LONDON (AP) — Ukraine says it struck a Russian air base, targeting a depot and aircraft while Russia launched over 300 drones into Ukraine overnight. Ukraine’s air force says most of the drones were shot down or electronically jammed. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed air defense and weapons production with U.S. President Trump as the U.S. paused some military aid to Ukraine.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed his signature bill of tax and spending cuts at the White House Fourth of July picnic. He’s taking a victory lap after muscling his main legislative priority through the Republican-controlled Congress. Fighter jets and a stealth bomber streaked through the sky over the picnic as Trump and first lady Melania Trump stepped out onto the White House balcony. The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. It provides for a massive increase in immigration enforcement. Congress’ nonpartisan scorekeeper projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the law.… Continue Reading
LOS ANGELES (AP) — People are approaching this Independence Day with mixed feelings. Polls show declining national pride, especially among Democrats, during the Trump era. In southern California, some July Fourth celebrations have been canceled due to immigration raids and safety concerns. Protests against Trump’s policies are planned across the country. Meanwhile, fireworks retailers face challenges from tariffs on Chinese imports, though many are holding off price increases this year. Holiday travel is breaking records, and AAA reports over 72 million Americans expected to hit the road or fly.… Continue Reading
Famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut has reclaimed his title at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest after skipping last year’s event. The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, secured his 17th Mustard Belt in 20 appearances before cheering fans at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. He had missed the 2024 competition over a contract dispute involving a deal he had struck with a competing brand, the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods. Defending champion Miki Sudo won her 11th title in the women’s division. The event, held outside the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant, dates back to 1972 and draws large crowds of fans.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have propelled President Donald Trump’s multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final congressional passage. Republicans overcame multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package Thursday before a Fourth of July deadline. GOP leaders worked overnight, and the president himself leaned on a handful of skeptics to drop their opposition and send the bill to his desk to become law. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delayed voting for more than eight hours with a record-breaking speech against the bill. It’s $4.5 trillion in tax breaks, with $1.2 trillion in cuts to government programs. The president is expected to sign it into law Friday.… Continue Reading
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Madsen, whose menacing characters in “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill” made him a standout in Quentin Tarantino’s films, has died. He was 67. Madsen’s manager says the actor was found unresponsive in his home in Malibu, California, on Thursday and was declared dead from what appeared to be cardiac arrest. Madsen’s career spanned more than 300 credits stretching back to the early 1980s, many in low budget films. But his most memorable screen moment may have been the sadistic torture of a captured police officer in 1992’s “Reservoir Dogs.” He would become a Tarantino regular, appearing in the “Kill Bill” films and “The Hateful Eight.”… Continue Reading
The long wait for Nikolaj Ehlers’ free agent decision is over. Ehlers decided to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, taking the top player available off the market more than 72 hours since the NHL’s signing period began. Ehlers agreed to terms on a six-year contract worth $51 million. He’ll count $8.5 million against the salary cap through 2031. Carolina had plenty of space to add the speedy, productive Danish winger. The 29-year-old joins a core that has reached the playoffs seven consecutive seasons with two trips to the Eastern Conference final over the past three springs.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed three anti-DEI bills and another targeting transgender rights. Stein criticized on Thursday the Republican-led legislature for prioritizing what he called “mean-spirited” bills that it sent to his desk. The anti-DEI bills would cut or eliminate diversity programs in government and education. The transgender-related bill includes restrictions on state-funded gender-affirming care for prisoners and other provisions. Republicans argue these laws promote fairness and parental rights. The legislature may attempt to override the vetoes later this month. Stein has vetoed 11 bills since January, all within the past two weeks.… Continue Reading
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The nation’s social safety net would face massive changes under a bill headed to President Donald Trump’s desk. There would be a work requirement for many people to get or keep Medicaid health insurance, and a similar requirement for older adults to receive food assistance. Paperwork requirements would also increase. Planned Parenthood could no longer get federal funding for its non-abortion health services. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says that by 2034, the bill would result in nearly 12 million more uninsured people in the U.S. Supporters say the measures will save taxpayers money, enhance personal responsibility and block fraud.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Just two weeks ago, the Supreme Court upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. On Thursday, the justices said they’ll review lower court rulings in favor of transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia. The case will be argued in the fall. West Virginia’s attorney general calls it “a great day, as female athletes in West Virginia will have their voices heard.” Lawyers on the other side say they stand ready to defend the lower-court rulings. More than two dozen states have enacted laws restricting transgender women and girls from participating in certain sports. Some of these laws have been blocked in court.… Continue Reading