Yearly Archives: 2025

Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner are set for Hall of Fame induction

Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner are set for Hall of Fame induction

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki was always known for his meticulous preparation during his 19-year Major League Baseball career. For his induction into the Hall of Fame? Not so much. Suzuki said on the eve of his enshrinement that he spent his morning on the field playing baseball. He is the first Japanese player chosen for the Hall. He will be joined Sunday by CC Sabathia, a six-time All-Star who won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award, and relief pitcher Billy Wagner. Dave Parker, who died a month before he was to be inducted, and Dick Allen will be honored posthumously.… Continue Reading

Parts of the Appalachian Trail are still damaged after Helene. Volunteers are fixing it by hand

Parts of the Appalachian Trail are still damaged after Helene. Volunteers are fixing it by hand

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (AP) — Volunteers are still rebuilding parts of the iconic Appalachian Trail in eastern Tennessee nearly a year after Hurricane Helene devastated the region. Two damaged spots along the trail require hikers to take detours. A group of volunteers and staffers with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and local groups worked on repairs at a spot on the trail near the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter in mid-July. Volunteers say their priority is fixing root ball holes in the ground caused by fallen trees. The work is intensive and slow. But the group hopes it can improve the trail’s resiliency against future severe weather.… Continue Reading

Lumbee tribe of North Carolina sees politics snarl recognition by Washington

Lumbee tribe of North Carolina sees politics snarl recognition by Washington

The Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina is pushing forward on its fight for federal recognition even as political roadblocks appear to snarl their efforts. President Donald Trump issued an executive order early in his term directing the Interior Department to create a recognition plan, but the Lumbee are still waiting for word. Federal recognition would grant the tribe access to health care, grants and land rights. Critics argue the Lumbee lack sufficient historical proof, while supporters say the formal process is too slow. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis introduced a bill for recognition but it’s up against federal spending cuts and political tensions.… Continue Reading

Education Department says it will release billions in remaining withheld grant money for schools

Education Department says it will release billions in remaining withheld grant money for schools

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants to schools for adult literacy, English language instruction and other programs, the Education Department said Friday. President Donald Trump’s administration had withheld $6 billion in funding on July 1 as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities. Officials later said the department would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school programs, days after 10 Republican senators sent a letter imploring the administration to allow frozen education money to be sent to states.… Continue Reading

In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump faces ongoing questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case, overshadowing his administration’s achievements. On Friday, reporters pressed the Republican president about pardoning Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, but he deflected, emphasizing his administration’s successes. Despite enacting significant policies, Trump’s past ties to Epstein continue to stir controversy. Supporters demand transparency, believing Epstein’s death in a New York jail cell six years ago hides a larger conspiracy. Administration officials who previously fueled theories now claim there’s nothing more to reveal. Trump denies prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and urges supporters to move on. But the Epstein case remains a challenging distraction.… Continue Reading

Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake signs 8-year, $45 million contract extension

Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake signs 8-year, $45 million contract extension

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake signed an eight-year, $45 million contract extension Thursday that will begin with the 2026-27 season. The 21-year-old Blake, the son of former NHL forward Jason Blake, had 17 goals and 17 assists in 80 regular-season games last season and added three goals and three assists in 15 playoff games. The 5-foot-11 right wing was drafted by the Hurricanes in the fourth round in 2021. He played two seasons at the University of North Dakota.… Continue Reading

How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July

How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s almost time to catch summer’s double meteor showers. The Southern Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak in the early morning of July 30. With minimal interference from moonlight, the meteors should appear bright and clear if viewed away from city lights. Each shower is expected to produce up to a dozen visible meteors per hour. The Alpha Capricornids may have tails that linger longer in the night sky. Viewing of each shower lasts through August 12. The next major meteor shower, the Perseids, will peak in mid-August.… Continue Reading

American Conference deserves fair shot at College Football Playoff, commissioner says

American Conference deserves fair shot at College Football Playoff, commissioner says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Commissioner Tim Pernetti wants the newly rebranded American Conference included in the College Football Playoff conversation. Pernetti says his conference has teams capable of competing in the 12-team playoff for the national championship. H emphasized on Friday a merit-based system where the five highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids, regardless of conference. Last season, the American Conference had competitive teams but none made the playoffs. Pernetti argues against predetermined playoff spots for larger conferences, advocating for opportunities to be earned on the field. He warns against repeating past mistakes of favoritism and confusion that he said came with the Bowl Championship Series.… Continue Reading

Clemson returns most experienced team in football in search of 3rd national title in 10 years

Clemson returns most experienced team in football in search of 3rd national title in 10 years

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Clemson Tigers have all the pieces to win another national championship. They return the most experienced team in college football, with eight starters on both sides and a high return production rate. Cade Klubnik, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, leads the team as quarterback. Coach Dabo Swinney emphasizes that experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. Clemson’s retention rate is strong, thanks to programs like P.A.W. Journey, which supports players’ development. Despite challenges, Clemson remains consistent, joining elite teams with at least nine wins in 14 straight seasons. The Tigers aim to maintain this streak and achieve more success.… Continue Reading

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move thousands of employees out of Washington, D.C., aiming to save money and bring them closer to farmers and ranchers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday that around 2,600 workers will relocate to five hubs from North Carolina to Utah. The plan is part of President Donald Trump’s effort to make the federal government more efficient. Critics worry about losing connections to Congress and potential disruptions. The union representing federal workers criticized the move as a ploy to cut jobs. The union also pointed out that some 95% of the department’s employees already work outside Washington.… Continue Reading

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