Author: Associated Press

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell appears to freeze up again, this time at a Kentucky event

Photo source: WLWTWASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell appeared to briefly freeze up and was unable to answer a question from a reporter at an event in Kentucky on Wednesday, weeks after he had a similar episode in Washington. According to video from a local news station, the 81-year-old McConnell was asked whether he would run for reelection…

10 drugs targeted for Medicare price negotiations as Biden pitches cost reductions

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden touted the potential cost savings of Medicare’s first-ever price negotiations for widely used prescription drugs on Tuesday as he struggles to convince Americans that he’s improved their lives as he runs for reelection. The drugs include the blood thinner Eliquis, diabetes treatment Jardiance and eight other medications. The negotiation process was authorized under the…

Idalia strengthens into a hurricane, chases Florida residents away from vulnerable coast

Photo source: Gov. Ron DeSantisCEDAR KEY, Fla. (AP) — Idalia strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday and barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast as authorities warned residents of vulnerable areas to pack up and leave to escape the twin threats of high winds and devastating flooding. Idalia was churning in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm, but it was…

Rare blue supermoon brightens the night sky this week in the closest full moon of the year

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Stargazers are in for a double treat this week: a rare blue supermoon with Saturn peeking from behind. The cosmic curtain rises Wednesday night with the second full moon of the month, the reason it’s considered blue. It’s dubbed a supermoon because it’s closer to Earth than usual, appearing especially big and bright. This will…

Florida governor declares widespread state of emergency ahead of Idalia’s expected landfall

Photo source: Gov. Ron DeSantisTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Florida residents loaded up on sandbags and evacuated from homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia intensified Monday and forecasters predicted it would hit in days as a major hurricane with potentially life-threatening storm surges. As the state prepared, Idalia thrashed Cuba with heavy rain, especially in…

Faculty member shot and killed in a campus building, says University of North Carolina official

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — A University of North Carolina faculty member was shot and killed in a campus building, an official said Monday. UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said the shooting was in Caudill Laboratories, and there is no longer a threat to the public. A suspect has been arrested, the school said. Students and faculty at the flagship…