Author: Associated Press

Biden and congressional leaders announce a deal on government funding as a partial shutdown looms

FILE – The U.S Capitol is seen on Jan. 8, 2024, in Washington. The chairmen of the top tax policy committees in Congress announced a bipartisan agreement Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, to enhance the child tax credit and revive a variety of tax breaks for businesses, a combination designed to attract support from lawmakers of both political parties. (AP Photo/Mariam…

Mega Millions jackpot soars to $875 million. Powerball reaches $600 million

By FREIDA FRISARO Associated Press

FILE – Powerball lottery tickets are displayed Oct. 4, 2023, in Surfside, Fla. An estimated $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot that has been growing since July is about to be on the line. Saturday night’s jackpot is the world’s fifth-largest lottery prize after rolling over for 33 consecutive drawings. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — If you’re feeling some…

After dangerous tornadoes in Ohio and Indiana, survivors salvage, reflect and prepare for recovery

By JOSHUA A. BICKEL and ISABELLA VOLMERT Associated Press

A storm’s trail of destruction affected people in parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas on Thursday night. At least three people in Ohio were killed, dozens hurt and even more reported damaged homes or businesses by Friday. Residents sorted through rubble, reflecting on the fear the storms caused and their relief at coming through physically unscathed. They briefly rejoiced…

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley eager to prove his work ethic with the Titans

Photo: CBS SportsNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Calvin Ridley had a message Friday for anyone worried the Tennessee Titans overpaid for him or that the wide receiver who missed essentially two NFL seasons won’t live up to his new four-year, $92 million deal. “I’m a good player. I’m the type of player who deserves this contract,” Ridley said. “I’m going to…

College swimmers, volleyball players sue NCAA over transgender policies

ATLANTA (AP) — Former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines was among more than a dozen college athletes who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, accusing it of violating their Title IX rights by allowing transgender woman Lia Thomas to compete at the national championships in 2022. The lawsuit details the shock Gaines and other swimmers felt when they learned they would…

Oklahoma’s push to weaken penalties for cockfighting is frustrating opponents of the bloodsport

By SEAN MURPHY Associated Press

WILSON, Okla. (AP) — Before Oklahoma became one of the last places in the U.S. to outlaw cockfighting in 2002, it wasn’t uncommon to see hundreds of spectators packed into small arenas in rural parts of the state to watch roosters, often outfitted with razor-sharp steel blades, fight until a bloody death. More than 20 years after the ban took…

Police search for a University of Missouri student in Nashville

Source: National Center For Missing and Endangered, Inc. (Facebook). NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Tennessee are searching for a University of Missouri student who was last seen by friends at a Nashville bar Friday night. Metropolitan Nashville Police released video Tuesday that shows Riley Strain, 22, crossing a downtown street Friday night. Police have said Strain was last seen…

Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning join NBC’s Paris Olympics opening ceremony coverage as hosts

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer Kelly Clarkson and NFL legend Peyton Manning will bring a new flavor to NBC Universal’s upcoming Paris Olympics coverage this summer. Clarkson and Manning are expected to join Mike Tirico to host the opening ceremony, the network announced Tuesday night. The ceremony’s live coverage will air July 26 on NBC and Peacock at noon ET….