adding that the capital has no confirmed Ebola case. The passenger later died.

Authorities did not give the current location of the boat other than to say that it was near the capital. They did not say if the nearly 200 remaining passengers were being held aboard the ship or in some location on land, nor how long they would be held. But they said they were awaiting test results.

“We decided to do that even if some of them didn’t have symptoms because we want to make sure that we don’t miss anything,” Kaseya added.

Ebola is highly contagious and spreads in the human population through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen, and with contaminated surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing.

News of the passenger’s death caused panic in Kinshasa, which is far from the eastern region hit by the outbreak, the second-largest outbreak on record, behind the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak that recorded more than 28,000 cases, including over 11,000 deaths.

Authorities say 60-70% of new cases in the current outbreak are recorded outside of contacts being monitored, and that the outbreak is spreading at an “alarming” rate faster than efforts to track it.

Health workers strike disrupts response

Dozens of Congolese health workers at the epicenter in Ituri province, meanwhile, staged protests Thursday to demand payment for their wages, abandoning several health facilities and further disrupting critical care.

The health workers were protesting at the governor’s office in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90% of the Ebola cases in the country. They are the latest group to walk off their jobs since protests over pay issues began weeks ago.

The health workers, including nurses providing critical care to Ebola patients, said they haven't received wages and bonuses for their work fighting Ebola since the outbreak was declared in mid-May in one of Congo’s most remote and vulnerable areas ravaged by rebel conflict.

“With this way of managing things, Ebola will not end in this province. We ask the authorities to get involved at all levels so that a solution is found quickly,” said Edouige Makosi, one of the protesters.

Officials have in the past blamed logistical issues for the payment delays. Congolese authorities did not immediately respond to an inquiry for comments on Thursday.

Poor welfare for front-line workers has been a key source of concern in the outbreak. Apart from the payment issues, many health workers and facilities have been attacked by rebels and angry mobs.

During his visit to Congo on Wednesday, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged authorities to prioritize care and support for the responders.

Ebola is spreading at an ‘alarming’ rate in Congo

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders said this week that the outbreak is still “spreading at an alarming and unprecedented rate” and that the response, which has been expanding, “is still not reaching communities quickly enough to break transmission chains.”

Government data shows 674 patients are currently in isolation, most of them in Ituri.

At least 75% of contacts are being traced after their exposure to patients, the data showed. A bigger concern, though, according to officials, is that contact tracing has not been effective as most new cases are coming from sources not being monitored and from remote localities where rebel conflict and mining-related movements are limiting access.

—

McMakin reported from Dakar, Senegal.

Claressa Shields to make ring entrance with Latto at upcoming fight

Isaiah Hall — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:00:33 +0000

Flint native and Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion Claressa Shields will walk to the ring with Grammy-nominated rapper Latto ahead of her title fight against Kaye Scott on Aug. 15 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

Salita Promotions, Wynn Records and Zeus Network announced an all-star lineup of hip-hop artists set to participate in August 15 fight card, transforming the championship event into a summer entertainment experience.

Leading the night’s star-studded walkouts, GRAMMY-nominated superstar Latto will accompany undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields to the ring as Shields makes history as the first woman ever to headline a boxing event at State Farm Arena.

Undisputed heavyweight champion Shields will move down in weight to challenge Unified WBC and WBA World Champion Kaye Scott live on DAZN at 8:30 p.m. The Zeus Network coverage will feature a mix of professional boxing and celebrity influencer bouts beginning at 4 p.m.

The night’s cultural crossover continues with:

YG walking out undefeated KO Artist Ernesto “Tito” Mercado on DAZN
Sauce Walka accompanying Ray J for his highly anticipated influencer boxing debut on Zeus Network
Diamond The Body (DTB) walking out power-punching boxing contender Atif Oberlton on Zeus Network

The artist lineup further reinforces the card as far more than a traditional boxing event, bringing together world championship competition, chart-topping music, influencer entertainment and celebrity culture for a one-night-only spectacle in the heart of Atlanta.

“Combining star boxers with star music artists helps grow both the sport of boxing and the athletes we promote,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Our partnership with Wynn Records is about building the individual brands of our fighters while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans. Blockbuster events, competitive fights, and world-class entertainment are what August 15 is all about.”

“This has always been about creating an event that reflects where sports and culture are today,” said Ruben Branson, CEO of Wynn Records. “Atlanta deserves more than a fight card—it deserves an experience. Bringing together world champions, major recording artists and some of entertainment’s biggest personalities under one roof is exactly the vision behind this partnership.”

“At Zeus, we’ve always believed the biggest moments happen when culture collides,” said Lemuel Plummer, Founder & CEO of Zeus Network. “August 15 is exactly that—a night where championship boxing, music, entertainment and some of the most recognizable personalities in the world all come together on one stage. Partnering with Claressa Shields, Salita Promotions and Wynn Records allows us to create something that goes far beyond a fight card. This is a cultural event, and fans are going to witness an experience unlike anything boxing has seen.”

Fans can expect celebrity appearances, unforgettable artist walkouts, championship boxing and crossover bouts throughout the evening, making August 15 one of the most anticipated nights on Atlanta’s entertainment calendar.

Presented by Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records, Claressa Shields Promotions and Route 30 Promotions, and presenting sponsor Zeus Network, the historic event marks the first women’s headliner at State Farm Arena. Remaining tickets for Aug. 15 are available on Ticketmaster.com.

Geno Smith’s red, sun glare-tackling contacts are a sight to see at Jets camp

Dennis Waszak Jr., Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:50:27 +0000

Geno Smith is seeing things a bit differently with the New York Jets this time around.

No, it's not quite rose-colored glasses. But the veteran quarterback is wearing red contact lenses during training camp this summer in his return to the team that drafted him in 2013.

Fashionable? Maybe. Functional? Definitely.

“It’s something that we’ve been doing,” said the 35-year-old Smith, acquired in the offseason from Las Vegas. “It blocks out the sunlight and all that, so it’s actually pretty cool. It keeps the glare from the sun out of your eyes.”

Smith was still wearing the UV protection lenses while speaking to reporters after practice Thursday, giving the quarterback's eyes an almost sinister look. One reporter joked that he was scared, causing Smith to break into a not-so-evil grin.

“As I got back here, I spoke to some eye specialists," Smith said, “and they suggested it and then we started doing it.”

The quarterback was asked if he was having eye issues or simply opted for the contacts over wearing a tinted visor on his helmet so there was less squinting and more seeing.

“It’s just something we’re trying out, just to see what it was like,” he said. “I like it, so we’ve been sticking with it.”

Several players around the league have tried wearing the glare-reducing contacts, including Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert last summer. Smith said he first saw them when then-Jets teammate Santonio Holmes wore them during the 2013 season.

Oh, and by the way, Smith isn't seeing red these days.

“The entire room is yellow, so it’s a yellow tint to everything,” he said. “But yeah, it’s pretty cool. You guys should try it.”

They seem to be working for Smith, who is off to a solid start to camp. He played his first four NFL seasons for the franchise before stints with the Giants, Chargers, Seahawks and Raiders. New York, looking for a veteran signal caller in the offseason, acquired Smith and a seventh-round draft pick in March from Las Vegas for a sixth-rounder.

He'll enter the season as the unquestioned starter and is feeling comfortable in new offensive coordinator Frank Reich's system.

“I’m excited about the schematic advantages that he’s able to create, but also the ways that he allows players to go out there and make plays and to have freedom to take ownership of the offense,” Smith said. “I think there’s a fine balance with X’s and O’s and also having great players and allowing those guys to be themselves. Coach Reich, he’s played in the league, so he understands that dynamic and that balance.”

The Jets play their first preseason game next Friday night at home against Tampa Bay and former coach Todd Bowles. It wasn't yet known if New York coach Aaron Glenn will play his starters, including Smith, at all in that game. Smith, who has played in the preseason the last several years, sounded open to the possibility.

“I love playing football.” Smith said. “Whenever coach tells me to go out there, I go play.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

South Korean satellite captures before and after views of SpaceX rocket's moon crash

Marcia Dunn, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:46:36 +0000

A South Korean satellite has captured the first pictures of the moon’s fresh crash scene caused by a stray SpaceX rocket.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute's Danuri spacecraft flew over the impact site soon after the Falcon 9 upper stage inadvertently plowed into the moon on Wednesday. Danuri made multiple passes, snapping photos from lunar orbit that were released by the space agency Thursday.

The terrain is noticeably darker where the rocket hit and carved out a crater, sending dust and rock everywhere. Korean space officials said Danuri gathered before and after shots.

NASA expects its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to fly over the crash site next week to view the aftermath.

Elon Musk's SpaceX launched Danuri from Cape Canaveral in 2022.

The company also sent a pair of private lunar landers to the moon last year. The upper stage from that launch is what crashed into the moon this week at 5,400 mph (8,700 kph), placed on an accidental collision course by solar activity and gravity, according to SpaceX.

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Trump administration's latest buyback of offshore wind leases brings total to nearly $4 billion

Jennifer Mcdermott, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:44:38 +0000

An offshore wind company said Thursday that it reached a $1.2 billion settlement with the Trump administration to walk away from projects under development off New York, California and Louisiana. This latest agreement brings the total amount spent on such settlements to nearly $4 billion.

RWE U.S. Offshore said its leases represented years of planning, investment and partnership with federal agencies, but it determined there was no path forward to permit the projects for the foreseeable future. In exchange for $1.22 billion, RWE is relinquishing the wind power leases that could have provided about seven gigawatts of power, enough for more than 5 million homes. It does not have any remaining U.S. offshore wind leases.

President Donald Trump, who often talks about his hatred of wind power, has said his goal is to not let any “windmills” be built. The Republican administration has been buying back offshore wind leases from energy companies as it seeks to discourage the expansion of wind energy in favor of fossil fuels. Offshore wind produces electricity cleanly. Oil, coal and natural gas emit carbon pollution when burned.

RWE announced it is investing $900 million in a liquefied natural gas project in Louisiana and spending $300 million on natural gas turbines. The company is developing 15 natural gas projects across the United States. RWE is headquartered in Germany.

The administration adopted this strategy after federal courts thwarted Trump’s efforts to stop offshore wind development through executive action. Roughly $3.9 billion has been spent. States that are losing offshore wind energy are suing. California intends to sue.

Separately, a coalition of renewable energy groups sued Pentagon officials over their failure to complete national security reviews for new onshore wind farms on private lands. A federal judge in Oregon ruled in favor of the plaintiffs on Thursday, ordering the Defense Department to resume its review process and provide status reports on the progress.

Commenting on the RWE agreement, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Thursday that Americans “deserve an energy system built on common sense, not one dependent on costly subsidies or technologies that can’t meet our country’s current demand.” He said he welcomes RWE’s agreement and voluntary investment in projects that strengthen the nation’s energy security, provide dependable baseload power and help keep electricity affordable.

But Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said the lease buybacks are effectively bribing companies to step away from clean energy that can displace more expensive fossil fuel plants, which in turn will raise costs for consumers.

“They are creating this enormous money pump, pulling billions of dollars out of consumers’ pockets,” he said. “That’s the real story of what is going on here. And that is both a cost story because of the billions in extra costs consumers pay, and it’s a corruption story because it’s Trump’s sneaky way of getting regular families to pay off his big fossil fuel donors. There’s method here, and it’s a real scam.”

Under the first agreement announced in March, French company TotalEnergies is getting nearly $1 billion — essentially a refund of its two offshore wind leases — if it invests the money in fossil fuels instead. Golden State Wind and Bluepoint Wind agreed in April to end their leases in exchange for reimbursements totaling nearly $900 million, provided it invests equally in fossil fuels. Chicago-based Invenergy agreed in June to end its four offshore wind leases that were very early in development in exchange for reimbursements of lease fees totaling $765 million.

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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Youngest Black professor at Cambridge resigns as university investigates allegations of plagiarism

Danica Kirka, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:51:50 +0000

A British sociologist who became famous as the youngest Black professor ever at the University of Cambridge has resigned after the university opened an investigation into “new information” about his academic qualifications.

Professor Jason Arday, who was 37 when he became a Cambridge professor in 2023, announced his decision late Wednesday following weeks of allegations about plagiarism in his academic work and questions surrounding claims about his athletic and fundraising accomplishments.

“While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement,” Arday said in a statement. “The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.”

The statement was distributed by the Good Law Project, a campaign group that has supported Arday since the criticism spilled into the media last month. An earlier letter circulated by the group and signed by more than two dozen academics and politicians described the plagiarism allegations as a “smear campaign” designed to undermine Arday and other Black people who hold “positions of influence.”

Arday’s appointment at Cambridge highlighted his personal story of overcoming dyslexia, developmental delays and autism that he said left him non-verbal until the age of 11 and illiterate until his late teens. Arday tells his story in the memoir “Great and Unfortunate Things,” which comes out next week. Publisher Simon & Schuster issued a statement Thursday saying that it would release the book “as planned.”

Questions about his qualifications were raised publicly last month by Nathan Cofnas, a one-time Cambridge philosophy researcher who left the university after his critique of diversity, equity and inclusion programs sparked widespread protests.

On July 24, the Times of London published an analysis of Arday’s 2015 Ph.D. thesis highlighting what it said were multiple examples of passages that were “identical or near-identical” to an earlier paper written by another researcher.

The British media also raised questions about Arday’s claims that he had raised 5.5 million pounds ($7.4 million) for charity through feats such as running 30 marathons in 35 days and 600 miles in six days.

Arday told the Guardian news website that the money was raised with the help of others over a 20-year period. He said non-disclosure agreements prevented him from naming the others.

Cambridge initially stood by Arday, saying that the plagiarism allegations had been investigated by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday’s doctorate.

That changed Wednesday when Cambridge opened its inquiry.

“The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s qualifications and honorary appointments,” the university said in a statement. “In order to ensure a fair process, we will not comment further until this has concluded.”

The Times of London said Cambridge decided to investigate after it presented new evidence that some of Arday’s research was “fabricated” and contained “impossible” evidence.

In an interview with the newspaper published last week, Arday denied plagiarism but admitted to some mistakes that he said were partly due to a lack of supervision when he was working on his doctorate.

Arday continued to defend himself in his resignation statement, saying his decision “should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship.”

“Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me’” he said. “It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.”

Fauci contempt vote reflects the enduring politics of COVID

Ali Swenson, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:42:57 +0000

Dr. Anthony Fauci is sitting before Congress, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on TV debating COVID lockdowns and Americans can’t agree on what science to trust.

You might think it's 2020 again.

Six years after COVID-19 thrust the world into the fear and uncertainty of a global pandemic, Republicans in power aren’t leaving it in the past. Instead, they’ve returned its familiar political arguments to center stage for new scrutiny, demanding accountability for the scientists and media figures whom they feel deceived and mistreated Americans years ago.

The efforts ramped up last week, when a Republican-led Senate committee chaired by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul subpoenaed the now-retired, 85-year-old Fauci to testify about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former National Institutes of Health immunologist repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, after accusing the lawmakers of trying to coerce him to perjure himself to justify criminal charges. In response to his choice, on Thursday, the committee passed a vote to hold Fauci in contempt, a stunning move that could motivate the Justice Department to initiate an investigation.

Separately, Kennedy, a politically independent former anti-vaccine activist who now serves as the Republican President Donald Trump’s health secretary, spent part of his weekend in a combative live debate with CNN host Dana Bash about the pandemic's management and the media’s role.

Political scientists and historians say the focus on COVID grievances half a decade after the virus’ peak demonstrates how some wounds it opened have never been closed. Democrats, meanwhile, have slammed the federal government’s blaming of Fauci as a performative distraction that’s not based in facts.

While both Paul and Kennedy have spent years airing their frustrations about COVID, the Republican takeover of Congress and the White House last year created a new platform for them to steer how America remembers the pandemic, and who is held responsible for it, according to Matt Dallek, a political scientist at George Washington University.

It’s also allowed them to use the administration’s resources to surface new information.

“The response to COVID has become a touchstone for Trump’s Republican Party,” Dallek said. “They’re using their power now to argue they were right all along.”

Pandemic grievances have simmered for years

When the coronavirus began spreading widely in 2020, under Trump's first administration, groups of Americans revolted against requirements imposed by local authorities and businesses telling people to wear masks and stay at home to control the spread of the virus.

Vaccines supercharged those sentiments. Figures like Kennedy, then a leader of the anti-vaccine movement, accused the federal government of trampling on personal liberties by supporting vaccine mandates and social media takedowns of dissenting ideas.

While Trump has long expressed pride in his first-term Operation Warp Speed effort to disseminate COVID-19 vaccines quickly, saving millions of lives, his second administration has taken a different tone.

Under Kennedy's leadership, U.S. regulators have limited the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for Americans. Kennedy on CNN on Sunday questioned whether the COVID-19 vaccines protected children, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that they “help keep children from getting really sick from COVID-19.”

Frances Lee, a Princeton University political scientist, said debates over COVID-19 have erupted on the fringes for years. Now that some of the leaders of those debates are in power, they're hashing it out on the national stage — something she said needed to happen eventually.

“There are aggrieved parties, people who have a sense that they were done wrong during the pandemic and that there’s never been an accounting for that,” Lee said. “Most people don’t want to think about this topic, but nevertheless there are constituencies – so Congress is speaking to those constituencies.”

Lee said Kennedy’s decision to surface numerous diary entries that Fauci had made on a government computer – and Paul’s decision to publicize them last week – created an opening for “the first real showdown” in years around the pandemic’s handling.

While some of the entries – including Fauci’s uncertainty in the pandemic’s earliest days about how best to curb the virus – already were reflected in a 2024 memoir and in interviews at the time, they have nonetheless drawn attention from people who blame Fauci for policies they believe infringed on their rights as hundreds of thousands of people were dying.

Also discussed at Fauci's hearing last week was whether NIH-funded research in China played a role in how the pandemic started. The day of the hearing, Trump's White House also directed social media followers to a federal website that used to feature information on COVID vaccines, testing and treatment that now promotes the theory that the pandemic originated with a lab leak.

Many scientists believe the virus most likely emerged in nature and jumped from animals to people, coming to light when it spread at a wildlife market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. There’s no new scientific evidence supporting the theory that the virus might instead have leaked from a laboratory, a theory Paul champions. A GOP-led subcommittee that studied the question in 2024 found no evidence linking Fauci to wrongdoing.

Fauci has long said publicly that he was open to both theories but that there’s more evidence supporting COVID-19’s natural origins.

Republican lawmakers aren't stopping at the contempt vote. Sen. Ron Johnson said Thursday that Kennedy's department had given a subcommittee he chairs a copy of Fauci's cellphone from his time in government. Johnson indicated he intended to investigate it.

“Hopefully, this device will address many of the questions he refused to answer at last week’s hearing,” he wrote on social media.

Many dismiss the idea that Republicans’ COVID fact-finding is genuine

As Republicans hold up scrutiny of Fauci as important accountability, Democrats have called it disingenuous. Paul said Thursday he'd invited Fauci to appear for a private, transcribed interview, but Democrats accused him of not allowing the full, bipartisan committee to be present for it.

Paul also referred the committee's contempt vote directly to the Justice Department, instead of to the full Senate. He said he did not “want to waste time” with that route, while Democrats insisted all senators should get a chance to vote.

Last week’s hearing, at which Fauci pleaded the Fifth, came after the immunologist had repeatedly appeared before Congress over the years and talked about his thinking in the beginning of the pandemic and how it changed over time. Critics have raised concerns that the ordeal surrounding him will deter scientists from taking government jobs for fear of being similarly targeted.

Paul has long argued that Fauci should be criminally investigated, based on his belief that the scientist has been dishonest to Congress about National Institutes of Health-funded research and COVID's origins. Fauci's attorney last week called Paul's accusations about the scientist “false and disgraceful.” More than 150 infectious-disease experts also came to Fauci's defense, writing that “no credible evidence has been produced to support these absurd charges."

Norm Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute said the hearing didn't represent legitimate truth seeking.

“They were looking for a platform in which they could attack him, and he would not respond, and he would say ‘plead the Fifth’ over and over again,” Ornstein said.

He said while some Republicans are likely true believers that Fauci committed crimes, bringing him to the forefront serves a dual purpose in a midterm election year — distracting voters from less favorable headlines, including on the economy and foreign conflicts.

Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, said there are real lessons to learn from the pandemic, including more deeply examining which efforts to contain the virus worked and didn’t work. But he said Republicans in Congress aren’t chasing those.

“A review of revisionist history will accomplish nothing,” he said. “We won’t be any better prepared for the next pandemic.”

Mariners reliever Gabe Speier suspended for three games, manager Dan Wilson for one game

Luke Olson, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:12:35 +0000

Seattle Mariners reliever Gabe Speier was given a three-game suspension Thursday after hitting Detroit’s Gleyber Torres with a pitch in the eighth inning of Wednesday night's game.

Speier is appealing the ban, according to the MLB Players Association.

Additionally, Mariners manager Dan Wilson was also suspended one-game and will serve his suspension in the series finale Thursday against the Tigers. Managers cannot appeal a suspension. Manny Acta will serve as the manager for the Mariners.

Speier had relieved Bryan Woo in the eighth inning of Seattle’s 4-2 win. After getting the first two outs, Speier threw two inside fastballs to Torres, with the latter pegging him on the upper left leg on a 96.3 mph pitch.

Torres and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh proceeded to have words with each other before the benches and bullpens cleared. There were no punches thrown, and Wilson was ejected in the aftermath after Speier was tossed from the game. It was the second time this season Wilson was removed from a game.

“It’s always frustrating when your guy’s the guy that gets thrown out,” Wilson said Wednesday. “I think, you know, their guy hits somebody and there’s no consequences.”

Torres was the fourth Tigers batter plunked after Woo hit three batters for only the second time in his career. Tigers rookie Max Clark took a pitch off his elbow guard leading off the third, Riley Green was hit by a pitch in the fourth, and Zach McKinstry in the fifth — both breaking balls on the back foot. McKinstry got first base only after a replay review showed that the ball grazed the front of his foot.

Raleigh had been plunked as well in the bottom half of the seventh by Detroit left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus with a 95-mph fastball in the bottom of the seventh.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Macomb County couple accused of throwing explosive device at elderly neighbor’s yard

Samantha Sayles — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:34:57 +0000

A St. Clair Shores couple is facing charges after allegedly throwing an explosive device at their neighbor’s lawn on Monday.

Jason Showers, 45, was charged with one count of placing explosives near a property, one count of possession of bombs with unlawful intent, two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, two counts of felony firearm, and one count of habitual offender - fourth offense notice.

Megan Showers, 38, was charged with one count of placing explosives near a property and possession of bombs with unlawful intent.

Megan Showers (left) and Jason Showers (right)

On Aug. 3, Megan Showers allegedly lit the explosive device Jason Showers was reportedly holding prior to him throwing it in their 72-year-old neighbor’s yard.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said the explosive device, described as a red, cylindrical device with the words “BYE BYE,” was extinguished by the neighbor.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the Showers’ home and found firearms, ammunition, and materials for making explosive devices.

Jason Showers’ bond was set at $100,000, cash-only. He is required to wear a steel cuff GPS tether upon release and was ordered not to contact the victim or his wife and cannot return to his home due to the proximity of the victim.

Megan Showers’ bond was set at $20,000 with a 10% option. She is required to wear a GPS tether upon release and was ordered not to contact her husband and the victim. She is allowed to return home after release.

Both are scheduled to return to court on Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. for a probable cause conference.

Ukraine strikes more oil facilities deep inside Russia, Zelenskyy says

Illia Novikov, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:22:19 +0000

Ukraine hit more oil facilities deep inside Russia in overnight attacks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday, as Kyiv kept up its campaign to undermine Moscow's wartime economy and embarrass the Kremlin.

The repeated strikes have caused fuel shortages and rattled Russians. Ukrainians, meanwhile, are enduring regular barrages that Kyiv's depleted air defenses are struggling to counter amid Moscow's 4-year-old full-scale invasion.

The Kyiv region observed an official day of mourning Thursday after a Russian missile and drone blitz killed 17 people the previous day, prompting an increasingly urgent scramble by Ukraine and its allies to find new air defense supplies.

In the first six months of this year, 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured in Ukraine, the United Nations office in Kyiv said Wednesday. That was a 37% increase from the same period last year and a 114% jump over 2024, it said, attributing the rise to more long-range aerial attacks by Russia.

Zelenskyy said he met with senior officials on how to accelerate the development of Ukraine’s own ballistic weaponry, similar to its swift wartime innovation in drone technology.

"Developing one’s own ballistic capabilities and creating a new anti-ballistic system is a task that only a tiny minority of countries worldwide have managed to accomplish,” he said in a social media post. “Ukraine has this capability.”

Zelenskyy said he expects the program to produce results this year and next after it overcomes “key challenges,” including procuring critical components, technological cooperation with partner countries, and choosing where to build the armaments.

Ukraine says it hit Russian refineries and vessels at sea

Ukrainian forces hit a refinery in Russia's Bashkortostan region, more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the front line, as well as a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, almost 700 kilometers (400 miles) from the border, Zelenskyy said on social media.

Yaroslavl Gov. Mikhail Yevrayev confirmed an attack on a refinery, saying in a Telegram post that drone debris hit the facility’s oil reservoirs, sparking a fire. Three private houses also caught fire, and several residential buildings were damaged, he added.

Ukrainian forces hit two Russian military patrol boats in the Black Sea, Zelenskyy said, along with vessels belonging to Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet, which Russia uses to evade Western restrictions on its oil exports. He did not give any details.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses overnight shot down 605 Ukrainian drones over its territory.

Ukraine seeks more interceptor missiles to bolster air defenses

Drone and glide bomb attacks across Ukraine overnight killed at least three civilians and wounded 22 others, authorities said Thursday, as countries helping Kyiv resist the invasion scrambled to find more vital air defenses for its fight.

Moscow’s forces have in recent weeks pummeled Ukraine with ballistic missiles that Kyiv officials say only the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system can stop. But the Iran war has drained stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles, leaving Ukraine at the mercy of Russian bombardments that seek to exploit the weakened air defenses.

“We are working as hard as possible with all partners who can assist with the supply of interceptor missiles to protect against such insane Russian strikes targeting life, people, and civilian facilities,” Zelenskyy said on social media late Wednesday.

He said he had spoken to NATO chief Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb about urgently procuring interceptors from stockpiles. Zelenskyy said he and Rutte “coordinated our efforts regarding countries that have the necessary missiles and the capacity to help.”

Rutte said on X that he was discussing with allies "how we can continue to get Ukraine the air defenses they urgently need.”

Russian glide bombs wound 12 in Sumy region

Russia appears determined to exhaust Ukraine through sheer weight of numbers in terms of soldiers, armor and weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes time is on his side, that Western support will fade and that Ukraine’s resistance will eventually collapse under pressure, Western analysts and officials say.

Ukraine's air force said Russia fired four missiles and 101 long-range strike drones overnight, with air defenses shooting down or jamming 66 drones.

Three people were killed in Balakliia in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, said Vitalii Karabanov, head of the city’s military administration.

In the neighboring Sumy region, Russian glide bombs wounded 12 people, the National Police said. Apartment buildings and infrastructure were damaged, with hundreds of windows shattered, said regional military administration chief Oleh Hryhorov.

In the Kherson region of southern Ukraine, a Russian drone struck a bus carrying farmworkers, injuring six people, regional authorities said.

A Russian drone also struck a residential area in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring four, said regional administration head Ivan Fedorov.

UN chief condemns escalating attacks

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned both sides for their attacks, his spokesman said.

“These latest series of attacks follow an alarming pattern of escalating strikes against populated areas, reportedly resulting in a record-level increase in numbers of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of residential and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as increasingly in the Russian Federation,” said Farhan Haq, Guterres’ deputy spokesman.

The U.N. chief also called for freedom of navigation in the Black and Azov seas, expressing concern at the risks to shipping, the spokesman said.

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Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

In a post-pandemic world, job candidates feel caught between suits and hoodies

Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:43:08 +0000

The matching blazer and pants Dani McEwen wore to a job interview at an insurance company felt like a smart choice, until she noticed most of the employees had on T-shirts and jeans.

"The first thing that went through my mind was that I probably looked like I was trying way too hard and maybe seemed too uptight," McEwen, a student at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, said.

With virtual interviews and casual work environments proliferating, job candidates are having a hard time figuring out what to wear when they meet potential employers online or in person. Polished suits and other types of professional business attire — the typical recommendation of career advisers in years past — no longer are the default option when interviewers may show up in hoodies and shorts.

The disconnect between long-established conventions and the less-rigid workplace settings of a post-pandemic world is confusing many job applicants who want to dress to impress.

“If the last six years has proven anything, it’s that everyone and everything has become slightly more relaxed,” said Christina Adamo, a personal stylist at the Neiman Marcus store in Paramus, New Jersey. “That especially goes for dress codes, in great part because of the transition a lot of companies have had to hybrid and remote work.”

Wearing a well-tailored suit is still frequently prescribed when interviewing for executive positions and jobs in fields such as law and finance, stylists and staffing recruiters said. But it's worth exploring an organization in advance to get a sense of the culture, or asking the hiring manager or recruiter directly about the dress code. Getting it right, or wrong, may impact your performance, especially during a face-to-face meeting.

“If you walk in and you’re already feeling out of place in the atmosphere, your answers just aren’t as good,” said McEwen, 20, who manages a student career closet of donated suits and work attire at her university. “Most of what matters about your interview outfit is that you feel confident about it. It puts you in the mindset that you’re going to succeed.”

Research the way people dress at the company and then take it up a notch

One way to scope out an organization's style vibe is to check its social media accounts or website to see what employees wear. For example, the career section of The Walt Disney Co.’s website features photos of an attorney, a writer and a maintenance technician employed by the company. After learning how employees in your line of work typically dress, prepare to look a little more polished than that for your interview, experts advised.

“If you were to look at a company’s LinkedIn page and they’re using words like ‘We’re fresh, we’re innovative, we’re the new kids on the block, we’re here to shock the industry,’ then you know that the dress code is going to be more casual than if they’re saying ‘We are a traditional historic brand with traditional values,’” said Samantha Harman, a London-based personal stylist and author of “Just Get Dressed,” a personal style guide for women.

If you're going for a more senior role, think about refreshing your style so you don't look dated, Harman, 37, said. “You don’t want anyone to think that you have a dated skill set because you want to be seen as someone who’s innovative, who’s going to have lots of new ideas.”

Sometimes, even after doing the research, candidates find they're dressing up more than their interviewers. Molly Tyndale, 22, wore a blouse and suit jacket to an online interview for a business development position after she was told by the company that the dress code was “business professional.” She was surprised when one of her interviewers showed up wearing an athletic T-shirt.

“If I, as the candidate, had joined in a T-shirt, that would almost certainly be an automatic no,” she said. “It’s frustrating.”

Create a first impression that conveys accomplishment

A wardrobe can be a personal branding tool for your career, Harman said. Hiring managers for senior positions are increasingly asking, “Does this person look like somebody we can send out if there’s a crisis and we need somebody to talk to the media? Or does this person look like they could host our next internal conference? Do they look like we could put them on a stage?” she said.

To convey quiet confidence as a publicist in Los Angeles, Dylan Thomas Cotter wears a dark blue tailored suit to job interviews or meetings where he's trying to land a new client. In public relations, “if something goes south, we need to immediately look like we’re capable to handle that,” Cotter, 43, said. "But also, when we make our first impression on behalf of our clients, we can make or break their business if we’re not good at what we do.”

If you want to be perceived as a leader, think about watching fall fashion shows to see what colors will likely be trendy in the spring, and wear those colors before that season, Harman suggested. Browsing through Vogue magazine can show you what colors or silhouettes are popping. “Always look at shoes and bags, because they have interesting updates that could look quite cool,” she said.

People on a budget can explore thrift stores or community organizations that offer donated career clothing.

Wear clean clothes that fit well for any job interview

While formality levels vary from one workplace to the next, some interview-dressing guidelines almost always are worth following.

“Make sure everything is nice and clean and presentable," to convey that you're taking the opportunity seriously, said Jamie Close, a Charleston, South Carolina-based corporate recruiter at HireQuest, a national staffing and recruiting firm. "Then you’ll feel more confident about yourself as well because you’re not worried about ill-fitting clothes.”

Don't buy something new and wear it for the first time to an interview, Close advised. “Make sure you’ve worn it somewhere before so you know how it feels when you’re sitting down or standing up and you’re not constantly fidgeting with your clothes,” she said.

If you're interviewing for a job in the skilled trades, “wear what you wear to work, but wear that nice, clean version,” Close suggested. “Clean boots, a nice collared shirt, ready to work. But not like you just walked off of a work site.”

Make as much effort for online interviews as in-person meetings

Dress for a virtual interview the same way you would for an in-person meeting, experts said. Even if the camera will only show your head and torso, Harman suggests wearing shoes because they can signal to your brain to behave in a different way.

For virtual interviews, wearing solid colors is a good choice, because those tend to look better on camera than busy patterns, Adamo said.

"You want to show up as the best version of yourself and that includes dressing the part," Adamo said. “While many would suggest ‘waist up’ dressing since your top half is doing most of the work, I recommend treating it as if you were going in person. It helps put you in the right headspace, and feeling confident in what you’re wearing is the most important part.”

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Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ap.org. Follow AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well

FIFA's president held off an internal revolt. Next up is a hotly contested election

James Robson, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:28:07 +0000

FIFA president Gianni Infantino held off the potential of an internal revolt during a summit meeting in Morocco this week. A scathing response from European soccer's governing body on Thursday, however, showed that he still has a fight on his hands to hold onto power.

UEFA blasted Infantino and his organization again over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, declaring it wants assurances that “attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.”

The reaction revealed the depths of animosity toward Infantino as he attempts to run for re-election next year while trying to quell outrage over the equity plan. FIFA issued an apology on Wednesday over the plan, and senior staff members at a crisis meeting in Rabat “reaffirmed their full support” for his presidency.

The UEFA response shows how the apology will not be enough to satisfy his fiercest detractors, who want a change at the top of FIFA.

That process will play out in the coming months with a vote in March among the 211 national member federations. Each nation gets a vote, and he needs a simple majority to retain his presidency.

Infantino left New York with around 200 letters of support from those federations. That number is likely to be depleted now, but it is not clear how many of those individual federations would turn against him when it comes to the vote.

Continental soccer bodies in Europe, Asia and North and South America have voiced varying degrees of opposition to Infantino's plans. Crucially, however, confederations are not obliged to vote collectively and there are no guarantees of reaching the 106 votes needed to ensure a majority in a contested election.

The English FA has withdrawn its support, as have Serbia, Sweden and Wales. Many, many others have been noncommittal.

Infantino, whose expansion of the World Cup has opened it up to more countries, has a traditional support base in Africa, which has 54 voting members. Even among the tumultuous fallout from the plan, he has received pockets of support from individual federations including 2022 World Cup host Qatar.

UEFA maintained its threat to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions and reiterated that it had lost confidence in Infantino.

"Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA President (and whose careers depend on his favor) agree with him changes nothing,” it said.

Infantino is fighting on

Wednesday's summit in Rabat was dubbed a crisis meeting after an internal backlash against Infantino's controversial plan.

His secretary general Mattias Grafström said it created “turmoil which is difficult to comprehend and accept.” Chief of global football development Arsène Wenger distanced himself from the plans, while Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned last week and chief operating officer Kevin Lamour said staff were “deceived” by the president’s lack of openness.

Infantino emerged from the meeting with a unified response from those in attendance — notably Grafström — confirming support for his presidency.

That was evidence of the Swiss-Italian's determination to resist the pressure on his position and win a fourth and final term in office through 2031.

The wording of FIFA's statement, however, was open to interpretation, saying “members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance” reaffirmed their support for him.

FIFA has not published a list of attendees, but it is reported Wenger, Lamour and chief football officer Jill Ellis were among those absent.

It would take at least 19 of FIFA's 37 council members to trigger an extraordinary general meeting where Infantino could be called on to explain his actions.

Finding a challenger

It's one thing wanting Infantino out, it's another finding someone who can drum up the support to take him on.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaïfi is widely seen as a good fit. He is the chairman of association of European Football Clubs, which represents the top teams on the continent including Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Manchester United.

He was unifying force in the wake of the failed European Super League project and may be seen as the type of candidate capable bringing national federations back together following Infantino's similarly divisive plan.

There's one catch — he doesn't want the job.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press Al-Khelaifi had “absolutely no ambition, no intention and no interest in the FIFA role."

Canadian FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani is another name to throw into the mix. The president of Norwegian soccer Lise Klaveness has been outspoken in her criticism of Infantino, and the president of the Asian soccer confederation, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, also came out strongly in opposition of FFE.

Nov. 18 is the deadline for candidates to enter the next presidential contest, exactly four months ahead of the vote.

Pressure is growing

FIFA said it hoped Wednesday's meeting would “help restore confidence” in the organization after the turbulence created by Infantino’s project.

Infantino's detractors had other ideas.

UEFA's response was scathing, saying it had made it “abundantly clear” that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s presidency.

"That position holds,” it said.

Key dates

As well as the Nov. 18 deadline for candidates, the Women’s Under-20 World Cup hosted by Poland from Sept. 5. would be the first potential target for UEFA's threatened boycott.

A potential boycott also raises uncertainty over the staging for the 2035 Women’s World Cup. The four British federations comprise FIFA’s only bidder to host the tournament and the decision is due Nov. 23.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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See more on recalled lettuce here.

NASCAR changing stage break rules to limit laps run under caution, create more green flag racing

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:24:35 +0000

NASCAR plans to implement a new stage-break procedure for its Cup Series races beginning this weekend at Iowa Speedway and continuing through the remainder of the season.

Under the new rules, when a natural caution occurs with 10 or fewer laps remaining in Stage 1 or Stage 2, it will be deemed complete at the time of caution — with that same caution period serving as the scheduled stage break.

NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell said Thursday on social media the change stems from the July 26 race at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, where he said fans were unhappy about too many back-to-back laps run under caution near stage breaks.

“Long periods of caution laps and not enough green-flag racing,” O'Donnell said. “We heard you, and we want to make a change. ... No more back-to-back cautions. No more elongated cautions laps. More green flag racing. More action for you the fans.”

When the field returns to the start/finish line under yellow, the leader will receive the green-and-white checkered flag along with the yellow, according to NASCAR. At the time of the caution, the top-10 stage finishing order will be determined using all available resources, including scoring loops and video replay — similar to how stage points are awarded.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

Paws Welcome: The Dog-Friendly Takeover

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:22:32 +0000

Man’s best friend has always been a priceless companion to individuals and families. In recent years, however, dogs have also become the center of a global business phenomenon.

Local 4 Lifestyle Editor Jon Jordan and his adorable West Highland White Terrier named Fred appeared on “Live in the D” to share some of the ways that the world is going more dog-friendly.

Detroit-area duo pulled off $4.1M fraud scheme, panicked when police showed up, feds say

Erika Erickson — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:59:16 +0000

Shawn Carter (pictured) and Danielle Thomas are facing charges in connection to at least 409 allegedly fraudulent unemployment insurance claims made in 32 different states.

Investigators say a Metro Detroit duo has been tied to hundreds of suspected bogus jobless claims across 32 states totaling over $4 million. And when things went sideways, investigators say a series of texts between the two captured the moment the alleged scheme hit panic mode.

Shawn Carter, 38, of Woodhaven, and Danielle Thomas, 36, are now charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to a special agent with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

How the feds say it started

Federal investigators say it started with online unemployment insurance (UI) claims, filed fast, in bulk, and sometimes in other people’s names, then turned into money on Bank of America debit cards that could be drained at ATMs.

In a criminal complaint filed Aug. 1, 2026, in federal court, the U.S. Department of Labor special agent working out of Detroit described how unemployment benefits are commonly paid — often by debit cards issued by Bank of America and mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

The feds said electronic transfers are moved through data centers in Virginia and Colorado, which is why the movement of those funds can be framed as interstate wire communications.

Investigators said the alleged fraud took advantage of the massive pandemic-era expansion of unemployment benefits from March 2020 through Sept. 4, 2021, when federal programs pumped large supplemental funds to states.

Federal agents say Shawn Carter filed at least 68 suspected fraudulent UI claims in his name using his Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of other people.

Digital and financial footprints lead to Detroit

Investigators said they determined Carter and Thomas were associated with hundreds of suspected fraudulent claims between March 15, 2020, and March 10, 2022. The digital and financial fingerprints included common IP and email addresses, bank accounts, home addresses and “similarities in claim information.”

For Carter, agents said they identified at least 68 suspected fraudulent UI claims filed in his name using his Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of other people.

For Thomas, investigators said they identified at least 25 suspected fraudulent UI claims filed in her name using her Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of others, plus an additional 26 suspected claims tied to her home address.

Federal agents say Shawn Carter filed at least 68 suspected fraudulent UI claims in his name using his Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of other people.

Debit cards and ATM images of cash withdrawals

The feds said the fraudulent claims generated debit cards that were mailed to Michigan addresses, then used to withdraw cash in metro Detroit.

In one California claim tied to Detroit, a Bank of America unemployment debit card was allegedly mailed there, and $20,100 in benefits was deposited into the debit account.

Bank of America handed over ATM surveillance photos of a withdrawal made with that card on Aug. 25, 2020, which, according to federal investigators, showed Carter as the person in the images. They also said they linked a gold necklace Carter was wearing to an image on Carter’s phone.

Federal investigators say surveillance photos provided by Bank of America linked a gold necklace Carter was wearing to an image on his phone.

In multiple instances, the complaint said, Bank of America debit cards were mailed to Detroit addresses and then used in cash withdrawals in Michigan, and investigators determined Carter was the person on surveillance images making those withdrawals.

In another case, a California claim was listed at a Detroit address, and $20,400 was deposited on July 23, 2020. But investigators said the person whose name was on the claim was later interviewed, and they said they did not receive benefits and did not give anyone permission.

The feds also said another “Shawn Carter” — a victim — was interviewed, too. A Hawaii claim filed Nov. 18, 2020, allegedly used the Social Security number of another man named Shawn Carter, and that an image of a Hawaii claim in his name was found on Thomas’ phone. The feds said they later interviewed the victim, Shawn Carter, on July 8, 2024, and he said he was a victim of identity theft and that he did not file any claim.

Federal agents say Shawn Carter filed at least 68 suspected fraudulent UI claims in his name using his Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of other people.

The Dearborn arrest and what police say they found

On Oct. 12, 2021, Dearborn police were dispatched to the Dearborn Federal Credit Union after a report of “a fraud in progress,” according to the complaint.

A woman, later identified as Danielle Thomas, was apparently using a fraudulent credit card to withdraw money. When officers arrived and asked for ID, the feds said Thomas gave them “a counterfeit Pennsylvania Driver’s License.” They said the name on the ID was real, but it had Thomas’ photo on it.

Police arrested Thomas for fraud and obstruction of justice, and during the arrest, officers said they discovered multiple fake driver’s licenses with Thomas’ picture on them. They said they also found several California UI debit cards in names of other people — including one matching the name on the counterfeit Pennsylvania license.

Police said they also took Thomas’ phone. After a search, police said they found notes and images with personal identifying information, claim information, email accounts tied to claims, and conversations about unemployment fraud — including conversations between Thomas and Carter.

Federal agents say Shawn Carter filed at least 68 suspected fraudulent UI claims in his name using his Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of other people.

The texts: ‘Delete all your messages’

The complaint included text message exchanges investigators say show the two coordinating debit cards and withdrawals.

On Oct. 5, 2021, the feds said Thomas, and a phone number registered to Carter, exchanged messages that appeared to be about a Bank of America unemployment debit card tied to a claim:

- CARTER: “You at home need that T.L. [name redacted] card”

- THOMAS: “Yeah I’m home”

- CARTER: “Ok”

- CARTER: “The one you got ain’t locked is it”

- THOMAS: “idk”

- CARTER: “Send me the back of the card on telegram so I can check”

- THOMAS: “Ok”

Then came the messages from Oct. 12, 2021 — just prior and leading up to Thomas’ arrest, the feds said. It allegedly starts as Carter tells her he’s headed to Detroit:

- CARTER: “On my way to the city”

- THOMAS: “Ok”

- CARTER: “Meet me at shop”

- THOMAS: “Ok”

- CARTER: “Bring the M****** [name redacted] one”

- THOMAS: “Ok”

Then, as the two allegedly discuss which banks work, the messages get more specific:

- THOMAS: “It just decline”

- CARTER: “I just activated the one at my mom house this the card that work they sent two”

- THOMAS: “Chase Ford rd”

- CARTER: “Before Telegraph”

- THOMAS: “Yeah”

- CARTER: “Meet me at the boa right there”

A few lines later:

- THOMAS: “It’s good I only could do 5k”

- CARTER: “Ok bet chase should be good now”

- THOMAS: “It DC in chase but it worked in dfcu”

- CARTER: “Ok so dfcu and tcf it out”

And then, abruptly:

- THOMAS: “The police here”

- CARTER: “Huh”

- CARTER: “On my way”

- THOMAS: “They going through my car but I’m in the police car”

- CARTER: “What was all in there”

- THOMAS: “Cards money ids”

- CARTER: “Is they gon give me your car”

- CARTER: “Can you call”

- THOMAS: “No I’m sneaking texting you I’m handcuffed”

- CARTER: “Delete all your messages”

- THOMAS: “OK”

A separate search at Carter’s home

The feds said they later searched Carter’s Woodhaven home on July 13, 2023, with the help of Northville Township police (under a state warrant tied to bank fraud and check fraud). They said Carter was there when they arrived. Police said they seized “dozens of fake ID cards, banking documents associated with fraudulent accounts, cashier’s checks and counterfeit social security cards,” along with electronic devices later searched under a federal warrant for evidence of unemployment fraud.

The exact dollar figure

In total, the feds said, “approximately $4,117,788 in UI benefits were disbursed on claims associated with the duo.

Both Carter and Thomas are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Detroit.

Iran war renews concerns about the lasting toll of traumatic brain injuries to US troops

Ben Finley And Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:49:57 +0000

When Joe Shearer was a Marine fighting in Iraq, a blast from an enemy mortar round knocked him down and made him vomit. He got up and kept going despite a searing headache.

When a roadside bomb struck his Humvee convoy months later, the explosion’s shock wave swept through his body before headaches and sleeplessness set in for days.

“As long as you got back up and could go back on patrol, that’s kind of what you did,” he said.

Shearer, 40, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, links both events in 2005 to traumatic brain injuries, which were only recently diagnosed. He's still plagued with symptoms ranging from dizziness and migraines to forgetting daily tasks and responsibilities to his wife and children.

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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

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The lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries are raising fresh concerns about the toll of the Iran war on American troops who are suffering those wounds during a conflict without a clear end. Nearly 700 U.S. service members have been wounded by drone and missile attacks on bases in the Middle East and other fighting. Most have experienced traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, and returned to duty, according to public statements from military officials.

The Pentagon's chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, last month called the vast majority of injuries over a two-week period "minor concussions.”

Doctors can't predict who may have lasting effects from a TBI

Doctors have no way to predict who will suffer lasting problems, a vexing enough question that there’s medical debate over whether to retire the term “mild TBI.” Repeated blows are known to increase the chances of lasting problems, including a degenerative brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. It has gained attention for links to deaths in the National Football League and other sports.

It’s imperative that people recover from a concussion before doing activities that put them at increased risk of another, said Dr. David Okonkwo, a University of Pittsburgh brain trauma specialist.

Doctors also are still learning how explosive blasts injure the brain versus a physical blow.

“The blast wave itself can be injurious,” said Dr. James Kelly, an emeritus professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and chief medical scientist at the Invisible Wounds Foundation, which is focused on military brain injuries. “It’s a different cellular injury. Blast is a different thing than a blunt injury to the head.”

Troops have been facing a new type of warfare with Iran in which drones may explode closer to their heads, as opposed to the ground-level roadside bombs and improvised explosives that were more common in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democratic lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the care that wounded troops received following an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that killed six U.S. soldiers early in the war. Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin pressed the military in a letter on Wednesday to release the findings of its investigation into the March 1 attack.

“I spoke directly with Wisconsinites who sustained traumatic brain injuries from (President Donald) Trump’s war in Iran and went weeks without so much as a screening, let alone specialized care, for their injuries,” Baldwin said in a statement.

Defense Health Agency spokesman Peter Graves said in an email that “it is policy that service members are screened for TBI.”

Experts say the military has made strides in screening and treating TBIs, a signature injury in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 500,000 service members were diagnosed between 2000 and 2025, with 82% of cases considered mild and not all of them related to combat. But advocates say the injuries could still be undercounted because symptoms often overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

A TBI diagnosis can emerge years later

Neither of the two blasts Shearer experienced in Iraq produced obvious injuries, and medics prioritized Marines who were more badly hurt.

“You don’t want to be the guy who goes to sick call or says, ‘Oh, I’m hurt,’ because you’re away from your team,” Shearer said. “There’s this culture of you don’t want to be seen as lesser or weak, so you hide injuries inherently.”

When he came home at age 19, he denied he had PTSD and didn't know what a TBI was. Plagued by nightmares, sleeplessness and headaches, he initially turned to drugs to self-medicate and considered suicide.

Shearer eventually got help for PTSD, but it took years for him to consider that he suffered traumatic brain injuries. He was working for the Wounded Warrior Project and screening fellow vets for TBIs when he realized he checked many of the same boxes.

He's since been diagnosed and received treatment. But challenges remain, including vertigo and light sensitivity. He also forgets important conversations with his family.

“I know that some of that stuff is stereotypical, but for me, it's got a different ring to it,” Shearer said. “There will be no memory of the conversation happening.”

The brain can adapt with treatments and therapies

Memory loss is something Army veteran Frank Sonntag also experienced following a TBI from a mortar blast in Iraq in 2004.

He was in his 50s and training reservists when he felt a blast of wind against his ear from an explosion 70 feet (21 meters) away. He didn’t know he was hurt and didn't seek treatment for two years, ignoring intensifying headaches and brain fog.

It got to the point where it took 30 minutes to write an email, while colleagues told him he spoke one word every 10 seconds. He considered suicide and was diagnosed only after he got lost driving home. Neurologists prescribed medication for his migraines, among other treatments.

“Speech therapy was one of the greatest things I had,” added Sonntag, 75, of Queen Creek, Arizona. “They taught me how to practice the words I was speaking and how to put sentences together again.”

Kelly Parker, director of independent services at the Wounded Warrior Project, said it's hard to predict an injury's trajectory.

“If you've seen one TBI, you've seen one TBI," she said.

Screening, early treatment and support can be crucial to returning to a more normal life. Physical, speech and art therapies can lead to improvements, she said.

“There’s still so much we don’t know about the brain, but one thing that we do know is it can heal itself,” Parker said. “We know that new neural pathways can be created, and we absolutely believe that the brain can adapt. We've seen it happen.”

Army veteran Spencer Milo said some people struggle to understand why he's still dealing with migraines, seizures and forgetfulness after so many years out of uniform.

His first TBI occurred in Iraq in 2008, when his Humvee smashed into a wall to evade fire. His second came from the blast of a suicide bomber in Afghanistan in 2011.

“I’ve had fellow service members that were even with me on those days, and they’re like, ‘Dude, why can’t you just kick it?’” said Milo, 41, of Parker, Colorado. “I really wish it was that simple. It’s tough because when you can’t see something, it’s hard to believe that it’s really there.”

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A new Tennessee congressional map that splits Memphis is making its debut in the state's primary

David A. Lieb And Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:02:25 +0000

A new Tennessee congressional map that carved up a majority Black district in Memphis is making its electoral debut Thursday in a primary election that will determine the nominees for a Republican attempt at a clean sweep of the state's U.S. House districts in the midterms.

The primaries were upended just three months before the vote when the Republican-led Legislature redrew congressional districts following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protection for minorities. President Donald Trump cheered the redistricting as part of a national plan to try to help Republicans hold on to their slim House majority.

Trump has endorsed state Sen. Brent Taylor in the four-person Republican primary for the significantly reshaped 9th Congressional District, which now stretches about 200 miles (320 kilometers) east from Memphis before reaching north toward the Nashville area. The district, which previously favored Democrats, now tilts toward Republicans, and some Memphis voters have raised concerns that their representation has been diminished.

After the redistricting, longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen announced that he would no longer seek reelection in the 9th District. Cohen's primary challenger, Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson, then was joined by state Sen. London Lamar in what became a four-person contest.

Pearson gained national attention in 2023 when he was expelled by the Republican-led state House for protesting in support of gun control measures following a deadly school shooting in Nashville. Memphis voters later reelected him.

Republicans currently hold eight of the state's nine congressional seats.

Memphis voters voice their dismay over redistricting

For decades Memphis, the most populous city in Shelby County, formed the base of its own congressional district. Now the county is split among three districts that extend outward like spokes into rural areas.

Lonzo Taylor, a retired postal worker and military veteran, said Black voters like himself have had their voices diluted.

“We only had one district in the whole state of Tennessee, and you don’t even want that to be fair? It’s just terrible,” said Taylor, 72. “I love this state, but I am very disappointed in our governor,” who called lawmakers into a special session for the redistricting.

Milla Meiman, 23, who voted early in the Democratic primary, said she did not realize the congressional map had changed until receiving a letter about it in the mail.

“It’s a drastic change to have your district sort of switched around like that,” said Meiman, who works part time at an ice cream shop and public library. Meiman added: “I think it’s a voter suppression tactic.”

Terrice Thomas, 45, an educator who votes for Democrats, had to learn a lot more about the candidates when she got switched from District 9 to District 8. She is concerned Memphis constituents could get overlooked.

“Is everybody going to have an equal say on what’s happening in their communities or even the people that you’re voting for?” Thomas said. “Are they going to really take into account the different areas and what makes us unique?”

Republican Rep. Ogles is facing a GOP challenger in the 5th District

The cracking apart of Memphis sent ripples throughout the state, also significantly reshaping the 5th Congressional District held by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles, a conservative Freedom Caucus member who is seeking reelection and was endorsed by Trump.

He faces a primary challenge from Charlie Hatcher, a former state agriculture commissioner under Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who has endorsed Hatcher for Congress.

Previously centered on Nashville and central Tennessee, the district now extends to the northwest corner of the state before snaking south along the Mississippi River to Memphis. Along the way it touches the borders of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Ogles has faced controversy. His cellphone was seized by the FBI in 2024 as part of an investigation into his campaign finance reporting. But the Justice Department recently agreed to return the device, signaling that it was abandoning the probe, which began under the Biden administration.

On the Democratic side, the five-way primary features Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who has continued to run in the reshaped district despite being drawn out of it.

Candidates vie for an open Republican House seat in the 6th District

Republican U.S. Rep. John Rose is forgoing reelection in the 6th District to run for governor instead. That created a contentious primary for the Republican-leaning district, which stretches east from Nashville.

The four Republican candidates include state Rep. Johnny Garrett and Rose’s recent chief of staff, former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, who served eight years in Congress before losing a gubernatorial bid in 2002. Five Democrats also are seeking the seat.

Voters also pick candidates for governor and Senate

Rose and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn are among three Republicans and five Democrats running to succeed Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection. Blackburn, who won her second six-year Senate term in 2024, would have to give the seat up if elected.

Republicans have held the governor's office since 2011 and won every U.S. Senate election since 1994. Sen. Bill Hagerty is unopposed in this year's Republican primary, though numerous Democrats and independents are battling for the chance to challenge him.

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The story has been updated to correct the day of the primary election to Thursday, from Tuesday.

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Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri.

This weekend will be packed with festivals

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:04:59 +0000

Whether you love music, fireworks, food, or carnival rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at festivals happening around the Detroit area this weekend.

Watch the video above to learn about a variety of events, ranging from Dearborn Homecoming Festival to Milford Memories.

Jade Carey returns home to the US gymnastics championships with 'no expectations, no pressure'

Will Graves, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:01:57 +0000

Jade Carey doesn't need to be at the U.S. gymnastics championships. At least, not like this.

That's part of what makes it all so sweet.

The 26-year-old knows she could have walked away following her final season at Oregon State in the spring of 2025, with a resume stuffed with Olympic and world championship medals and her place in the history of the storied U.S. women's program secure.

She tried, kind of. The athlete who had been going nonstop for the better part of 20 years gave her body a bit of a break after her NCAA career ended. It lasted a handful of weeks.

Then one day, she popped into the gym and, in the words of her father and longtime coach Brian, “started playing again.”

Emphasis on “playing.”

If there's anything the two-time Olympic gold medalist has learned, it's that taking this too seriously can quickly rob you of the joy that brought you to it in the first place.

Asked if she feels the weight of living up to the standard she's set for herself as the Phoenix native prepares to salute the judges at the national championships for a seventh time when the women's competition begins at Mortgage Matchup Center, Carey shrugs.

“I just feel like right now I have one more opportunity to just have fun with it,” she said. “No expectations, no pressure."

Maturing means understanding who she was in 2021 is not who she is in 2026. There have been times she'll randomly come across a video of her gold medal-winning floor exercise routine at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago and think “that was pretty hard.”

Whether she can get back to that level as she makes a bid for a third trip to the Olympics is anyone's guess, Carey's included. Her body has held up remarkably well through the years, thanks in large part to the pragmatic approach she and Brian Carey have taken toward her training.

“I don’t know if that’s coming back,” she said. “But you never know. And I feel like training, getting back into it this year, was really hard. But I’ve kind of hit my stride, and it’s getting a little easier and feeling a little more familiar.”

Sticking with the plan

Carey finished second in the all-around to 17-year-old Reese Esponda at the U.S. Classic a few weeks ago in her first elite competition since leaving the 2024 Paris Games with a pair of Olympic medals. She did it with routines that are designed to serve as a foundation as she methodically builds toward the summer of 2028.

The plan is to add difficulty as she goes along, but only when she's ready. In her mid-20s, Carey is not the same gymnast who took a circuitous path to the Tokyo Olympics that ended with the floor routine of a lifetime and the most precious of medals around her neck.

The amount of time she spends in the gym on a given day depends on how she's feeling. She and her father have an understanding that as long as she hits her numbers — meaning, how many times she works on an assignment — it doesn't matter how long she's there.

Some days she can knock it out in three hours. Some days, it's more like eight. On the days she's not feeling it at all, they'll work on a plan that spreads the workload out over a longer period of time, though that remains a rarity.

“Normally, it’s like she’s so fine-tuned with her skill, she just gets up and knocks it out,” Brian Carey said.

That's kind of what she does. What's perhaps the most remarkable thing about Carey's career is the way she simply keeps going. While some of her Olympic teammates have opted to take time off and recover after a triumphant performance — Tokyo Olympic champion Suni Lee announced last month she is preparing for a return after a two-year hiatus — Carey largely has not.

The internal desire to excel still burns bright

Her father credits an internal “fire” that doesn't need much to be stoked. He ordered her to take a vacation after her senior year at Oregon State. It lasted a month. There was never any formal discussion about pushing toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It just sort of happened.

That doesn't mean slipping back into her routine was easy.

“I could tell my body was like, ‘What are you doing? You haven’t gone upside down in a while, like we don’t do this anymore,’” she said with a laugh. “But I’m like, ‘No, we’re going to, trust me.’”

She's well aware some of the skills she once mastered may never come back, so she'll need to evolve. That could mean opting for slightly easier (at least by gymnastics standards) elements and combinations, hoping to make up for in execution what she might lack in difficulty.

Brian Carey's job is to make sure she isn't in a rush to find out. Sometimes he still has to tell his daughter to “pump the brakes a little bit." There are days when Carey feels she's ahead of schedule. That doesn't mean the schedule is going to be adjusted. The short-term goal is to build toward earning a spot on the world championship team in October.

Yes, she understands the prospect of competing in a home Olympics is out there in the ether. And sure, it played a factor in her decision to give it a shot. The reality is, she probably would be here anyway, no matter if the Olympics were in Los Angeles or London or somebody's backyard.

The fire inside continues to burn brightly. She learned to respect it long ago. She has the rest of her life to not do gymnastics. Why douse the flames before she's ready?

“I’ve done so much that I just, I don’t know,” she said. "I just want to do this round again for fun and see how far I can push myself.”

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

Michigan health officials lift lettuce, salad greens warning as cyclosporiasis cases decline

Samantha Sayles — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:55:26 +0000

Michigan residents can resume routine guidance on eating lettuce and salad greens, state health officials said Thursday, as cyclosporiasis cases begin to decline.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported on Aug. 6 that there have been 12,485 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state since its investigation began in June. The department said data suggests that new cyclosporiasis case reports are slowing, including a downward trend in diarrhea-related emergency room visits.

People exposed to cyclosporiasis start feeling sick seven days after exposure, but symptoms could take up to 14 days to appear.

According to state health officials, data suggest that most exposures happened in late June to early July, and the majority of the contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption, given the seven-day average incubation period.

Based on the data, MDHHS said Michiganders can return to routine guidance for handling produce, including lettuce and salad greens. The precautionary recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes during the outbreak is no longer in effect.

Detailed information about routine guidance on handling produce can be found on CDC’s website.

MDHHS will continue to report all outbreak data weekly on Thursdays and said residents should continue to avoid recalled lettuce.

Michigan Science Center launches new weekend dissection program, ‘Insides Out’

Jenny Sherman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:38:38 +0000

Michigan Science Center

Weekend visitors to the Michigan Science Center now have a chance to watch a live dissection and learn about anatomy and health through the museum’s new “Insides Out” program.

The dissection series, presented by Medline Inc., will take place on the museum’s main floor in Mi-Sci’s Learning Launchpad from 2-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

“Including health and anatomy education into our programming is part of our mission to put YOU at the center of science,” said Dr. Christian Greer, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center, in a news release. “Our goal is to make these demonstrations fascinating, fun and approachable so the kids present are even better prepared to engage with this type of content when they encounter it later in the classroom.”

The program will utilize sheep hearts and other organs that offer parallels to human anatomy, allowing visitors to see something new each week. It will also include hands-on activities for kids like coloring sheets, paper models and stuffed animal models to help them follow along with the dissection, according to the museum.

“Through this partnership with the Michigan Science Center, we’re helping make anatomy and health education more engaging and accessible for families while inspiring the healthcare innovators and caregivers of the future,” Medline Chief Marketing Officer Jenny Lee said about the program.

For more information about Insides Out, visit mi-sci.org.

Amanda Knox claims show she is performing at Edinburgh festival honors her murdered former flatmate

Pan Pylas, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:37:32 +0000

Amanda Knox, the American student convicted and later acquitted of the gruesome murder and sexual assault of her British flatmate Meredith Kercher 19 years ago in Italy, has defended herself against charges from Kercher’s sister that a show she is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in Scotland over the coming days trivializes violence against women and should be axed.

Knox, now 39, said Thursday in a post on Instagram that her comedy show “honors Meredith Kercher’s memory and calls out the violence that was done to her and to me.”

The show is called “Cartwheel,” a reference to a story that claimed Knox did cartwheels in the police station after her Meredith's death. It is debuting Friday evening and is due to run for 11 straight nights at the annual August mish-mash of standup, theater and musical offerings in the Scottish capital.

The show is being marketed as a woman “approaching forty, juggling motherhood and finally getting around to being furious about the whole wrongful-imprisonment thing. Especially when half the world is telling her to get over it, while the other half still thinks she’s guilty.”

Knox was a 20-year-old student in Perugia when Kercher was found stabbed to death on Nov. 2, 2007, in her bedroom in the apartment they shared with two Italian women.

The case made global headlines as suspicion quickly fell on Knox and her boyfriend of just days, Raffaele Sollecito. She served nearly four years in prison during the investigation, initial murder trial and when she was freed by an appeals court in Perugia. The couple were acquitted by Italy’s highest court in 2015.

Another man, Rudy Hermann Guede, from the Ivory Coast, was eventually convicted of murder after his DNA was found at the crime scene. He was freed in 2021, after serving most of his 16-year sentence.

Knox returned to the United States in 2011, after being freed by the appeals court in Perugia, and has since established herself as a global campaigner for the wrongly convicted. She has a podcast with her husband and last year published a memoir titled, “Free: My Search for Meaning.”

Knox's post follows an interview that Meredith Kercher's sister, Stephanie Kercher, gave to the BBC during which she said the show “normalizes and trivializes violence against women.”

While insisting that Knox is “naturally free to continue with her life as she wishes,” she said “the problem with this particular project is that it is comedy.”

“It’s not about whether people think she’s guilty or innocent, if someone else was doing the show specifically against Meredith, I would still feel the same, it is obviously an added wound that it’s coming from her at the same time, but I do feel very strongly that it should be something that’s not given a platform," she said.

An online petition calling for the show to be canceled has been launched and so far has more than 4,400 signatories. It states that the show “mocks the horrific events surrounding Meredith’s murder and aims to somehow turn this tragedy into entertainment.”

Knox said "a petition to cancel a show no one has seen, on the grounds of false accusations intended to shame and vilify a wronged woman into silence, is not an argument against Cartwheel.”

The Edinburgh Fringe, she added, “is the perfect place for a show like this.”

UEFA maintains World Cup boycott threat after Gianni Infantino's crisis meeting

James Robson, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:27:20 +0000

European soccer's governing body has retained its threat to boycott FIFA competitions despite FIFA apologizing for its failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

UEFA on Thursday reiterated that it had lost confidence in FIFA president Gianni Infantino and said conditions to withdraw its boycott threat had not been met.

“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non participation in FIFA competitions," it said in a statement. "First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.

“These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.”

It was another bruising day for Infantino, with global soccer players union FIFPRO accusing him of "a profound abuse of presidential power.”

The English Football Association has also withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election.

Even Amnesty International said the “current crisis spotlights the need for governance reforms."

FIFA and Infantino tried to present a united front following a high-level summit in Morocco on Wednesday when it announced the president had the full support of top staff in attendance.

The world governing body also apologized for errors made over its controversial plan to sell profits in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary and committed to “ensure they do not happen again.”

FIFA said it hoped its meeting would “help restore confidence” in the organization after the turbulence created by Infantino’s now abandoned project, which provoked widespread condemnation.

UEFA voted to abandon FIFA competitions if it went ahead. And even after Infantino’s hasty climbdown, Europe’s governing body said it had lost confidence in FIFA’s leadership — paving the way for a challenge to his presidency.

In its defiant statement, UEFA made it clear its position still held.

"Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president (and whose careers depend on his favor) agree with him changes nothing,” it said.

___

James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

___

Undefeated boxing cousins to make Detroit debut at Fox Theatre in August --->

Europe heat wave puts all major Italian cities on red alert as Austria sets heat record

Giada Zampano, Kirsten Grieshaber And Justin Spike, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:19:05 +0000

Italy placed all of its major cities under the highest heat alert Thursday as a blistering heat wave gripped Europe, setting a national temperature record in Austria, fueling wildfires in France and disrupting energy and transport systems across the continent.

The extreme weather has pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in several countries, prompting health warnings for millions of people.

Across Europe, authorities are grappling with the consequences of extreme heat: health alerts for millions in Italy, record temperatures in Austria, drought-related disruptions to energy and shipping in Central Europe, and wildfires stretching from France to the Balkans.

Scientists and officials warn that such events are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms.

Climate change drives more extreme summers

The current heat wave has exposed vulnerabilities in public health systems, power generation, transportation networks and tourism infrastructure, forcing governments and businesses to adapt to more frequent periods of extreme weather.

Italy’s Health Ministry placed all 27 cities monitored under its national heat surveillance system on red alert Thursday — the first time this year the entire network has been under the highest warning level simultaneously.

The alerts stretch from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily and signal a health risk for the entire population, not only vulnerable groups such as older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

Authorities urged residents and tourists to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, remain indoors where possible and drink plenty of water.

The heat has also forced adjustments at major tourist attractions. The ministries of tourism and culture extended evening opening hours at landmarks including Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon.

Cooling mist fans have been installed at the Colosseum’s entrances and additional medical stations have been made available.

Rome has also introduced another unusual response to the heat emergency: a free municipal “urban beach” along the Tiber River in the Marconi neighborhood, where residents can cool off in swimming pools, water fountains and shaded areas.

The site, known as Tiberis, has become a refuge for families and children seeking relief from record temperatures. Residents praised the initiative, saying it allowed them to better cope with the heat and offered a rare opportunity to escape the city’s scorching asphalt and concrete.

“It is excellent, it is a great initiative. They did the right thing, specially with such hot days it is important to cool down with water, specially for children," said Claudio Rocchi, a Roman resident.

Austria and Slovakia break national temperature records

Later on Thursday, Slovakia recorded another all-time high temperature. The new record set at Dolne Plachtince in the south was 42.2 C (108 F), the Slovak Meteorological Institute said.

In Slovakia, the low levels of water in the Danube forced the country’s biggest hydroelectric power plant in Gabčíkovo to shut down seven of its eight turbines, the TASR news agency said.

So far this year, the power plant produced 15% less electricity than a year ago due to a lack of water in the river.

The authorities recorded the lowest flow of water in the Danube for July on record, the Academy of Sciences said.

An all-time high temperature of 41.2 C (106.2 F) was also recorded in Austria on Wednesday in the village of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the Slovak border, according to GeoSphere Austria.

Austria is also facing severe drought. Rainfall from Jan. 1 through June 30 was 27% below the long-term average nationwide, while some eastern regions received only half their normal precipitation.

Climatologist Alexander Orlik said some parts of the country had not experienced such dry conditions since 1885.

Hungary cuts power use as drought hits nuclear plant

In Hungary, prolonged drought and record-low water levels on the Danube River have severely affected the country’s only nuclear power plant, which relies on river water to cool its reactors.

Plant operators have reduced output to about 10% of normal production, prompting the government to introduce emergency conservation measures as a record-breaking heat wave grips the country.

Authorities have asked major industrial users and households to cut electricity consumption, particularly during peak demand hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Freight trains have been barred from operating during those hours, while decorative lighting on landmarks in Budapest has been switched off.

Several major companies, including energy company Mol, pharmaceutical maker Gedeon Richter and automakers Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW have announced plans to curb electricity use.

The government also canceled parliamentary sessions this week in an effort to conserve power.

The heat wave has shattered temperature records across the country. On Wednesday night, Budapest recorded its warmest overnight temperature on record, with temperatures falling only to 28 C (82 F), underscoring the persistence of the extreme heat.

Germany worries about shrinking rivers

Germany faced growing concerns over the impact of drought on transportation and industry as water levels on the Rhine and other rivers continued to fall.

Transport Minister Steffen Bilger met affected organizations Thursday and warned that low water levels posed major challenges for inland waterway shipping, industry and the broader logistics chain.

Environmental group BUND urged authorities to focus not only on the economic impacts but also on making rivers more resilient to climate change by retaining more water in landscapes and reducing withdrawals during periods of drought.

France remains on high wildfire alert

In southeastern France, firefighters maintained a large presence in the Var region after authorities said a major wildfire there was no longer spreading but remained capable of reigniting.

The blaze, which began July 20, has burned more than 60 square kilometers (23 square miles), making it the largest recorded in the region in recent decades.

Authorities warned that strong winds and extremely dry conditions left southeastern France at very high risk for additional wildfires.

Balkans battle fires and drought

The heat wave reached its peak across the Balkans on Thursday as temperatures neared 40 C (104 F) and authorities battled drought and wildfires.

In Serbia, firefighters struggled to contain several blazes after days of dry weather. One major fire burned through pine forests west of Belgrade, while another spread near the central town of Kraljevo, where difficult terrain complicated firefighting efforts.

In neighboring Croatia, tourists in Dubrovnik sought refuge in shade and avoided beaches during the hottest hours of the day as temperatures soared along the Adriatic coast.

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Associated Press journalists Paolo Santalucia in Rome, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.

Something sweet is brewing at Fourgrounds in Plymouth

April Morton — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:25:34 +0000

At Fourgrounds, a coffee shop owned by “Local 4″ in Plymouth, there’s coffee, tea, conversation, and now, handmade sweets.

This week Fourgrounds debuted its pastry menu, which are provided by “Bittersweet Bakery,” located in Westland.

“We have a rotating menu, there will always be a cookie, a pretzel and a muffin, but they may be different,” said Emmalee Huitron, Owner, and Head Pastry Chef at Bittersweet Bakery.

It’s corn season, and currently Fourgrounds is featuring a corn and almond croissant, in addition to other goodies.

To see the full segment, please click the video above.

Fox Theatre boxing event spotlights Michigan talent in marquee matchups

Isaiah Hall — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:11:57 +0000

Rising Michigan-based prospects Sardius Simmons, Husam Al Mashhadi, Jasmine Hampton, Lance Smith and Savannah Tini return to the ring on Aug. 29 in undercard bouts at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre.

The prospects will be tested on a stacked card featuring a heavyweight showdown between contender Brandon Moore and former world title challenger Bryant Jennings alongside the Detroit debuts of undefeated prospects Julius “JuJu” Ballo and Jonny Mansour.

The event promoted by Salita Promotions, Wynn Records and G2G Promotions will stream live on Wynn Records Network at 7 p.m.

Jonny Mansour and Julius "Juju" Ballo posing for photos.

Brandon Moore hands raised as he is named winner by unanimous decision.

Richard Fernandez Jr. of San Antonio, Texas. and Caleb Tirado of Puerto Rico are also featured in undercard bouts.

The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with G2G Promotions and Wynn Records. Tickets for Aug. 29 are on sale now at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The second Wynn Records Network event aims to develop and test some of boxing’s most promising prospects and contenders, giving fans a first look at the future generation of stars as they take on meaningful step-up fights.

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Simmons (8-0, 4 KOs), of Flint, Mich., will take on battle-tested veteran Detrailous “Teddy” Webster (9-5, 5 KOs), of Courtland, Miss., in an eight-round heavyweight bout.

Sardius Simmons poses for a photo after TKO victory over Walter Burns.

Simmons is a two-time National Golden Glove Champion who has fought 9 times in 13 months since turning professional. He’s coming off a highlight-reel second round knockout of Walter Burns (8-5, 6 KOs) on June 14.

Simmons will take on his toughest test in Webster, who lost a close decision to Lenier Perro, a once beaten heavyweight whose only loss is to Jarrell Miller.

Sardius Simmons walking to his corner after flooring Walter Burns.

“Staying active is everything for a heavyweight, so coming straight off my June fight in Grand Rapids and getting right back in the ring at the Fox Theatre is exactly where I need to be,” said Simmons. “Everybody knows what happens when I step into that ring, and August 29 is no different. Make sure we have a pillow and blanket ready for him”

Detroit resident and welterweight prospect Al Mashhadi (15-1, 12 KOs) will face Seantorious Martin (12-1, 7 KOs), of Atlanta, in an eight-round matchup of once-beaten welterweights.

Husam Al Mashhadi celebrating victory against Daulis Prescott. PHOTOS BY ADAM J. DEWEY/SALITA PROMOTIONS

Mashhadi, a native of Dearborn Heights, has won via KO in seven of his last nine matches. The 5-foot-11 southpaw and big local draw will face a stiff challenge in Martin, whose only blemish came in a split decision loss to then-undefeated Tahmir Smalls.

Husam Al-Mashhadi punching Bruno Leonardo Romay.

“It feels great to stay active and get back to work at the Fox Theatre,” said Mashhadi. “My last fight there was an incredible experience, and I’m coming to lock in another big win. The fans can expect a completely dominant performance from start to finish.”

In a women’s bout on the undercard, undefeated prospect Hampton (2-0, 2 KOs), of Ann Arbor, will take on Gloria Munguilla (8-3), of Los Angeles, in an eight-round flyweight bout.

Hampton, who trains at Tony Harrison’s Super Bad Gym, has knockouts in both her professional fights. The multi-time amateur champion earned a spot at U.S. Olympic Trials, narrowly missing out on making the U.S. Olympic team. The southpaw will face a significant step-up in Munguilla, who recently challenged for the WBC International Light Flyweight belt.

Jasmine Hampton jabbing Agustina Vazquez.

“It feels amazing to stay active and step back into the building where it all started,” said Hampton. “The Fox Theatre holds a special place in my heart because of my pro debut and that viral knockout, but I’m an even more dangerous fighter today. The fans know what I bring to the ring, and on August 29, they’re getting pure excitement. She can bring everything she has, but know this, no one makes it to the final bell with me.”

Hampton was scheduled to fight in Grand Rapids on June 14 but the fight was cancelled due to her opponent missing their flight.

Ann Arbor native Jasmine Hampton to fight third pro bout in Grand Rapids --->

The Wynn broadcast will also feature highlights of hometown favorite and undefeated 140-pound prospect Smith (7-0, 5 KOs), who will take on Marlin Sims (9-4, 4 KOs), of Gibbonton, Fla., in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Lance Smith raises his hands after being named winner by unanimous decision.

Smith, who also trains at Super Bad Boxing Gym, recently graduated with a Sports Management degree from Wayne State University in May 2026. He fights in honor of his father Stephen, who passed away in 2022.

Lance Smith standing on the ring ropes after TKO victory.

“I’m grateful to be right back in the ring at the Fox Theatre on August 29th,” said Smith. “Growth comes through experience, and I can’t wait to show the fans what I’ve been working on. Whether you’re coming from Detroit or traveling across state lines, you can expect an intelligent fighter who is ready to bite down, finish the job, and put on a show. To my opponent: bring the absolute best version of yourself, because I’m coming to make a statement.”

Smith is coming off an impressive win on June 14 where he beat Jovanis Rodriguez (2-1-2, 1 KOs) via unanimous decision (39-37 twice, 40-36) in an all-action four-round bout in Grand Rapids.

View this post on Instagram

In a matchup of undefeated 118-pounders, explosive former amateur standout Fernandez Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs) will face Joshua Moreno (4-0, 3 KOs), of Norcross, Ga., in a six-round bantamweight bout.

The 23-year-old Fernandez Jr. won seven national titles as a member of Team USA before turning pro in 2024. The San Antonio native, who is promoted by G2G Promotions along with Mansour, Ballo and Maldonado, will take a step-up on Aug. 29 when he faces his first undefeated professional opponent in Moreno.

“I’m excited to be back on another great fight card,” Fernandez said. “I’ll be facing another undefeated opponent who’s 4-0 with 3 knockouts, and I have a lot of respect for anyone willing to step into the ring and put it all on the line. I’ve put in the work every day during this training camp, and I’m ready to give the fans a great fight. These are the kinds of challenges I’ve been asking for because they bring out the best in me. I’m grateful for every opportunity to prove myself and show everyone exactly who La Bombita is and what I’m capable of.”

In the opening bout on Wynn Records Network, undefeated Puerto Rican prospect Tirado (2-0, 1 KO) will return in a six-round bantamweight bout.

Caleb Tirado celebrating with his arms raised after being named winner by unanimous decision.

Tirado began boxing at age 9 and spent nearly two decades building one of the most decorated amateur careers in Puerto Rican boxing history. The 24-year-old competed in top international tournaments as an amateur, winning the 2023 Continental Championship alongside 12 Puerto Rico National Championships.

Tirado is coming off a hard-fought unanimous decision over Osmar Rodriguez, scored 59-55, 58-56 twice.

Caleb Tirado throwing a jab at Osmar Rodriguez.

Non-televised bouts on Aug. 29 include Shelby Township’s Tini (7-0, 2 KOs) in an eight-round women’s super lightweight bout and Sai Maldonado (2-0, 2 KOs), of Green Bay, in a four-round lightweight match.

Savannah Tini arms raised after unanimous decision victory.

“Detroit is a true hub for world-class professional boxing, and our August 29 event showcases exactly why,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “The card features world-rated contenders, elite prospects from across the country, and outstanding local talent developed in Detroit’s legendary boxing gyms. Every fighter is competing for the opportunity to take the next step toward a world championship. Fans will experience competitive, meaningful matchups and witness the future of the sport alongside fighters proudly representing the city of Detroit. This is a unique night of boxing and entertainment, live on Wynn Records Network.”

Fans can watch the fight card on Wynn Record’s website .

Jet’s Pizza adds heat with new Cajun Ranch dressing

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:00:19 +0000

Jet’s Pizza is turning up the heat.

The beloved Detroit-style pizza chain has launched its new Cajun Ranch dressing, adding a bold, spicy kick to the signature sauce that has earned a devoted following among fans nationwide.

Jackie Jetts, Jet’s Pizza’s Chief Ranch Officer, says the new flavor stays true to the original while pushing it somewhere new. “Just like our iconic original Jets Ranch, it’s made fresh in store with fresh buttermilk,” she said during an appearance on Live in the D, adding that “we wanted to give our Jets fans something that would keep them coming back, so we added a little spice to turn up the heat a little bit.”

The result, Jetts says, is simple: “It’s our same iconic ranch with a kick.”

Steve Sims, Director of Dips and Dressings, says the sauce isn’t limited to pizza. “Cajun Ranch is our newest product, but anything you put ranch on, Cajun Ranch will go on as well - you got your breads, your Detroit-style deep dish pizzas, salads, wings,” he said.

The dressing is available in dipping cups and bottled form, with a larger format prototype currently in development ahead of football season.

Sims confirmed the launch is available chain-wide for the time being. “You can order it now,” he said, noting customers can call, text, or order online. While the rollout is being treated as a limited-time offer, Sims said it “will be through the end of the year for sure,” with permanent status depending on sales.

Jet’s is also offering a promotional bundle pairing its 8 Corner Barbecue Chicken pizza with a bottle of either original or Cajun Ranch for $23.99, available online.

Jetts summed up the flavor profile in three words: “Cool, creamy, and bold.”

To find a location or place an order, visit Jetspizza.com.

Detroit attorney to give away 350,000th backpack Sunday

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:53:14 +0000

For 13 years, attorney Mike Morse has shown up in his own parking lot with one goal: make sure every Metro Detroit kid starts the school year with a backpack full of supplies.

The 13th annual Project Backpack Giveaway, hosted by the Mike Morse Law Firm, takes place Sunday, Aug. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at the firm’s Southfield location on Northwestern Highway. Since it began, the event has distributed more than 350,000 backpacks.

The event grew out of a simple realization. In its first year, the firm gave away 300 backpacks. The response from parents was immediate and sobering.

“I had parents calling me and teachers calling me that there was a huge need,” said Morse, founder of the Michigan-based personal injury firm. “Parents would come up to me and say, ‘I had to make a choice between a uniform and a backpack.’” The following year, Morse gave away 25,000 backpacks. He hasn’t stopped since.

Each backpack comes stuffed with school supplies - pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, notebooks and a water bottle - in the recipient’s choice of color. This year, families can choose from approximately 50 colors. Morse said the color selection matters more than people might expect.

“My kids get a new backpack every year. And some of these kids weren’t getting backpacks. And I said, if my kids get a free backpack, a new backpack every year, I want every kid to get a new backpack,” he said.

The impact of the giveaway has stretched well beyond the school year. Morse recalled a recent encounter at a local restaurant where a boy approached him unprompted.

“This little boy comes up to me and says, ‘You gave me a backpack 2 years ago.’ And he remembered and it touched him. And it sticks with him,” Morse said.

He said the ripple effects surprised him. “I’ve had people say that they went to college because of these backpacks,” Morse said.

Sunday’s event will feature live music, food, entertainment, face painting, characters and giveaways including merchandise from the firm. Michigan State Police will also be displaying vehicles and equipment. Morse plans to bring 80 of his 320 employees to volunteer.

Families are asked to pre-register at 855MikeWins.com to help organizers prepare and to allow attendees to skip the longer lines. Pre-registration also guarantees a backpack.

“The community expects it. They deserve it, they need it, and I’m happy to provide,” Morse said.

The 13th annual Project Backpack Giveaway takes place Sunday, Aug. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Mike Morse Law Firm, 24901 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan 48075.

Josh Simmons is back at full speed, providing a key shield for Patrick Mahomes in Chiefs camp

Dave Skretta, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:46:48 +0000

Josh Simmons did everything the Kansas City Chiefs expected of him when they drafted him in the first round last year.

He won the starting job protecting the blind side of Patrick Mahomes in the offseason, and the former Ohio State standout held fast to it throughout training camp. He was a stalwart through the first five weeks of the season, not only living up to the expectations placed upon him but, at least to those watching from afar, exceeding every one of them.

Then things went haywire, much as they did for the team as a whole.

Simmons was gone for about a month for what the team would only call “personal reasons.” When he returned, he managed to play just a few more weeks before a fractured wrist in Week 13 landed him on season-ending injured reserve.

Well, the wrist is healed now. The ACL injury that ended his final season with the Buckeyes has long since healed. Simmons has put on weight, gone through an entire offseason at full speed, and he seems ready to finally step into a starring role on the offensive line.

“Yeah, I mean, I'm just trying to add off of last year,” Simmons said following a recent training camp practice on the steamy fields at Missouri Western State University. “Obviously I went against a lot of good defensive ends, and I have one year of familiarity with the playbook. So it was really just kind of stacking up on that, that way I can come into training camp ready.”

For the Chiefs to bounce back this season, there are few players more critical to their success.

The first reason is this: Simmons has the most important job in protecting Mahomes, who is coming off season-ending surgery of his own, albeit to torn ligaments in his left knee. Mahomes sped through his rehab, and has participated fully in camp, where his mobility seems to be unaffected — though he's also wearing the comfort of a yellow no-contact jersey.

If Mahomes is to feel safe back on the field, Simmons will be providing his security blanket.

“He's trying to work on all the small things right now. He's got all the tools and he knows that,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “He got his weight up a little bit, and he's got strength, and now it's just a matter of being consistent with assignments and footwork and all that, which is so important on the offensive line. But he's working like crazy to make sure he homes in on all that stuff.”

Simmons is listed at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, but that's on the lower side of the NFL average, and may even be a bit generous. But the Chiefs would rather have an athletic Simmons than the alternative — “You don't want cheeseburger weight,” Reid said.

That ability to move in space funnels into the second reason the Chiefs have such high expectations for Simmons: They signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to a big free-agent contract in the hopes of revamping their running attack.

The Chiefs averaged just over 106 yards rushing last season, putting them squarely in the bottom third of the league. It also put more pressure on Mahomes and a young group of wide receivers that struggled to break through. The result was an offense that barely resembled the high-flying, high-scoring groups that propelled Kansas City to five of the past seven Super Bowls.

But judging by training camp, the Chiefs fully intend to run the ball more. And when they do pass, Walker's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield — coupled with Rashee Rice's explosiveness in the screen game — is tantamount to a running play as well.

Making it all work? That falls on the shoulders of Simmons and the rest of the offensive line.

Notes: The Chiefs held a shortened practice without full pads on Thursday. They'll be back in pads for two more days before getting Sunday off. ... WRs Cyrus Allen (bone bruise) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder), LBs Drue Tranquill (back) and Jeff Bassa (groin), CBs Kristian Fulton (hip flexor) and L'Jarius Sneed (knee) and DL Ashton Gillotte (hamstring) were held out of practice. CB Mansoor Delane (shoulder) continued to wear a yellow jersey.

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Monroe County man accused of sexually assaulting children

Samantha Sayles — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:32:42 +0000

A Monroe County man is facing criminal sexual conduct charges involving young victims.

John Steven Sorovetz was charged with one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes and four counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

John Steven Sorovetz

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 6, Sorovetz turned himself in after he was told he had outstanding warrants.

There could be more victims, as the sheriff’s office noted there was a “pattern of behavior throughout this lengthy investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at (734) 240-7530 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800 SPEAKUP.

The 24 changes to Michigan football roster in latest fall update

Derick Hutchinson — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:33:59 +0000

Michigan football has released its new fall roster, which means we’re getting our first full look at the team that will take the field in September.

The freshmen and transfers who didn’t enroll early have been added. A few players have left. And there are a few jersey number changes, for the diehard fans who care about that sort of thing.

Here’s a look at the 24 things that changed from the spring roster to what’s now on Michigan’s official website.

5 players no longer on roster

Safety Taylor Tatum
Defensive end Randy Keumogne
Defensive end Eli Musmand
Wide receiver CJ Charleston
Defensive tackle Chibi Anwunah

Tatum, a former Oklahoma running back who transferred to Michigan and switched to safety, is going to focus on baseball, according to multiple reports.

Keumogne and Charleston were not granted additional years of eligibility. Keumogne decided to pursue NFL tryouts in the spring, U of M confirmed to Local 4.

Anwunah medically retired from football.

10 freshmen added

Here are the freshmen who joined the program this fall and have been officially added to the roster:

Defensive end Carter Meadows -- No. 14
Tight end Mason Bonner -- No. 18
Kicker Jacob Baggett -- No. 30
Linebacker Ndi Etta -- No. 35
Defensive end Tariq Boney -- No. 41
Long snapper Jack Treutelaar -- No. 43
Defensive tackle Alister Vallejo -- No. 56
Offensive lineman Malaki Lee -- No. 58
Offensive lineman Tommy Fraumann -- No. 79
Defensive tackle Titan Davis -- No. 97

2 transfers added

Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi -- No. 16
Punter Cam Brown -- No. 33

5 jersey number changes

Wide receiver JJ Bucannon switched from No. 13 to No. 6
Safety Chris Bracy switched from No. 20 to No. 7
Wide receiver Travis Johnson switched from No. 86 to No. 13
Cornerback Jeremiah Lowe switched from No. 32 to No. 20
Linebacker John Weidenbach switched from No. 59 to No. 34

This means nobody is wearing No. 59 or No. 86, currently.

2 new additions

WR Braydon Alford is wearing No. 22
TE Jimmy Pisani is wearing No. 40

Alford is a junior who spent the past two seasons at Butler but did not see game action.

Pisani joined the team as a walk-on in the spring. He’s been on the Michigan lacrosse team since 2023 (four seasons).

Position change (kind of)

It doesn’t appear anyone who was on Michigan’s spring roster has switched positions.

But true freshman Ndi Etta, who was listed as an edge rusher during the recruiting process, is a linebacker on the fall roster. It’s a minor distinction, but worth including.

New kind of flu shot is on the way as the FDA approves Moderna's mRNA-based vaccine

Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:43:58 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new kind of flu vaccine for older people, the first made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturer Moderna said.

The shot, named mFlusiva, is intended for adults age 50 or older. Other brands of flu shots already have begun arriving in pharmacies ahead of fall vaccination season, and Moderna said late Wednesday that it expects some of its new version to be available soon at select retailers.

While there already are multiple flu vaccine options in the U.S., including three specifically recommended for people age 65 or older, tens of thousands of Americans die from influenza every year and older adults are among the most vulnerable.

Flu vaccines must be updated annually to best match circulating strains of the virus. Vaccines made with the Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology are faster to manufacturer than other types, and experts say this additional option might help if the shape-shifting flu virus mutates in a way that requires suddenly brewing new doses.

Moderna said the FDA granted full approval for mFlusiva’s use in people ages 50 to 64, based on a study of 40,000 people that found 27% fewer flu cases among people who got the new shot compared with those who got a different common flu vaccine brand. For people 65 or older, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based manufacturer said the FDA granted what’s called accelerated approval for the shot -- based on a smaller study showing it generated a strong immune response compared with an existing high-dose vaccine for seniors – while it conducts an additional study.

Moderna’s data showed no major safety issues although the shot did cause some temporary reactions including injection site pain, fever, headache, tiredness and aches that occurred somewhat more than with today’s flu shots.

The FDA action comes after a highly unusual public dispute over mFlusiva earlier this year. A then-top FDA official blocked the company’s application, a sign of the agency’s heightened vaccine scrutiny under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Days later, the agency changed course after Moderna publicly challenged the ruling — and in June a panel of independent advisers to the FDA unanimously recommended the vaccine's approval.

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Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at https://apnews.com/hub/us-food-and-drug-administration.

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Kellogg says it's removing artificial dyes from cereals by the end of this year

Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:23:35 +0000

WK Kellogg said Thursday that it will remove artificial colors from all its cereals by the end of this year.

The change comes a year ahead of schedule. Kellogg said last August that it would remove synthetic dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027.

But the company said Thursday it has identified fruit- and vegetable-based juices that will give cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks their distinctive colors. The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said it has also invested in equipment that will allow it to transition to natural colors.

The company said it is also removing BHT, an artificial preservative, from the small number of cereals that still contain it.

“More and more consumers are looking for foods made with simple, recognizable ingredients and we are proud to meet those expectations even sooner than planned,” Kellogg’s Chief Growth Officer Doug VanDeVelde said in a statement.

Kellogg has faced pressure for years to remove artificial ingredients from its cereals, which it has already done in other countries like Canada. In 2024, dozens of people rallied outside Kellogg's headquarters and delivered petitions with 400,000 signatures asking the company to remove artificial dyes and BHT.

That pressure has grown under President Donald Trump's health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has urged food companies to phase out petroleum-based artificial dyes. Last August, Kellogg also signed an agreement with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton saying it would “permanently remove toxic dyes” from its cereals by the end of 2027.

Retailers are also forcing companies to act. Earlier this year, Target said it would stop selling cereals that contain artificial colors by the end of May. Walmart has also said it will remove artificial colors from its store brands by January 2027.

Colts keep 2021 league rushing champ Jonathan Taylor with 2-year, $44 million deal, AP source says

Michael Marot, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:23:00 +0000

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor got his wish.

A little more than a week after reiterating he wanted to stay with Indy for the rest of his career, Taylor took a big step toward fulfilling that pledge by signing a two-year, $44 million contract extension, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person requested anonymity because the team had not yet made an official announcement and does not release contract terms.

The move keeps the 2021 NFL rushing champ off the free agent market next spring and comes two days after the Atlanta Falcons re-signed Bijan Robinson to a record-breaking three-year deal worth up to $75 million.

Taylor never doubted the deal would get done before Indy's season opener Sept. 13 against Baltimore.

“I have faith. I mean, there’ve been some good conversations, and I have faith between my agent and the front office,” Taylor said last week when he arrived at training camp. "Like I said, I’ve already said I would love to be a Colt for life. So, I have faith that things are moving in the right direction.”

This deal follows two other big payouts this spring, to quarterback Daniel Jones and top receiver Alec Pierce, and keeps Indy's primary offensive players together long term.

Taylor is now under contract through 2028 and won't celebrate his 30th birthday until January 2029. Teams tend to devalue running backs after they turn 30.

By then, though, perhaps the conventional wisdom among teams will change. Taylor already has seen a notable difference in how teams value running backs since signing his last extension in 2023 when he didn't participate in camp as his agent and late team owner Jim Irsay engaged in a nasty public back-and-forth that resulted in Taylor requesting a trade.

Taylor struggled with injuries in 2022 and missed the first four games in 2023 with a lingering ankle injury. Since signing a three-year deal worth $42 million in early October 2023, he has missed just six of 41 games and has shown no signs of decline.

Reliability pays off

Taylor led the league in rushing most of last season while quarterback Daniel Jones played through a broken bone in his left leg before suffering a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December. Taylor still finished third in the league with 1,585 yards and led the NFL with 18 touchdown runs.

Now he's seeing the payoff — and not just for himself.

“I think it’s a testament to how hard not only myself, but guys like Bijan, like a lot of the other top backs, they work really hard to put a great product on the field in order to reflect that value," Taylor said Wednesday before signing his new deal. "So obviously, still more work to be done. But man, that’s awesome for Bijan man. Shout out to Bijan, man. You earned it. You deserve it.”

The Colts also have made it clear how much they value Taylor.

From Jones and receiver Alec Pierce to coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, the consensus is that the threat of Taylor — as a both a runner and pass catcher — changes the way defenses must contend with the Colts.

Contract status

The only real question was how quickly a deal could get done. Ballard is entering the final year of his contract as are left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Taylor, Nelson and Buckner have all been selected to multiple Pro Bowls.

On July 28, report day at camp, Ballard said his contract status would have no impact on players' contract extensions.

“We always are working toward trying to keep our own players here, and I think you know my thoughts on both of them,” Ballard said when asked about Nelson and Taylor. "Quenton Nelson is a pillar, stands for all the right stuff, and Jonathan Taylor has been an excellent, excellent player for the Colts. I would love to have them long term. We’ll see.”

Now Taylor is in the fold for three more seasons.

The New Jersey prep star burst onto the scene with two 1,000-yard seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers. Leading up to the 2020 draft, critics contended Taylor was a risky early-round pick because of his college workload and questioned his pass-catching ability.

But the Colts selected Taylor in the second round, No. 41 overall, and an early-season injury to Marlon Mack forced Taylor into the starting lineup. He impressed right from the start, rushing for 1,169 yards and 11 TDs while catching 36 of 39 passes for 299 yards and another TD.

Taylor enters this season with 1,551 career carries, 7,598 yards, 69 TDs, 187 receptions, 1,469 yards and seven scores. He already owns the franchise record for touchdown runs and needs 1,629 yards rushing to surpass two-time NFL rushing champ Edgerrin James as the Colts career leader in that category, too.

Taylor also has the top two single-game rushing totals in franchise history, 253 against Jacksonville in January 2021 and 244 last season against Atlanta in Berlin.

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New era for USA Basketball with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers set for World Cup debuts

Doug Feinberg, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:26:55 +0000

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers will make their World Cup debuts as members of the U.S. women's national team next month.

The trio will try to help the U.S. win its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title. The young stars will be joined by Olympic medalists A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum.

“It’s always good when you compete for a gold medal, it's a big honor,” said Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP. “It's something I don’t take lightly. Time to go there and have some fun and also win.”

Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston will also be making their World Cup debuts to round out the team.

“I’m so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” USA Basketball national team managing director Sue Bird said. “This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”

This is the first time that USA Basketball had a managing director choose the team. In the past it was a committee. Kara Lawson will coach the squad.

Stewart is the third player in USA Basketball history to appear in four World Cup tournaments, joining Bird, who played in five, and Diana Taurasi, who also played in four.

The Americans will face China, Italy and the Czech Republic in pool play at the World Cup, which will be held from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin. The WNBA will take a nearly three-week break in its season to accommodate the event.

Clark, Bueckers and Reese helped the Americans win a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March.

Sabrina Ionescu has been a big part of the U.S. roster the last few years, but was left off this season's team.

Bird said she called many of the players who didn't make the team this time, including Ionescu.

“I think we can all agree the hardest part, which is a problem I would never trade, is that we have so much talent,” Bird said. “The beauty of that is it means almost all players are wanting to be on this team, willing to be on this team. It is a sacrifice. It is a time commitment.”

Alyssa Thomas helped the U.S. win gold at the Paris Olympics, but didn't take part in any USA Basketball camps since. Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles also hadn't taken part in any USA camps yet either.

“Tremendous player. So much fun to watch,” Bird said of Miles, who is the front-runner for the WNBA Rookie of the Year. “It’s been amazing watching her grow in this league. ... She’s played with USA basketball before. She will undoubtedly be in the mix for teams in the future.”

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Sheriff’s Office investigating fatal shooting in Pontiac

Jenny Sherman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:14:52 +0000

FILE PHOTO

A 53-year-old Pontiac man was fatally shot and another man injured in a shooting Tuesday night at an apartment complex off W Kennett Road.

Investigators say deputies were dispatched to the North Hill Farms Apartments just before 10 p.m. after receiving reports about multiple gunshots being fired.

When officers arrived, they found a 39-year-old Pontiac man outside the apartment with a gunshot wound to his hand. Multiple bullet holes could be seen around the apartment’s front entrance, and the storm door had been shattered, police said. Several spent shell casings were also found on the ground.

Inside the apartment, deputies found the 53-year-old victim — identified as Jethro Jackson, Jr. — with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. First responders attempted to treat Jackson at the scene, but he died at the hospital as a result of his injuries, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The 39-year-old victim was treated at McLaren Oakland Hospital and later released.

An investigation into the shooting incident is underway and an autopsy has been scheduled by the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Deputies are asking anyone with information about the shooting to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office at 248-858-4950 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, where you may be eligible for up to $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Women's Professional Baseball League makes a rainy debut in front of enthusiastic crowd

Jay Cohen, Associated Press — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 02:07:01 +0000

Sarah Hodel and Rachel Koehler arrived at Robin Roberts Stadium more than four hours before the first game of the Women's Professional Baseball League. Once inside, Hodel stopped periodically for pictures as she walked along the concourse.

She wanted to savor every moment.

“Back in high school I was on my speech team and my informative speech was on women in baseball,” said Hodel, a 43-year-old athletic trainer from Duluth, Minnesota. “So as soon as I saw this happening a couple years ago it was my goal to come.”

That moment finally arrived on Saturday night, when Mo’ne Davis and the Los Angeles Queens rallied for a 10-8 victory over Denae Benites and the New York Heights in a rainy debut for the first women's professional baseball league in the United States in almost 30 years.

“Growing up I played softball,” said Koehler, 33, of St. Paul, Minnesota. “I wanted to play baseball because going professional was always like the dream, but there (were) no opportunities. ... So now that that’s actually an opportunity and something that girls can look up to I think is amazing.”

Maggie Foxx picked up the league's first hit on a two-run single for Los Angeles in the first inning. Benites connected for the WPBL's first homer, a solo drive to center in the bottom of the fourth.

The Queens trailed 8-4 before scoring two runs in the sixth and four more in wet and windy conditions for the final frame of the seven-inning contest.

“When I walked on the field I started crying because of how much this moment meant, and how much it meant to everybody,” Foxx said. “It means everything to us.”

A steady rain fell for much of the day, soaking the 101-year-old home of the WPBL's inaugural season. But much of the crowd of more than 4,000 started lining up hours before the game, hoping to grab a Davis bobblehead on the way to the metal bleachers.

The line for the main merchandise booth stretched all the way to the outfield along one side of the ballpark.

“Having a daughter, it’s really exciting to give her exposure to female professional athletes,” said Antonietta Mabry, 47, an accountant from Columbus, Ohio. “It’s such a rare thing, so it’s really cool to give her some really positive female role models and examples.”

Mabry was accompanied by her husband, Jason, a 48-year-old auditor, and their daughter, Rosalee. The 9-year-old Mabry got her glove autographed by San Francisco second baseman Amanda Gianelloni.

The Firebells and Boston Hunters — the league's other two teams — play on Sunday. A couple players from each team helped the grounds crew pull the tarp off the field after the rain subsided.

“I’m excited to be here because I play softball and I really like it and it’s really cool that I get to see professional women play,” Rosalee Mabry said.

The WPBL paid tribute to the past, present and future of women's baseball during a rain-delayed pregame ceremony. The crowd cheered as the lineups for the Queens and Heights were announced.

But the biggest ovation of the night was for 99-year-old Maybelle Blair, who threw a ceremonial first pitch to San Francisco's Kelsie Whitmore, one of the biggest stars of the WPBL. Blair, who serves on a WPBL advisory board, played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which ran from 1943-54 and inspired the 1992 movie, “A League of Their Own.”

“I think that's pretty incredible,” Benites said. “Maybelle's been sticking with us since the beginning of this journey. She's paved a path for us, really. ... She's a special person and I'm so happy that she got to make it out here and do that today."

Lindsey Keirsey, 42, a high school history teacher in Fenton, Missouri, said she is obsessed with the AAGPBL and “A League of Their Own.” She attended the game with her husband, Drew, 43, and their four children, Hadley, 17, Nolan, 15, Elam, 11, and Abbott, 10.

“We go to St. Louis Cardinals games all the time,” Hadley Keirsey said. “As much as I love baseball, I think it’s an amazing opportunity to see so many women be able to play and just break ground like that. Even though it’s just a sport, I think that if we can do things like this and let women play in sports like this, women can do so many more things.”

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This story was first published on Aug. 1, 2026. It was updated on Aug. 6, 2026 to correct that Denae Benites’ home run was a solo shot.

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AP Sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Uganda approves sending troops for international force in Gaza

Rodney Muhumuza, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:27:21 +0000

Ugandan authorities sought and won parliamentary approval Thursday to deploy troops to Gaza as part of the international force proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace to secure the territory following the devastating Israel-Hamas war.

The successful motion, brought by the defense minister, is Uganda’s first public indication of its willingness to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza. Morocco also has pledged troops for the mission.

It was not immediately clear why Uganda agreed to deploy in Gaza, or if there was a quid pro quo involved, and some opposition lawmakers immediately questioned Uganda’s motive in the decision. Lawmaker Hassan Kirumira said the deployment would raise “diplomatic concerns” for a country that is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The “big question” for supporters of the deployment to clarify is: "On which side is our army going to fight?” he said in parliament.

Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, seeking the support of lawmakers, cited Uganda’s military capabilities stemming from its peacekeeping deployments in countries such as Somalia.

The force, proposed by Trump’s Board of Peace in February, would be led by American Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who said in May that the 20,000-strong force would ensure “future prosperity and enduring peace."

Last week Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza. According to that deal, the International Stabilization Force would be deployed to Gaza after the completion of a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.

The agreement, part of a broader ceasefire deal reached last year, calls for Israel to cease its military operations and for Hamas and its allies in Gaza to halt all militant activity. The agreement also laid out in general terms what the decommissioning process would look like.

After the text of the agreement was released, Israel said it had “serious security concerns” and that it shared those with the U.S.

Israeli attacks have killed 1,250 people since the ceasefire deal was reached in October, an agreement that ended major fighting in the Israel-Hamas war that had raged for two years.

Monroe woman, 10-year-old killed in multi-vehicle crash

Jenny Sherman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:58:10 +0000

Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

A 56-year-old Monroe woman and her 10-year-old passenger were both killed in a traffic crash involving multiple vehicles Wednesday evening.

The crash occurred around 7:12 p.m. on S. Custer Road, west of Plum Grove Drive in Raisinville Township. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the 56-year-old victim — identified as Amy M. Beason — had come to a stop in to turn into a private driveway when her 2025 Honda HR-V was struck from behind by a 38-year-old Dundee man driving a 2010 Ford F150 pickup. Deputies say the force of the impact caused the HR-V to move into the incoming traffic lane, when it was struck head-on by a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 61-year-old man from Montgomery Texas.

Investigators say that neither Beason or the 10-year-old girl, who was riding in the front passenger seat, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the F150 truck was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured. Deputies say the driver of the Silverado was accompanied in the vehicle by his wife in the front seat and two daughters, ages 18 and 23, both of whom were not belted. All four were transported to Toledo ProMedica Hospital where they remain in serious condition.

Police say alcohol was not a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the incident to reach out at 734-240-7725. Anonymous tips can also be called into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.

China can't get enough of this spiky fruit as farmers fight extreme weather to feed the craving

Kanis Leung And Vincent Thian, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:10:21 +0000

Malaysian durian orchard owner Stephen Chow’s workers spend hours in the fields in the dead of night, donning headlamps to collect freshly ripened fruit coveted by Chinese consumers. But the hard work may not be enough to keep Chow out of the red.

Durian lovers prize the Malaysian premium varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn, but their growers face a harsher reality. Climate change, caused by the burning of oil, gas and coal, is making it costlier for growers like Chow to produce quality durians, adding pressure as they compete with Thailand and Vietnam, which dominate a booming export market to China.

Extreme weather has dealt repeated blows to Chow’s orchard, which is in Karak, a small town about an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. In 2021, heavy rainfall triggered flooding that damaged about 100 of his durian trees and his machinery. Over the following three years, persistent rain during flowering season caused pollination failure, cutting into his yield. And now, Chow is facing other challenges.

“Breaking even would already be very good. Most likely there’ll be a loss this year,” Chow said.

Between February and April, afternoon temperatures hit 33 to 35 degrees Celsius (91 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit), and rain fell mostly at night, he said. Such weather favored flowering, and Chow responded by pruning to prevent deformed or small fruit while stepping up watering and fertilization because of the heat. A rise in fuel and fertilizer prices because of the Iran war, however, meant those extra efforts came at a higher cost.

An oversupply of durians in Malaysia — driven by hot and dry weather and more orchards reaching maturity — also pushed prices down. Grade A Musang King durians from his orchard sold for the equivalent of $8.6 per kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) in local currency in early July, about half compared to the same period last year and roughly one-third of the peak price in 2024.

China's love for durians fueled boom

Durians' overpowering smell is fragrant to those who love it and foul to those who don't. Beneath a spiky shell, their flesh offers a rich, creamy texture with varying flavors. Some taste like sweet custard with fruity flourishes, others carry a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter-like flavor.

Official data showed Malaysia's durian crop covered 92,100 hectares (227,600 acres) in 2024, up almost 40% from 2016, a size even larger than the total land area of Singapore, the city-state island just south of Malaysia. During that period, Malaysia's production grew nearly 90% to 568,800 tonnes.

The boom was fueled by China beginning to import whole frozen Malaysian durians in 2019. Fresh durians followed in 2024, as Beijing expanded what has been dubbed “durian diplomacy” by welcoming more Southeast Asian countries to export the fruit.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said China procured about 95% of global durian exports between 2020 and 2022. It imported 1.87 million tonnes of fresh durians worth $7.5 billion in 2025, with the volume jumping six times in the past decade, according to China's customs data.

Consumers there can find the fruit in supermarkets, grocery stores and durian specialty shops. Shanghai resident Song Xiaohua, in her 30s, said she would eat durians once a week instead of once a month if it weren’t for the high calorie count. To her, durians taste creamy and are like both fruit and dessert.

“It feels like celebrating Lunar New Year every time I have a durian,” Song said.

Malaysia lags far behind Thailand and Vietnam in exports to China. But the Malaysian industry touts its durians as higher quality. Unlike their counterparts, Malaysian growers typically do not harvest early, instead collecting only naturally ripened fruit.

Delivering quality durians requires resilience

As global average temperatures rise, extreme weather events like heat waves, floods and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense worldwide, often forcing farmers to scramble to adapt.

Peninsular Malaysia recorded a significant jump in average temperature from 1969 to 2025, with an increase of 0.24 degrees Celsius (about 0.43 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade, according to the country's meteorological department.

Ooi Teik Hock, whose orchard in Perak state is near the border with Thailand, said there were fewer fruit quality problems when temperatures were lower two decades ago. Concerned about the heat, he moved his orchard from the plains to the highlands about 10 years ago, where nights are cooler and air is more humid.

Still, global warming remains a threat, fueling the proliferation of once-rare pests and forcing Ooi to use pesticides more frequently, which he said have jumped some 30% in price from three years ago.

For the first time, Ooi didn't see fruit bats, a main pollinator, at his orchard during this year's flowering season. He said it could be a result of extreme heat or the widespread use of pesticides for pest and disease control.

The weather changes also affect overall quality, especially for the Musang King variety, which is sensitive to weather conditions, said Lim Chin Khee, an adviser to the Durian Academy, which trains durian growers in Malaysia.

Too much rain during the fruit's rapid development period can cause white and grayish patches on golden yellow flesh, while water shortages during that time can cause some black spots around the flesh, he said.

Some growers turn to technology

With expectations that El Nino, a periodic warming of Pacific Ocean that leads to warmer temperatures, could bring Malaysia record-high temperatures between March and May, Lim advised farmers to expand water reservoirs or prepare to install tube wells as a backup if their ponds dried up.

He said producing good fruit depends equally on the weather and the farmer’s effort. Extreme weather events would reduce supply while simultaneously driving up prices, he said.

“So for those farmers (who) are well prepared, actually when any disaster strikes, that is an opportunity,” he said.

Grower Kie Kim Hwa learned how to farm durians from his grandfather at a young age. When he took charge of the orchard in Penang Island off Malaysia's western coast, he chose to do things slightly differently than previous generations.

He installed sensors and instruments to track rainfall, humidity and wind speed, among other data, which was sent to a cloud drive for him to review anywhere and keep a record. Some were placed among the trees and grass, and others deep in the soil. Not everything required high technology: he also checked the surface of a bucket of water for insects to gauge pest levels.

The data allowed Kie to intervene early before problems arose and ultimately control fruit quality and quantity to match market demand.

“We live and die by the weather,” he said. “But we can still prepare.”

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Associated Press writer Fu Ting in Washington contributed to this report.

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Israeli prosecutors charge settler with killing Palestinian activist in rare indictment

Julia Frankel, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:03:11 +0000

Israeli prosecutors Thursday charged a settler for the killing of a Palestinian activist last year in the occupied West Bank, according to an indictment filed in a district court in southern Israel.

It's the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, that an Israeli has been indicted for killing a Palestinian in the West Bank, said Israeli rights group B'Tselem.

In the document, state attorneys accuse Yinon Levi, a settler who lives in an outpost in the southern West Bank, of reckless manslaughter in the death of prominent Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen in July 2025. Under Israeli law, reckless manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.

Levi is also accused of armed trespassing and malicious property damage.

Hathaleen was a prominent community leader who advocated against settler violence in the southern West Bank. He was involved in the 2025 Oscar-winning film “No Other Land,” which chronicled the fight by Palestinian residents to protect their homes and villages.

Activist's family, lawyer hope for change as settler vows to fight back

“I hope that it will be a turning point for more severe enforcement of the law in the West Bank against Jewish terrorists,” said Eitan Peleg, the lawyer for Hathaleen’s family.

Tariq Hathaleen, Awdah’s cousin and lifelong friend, said that while the indictment won’t bring his relative back, the family “still believes this is something really, really big. It’s good for the settlers to learn that they shouldn’t shoot at us.”

Levi on Thursday wrote back to prosecutors saying he would fight for his innocence in court, according to a letter he shared with The Associated Press. He wrote that prosecutors should not penalize acts of self-defense, accusing them of providing “de facto support for terrorism.”

When reached by phone, Avichay Hajbi, Levi's lawyer, said the prosecution had made a “mistaken decision.” He said the defense would respond to the accusations in court.

A spokesperson for the prosecutors’ office confirmed that the indictment had been filed in the city of Beersheba and that Levi is not currently under arrest. She said a meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks where prosecutors will read Levi the charges against him.

Israeli settlers and soldiers have killed at least 1,100 Palestinians in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023, says B’Tselem.

“The decision to indict Yinon Levi is the exception that proves the rule. The impunity Israel grants to soldiers and settlers who harm Palestinians is not a failure of the system — it is a central component of a policy designed to allow the violence to continue and escalate,” wrote Yair Dvir, spokesperson for B’Tselem.

Footage of the attack shows settler firing shots

The indictment comes just over a year after Hathaleen’s death.

Video from the day showed Levi shooting in the direction of buildings and a group of Palestinians in Hathaleen’s village, Umm al-Khair, on the day the activist was killed.

One video showed Levi firing two shots, while another, which family members say was taken by Hathaleen himself, showed Levi firing toward the person holding the camera. The footage cuts, but the person can still be heard moaning in pain.

The indictment, issued by Israel's Southern District Prosecutor’s Office, says that the first shot Levi fired struck Hathaleen, who was standing in a courtyard 20 meters (about 65 feet) away, documenting the scene. The bullet punctured Hathaleen’s lung and chest, and he collapsed to the floor and started bleeding.

He was already dead when he arrived at the hospital, the indictment says, after going into hypovolemic shock and respiratory failure.

Hathaleen was a teacher and father who often hosted international activists and visitors in his home.

Levi was among the Israeli settlers sanctioned by the United States and other Western countries over allegations of violence toward Palestinians in 2024. U.S. President Donald Trump lifted the U.S. sanctions after taking office the following year.

Levi has been seen roaming lands near the village of Umm Al-Khair multiple times since the shooting, residents told the AP. They said they continue to experience near-daily intrusions by settlers living in outposts and settlements nearby.

Peleg, lawyer for the Hathaleen family, credited the indictment to the strength of the video evidence against Levi and perseverance.

“We were in my office, applying constant pressure on the police and the district attorney,” he said. “We didn’t leave them to do what they wanted.”

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Associated Press writer Koral Saeed contributed to this report from Herzliya, Israel.

UK won't intervene in Paramount's $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery

Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:31:21 +0000

British regulators on Thursday gave Paramount the greenlight for its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, with some new assurances from the company — clearing another hurdle for the mega merger while it still faces challenges elsewhere.

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority cleared the pending acquisition, ruling that a Paramount-Warner tie up does not pose a “substantial lessening of competition” in the country. Meanwhile, Britain's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said it also wouldn't intervene — on the basis of several “legally-binding commitments” from Paramount related to its footprint in U.K. broadcasting and on-demand entertainment.

Paramount welcomed Thursday's decisions. The company, which was bought by Skydance just one year ago, called the U.K.'s clearance “an important milestone” towards completing its Warner purchase.

A Paramount-Warner combo would mean putting HBO Max, cult-favorite titles like “Harry Potter” and even CNN under the same roof with CBS, “Top Gun” and the Paramount+ streaming service. Both companies carry notable reach in production and television specific to the U.K., too — with assets also including Paramount-owned Channel 5 in London, localized Nickelodeon programming and Warner’s British arm of TNT Sports.

Citing competition concerns specifically for news, TV and streaming platforms available to U.K. consumers, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy previously said she was “minded to intervene” in the merger. But on Thursday, her office said Paramount later agreed to “provide a set of protections” to safeguard the “continued availability of a diverse range of broadcasting and on-demand services in the UK,” as well their editorial independence.

DCMS said that includes maintaining independence at Channel 5, with an “entirely separate” editorial direction from CBS and CNN. Paramount also agreed to not combine its linear channels with on-demand services in the U.K., DCMS said, and that children's channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network will remain distinct from each other.

Under their agreement, DCMS said it will monitor Paramount's implementation of these commitments and that the company will provide annual statements of compliance.

Critics of the Paramount-Warner merger have repeatedly asked regulators to challenge the deal. And just last month, Hollywood stars Alan Cumming, Benedict Cumberbatch and Benedict Wong published a joint op-ed in The Guardian calling on Nandy to intervene.

The merger “threatens to inflict immense harm on the British public,” the actors wrote on July 27. “As actors and public figures who have spent our careers in the arts in Britain — working with British crews, on British stages and sets — we have a responsibility to the public who support, enjoy and consume the art we make.”

While Paramount and Warner no longer face an imminent roadblock to their deal in the U.K., the companies have already agreed to delay closing their transaction well into next year as a challenge from 12 U.S. states makes its way through court.

Led by California, the coalition of states sued to block the deal last month — alleging that a Paramount-Warner combo would “extinguish competition” in Hollywood and lead to fewer choices for consumers, particularly U.S. moviegoers and cable customers. Groups like the Writers Guild of America have also filed suit.

The court has scheduled a 12-day antitrust trial to start in early March. Paramount has vowed to “vigorously defend” its transaction.

The companies argue that merging will be good for growth in the industry and give consumers access to more content. But critics have decried what further consolidation could mean in an industry already controlled by just a few major players — and in the U.S., questions of political influence have piled up around President Donald Trump’s close relationship with the billionaire family of Paramount CEO David Ellison.

In contrast to the states' case, the Trump administration’s U.S. Department of Justice announced in June that it also wouldn’t block the deal and instead released a lengthy statement in support of a Paramount-Warner combo. Meanwhile, Paramount has touted other regulatory clearances from the European Union, as well as countries like China, Canada and Australia.

Including billions in debt, Paramount’s proposed purchase of Warner is valued at nearly $111 billion (or over 82 billion English pounds) based on outstanding shares.

Rights group warns Israel's policies are pushing the West Bank healthcare system to collapse

Sam Mednick, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:39:54 +0000

For six months, 70-year-old Bassam Musleh searched desperately for a pharmacy or clinic that could fill his prescription for blood pressure and other heart medications. Public dispensaries were out of stock, he said, and he couldn't afford the private ones.

But when he arrived Tuesday at a mobile clinic in the West Bank village of Iktaba, pulling the tattered prescription from his pocket, a local aid group finally gave him the medication he needs.

Musleh, who has a pacemaker, is one of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians struggling to get healthcare in the West Bank, where a report released Thursday by Physicians for Human Rights Israel warns that Israeli policies have pushed the territory's health system to the brink of collapse.

Since the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza began nearly three years ago, Israel has withheld billions of dollars of tax and customs revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, the government body that administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Without those funds, the PA has struggled to pay health workers, buy medications and support public hospitals, pharmacies and clinics, 75% of which have reduced operations and are functioning just once or twice a week.

At the same time, Israeli military raids and a surge in new checkpoints are also impeding the ability of Palestinians to get adequate medical care, with life-threatening consequences.

“If this continues, it is patients — not institutions — who will pay the price,” said Milena Ansari, PHRI's director of the Occupied Palestinian Territory Department, who wrote the report.

Israel has withheld at least $2.5 billion in revenues from the West Bank

Because Palestinians don't control their own borders, the PA relies on Israel to collect taxes on goods that enter the West Bank through Israeli ports. But rights groups for decades have accused Israel of weaponizing the funds as a means of political pressure.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stopped sending monthly clearance revenues to the PA last year and, as of June, Israel had cumulatively withheld at least $2.5 billion from the PA since 2023, according to the International Crisis Group.

Smotrich's office and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to repeated requests for comment from The Associated Press.

In an interview with the AP, Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan said that unpaid staff aren't showing up to work, creating a backlog of cases and delaying routine surgeries. Earlier this year, Palestinian doctors went on strike and some primary healthcare centers closed.

Some of the most impacted are those with cancer, kidney and heart problems, older people and those who have been displaced, health officials said.

At PHRI's mobile clinic in Iktaba, hundreds of people streamed in seeking treatment.

Mohammed Sarris said it's been weeks since he's been able to get the eye drops he needs for irritation caused by his diabetes.

The 64-year-old has been relying on the mobile clinic since he was forced from his home last year in the Nur Shams refugee camp, where he had easier access to healthcare provided by UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.

A retired government worker, he earns a meager pension, often rationing medicine so he can afford food.

"It's degrading. ... All of this has affected us a lot,” he said.

The UN and other aid agencies say more patients are coming to their clinics

Physicians for Human Rights Israel said the number of patients at its mobile clinics has doubled in the last two years, from about 250 a day to around 500.

Roland Friedrich, UNRWA's West Bank director, said there's been a marked increase in patients at its health centers across the territory. The agency is trying to bridge the gap, but lacks funds to scale up health services and faces Israeli restrictions on imports of medications, he said.

Earlier this year, Israel revoked the licenses of more than three dozen humanitarian organizations, among them Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF.

Last year, MSF had 12 mobile clinics operating in the South Hebron Hills. But because they could no longer coordinate their movements with the Israeli military, the group reduced the number of clinics it runs by half, impacting more than 40,000 people, said Joan Tubau, head of mission for Doctors Without Borders in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

More Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks prevent Palestinians from accessing care

The lack of medicine, staff shortages and reduced services are being compounded by harsher Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement in the West Bank.

In recent years, the military has erected new barriers, checkpoints and roadblocks, closing off towns and cities, sometimes with little warning.

In July, at least two women gave birth in ambulances because checkpoints were closed, said Aseel Baidoun, deputy director of advocacy and campaigns for Medical Aid for Palestinians, or MAP, an international organization. One of the babies was stillborn.

She said three others also died trying to get to hospitals this year, including two more infants and a 30-year-old woman who died of a heart attack after an ambulance was stopped at a checkpoint near Sinjil, outside Ramallah.

The Israeli military has denied that it prevents medical treatment for civilians and said there is no intention to delay treatment or medical evacuations.

In response to questions about the stillborn infant, who was delivered in an ambulance near Nablus, the army said the emergency vehicle hadn’t completed “required coordination” prior to arriving at the checkpoint. It said the military conducted a security check, which only lasted a few minutes.

Dr. Leen Ibrahim, who works with MAP, said one of the consequences of this crisis is the impact on mental health.

“People here feel suffocated by everything they’re going through," she said.

At the clinic Tuesday, some Palestinians broke down waiting for hours to be seen.

“The line is so long,” said Asala Wawi, 65, wiping tears from her face as she got her eyes checked. “I'm tired."

———-

Associated Press journalists Jalal Bwaitel in Ramallah, West Bank, and Koral Saeed in Herzliya, Israel, contributed.

US asks Philippines to extradite Filipino church leader accused of sex crimes and fraud

Jim Gomez, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:24:01 +0000

The United States has asked the Philippine government to extradite a Filipino church leader, who was once an influential adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, to face trial on charges including child sex trafficking and fraud that landed him on the FBI’s most wanted list, two Philippine officials said Thursday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said it has received the U.S. government request for Apollo Carreon Quiboloy's extradition and endorsed it to the Department of Justice. That confirmed earlier separate statements to The Associated Press by two high-ranking Philippine officials, who said the U.S. request was transmitted in July.

The request needs the approval of two Philippine courts, which have been trying the detained former televangelist for human trafficking and child abuse charges, according to the two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to publicly discuss the issues.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to an AP request for comment.

Criminal suspects in the Philippines must finish their trials and serve their sentences if convicted prior to extradition. Philippine justice officials, however, can ask a domestic court to allow the temporary surrender of a suspect to a foreign court to face trial prior to the resolution of their Philippine cases under the 1994 extradition treaty of Washington and Manila.

Quiboloy, 76, leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, which was founded in 1985 in southern Davao city and claims to have a wide following in the Philippines and abroad, including in the U.S.

In his heyday, Quiboloy was one of the most influential religious leaders in the Philippines and regarded as a political kingmaker. He served as spiritual adviser to the equally controversial Duterte, who took office in June 2016.

Duterte was arrested in Manila last year under a warrant from the International Criminal Court and has since been detained in the Netherlands, where he will face trial for alleged crimes against humanity. The charges stem from the killings of large numbers of mostly poor drug suspects under his anti-drugs crackdowns, which alarmed Western governments and rights groups.

Quiboloy claims to be “the appointed son of God” and has made outrageous claims that sparked questions about his character but endeared him to his followers. He once claimed to have stopped a major earthquake from hitting the southern Philippines.

In 2024, Quiboloy went into hiding after a Philippine court ordered his arrest along with several others for alleged child and sexual abuse and human trafficking, police said. The Philippine Senate separately ordered Quiboloy’s arrest at the time for refusing to appear in public hearings about his alleged crimes.

The preacher denied the allegations, saying they were fabricated by critics and former members who were removed from his religious group.

Quiboloy and four others facing accusations surrendered in September 2024 after about 2,000 police raided a 30-hectare (75-acre) compound of his religious group, which included a cathedral, stadium, hangar and taxiway leading to Davao's international airport. He has been jailed since then.

U.S. federal prosecutors in 2021 separately announced an indictment of Quiboloy for allegedly having sex with women and underage girls who faced threats of abuse and “eternal damnation” unless they catered to the self-proclaimed “son of God.”

Quiboloy was among nine people named in a superseding indictment returned by a U.S. federal grand jury and unsealed in November 2021. It contained a raft of charges including conspiracy, sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, marriage fraud, money laundering, cash smuggling and visa fraud.

After that indictment he was placed on the list of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives.

Swiss ski great Lara Gut-Behrami retires after Olympic gold and world titles

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:06:43 +0000

Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion Lara Gut-Behrami announced her retirement from Alpine skiing on Thursday.

The speed specialist from Switzerland won the Olympic super-G gold medal in the 2022 Beijing Games among three career Olympic medals, and the 2021 world titles in super-G and giant slalom.

Her 48 World Cup wins — 24 in super-G — are the fifth most all-time for women. She was the overall World Cup champion in 2016 and 2024.

“I have been fortunate and honored to enjoy such a long career, to express my dreams and ambitions through skiing, and to experience this journey alongside extraordinary people,” Gut-Behrami said in statement.

The 35-year-old was planning to retire at the end of last season in March but was not able to compete due to a severe knee injury from crashing in training at Copper Mountain, Colorado, in November. She ruptured ligaments in her left knee and damaged the meniscus.

The Milan Cortina Olympics was due to be her fourth Winter Games, with skiing on the Cortina d’Ampezzo course where she took the two world golds in 2021, along with a bronze in downhill.

“I consider that a knee injury, as complex as it is, cannot be considered a tragedy,” Gut-Behrami said then in a statement that noted recent deaths of young skiers who crashed in training.

“After almost 20 years in elite sport, and despite the crashes and injuries I have experienced, I am fortunate not to suffer from recurring pain — and I want to keep it that way,” she said about her retirement.

“This is another reason why I feel the right time has come: The moment when I no longer need to push myself to reach and exceed my limits at all costs.”

She also missed the 2010 Vancouver Olympics because of a serious hip injury and tore her left ACL at the 2017 worlds on Swiss snow in St. Moritz when she crashed in warmups for the slalom run in the combined event after placing third in the downhill that morning.

Since her 2008 opening season, Gut-Behrami reached 101 podiums in 395 World Cup races. Her 48 victories were second for a Swiss woman to Vreni Schneider, a slalom specialist in the 1980s-1990s

Gut-Behrami previously said she intended to move to England where her husband, former Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami, works in the front office at second-tier club Watford.

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AP Alpine skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing

Michigan DNR is auctioning off about 100 properties across the state -- here’s how to place your bid

Jay Scott Smith — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:44:45 +0000

One of the best parts of summer in Michigan is getting outside and enjoying the woods, the water, and the fresh air.

You can take in the great outdoors up north, where the DNR has some property it wants to sell. They’re auctioning off nearly 100 properties across two dozen counties, and there are even some here in Metro Detroit.

Some of the parcels are tiny, less than an acre, while others are as large as 120 acres. Bidding will open gradually throughout the month. Auctions in Lapeer, Allegan and Berrien counties are already open.

If you want to bid, you’ll need to register before the property’s auction date. Then, you’ll have from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to place your bids. Click here for more information.

Michael Michalek, a resource specialist with the DNR, joined Local 4 Live to talk about the land auctions.

You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.

Climate change created conditions for Canada fires, scientists say, as Trump blames mismanagement

Seth Borenstein, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:01:33 +0000

Human-caused climate change doubled the likelihood of the tinderbox weather conditions that sparked Canada’s massive summer wildfires and in turn angered U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a study released Thursday.

And fire and climate scientists said Trump, who has talked about punishing Canada for poor fire management and sending days of choking smoke across the border, should look more in the mirror than up north when it comes to blame. They point to the United States' huge historical emissions of heat-trapping gases from the burning of coal, oil and gas.

The fire weather conditions in the Northwest Territories and northwestern Ontario, while unusual but not that rare, were still made twice as likely by global warming, said Thursday's study by World Weather Attribution, a group of international scientists who examine extreme weather conditions to see if there are climate change fingerprints. It's about the same as the team found for summer fires in France, but not nearly as clear a climate fingerprint as they calculated in Spanish fires, which the scientists said were 20 times more likely because of climate change.

The study, which was done so quickly it has not been peer reviewed yet, looked at the weather conditions that are connected to large wildfires and the Canadian index for those conditions, which are heat, lack of rain, humidity and wind. The researchers found the doubling of frequency when — using scientifically accepted techniques to search for climate fingerprints — they compared current conditions to a world without the 2.5 degrees (1.4 degrees Celsius) of warming that's occurred since the industrial age and burning of fossil fuels started. The weeklong weather conditions that led to the fires in Ontario are now the type that can happen every six years or so, the report said.

“In a pre-industrial climate this would have been much less likely to occur, maybe once in a lifespan. So climate change has made those events more likely,” said study co-author Jonathan Boucher, a fire scientist at Canada's Forest Service.

Hotter, drier conditions connected to burning

Outside climate and fire scientists said the flash study made sense and reflects a world where hotter and drier conditions are making fires burn more often and more intensely.

“Mother Nature's been burning. Now she's on amphetamines and she burns more and more,” said Thompson Rivers University fire scientist Mike Flannigan, a Canadian expert who wasn't part of the study.

Hazardous smoke spread across both the United States and Canada, choking large cities such as New York.

By burning more and more fossil fuels, “we're putting nails in our coffins,” Flannigan said.

In the larger and remote Northwest Territories fires, where more than 5,000 square miles (12,950 square kilometers) burned, it's clear the spark was from lightning but it was the climate conditions that took that initial ignition and made the fire burn intensely and spread too fast to control, said Boucher and report lead author Theodore Keeping, a climate scientist at Imperial College in London.

While people start about half of Canada's wildfires — accidentally or on purpose — fires sparked by lightning are responsible for more than 90% of the land area burned in Canada, Flannigan said.

“What we're facing here is more of a climate related problem than a forest management problem,” Boucher said.

That's not how Trump sees it.

Trump blames mismanagement, but scientists point to carbon

“A lot of damage has been done. They’re not managing their forests properly,” Trump said July 21. “And the wind has a tendency to blow right over New York City, right over, you saw Detroit, they had to close the whole place. Michigan was really affected. They had to close businesses for four days. It’s very serious what they’re doing, and they don’t seem to be able to do anything about it. If they managed their forests, they wouldn’t have the fires.”

When asked Sunday about punishing Canada, Trump on Air Force One told reporters he has decided on a punishment, adding “you'll find out about it soon.”

Canadian climate and fire scientists said Trump doesn't understand the root causes.

“Smoke does not carry a passport, but carbon pollution does have a history. That history shows that the United States contributed more than any other country,” said University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver. “President Trump is pointing at the smoke while ignoring America's fingerprints on the climate conditions behind it.”

Study co-author Friederike Otto, an Imperial College London climate scientist, said, “if you care about anyone but the super rich, you have to stop burning fossil fuels because the impacts are here and they’re now and have huge consequences.”

Canada has warmed 65% more than the United States in recent decades. In the past 30 years, the amount of land annually burned by Canadian wildfires has gone up by about 50% while the amount in the United States has more than doubled.

A big problem that Trump doesn't appear to understand is that much of Canada's forests are remote, northerly and full of spruce and pine that burns hard and fast, all making it difficult to get a handle on, Boucher and Flannigan said.

“In Canada, when things are extreme, you have about a 30-minute window to put that fire out,” Flannigan said. “If you don't get there in 30 minutes, you're out of luck. And many of the fires that start in Canada are northern remote areas that are more than 30 minutes away from an airport. So even with perfect detection systems, we would get there too late and these fires are going to burn.''

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Full lineup, new stage setup announced for 2026 Detroit Jazz Fest

Jenny Sherman — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:56:02 +0000

Detroit Jazz Fest organizers unveiled the 2026 festival’s full lineup on Monday, along with a new downtown footprint surrounding Hart Plaza.

The four-day festival, taking place this year from Sept. 4-7, is the world’s largest free jazz festival, drawing more than 300,000 music fans to the city over Labor Day weekend each year — with approximately 26% of attendees coming from out of state.

In its 47th year, the festival will be “fully centered” around Hart Plaza, where all three main stages — the Carhartt Amphitheater Stage, Pyramid Stage and Absopure Waterfront Stage — will be consolidated to create a more accessible and immersive environment and to improve safety and the flow of foot traffic, organizers said.

“At its core, jazz is about connection, and bringing the festival fully into Hart Plaza helps us deepen that connection,” said Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation President and Artistic Director Chris Collins in a statement on Monday. “Audiences can more easily move between performances, discover new artists, and experience the festival as one unified celebration of music.”

Additional performances will be held at the Detroit Jazz Hall inside the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University, continuing its role as a key part of Festival programming.

Among this year’s performers will be American saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, son of jazz legends John and Alice Coltrane; jazz bassist and Ferndale native Ron Carter; jazz keyboardist and producer Bob James, Artist-in-Residence Joe Lovano; contemporary jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini and many more.

“This year’s lineup reflects the incredible breadth and vitality of jazz today,” said Collins. “We are proud to present a world-class festival that remains free and accessible to everyone, made possible through the unwavering support of our patrons, sponsors, and community partners.”

Officials also said that coolers won’t be allowed inside Hart Plaza this year to help improve overall audience experience.

View the full 2026 lineup below:

Friday, Sept. 4

Carhartt Amphitheater Stage

6:14 p.m. Dr. Valade’s Brass Band Featuring Shannon Powell

7:00 p.m. Miles Electric Band

9:15 p.m. 2026 Artist-In-Residence Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet, featuring Julian Lage, Asante Sante Debriano, Will Calhoun

Detroit Jazz Hall located inside the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University

10:45 p.m. Tia Fuller featuring Shamie Fuller-Royston – “Fuller Sound”

(Midtown After Hours Special)

Saturday, Sept. 5

Carhartt Amphitheater Stage

3:00 p.m. Jeffrey Trent

4:45 p.m. African Rhythms Alumni Quintet “Celebrating the Centennial of Dr. Randy Weston” T.K. Blue – saxophone/flute/musical director; Chief Baba Neil Clarke

7:00 p.m. Ravi Coltrane Quartet: Centennial Celebration

9:15 p.m. Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report

Pyramid Stage

3:15 p.m. Borderland Ensemble

5:00 p.m. Skyler Tang

6:45 p.m. Jill Opal and The Bill Meyer Group

8:45 p.m. Bob James

Absopure Waterfront Stage

2:30 p.m. University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble directed by Professor Kris Johnson AND University of Michigan Jazz Trombone Ensemble directed by Professor Dennis Wilson

4:45 p.m. Vermilion Field (Takatsuki Jazz Street Representative Band)

7:00 p.m. Cyrille Aimée Quartet

9:00 p.m. Artemis

Detroit Jazz Hall located inside the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University

11:30 a.m. Grosse Isle High School Jazz Band, Midland High School Jazz Band, University of Detroit Jazz Orchestra, Troy Athens High School Jazz Band, Northview High School Jazz Ensemble

10:45 p.m. Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (Midtown After Hours Special)

Sunday, Sept. 6

Carhartt Amphitheater Stage

1:15 p.m. Downbeat Blindfold Test

3:00 p.m. The Search: Echoes of the Fallen, tribute to Karim Gideon

4:45 p.m. Gabrielle Cassava

7:00 p.m. 2026 Artist-In-Residence Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet: Sound Prints Featuring: Lawrence Fields, Yasushi Nakamura and Rudy Royston

9:15 p.m. Take 6

Pyramid Stage

1:15 p.m. J.C. Heard JazzWeek All Stars

3:15 p.m. Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet

4:45 p.m. Catherine Russell

6:45 p.m. Sequoia “REDWOOD” Snyder and INNER KNOWING

8:45 p.m. Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap

Absopure Waterfront Stage

1:45 p.m. Wayne State University “Jazz Warriors” Big Band directed by Professor Vincent Chandler AND Wayne State University Advanced Vocal Jazz Quartet directed by Cayla Stus

3:30 p.m. Luca Ciarla solOrkestra

5:20 p.m. 2026 Legacy Artist: Jaribu Shahid Salute to the AACM

7:15 p.m. Instant Alter featuring Natasha Agrama Clarke and Emilio Modeste

9:10 p.m. Vijay Iyer Trio with special guest, Adam O’Farrill

Detroit Jazz Hall located inside the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University

11:30 a.m. Taylor High School Jazz Band, Utica High School Jazz Band, Jackson Northwest High School Jazz Band, Northville High School Jazz Ensemble, Meridian High School Jazz Ensemble

10:45 p.m. Nduduzo Makhathini (Midtown After Hours Special)

Monday, Sept. 7

Carhartt Amphitheater Stage

2:00 p.m. Himiko Kikuchi Tottori Young Lions Trio

4:00 p.m. Cindy Blackman Santana

6:00 p.m. Coltrane 100 – 2026 Artist-In-Residence Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makathini, Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts Both Directions at Once

Pyramid Stage

1:45 p.m. Teiku

3:30 p.m. Roberta Gambarini and the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra

5:15 p.m. Joey Alexander Trio

Absopure Waterfront Stage

1:00 p.m. Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra| ”The Bebop Spartans” directed by Professor Rodney Whitaker

3:00 p.m. The Django Festival Allstars with Special Guest Grace Kelly

5:00 p.m. Ron Carter & Foursight

Detroit Jazz Hall located inside the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University

11:30 a.m. Detroit Public Schools Community District Jazz Showcase + Tottori Jazz Mission International Jam

Performances will also be livestreamed for free on live.DetroitJazzFest.org, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

US filings for jobless benefits rise to 199,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically low

Michelle Chapman, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:36:52 +0000

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years.

U.S. filings for jobless aid in the week ending August 1 rose by 1,000 to 199,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The previous week’s figure was revised up by 1,000 to 198,000.

Weekly filings for unemployment benefits are considered representative of layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the U.S. job market.

Last week, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation metric, PCE, came in at 3.7% for June, still well above the U.S. central bank’s 2% target. If inflation remains elevated, Fed officials say they are ready to raise interest rates to combat higher prices, raising costs for businesses and making them less likely to hire.

Last month, the government reported that employers pulled back on hiring in June, adding only 57,000 jobs. That’s less than half the previous month’s total and a sign that companies remain cautious about adding to their head counts. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% from 4.3% in May, though that decline is mostly because many out-of-work people gave up looking for jobs and were no longer counted as unemployed.

June’s tepid hiring comes after a relative surge in job gains the previous three months, countering concerns that the conflict in Iran could trip up an already wobbly labor market. The government’s July jobs report is due out Friday.

Weekly jobless aid applications have stabilized in a range mostly between 200,000 and 250,000 since the U.S. economy emerged from the pandemic recession. However, hiring began slowing about two years ago and tapered further in 2025 due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, his purge of the federal workforce and the lingering effects of high interest rates meant to control inflation.

Among the companies that have trimmed their workforce recently are Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Walmart and Microsoft.

The Labor Department’s report Thursday also showed that the four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims, which balances out some of the weekly volatility, fell by 4,500 to 198,750.

The total number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the previous week ending July 25 was 1.8 million, an increase of 24,000 from the week before.

Miscommunication leads Northern Michigan woman to win $100,000 lottery prize

Noelle Gray — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:20:36 +0000

A Roscommon County woman turned a miscommunication with a store clerk into a $100,000 prize from the Michigan Lottery.

68-year-old Barbara Lambert of St. Helen matched four white balls and the Powerball - 02-09-44-53-59, PB: 08 - in the July 20th drawing to win a $50,000 prize.

68-year-old Barbara Lambert of Saint Helen

Due to the Power Play, the prize was multiplied to $100,000.

“I bought my Powerball ticket as usual, and once I got in my car, I realized there must have been a miscommunication because the Power Play wasn’t added to my ticket. I went back into the store to get another ticket with the Power Play and told the cashier to give me a few easy pick numbers this time.”

Lambert purchased her winning ticket from the Shell gas station located at 2007 North M 76 in Saint Helen, about 20 miles east of Houghton Lake.

“The next day, I went back to the same store and scanned my ticket. When a message came up to file a claim, I asked the cashier what it meant, thinking maybe I won a few thousand dollars. The cashier looked at me and said: ‘It’s you!’ I was confused until she told me they had just got word a few hours ago that the store had sold a $100,000 winning Powerball ticket. I started shaking and my eyes filled with tears!”

“I’m so thankful the Power Play wasn’t added to my first ticket and that I went back in for another one, otherwise I wouldn’t be here claiming $100,000! I just retired last week, so this prize couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Lambert says she plans to use her winnings to complete some home improvements and invest.

2 soldiers killed in Lebanon in the first Israeli deaths since June truce with Hezbollah

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:19:56 +0000

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, Israel's military said Thursday, the first Israeli deaths since a shaky truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah began nearly two months ago.

Four other soldiers were seriously wounded, the military said. An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with the army's policy, said that “an explosion was detonated” when the soldiers entered a site in the village of Majdal Zoun and that the nature of the explosive was under review.

Israeli media reported the two deaths a day earlier.

The Israeli army launched strikes Wednesday in southern Lebanon in response to what it described as Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire and called on residents of the village of Mansouri to flee — the first such warning Israel has issued in Lebanon for weeks.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said one person was killed and 12 wounded in an Israeli strike in the town of Tebnine Wednesday and another eight wounded in overnight strikes on the village of Burj al-Shemali. Artillery shelling also targeted the areas of Mansouri and Majdal Zoun, the state-run National News Agency said.

There was no statement from the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The latest Israel-Hezbollah war erupted on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets across the border two days after the U.S. and Israel launched their attacks on Iran. More than 4,000 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since then, including hundreds of civilians. About 40 soldiers and three civilians — including a military contractor — have been killed on the Israeli side.

A precarious truce between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held since June 20, but Israeli forces have continued to occupy swaths of southern Lebanon and to carry out periodic airstrikes and shelling.

The U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon known as UNIFIL said it had recorded 113 projectiles launched by the Israeli military on Wednesday, the highest number recorded since June 21.

The latest escalation came as Lebanese and Israeli negotiators met in Rome to discuss implementation of a June 26 deal reached between Israel and the Lebanese government under which Israeli forces are supposed to withdraw from areas they occupy in southern Lebanon and allow the Lebanese army to take control, in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Hezbollah has refused to disarm and opposed the direct Lebanon-Israel talks. It was not a party to the deal. The group has accused the Lebanese government of making too many concessions without guaranteeing an Israeli withdrawal.

Wednesday’s talks ended early due to the escalation on the ground, but resumed on Thursday.

The talks in Rome have focused on implementation of “pilot zones” where Israeli forces would withdraw and the Lebanese army would take control. Implementation began last month with an initial pilot zone in an area that wasn’t occupied by Israeli forces but had previously sustained Israeli fire.

The Lebanese army entered the town of Zawtar al-Gharbieh and some civilians returned, although many came only to find their homes destroyed and left again.

A diplomat familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly said earlier this week that Lebanon had asked for the next pilot zone to be either in the town of Khiam or Bint Jbeil. Both areas saw heavy fighting in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war and are currently occupied by Israeli forces.

But U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa suggested ahead of the three-day talks that no new pilot zones would be immediately implemented, saying that “moving too quickly risks jeopardizing the very civilians this process is meant to protect.”

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Saeed reported from Herzliya, Israel. Associated Press writer Maria Grazia Murru in Rome contributed to this report.

North Korea conducts ballistic missile test days before US and South Korea begin drills

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:19:05 +0000

North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the sea on Thursday, its neighbors said, resuming weapons tests days before its rivals the U.S. and South Korea begin annual military drills that North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.

The launch from North Korea's eastern coastal Wonsan area was detected around 5 p.m., South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding that South Korea's military has bolstered its surveillance posture and is closely coordinating with the U.S. and Japan.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters the missile landed in the waters off North Korea's east coast and that there were no reports that the weapon reached Japanese territory.

Koizumi said North Korea's repeated missile launches pose a threat to Japan and the region and that Tokyo lodged a protest to Pyongyang through their embassies in Beijing. South Korea's presidential national security council called the North Korean ballistic launch “a provocation” that violates U.N. Security Council resolutions and urged the North to stop it.

It was North Korea's first ballistic missile launch since late June, when it tested a tactical ballistic missile with a “special mission” warhead and other weapons. After watching the testing activities, leader Kim Jong Un said at the time that the military needed to bolster its “deadly and destructive offensive posture.”

Thursday's launch came ahead of large-scale, annual exercises to be conducted by the U.S. and South Korean militaries later this month. U.S. and South Korean officials say the training is defensive in nature, but North Korea says the maneuvers are a practice invasion and often responds with missile tests.

South Korean and U.S. officials haven't yet released details about this year's joint exercise, but the drills are typically held in the latter half of August.

Kim has been focusing on enlarging his country's nuclear arsenal since his high-stakes diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Experts say Kim wants international recognition as a nuclear state so that he can demand the lifting of international economic sanctions on North Korea.

U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from launches involving its huge stockpile of ballistic missiles. Tests of other weapons including cruise missiles and artillery systems are not banned, but experts say they still pose a security challenge to South Korea and the U.S.

In early July, Kim supervised tests of a nuclear-capable cruise missile aboard a destroyer. After years of prioritizing ballistic missile development, Kim has increasingly turned his focus to naval capabilities, including the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine.

In recent years, Kim has boosted his diplomatic credentials by expanding cooperation with Russia. North Korea has supplied conventional weapons and troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

Kim also has pushed to deepen cooperation with China, the North's economic pipeline. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the North Korean capital Pyongyang in June for the first time in seven years.

In response to Trump’s repeated outreach to restart diplomacy, Kim has suggested talks can resume if the U.S. drops its demand for North Korean denuclearization as a precondition.

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Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Macomb County man ‘still in disbelief’ after winning $1 million prize

Noelle Gray — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:14:26 +0000

A Macomb County man says he started shaking and couldn’t believe he won a $1 million prize after playing the Michigan Lottery’s new Cash Train instant game.

“I bought a Cash Train ticket when the game first came out and won $50, so when I was cashing out at the party store a few weeks later, I bought another ticket,” said the lucky 73-year-old player who chose to remain anonymous.

The player purchased the ticket at Country Party Store, located at 23750 Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores.

73-year-old Macomb County man's winning lottery ticket through Michigan Lottery's Cash Train

“I scratched all the numbers on the ticket first, and once I was done, I scratched the winning amount. As soon as I saw letters instead of numbers where the prize amount was printed, I knew I won big! I started shaking and couldn’t believe it was real.”

“You never think this type of thing will happen to you, so I’m still in disbelief. Thanks to my big win, I’m financially set for life.”

The 73-year-old chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $693,000 rather than annuity payments for the full amount.

He plans to save his winnings.

How extreme heat is changing Americans' lives, according to a new AP-NORC poll

Alexa St. John And Linley Sanders, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:08:01 +0000

Elisa Bracamonte has lived in Arizona her whole life, so she's used to adjusting her schedule and outdoor activities around high temperatures, especially during the summer months.

But the 74-year-old retired nurse from Tucson said she feels the heat has been impacting more of her day-to-day: summer plans with family members across the region, meetups with friends, road trips and her daily morning walk routine.

"I’ve noticed at least a 10 degree difference in the weather," Bracamonte said. “Every summer, it seems to be getting hotter and hotter.”

Like Bracamonte, Americans are increasingly feeling a personal impact from extreme heat, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

According to the survey, U.S. adults are more likely to say extreme heat has had either a “major impact” or “minor impact” on their travel or vacation plans, electricity bills, their sleep, their family’s outdoor activities and more parts of their day-to-day life than in July 2024.

Much of that shift was among people who live in the West or Midwest.

Democrats are also more likely than Republicans to say that extreme heat has had a “major” impact on each item asked about.

Warming has endangered the globe especially in recent years; scientists calculated that Earth’s average temperature in 2025 hovered among one of the three hottest on record, along with 2024 and 2023. The U.S. has sweltered under dangerous heat domes over the past few years, and unusually high temperatures even early in the year.

The recent scorching weather has played a role in thousands of heat-related deaths — killing more people every year than all other weather-related events. It impacts wildfire risk, strains public infrastructure, devastates agriculture and wreaks havoc on gatherings such as sporting events.

Now, the poll shows how extreme heat is reshaping Americans' daily lives.

“I have to get up at 5 in the morning to walk before 6, because by 7 it’s already in the 80s ... I lose a couple hours of sleep because I’m having to wake up earlier,” added Bracamonte, who said she identifies as a very liberal Democrat. “You can’t stay outside without being sick unless you’re guzzling water the whole time — it’s just so, so hot.”

Electricity bills going up

About 8 in 10 Americans say their electricity bills have seen a “major” or “minor” impact from extreme heat over the last year, compared with 69% in July 2024, according to the survey.

Just under half of Americans living in the Midwest, 44%, say extreme heat has had a “major” impact on their electricity bills, up from 29% two years ago.

Rising household electricity prices have turned into an increasingly prominent political issue over the past few years. Extreme weather is just one factor that affects electricity bills, but it means that people are using more energy for air conditioning — or in the colder months, heat.

“I feel like my utility costs probably doubled in the last three or four years,” said Daemien Williams, a 50-year-old bridge inspector living in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, who identifies as a Democrat. “I do look at my bills pretty in detail and see that the kilowatts and the usage is actually up, not just the price that they’re charging for it."

Travel and vacation plans impacted, along with family outdoor activities

Extreme heat is affecting Americans' lives in other ways, the survey found.

Around 4 in 10 Americans say extreme heat has had either a major impact or a minor impact on their travel or vacation plans, up from about one-quarter in 2024.

“It has affected my entire family because we usually get together a lot during the summer," Bracamonte said. "We have family in Texas and we have family in upper Arizona. And we’ve seen that there’s been a lot more fires, a lot of more flooding, all that. So that kind of inhibits our plans to travel.”

Extreme heat waves increase wildfire risk, and a warmer world supercharges storms that could ultimately send more rainfall.

Around 7 in 10 Americans say extreme heat has had either a major impact or a minor impact on their family's outdoor activities, compared with about 6 in 10 in 2024.

Sean Conway, a 41-year-old direct marketer in North Shore, Massachusetts, said his kids' soccer practice might either be postponed or canceled due to extreme temperatures, for example.

But to Conway, who considers himself a moderate independent, leaning Republican, this is minor. “Sometimes, you’ve got to just be out in the bad weather.”

It’s not surprising many Americans say they are feeling the impacts, said Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center who was not involved with the polling.

“Brutal, life-threatening heat waves have become more frequent, more intense, and more persistent in many parts of the globe, including our Western and Midwestern states," Francis said. "Extreme heat compounded with long dry spells have affected our health directly, along with indirect effects on our wallets.”

Climate change belief remains largely stable

Even as more Americans say they feel a personal impact from extreme heat, that does not mean an increasing number believe in climate change.

About two-thirds, 66%, of Americans believe climate change is happening, a slight decline from 73% in September 2025. About 17% say they are not sure if climate change is happening, and about 15% say it is not happening.

Williams, the Illinois resident, attributes his belief in climate change in part to extreme shifts in weather including very high and very cold temperatures.

“My biggest indicator of the change in the climate is just the flooding is a lot more often," Williams said, noting that he believes in both natural and human causes.

John Hazel, a 33-year-old in Waco, Texas, says he’s noticed changes from when he was younger.

“When I was a kid, that seemed like a very rare thing when it did hit 100, everybody was like, whoa. And now it’s just every day,” said Hazel, a crime scene investigator. “Seasons felt a little more balanced. Now it feels like summer’s a bit lingering, it starts earlier and lasts longer.”

Hazel, who identifies as a conservative Republican and believes in climate change, said he plans around the heat.

“As soon as you walk outside, you’re already sweating even if you’re not doing much of anything. I’ve definitely noticed you’re having to take breaks from being outside, you have to bathe, shower more often,” Hazel said. “It’s definitely a bigger consideration.”

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The poll of 1,165 adults was conducted July 23-27, 2026, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.

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Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.

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Morning 4: Sterling Heights police defend Flock cameras as City Council raises privacy concerns — and more news

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:44:39 +0000

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.

Sterling Heights police defend Flock cameras as City Council raises privacy concerns

Sterling Heights police defended the department’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras during a City Council meeting Wednesday, as some council members and residents raised privacy and data-sharing concerns.

Police Chief Andrew Satterfield said the cameras capture images of license plates and vehicles at major intersections and roadways, but do not identify people, use facial recognition or provide officers with personal information about drivers.

Monroe woman, 10-year-old killed in multi-vehicle crash

A 56-year-old Monroe woman and her 10-year-old passenger were both killed in a traffic crash involving multiple vehicles Wednesday evening.

Firefighters battle large blaze at Troy church

Fire personnel are on the scene of a 4-alarm fire that broke out inside a Troy church early Thursday morning.

Emergency crews responded to Troy Church of Christ on Trombley Road around 3:15 a.m. After entering the building initially, the roof reportedly suffered a partial collapse, which required firefighters to try and put the fire out from the outside. The building was unoccupied when crews entered.

Canton Township man pleads guilty to attempted murder in stabbing of mother, siblings

A Canton Township man accused of stabbing three of his family members in 2025 has pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to murder. Derek Attee Alesmaily, entered the guilty plea Wednesday in Wayne County’s 3rd Circuit Court.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges, including two additional counts of assault with intent to murder, three counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, three counts of felonious assault and two counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer.

4Warn Weather Alert: Morning rain moves out, but unsettled weather continues into the weekend

As temperatures warm this afternoon, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to redevelop as low pressure and a cold front arrive. Severe weather is not anticipated, but any storm could produce brief heavy downpours.

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Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah agrees to 2-year contract with Trabzonspor

James Robson, Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:41:02 +0000

Mohamed Salah agreed on a two-year contract with Trabzonspor on Thursday.

Egypt international Salah was a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. He flew to Istanbul on Wednesday to complete his move to Trabzonspor and was greeted by throngs of fans on his arrival.

His official signing ceremony was taking place later Thursday.

The 34-year-old Salah established himself as a Premier League great with Liverpool where he won two league titles and the Champions League among eight major honors.

He scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for the Merseyside club and is regarded as one of its greatest players of all time.

He still had a year to run on his contract at Liverpool, but in March he announced he would leave the club after a disappointing campaign, in which he scored only 12 goals and had a public falling out with then-coach Arne Slot.

Trabzonspor is a seven-time Turkish champion and finished third last season.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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Spain confident it will host the 2030 World Cup final because it 'deserves' it

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:37:15 +0000

The Spanish government remained confident the final of the 2030 World Cup will be in Spain.

Speaking after a report that FIFA allegedly awarded the final to co-host Morocco, sports minister Milagros Tolón said Spain “deserved” to host the title game.

“We are the reigning men’s and women’s World Cup champions, and Spain and Portugal spearheaded the bid for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco later joined,” Tolón told Cadena Ser late Wednesday. “We have many advantages and strengths as a country.”

Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the main 2030 co-hosts. Morocco hopes to host the final at the planned 115,000-seat King Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca. Spain has at least two contenders — Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Barcelona's Camp Nou.

FIFA on Tuesday denied a British media report suggesting President Gianni Infantino, in seeking support for his presidency, offered Morocco the hosting of the final in 2030.

A FIFA spokesperson said it’s “false and misleading to claim the FIFA president has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due course.”

Tolón said the Spanish government was “surprised” about the report that FIFA gave the final to Morocco.

“The most important thing is that FIFA has already denied it,” she said. "We are working with FIFA, and we have our next meeting in September. They have been very clear and emphatic in denying this news. We will continue working because we want, and it has to be, that the World Cup final is in Spain.”

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