INSIDER
With stadiums, theaters closed, Coke 2Q revenue plunges 28%
Read full article: With stadiums, theaters closed, Coke 2Q revenue plunges 28%Coca-Cola's revenue plunged 28% in the second quarter, but the company said sales had begun to improve last month as lockdowns eased globally. Half of Coke's sales come from stadiums, movie theaters and other places where people gather in large numbers, venues that have blinked out in the pandemic. April case volumes fell 25% worldwide, the company said. Coke reported net income of $1.8 billion for the April-June period, down 32% from the same period a year ago. Cokes revenue fell to $7.2 billion, matching expectations.
Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedes
Read full article: Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedesMovie-goers wearing masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus are spaced apart as they watch a movie in a newly reopened cinema in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province on Monday, July 20, 2020. China is going back to the movies. Following months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back Monday in cities where the risk of virus infection is considered low. (Chinatopix via AP)
US Olympic museum to open July 30; will honor 1980 team
Read full article: US Olympic museum to open July 30; will honor 1980 teamThis July 17, 2020 photo provided by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum shows the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum announced Monday, July 20, 2020 that it will open July 30. The museum, located in downtown Colorado Springs, cost around $91 million and will feature 12 exhibits over 60,000 square feet. It will have a first-of-its-kind tribute to the 1980 Olympic team, which was forced to miss the Moscow Games because of a boycott. Olympic & Paralympic Museum via AP)
Rahm's wild day ends with Memorial win and No. 1 ranking
Read full article: Rahm's wild day ends with Memorial win and No. 1 rankingJon Rahm, of Spain, celebrates after the 18th hole to win the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)DUBLIN, Ohio Jon Rahm won the Memorial to join Seve Ballesteros as the only Spaniards to reach No. Replay of Rahm's chip appeared to show the ball moved ever so slightly when he placed his lob wedge behind it. The chip was similar but from a different angle to Tiger Woods chipping in from behind the 16th green when he won the Memorial for the fifth time in 2012. Norlander and Hughes tied at 3-under 285, but the spot went to Hughes because he had the better world ranking.
US Olympic museum to open July 30; will honor 1980 team
Read full article: US Olympic museum to open July 30; will honor 1980 teamThis July 17, 2020 photo provided by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum shows the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum announced Monday, July 20, 2020 that it will open July 30. It will have a first-of-its-kind tribute to the 1980 Olympic team, which was forced to miss the Moscow Games because of a boycott. Olympic & Paralympic Museum via AP)A 60,000-square foot museum that will include a first-of-its-kind tribute to the 1980 U.S. Olympic team is scheduled to open July 30 in Colorado Springs after a three-year construction project. The project was conceived in 2012, as Olympic leaders looked to establish the first full-fledged Olympic museum in the United States.
FDA calls for removal of fruity, disposable Puff Bar vapes
Read full article: FDA calls for removal of fruity, disposable Puff Bar vapesThe Food and Drug Administration sent a letter Monday telling the company to remove Puff Bar e-cigarettes from the market within 15 business days, including flavors like mango, pink lemonade and strawberry. The regulatory action comes months after anti-vaping advocates warned that disposable vapes like Puff Bar were a glaring loophole in the FDA's ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Under the policy, only menthol and tobacco flavors were allowed for those devices. But the flavor restrictions did not apply to disposable vaping products like Puff Bar. The seller of Puff Bar, Cool Clouds Distribution of Glendale, California, did not immediately respond to emailed messages seeking comment Monday afternoon.
Trump offers confusion, contradictions on immigration order
Read full article: Trump offers confusion, contradictions on immigration orderWASHINGTON President Donald Trump is promising new executive action on immigration as he returns to the defining issue of his administration. Elsewhere in the interview, Trump said he would instead be signing a big executive order that would include DACA. Were working out the legal complexities right now, but Im going to be signing a very major immigration bill as an executive order," he said. White House spokesman Judd Deere quickly tried to walk back the meandering comments, saying that Trump was working on an executive order to establish a merit-based immigration system to further protect U.S. In addition to his complaints about illegal immigration, Trump has long railed against the country's legal immigration system, saying it should favor high-skilled immigrants admitted for their merit' instead of those with family connections.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman admitted to hospital for tests
Read full article: Saudi Arabia's King Salman admitted to hospital for testsDUBAI Saudi Arabias King Salman has been admitted to a hospital in the capital, Riyadh, for medical tests due to inflammation of the gallbladder, the kingdoms Royal Court said Monday in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. King Salman has been in power since January 2015. He is considered the last Saudi monarch of his generation of brothers who have held power since the death of their father and founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz. King Salman has empowered his 34-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as his successor. King Salman, who oversees Islam's holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, was crown prince under King Abdullah and served as defense minister.
New this week: Jim Gaffigan, live baseball, Snoop vs. DMX
Read full article: New this week: Jim Gaffigan, live baseball, Snoop vs. DMXHeres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. AP National Writer Jocelyn Noveck wrote in her review that Garner, Does a lot with a little. AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSICSnoop Dogg vs. DMX: Its the battle of the canines in the latest Verzuz series. Rap icons Snoop Dogg and DMX will go toe-to-toe Wednesday on Instagram Live at 8 p.m. EDT. That changes with Jim Gaffigan: The Pale Tourist, which is downright daring in its approach if not content.
Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedes
Read full article: Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedesFollowing months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back Monday in cities where the risk of virus infection is considered low. Following months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back into cinemas Monday in cities such as Shanghai, Hanzhou and Guilin where the risk of virus infection is considered low. Chinese are enthusiastic movie goers and the country was expected to surpass the U.S. this year as the worlds biggest box office before the pandemic hit. The cinema re-openings come as China is relaxing many restrictions while maintaining mask wearing, temperature checks and social distancing. That made China the first economy to resume economic growth since the pandemic began in its central city of Wuhan.
Senate panel now likely to back questionable Trump Fed pick
Read full article: Senate panel now likely to back questionable Trump Fed pickThe committee's support would move Shelton's nomination to the full Senate, which would have until the end of the year to confirm or reject it. Late Monday, Sen. John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, said he would support Shelton's nomination, essentially guaranteeing that she would win the votes of all 13 GOP senators on the committee. Toomey said he would support Shelton after she had reassured him that she would not seek to lower the value of the dollar. Since Shelton's hearing in February, the coronavirus pandemic has plunged the U.S. economy into its worst downturn since the Depression. In addition to Shelton, Trump has nominated Christopher Waller, research director at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, for a second vacancy on the seven-member Fed board.
Man United's Bailly taken off after 2nd clash of heads
Read full article: Man United's Bailly taken off after 2nd clash of headsManchester United's Eric Bailly receives treatment after a clash of heads during the English FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, England, Sunday, July 19, 2020. (Andy Rain, Pool via AP)LONDON Manchester United defender Eric Bailly was wheeled off on a stretcher and wearing an oxygen mask after a second clash of heads during Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea. Bailly had returned to action after an aerial collision with Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma. But during a lengthy stoppage, Bailly staggered on the touchline before being placed on a stretcher and wheeled off the Wembley touchline on a stretcher by medical staff wearing protective clothing as part of coronavirus prevention measures. There was applause from the few people inside Wembley, where fans are locked out due to the pandemic.
Brothers in arms; Indians show support for social justice
Read full article: Brothers in arms; Indians show support for social justiceMembers of the Cleveland Indians line up for the national anthem before an exhibition baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 18, 2020. Musgrove struck out five against one hit and one walk in his final tune-up before things start to count. HERE AND THEREChristian Arroyo hit a two-run double in the eighth to spark Cleveland's rally from a 3-0 deficit. ... Zach Plesac allowed two runs on six hits with no walks and six strikeouts in five innings for the Indians. ... Guillermo Heredia, who will start in right field for the Pirates while starter Gregory Polanco recovers from the novel coronavirus, drove in two runs for Pittsburgh.
Trump not ready to commit to election results if he loses
Read full article: Trump not ready to commit to election results if he losesPresident Donald Trump pauses as he speaks during an event on regulatory reform on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, July 16, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House election, recalling a similar threat he made weeks before the 2016 vote, as he scoffs at polls showing him lagging behind Democrat Joe Biden. I have to see, Trump told moderator Chris Wallace during a wide-ranging interview on Fox News Sunday." Trump contends that a series of polls that show his popularity eroding and Biden holding an advantage are faulty. First of all, Im not losing, because those are fake polls, Trump said in the taped interview, which aired Sunday.
Biden says he's had intel briefings, warns of vote meddling
Read full article: Biden says he's had intel briefings, warns of vote meddlingWASHINGTON Joe Biden said Friday night that he's begun receiving intelligence briefings as he warned that Russia, China and other adversaries were attempting to undermine the upcoming U.S. election in November. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee wasn't specific and offered no evidence while addressing a virtual fundraiser with more than 200 attendees. We know from before, and I guarantee you I know now because now I get briefings again. Biden received intelligence briefings while vice president but told reporters he wasn't getting them as of June 30. Making sure everyone who wants to vote can vote, making sure that the vote is counted, making sure were all trusting in the integrity of the results of the election.
Yanks' Germn casts doubt on MLB future in Instagram post
Read full article: Yanks' Germn casts doubt on MLB future in Instagram postNEW YORK Suspended New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germn cast doubt on his baseball future with curious Instagram posts Friday night. Germn posted a photo of himself in a Yankees uniform exclaiming in what appears to be a photo of him pitching in a game. God bless everyone who has supported meHe also put online an Instagram story with words that translated to: Ive left baseball. Thanks everyone.A right-hander who turns 28 on Aug. 4, Germn has 63 games left to serve in his suspension for violating Major League Baseballs domestic violence policy. I know hes in the States visiting his child right now, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, but beyond that, I dont really know much about.
Surging Democrats expand Senate targets to GOP states
Read full article: Surging Democrats expand Senate targets to GOP statesDemocrats have at least a punchers chance of grabbing Republican-held seats in four states Trump won by double digits: Alaska, Kansas, Kentucky and South Carolina. They argue that Trump's name on the ballot will give Senate candidates in Republican states a major edge and say they're spending there because Democrats are raising sums that can't be ignored. An expensive battle is brewing over Ernst's Iowa seat, with outside Democratic and GOP groups each planning to spend over $20 million. Kelly has a solid chance of defeating GOP Sen. Martha McSally while Harrison is waging an unlikely drive to oust Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally. Republicans are eyeing Alaska, where GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan's likely opponent is Al Gross, an independent with Democratic support.
Protesters hit with gas as locals demand feds leave Portland
Read full article: Protesters hit with gas as locals demand feds leave PortlandFederal officers deployed tear gas and fired less-lethal rounds into a crowd of protesters late Thursday. The actions came just hours after the head of the Department of Homeland Security called the protesters violent anarchists. Federal agents, some wearing camouflage and some wearing dark Homeland Security uniforms, used tear gas at least twice to break up crowds late Friday night, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said Friday night she was also suing Homeland Security and the Marshals Service. Federal officers deployed tear gas again just before midnight after a few protesters placed dismantled fencing in front of plywood doors covering the entrance of the federal courthouse.
Harvick, Hamlin still predictable Cup favorites at hot Texas
Read full article: Harvick, Hamlin still predictable Cup favorites at hot TexasFORT WORTH, Texas Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin can easily be considered favorites for the first summertime race at Texas, even in this unpredictable and unprecedented NASCAR Cup season. There are no rules changes from last year for the aerodynamic or engine packages used at Texas, where Hamlin won in the spring before Harvick won his third consecutive fall race there. We will take into account weather and all that stuff to figure out what kind of car we need to take to that race track to be successful, said Hamlin, who won both Texas races in 2010. Harvick, who has an 88-point lead over Brad Keselowski this season, paced a 1-2-3 finish for Stewart-Haas Racing at Texas last November. When Harvick takes the green flag Sunday, he will become the 18th driver to make his 700th career Cup Series start.
Arteta outwits Guardiola: Arsenal beats City in FA Cup semi
Read full article: Arteta outwits Guardiola: Arsenal beats City in FA Cup semi(AP Photo/Matt Childs,Pool)LONDON Seven months after leaving Pep Guardiola's side, Mikel Arteta outwitted his mentor to ensure his first season as Arsenal manager will end with an FA Cup final. Football shut down for three months in England and resumed in June with City beating Arsenal 3-0 in the Premier League. The FA Cup is the second trophy surrendered by City this season after losing the Premier League title to Liverpool. But City has already successfully defended the League Cup and can still win a double. BURNLEY EYES EUROPEThe number of Europa League slots in the Premier League depends on who wins the FA Cup.
Yanks' P Germn not retiring, apologizes for misleading post
Read full article: Yanks' P Germn not retiring, apologizes for misleading postNEW YORK Suspended Yankees pitcher Domingo Germn says he is not retiring from baseball and apologized for suggesting as much in an Instagram post a night earlier. Germn, serving an 81-game ban for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy last summer, posted Friday night words in Spanish that translated to, Ive left baseball. Germn has 63 games left to serve and won't play in 2020. This past year has been very tough for my family and myself, for which I take full responsibility, Germn wrote. I am using this time to get stronger, become a better person and father, and I can only hope that I will get to join my teammates once again to make them proud, Germn wrote.
Shadow lenders can leave college students in the dark
Read full article: Shadow lenders can leave college students in the darkA new high school graduate may take out about $37,200 in student loans for college, according to a recent NerdWallet study. SPOT UNFAVORABLE LOAN TERMSThe line between student loans and loans marketed toward students can be murky. You can apply for federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. What matters is outcomes.You can find those in the Department of Education College Scorecard. Heres How to Ease the Load https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-college-loansDatabase of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/homeU.S. Department of Education College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Serena Williams to return to action in Kentucky next month
Read full article: Serena Williams to return to action in Kentucky next monthLEXINGTON, Ky. Serena Williams is planning to make her return to competition at a new hard-court tournament in Kentucky next month. Itll be the 23-time Grand Slam singles champions first action since playing for the U.S. in the Fed Cup in February, before all sanctioned tennis was shut down the next month because of the coronavirus pandemic. The womens and mens professional tennis tours are scheduled to resume in August. The Kentucky event, called the Top Seed Open, announced Thursday that Williams and 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens will be in the field when play begins there Aug. 10. Williams already has said she will enter the next scheduled Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open, which is supposed to begin in New York on Aug. 31.
Democrats say White House blocking CDC head from testifying
Read full article: Democrats say White House blocking CDC head from testifyingDirector of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield, speaks during a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the Department of Education July 8, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON House Democrats are criticizing the White House for blocking the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from testifying at a public hearing on safely reopening the nation's schools. Democrats said they invited CDC officials, including director Robert Redfield, to testify at a hearing next Thursday but were rebuffed by the White House. A committee spokesperson said the panel asked for any CDC official to testify but was rejected. A White House spokesperson said Friday that Dr. Redfield has testified on Capitol Hill at least four times over the last three months.
Princess Beatrice marries in private ceremony at Windsor
Read full article: Princess Beatrice marries in private ceremony at WindsorFILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019 file photo, Britain's Princess Beatrice with her fiance, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, attend the wedding of Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling, in York, England. Buckingham Palace says that Princess Beatrice has got married in a private ceremony, with her grandmother Queen Elizabeth II in attendance. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Friday, July 17, 2020 at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP, file)LONDON Princess Beatrice got married in a private ceremony Friday, with her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in attendance, Buckingham Palace said Friday. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor.
Arbery slaying defendant facing separate investigation
Read full article: Arbery slaying defendant facing separate investigationJudge Timothy Walmsley later denied bond for Bryan, citing the risk he may flee given the life sentence he faces if convicted in the Arbery case and the other investigation. Bryans attorney, Kevin Gough, had argued that prosecutors had no case against Bryan and that he did not pose a flight risk or other danger. Greg McMichael told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar and that Arbery attacked his son before being shot. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation soon took over the case from local police, and the arrests of the McMichaels followed on May 7. Bryan told investigators that Travis McMichael cursed and said a racist slur as he stood over Arbery, moments after he fatally shot him, Dial testified.
Fox's Harris Faulkner is used to people making presumptions
Read full article: Fox's Harris Faulkner is used to people making presumptionsFILE - Harris Faulkner attends a screening of "A Lifetime of Sundays" at The Paley Center for Media in New York on Sept. 18, 2019. Many supporters of the movement consider that a deflection, akin to answering Black Lives Matter with all lives matter. Of course, all lives matter, they say. The point is to draw attention to times when officials with a duty to serve and protect seem to value Black lives less. Tarlov, in an interview, said she did not think Faulkner cut her off or that it should be viewed that she was protecting Trump. Asked whether she supported Trump, Faulkner said people can think whatever they want.
Baseless Wayfair child-trafficking theory spreads online
Read full article: Baseless Wayfair child-trafficking theory spreads onlineAnd on TikTok, the hashtags #Wayfairconspiracy and #WayfairGate together amassed nearly 4.5 million views even as several strands of the conspiracy theory have been debunked. The burst of attention for the Wayfair claims also renewed interest in the QAnon conspiracy theory. A network of popular QAnon Facebook groups shared a video with a mashup of claims about human trafficking, including the Wayfair conspiracy theory. The attention created by the Wayfair conspiracy theory has, in some cases, been damaging for the very people social media users say theyre trying to help. An increase in calls prompted by the conspiracy theory is straining the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which provides emergency help to victims.
As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails
Read full article: As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevailsSeveral stars chose not to participate from the start, and rarely a day goes by without a positive COVID-19 test in one camp or another. But here we are, mere days from launching a season that's unique in almost every way. But Hyde remains hopeful that the season will start on time and go the distance. While there's reason for optimism, the stark truth is that COVID-19 is not going away. They still have a chance to play this season, manager Don Mattingly said.
James Harden, cleared to play, makes Disney practice debut
Read full article: James Harden, cleared to play, makes Disney practice debutHarden came to Disney earlier this week, satisfied his league-mandated quarantine requirements and got cleared to participate. Harden has been working out, but said Thursday was his first time playing actual 5-on-5, contact-laden basketball in more than a month. He looked good, Houston coach Mike DAntoni said. But Harden arrived fully ready, in DAntonis eyes, showing that whatever regimen he was following had paid off. If Harden played in seven of the eight games and went completely scoreless in each, he would still finish ahead of Beal.
Trump replaces campaign manager amid sinking poll numbers
Read full article: Trump replaces campaign manager amid sinking poll numbers(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump shook up his campaign staff amid sinking poll numbers less than four months before the election, replacing campaign manager Brad Parscale with veteran GOP operative Bill Stepien. I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager, Trump said Wednesday on Facebook. Chris Christie and serving as Trumps national field director in 2016. Parscales digital advertising firm was among the campaigns most significant vendors, and some in Trumps orbit have alleged that the former campaign manager was profiting off the presidents reelection. Schultz is now at the Democratic National Committee, helping lead the joint battleground strategy among the national party, the Biden campaign and state parties.
UK unemployment contained by salary support package
Read full article: UK unemployment contained by salary support packageThe British economy grew by far less than anticipated during May, dampening hopes that the recovery from what is set to be one of the countrys deepest recessions in centuries will be rapid. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)LONDON Official figures show that the British government's salary support scheme is continuing to maintain employment levels in the country during the coronavirus lockdown. That may appear curious given that the British economy has endured one of its biggest contractions in centuries during that period, when much of it was mothballed as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus. Unemployment is expected to rise sharply over the coming months, especially from October when the government has said the scheme will come to an end. Many economists think unemployment could more than double to over 3 million this year, levels last seen in the 1980s.
EU to meet face-to-face at summit to carve up $2.1 trillion
Read full article: EU to meet face-to-face at summit to carve up $2.1 trillionFILE - In this Feb. 21, 2020 file photo, European Union leaders meet at a round table during an EU summit in Brussels. European Union leaders will meet face-to-face on Friday, July 17, 2020 for their summit as they try to carve up a potential package of 1.85 trillion euros among themselves. Whatever happens, it will make for an EU summit unlike any other at the urn-shaped Europa headquarters. They will be well spaced" when they go into a restricted session with barely a few delegates, deadpanned an EU official preparing the summit. The main summit room will only use filtered, non-recycled air.
Trump trades arenas for Rose Garden in attack on Biden
Read full article: Trump trades arenas for Rose Garden in attack on BidenPresident Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Washington. The president traded the arena-style rallies he favors for the sun-drenched heat of the typically apolitical White House Rose Garden. The shift presented a challenge for a president who thrives on the validation of his supporters and uses their energy to propel his White House bid. Since the early days of his campaign, Biden has sought to portray himself as an empathetic, competent counter to the turbulence of Trump's administration. As vice president, Biden was a leading advocate of the Paris climate accord, which was unbelievably expensive to our country," Trump said.
Trump trades arenas for Rose Garden in attack on Biden
Read full article: Trump trades arenas for Rose Garden in attack on BidenPresident Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Washington. The president traded the arena-style rallies he favors for the sun-drenched heat of the typically apolitical White House Rose Garden. The shift presented a challenge for a president who thrives on the validation of his supporters and uses their energy to propel his White House bid. Since the early days of his campaign, Biden has sought to portray himself as an empathetic, competent counter to the turbulence of Trump's administration. As vice president, Biden was a leading advocate of the Paris climate accord, which was unbelievably expensive to our country," Trump said.
Nissan rolls out new electric crossover, aims to boost image
Read full article: Nissan rolls out new electric crossover, aims to boost imageNissan Motor Co.'s new electric crossover Ariya is displayed at Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama near Tokyo Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The Ariya is the Japanese automakers first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding former Chairman Carlos Ghosn. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO Nissan unveiled an electric crossover vehicle Wednesday, the Japanese automakers first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn. At its global premiere in Yokohama, Japan, the new vehicle, Ariya" was billed as a new chapter for Nissan. The event was held online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Uncertainty remains over how Nissan will fare without Ghosn, who spear-headed its move into electric cars while at its help for two decades.
French tourism gets boost with reopening of Disneyland Paris
Read full article: French tourism gets boost with reopening of Disneyland ParisFireworks illuminate the Eiffel Tower in Paris during Bastille Day celebrations late Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Bastille Day marks the July 14, 1789, storming of the Bastille prison by angry Paris crowds that helped spark the French Revolution. (AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh)PARIS The French tourist industry received a further boost Wednesday with the partial reopening of Disneyland Paris and the opening up of the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. Disneyland Paris, Europes most frequented theme park resort, is partially re-opening to the public, four months after it closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Also Wednesday the top floor of Paris Eiffel Tower re-opened.
Europe's shift to electric cars picks up despite recession
Read full article: Europe's shift to electric cars picks up despite recessionThe coronavirus has cancelled business plans all over the world but Europe's push into electric cars isn't one of them. Sales of battery-powered and hybrid cars have held up despite a deeply painful recession, mainly thanks to the action of governments. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, file)FRANKFURT The coronavirus has cancelled business plans all over the world but Europe's push into electric cars isn't one of them. By contrast, electric car adoption is moving more slowly in the U.S. due to regulatory uncertainty. Last year, automakers sold 236,000 fully electric vehicles in the U.S., only 1.3% of the 17.3 million new vehicles that were purchased.
US industrial production surges 5.4% in June
Read full article: US industrial production surges 5.4% in JuneWASHINGTON Production at America's factories, utilities and mines surged last month, but remained well below pre-pandemic levels. The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that U.S. industrial production rose 5.4% in June, the second straight monthly gain. But it was still 10.9% below the level in February before the economy locked down in the face of the coroanavirus. Production at utilities climbed 4.2%. But mining output sank 2.9% last month, the fifth straight drop, pulled down by plummeting oil and gas production.
Banksy's last COVID-19 tags scrubbed from London Tube train
Read full article: Banksy's last COVID-19 tags scrubbed from London Tube trainLONDON Even if you are Banksy, tagging is forbidden on London's Underground. Transport for London, the transportation agency for the greater London area, scrubbed the acclaimed street artist's latest work on the subject of COVID-19 from one of its trains, erasing a visual warning on the dangers of skipping face coverings. Banksy uploaded a a 59-second video to his Instagram and YouTube pages on Tuesday that showed him spray painting on a Circle Line train. One memorable image shows a sickly rat with a runny nose that sneezes and spreads a spray of droplets across a window. Transport for London officials say the works were removed because of a strict anti-graffiti policy.
Jobs, ecology key to France's $110 billion virus rescue plan
Read full article: Jobs, ecology key to France's $110 billion virus rescue planFrance's Prime Minister Jean Castex leaves after the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)PARIS Frances new prime minister on Wednesday laid out 100 billion euros ($110 billion) in new spending to rescue the virus-battered economy from its worst crisis since World War II. The crisis highlighted our difficulties and our failures, Prime Minister Jean Castex told lawmakers. The new virus rescue plan will include 20 billion euros for climate-related investment, including wider use of electric bikes, stimulus for local food suppliers, urban renovation and mass renovation of older buildings. Another 40 billion euros will go to overhauling strategic French manufacturing sites, he said.
With empty new stadium, Rangers furlough about 60 employees
Read full article: With empty new stadium, Rangers furlough about 60 employeesARLINGTON, Texas The Rangers indefinitely furloughed about 60 full-time employees, a moved announced 10 days before Texas opens its new ballpark without fans due to the pandemic-delayed season. Employees furloughed worked in both baseball operations and on the business side, in and outside of Arlington. They made up 12% of the team's roughly 500 full-time employees. Rangers executives previously took pay cuts, and about half of the full-time employees had their salaries cut 10-20% in May. Furloughed employees were given two weeks of pay, and their medical benefits will be paid through October.
White House campaign urges jobless to 'find something new'
Read full article: White House campaign urges jobless to 'find something new'A new White House-backed ad campaign aims to encourage people who are unemployed or unhappy in their jobs or careers to find something new. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)WASHINGTON A new White House-backed ad campaign aims to encourage people who are unemployed or unhappy in their jobs or careers to go out and find something new.The opening ad in the Find Something New campaign beginning Tuesday features ordinary people sharing their stories. The campaign is a product of the White House's American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which President Donald Trump created in 2018. The board is co-chaired by Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. The nonprofit Ad Council on Tuesday was announcing Find Something New, which it created in collaboration with IBM, Apple and members of the Business Roundtable, along with the White House and the workforce policy advisory board.
Epstein associate to face accusers in video court appearance
Read full article: Epstein associate to face accusers in video court appearanceThe hearing Tuesday afternoon in Manhattan federal court was expected to feature a not guilty plea by British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell along with arguments over whether she'll flee if she's released. In an indictment, she is charged with recruiting at least three girls, one as young as 14, for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 1997. The indictment alleged that she helped groom the victims to accept sexual abuse and was sometimes there when Epstein abused them. It also alleged that she lied during a 2016 deposition in a civil case stemming from Epstein's abuse of girls and women. Maxwell vigorously denies the charges, intends to fight them, and is entitled to the presumption of innocence," her lawyers wrote.
Belarus bars main challengers from presidential ballot
Read full article: Belarus bars main challengers from presidential ballotBelarus President Alexander Lukashenko look on during Independence Day celebrations, in Minsk, Belarus, Friday, July 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)MINSK Election authorities in Belarus on Tuesday barred two main rivals of authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko from running in this summer's presidential election. The ballot, among others, will feature Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, wife of jailed popular opposition blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky. The presidential campaign this year has sparked tensions in Belarus amid the coronavirus outbreak and a weakening economy. The country's authorities' decision not to impose a lockdown during the pandemic and crackdown on opposition candidates elicited outrage and prompted protests.
Michael B. Jordan wants you to view a drive-in movie, on him
Read full article: Michael B. Jordan wants you to view a drive-in movie, on himFILE - In this July, 26, 2019 photo, actor and producer Michael B. Jordan poses for a portrait during the 2019 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jordan has partnered with Amazon Studios for A Night at the Drive-In that will bring diverse films to drive-in theaters for free screenings. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK For Michael B. Jordan, timing is everything. So when the SAG award winner marched in a Los Angeles Black Lives Matter protest last month demanding that Hollywood drastically increase its diversity in the executive ranks, it was a moment he felt prepared for. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said the partnership falls into the companys efforts to support social justice initiatives. What were doing right now while we have the energy and the momentum, lets continue to keep the conversation pushing forward, Jordan said.
Democrat Gideon wins primary, will face GOP Sen Collins
Read full article: Democrat Gideon wins primary, will face GOP Sen CollinsHouse speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, speaks to news media near a polling station, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Portland, Maine. Gideon is one of three Democrat candidates seeking the party's nomination for U.S. Senate in the July 14 primary. Gideon, whos raised a staggering $23 million in her Senate bid, turned back challenges by activist Betsy Sweet and attorney Bre Kidman. Gideon raised $9 million in the last quarter, extending her fundraising advantage over Collins. Democrats need to gain at least three seats to capture Senate control.
New Zealand mosque gunman to represent himself at sentencing
Read full article: New Zealand mosque gunman to represent himself at sentencingFILE - In this March 26, 2020, file image made from video, Brenton Harrison Tarrant appears in a screen via video link in Christchurch, New Zealand. The man who has admitting killing 51 worshippers in a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, 2019 has dismissed his legal team and will represent himself at a sentencing hearing next month. Tarrants sentencing hearing, delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, will begin in Christchurch on Aug. (TVNZ Pool via AP, File)
Look out, Mars: Here we come with a fleet of spacecraft
Read full article: Look out, Mars: Here we come with a fleet of spacecraftThree countries the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates are sending unmanned spacecraft to the red planet in quick succession beginning in July 2020. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Mars is about to be invaded by planet Earth big time. Each spacecraft will travel more than 300 million miles (483 million kilometers) before reaching Mars next February. Only the U.S. has successfully put a spacecraft on Mars, doing it eight times, beginning with the twin Vikings in 1976. The United Arab Emirates and China are looking to join the elite club.
New Zealand mosque gunman to represent himself at sentencing
Read full article: New Zealand mosque gunman to represent himself at sentencingWELLINGTON The Australian white supremacist who admitting killing 51 worshippers in a mass shooting at two New Zealand mosques has dismissed his lawyers and will represent himself when he is sentenced next month. His sentencing hearing, delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, is scheduled to begin in Christchurch on Aug. 24 and could last more than three days. The date was confirmed at a High Court session in Christchurch on Monday that was attended by some shooting survivors. They told the court they had been instructed by Tarrant to withdraw as he wishes to exercise his right to represent himself. The attacks targeting people praying at the mosques shocked New Zealand, where new laws were quickly approved banning the deadliest types of semi-automatic weapons.
Undaunted, US global media chief plows ahead with changes
Read full article: Undaunted, US global media chief plows ahead with changesWASHINGTON Despite a barrage of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, the new chief of U.S. global media is plowing ahead with changes to the Voice of America and other international broadcasters that are heightening concerns about their future as independent news organizations. Pack on Wednesday fired the executive editor of Radio Free Asia, Bay Fang, whom he had demoted from president shortly after assuming office last month. Although the review is not complete and no visa actions have yet been taken, some believe the review itself sends a chilling message to journalists. The visa review, in particular, will be perceived as a threat to many reporters," said Matt Armstrong, a former Republican appointee to the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which was the AGM's predecessor. Failing to renew (visas) may result in harsh penalties for some of these reporters and their families, from jail to even death."
Malaysia PM wins tests of support, ousts house speaker
Read full article: Malaysia PM wins tests of support, ousts house speakerKUALA LUMPUR Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin narrowly won a motion to boot the parliament speaker Monday, scraping through the first test of his support nearly five months after taking power. Its success could thwart the opposition's bid of a no-confidence vote against Muhyiddin, analysts said. Lawmakers engaged in heated debates over Muhyiddins unprecedented proposal to replace the house speaker with his own candidate. Then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad resigned in protest of the plan, and filed a motion of no-confidence against his former party ally. Chin said the speaker replacement suggested parliament cannot act as an effective check and balance against Muhyiddin.
Different tournament, different look for Muirfield Village
Read full article: Different tournament, different look for Muirfield VillageFILE - This Wednesday, May 22, 2013, file photo shows the clubhouse and 18th fairway at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Milkshakes buckeye is the most popular flavor are a tradition at Muirfield Village during the Memorial, served in the clubhouse to players and tournament staff. There's enough pressure trying to meet the standards of Jack Nicklaus, who built and nurtured Muirfield Village and twice won his Memorial Tournament. That involved the PGA Tour staff, from the rules officials who dictate the setup to Thomas Bastis, the tour agronomist working at Muirfield Village. Nicklaus runs an old-school event, so the 11 video scoreboards at Muirfield Village were being removed.
US eyes world power summit for UN anniversary amid crises
Read full article: US eyes world power summit for UN anniversary amid crisesThe Trump administration, which withdrew from the accord in 2018, faces stiff opposition to extending the embargo from its fellow Security Council members. The administration has threatened to invoke the snapback of all U.N. sanctions on Iran that were eased under nuclear deal unless the embargo is prolonged. The department said in a statement that Pompeo and Lavrov also discussed Afghanistan, following reports that U.S. intelligence suspects Russia may be paying bounties to the Taliban to kill American and allied troops. Critics have accused the administration of ignoring the potential threat and demanded action. The two men also discussed election security amid concerns Russia may try to meddle in the 2020 U.S. presidential vote, the statement said, adding that Pompeo had raised the matter.
Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff
Read full article: Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoffIn this Tuesday, July 7, 2020 photo Poland's incumbent president Andrzej Duda, who is seeking reelection in a tight presidential election runoff on Sunday, July 12, 2020 attends a rally in Lomza, Poland. Duda, who has backing from Poland's ruling right-wing party, is running against liberal Warsaw mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)WARSAW Voting started Sunday in Polands razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Duda is backed by the ruling right-wing party and the government, as he seeks a second 5-year term. Trzaskowskis win would give him the power to veto laws passed by the ruling party.
AP Was There: McEnroe wins tiebreaker, Borg wins Wimbledon
Read full article: AP Was There: McEnroe wins tiebreaker, Borg wins WimbledonOne rivalry is known for one particularly memorable match involving one particularly memorable tiebreaker: John McEnroe vs. Bjorn Borg in the 1980 Wimbledon final. McEnroe won the tiebreaker 18-16; Borg won the title. Seven match points, and I failed to do it. He served like a master in the final set and became Wimbledon champion for the fifth straight time. McEnroe himself had six set points in the tiebreaker before he cracked Borg with a backhand return at 18-16.
Mass celebrated after fire damages centuries-old church
Read full article: Mass celebrated after fire damages centuries-old church(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)SAN GABRIEL, Calif. Mass was celebrated Sunday on the grounds of an historic Catholic church in Southern California that had been heavily damaged by fire a day earlier. The blaze early Saturday destroyed the rooftop and most of the interior of San Gabriel Mission, which was undergoing renovation to mark its upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. She was among a crowd of worshipers which arrived early to pray the rosary before the Mass. Firefighters entered the church around 4 a.m. Saturday and tried to beat back the flames, but they had to retreat when roofing and other structural materials began to fall, San Gabriel Fire Capt. He said the recent toppling of monuments to Junipero Serra, the founder of the California mission system who has long been a symbol of oppression among Indigenous activists, will be a factor in the investigation.
Joe Biden wins Democratic primary in Puerto Rico
Read full article: Joe Biden wins Democratic primary in Puerto RicoWASHINGTON Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential primary in Puerto Rico on Sunday. Biden faced seven other candidates on the ballot, though all the others have dropped out of the race. The primary was scheduled for March but was delayed until Sunday because of the coronavirus pandemic. Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in the general election in November. However, both Democrats and Republicans invite delegates from the U.S. territory to their respective political conventions.
As beach towns open, businesses are short foreign workers
Read full article: As beach towns open, businesses are short foreign workersYou cant do that in a restaurant.In Myrtle Beach, businesses only got a fraction of the 3,000 J-1 and H-2B visas they were expecting, according to Stephen Greene, president & CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association. About 150 of those are usually J-1 visa holders but none came this year. In Myrtle Beach, bars, theaters and larger venues are still shuttered and visitor numbers are down. Still, the visa ban adds another layer of uncertainty for businesses like the 145-bed Meadowmere, one of the largest hotels in Maine. These students arent taking any jobs away from locals, not a single one, Demetri said of the J-1 visa holders.
Tanzania's ruling party nominates president to run again
Read full article: Tanzania's ruling party nominates president to run againPresident John Magufuli speaks at the national congress of his ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Dodoma, Tanzania Saturday, July 11, 2020. Tanzania's ruling party on Saturday nominated President John Magufuli to run for a second five-year term, while opposition parties and human rights groups demand an independent electoral body to oversee the October vote.
Biden forges brand of liberal populism to use against Trump
Read full article: Biden forges brand of liberal populism to use against TrumpBut it made plain his intention to test the reach of liberal populism as he tries to create a coalition that can defeat President Donald Trump in November. Trump and his Republican allies argue that Bidens positioning, especially his ongoing work with progressives, proves hes captive to a radical left wing. Whats different in 2020, he said, are the countrys circumstances a public health crisis, near-Depression level unemployment, a national reckoning on racism and the office Biden now seeks. The former vice president also has amassed an impressive slate of endorsements and built a stable of regular campaign surrogates, including all his major primary rivals. For his part, Trump accused Biden of plagiarizing his economic populism but also tarred Biden as a leftist who cant win.
Yankees closer Chapman has COVID-19, mild symptoms
Read full article: Yankees closer Chapman has COVID-19, mild symptomsNEW YORK Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms. Chapman threw a bullpen session Tuesday, and Boone wouldn't comment on whether the left-hander had been at Yankee Stadium since. We adhere to all the contact tracing things. The list now includes the 32-year-old Chapman, a six-time All-Star with 273 career saves, including 37 last season when he had a 2.21 ERA. Britton has been an elite closer in this game for a long time," Boone said.
LeBron won't wear social justice message on Lakers jersey
Read full article: LeBron won't wear social justice message on Lakers jerseyFILE - In this Jan. 15, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, shoots as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Los Angeles. The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers already have just about guaranteed themselves the top two playoff seeds and face a delicate balancing act when the NBA returns to action. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)LeBron James says his thoughts on social justice can't be contained on the back of a basketball jersey. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar won't wear one of the NBA-approved social justice messages on the back of his jersey when the NBA resumes competition later this month in the Orlando bubble. I would have loved to have a say-so on what would have went on the back of my jersey, James said.
Trump lags Biden on people of color in top campaign ranks
Read full article: Trump lags Biden on people of color in top campaign ranksTwenty-five percent of the Republican president's senior staff are nonwhite, compared to 36% of Bidens senior staff. Along with adding more people of color to his campaign, Biden has promised an administration that looks like America if he is elected on Nov. 3. His campaign declined to discuss minority representation on the campaign staff. The Biden campaign said LGBTQ staff and staff of color hold such positions as senior advisers, deputy campaign managers, national coalitions director, chief financial officer, chief operating officer and national press secretary, among others. Trumps campaign defined its senior staff as senior leaders who meet regularly to make decisions.
Madrid beats Alavs 2-0 for 8th straight win in title march
Read full article: Madrid beats Alavs 2-0 for 8th straight win in title march(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)BARCELONA Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid move one step closer to dethroning Lionel Messis Barcelona on Friday. Benzema scored one goal and set up another to lead Madrid to beating Alavs 2-0 and restoring a four-point lead over Barcelona in the Spanish league with only three rounds left. Benzema scored a penalty kick in the 11th minute and assisted Marco Asensio in the 50th to ensure an eighth straight victory since La Liga resumed play after stopping for three months due to the pandemic. His 18th league goal of the season is second only to Messis 22. Madrid took full control just after halftime when Benzema broke Alavs offside trap to reach Rodrygos through-ball.
Polanco's push; Pirates RF ready to shake injury bug in 2020
Read full article: Polanco's push; Pirates RF ready to shake injury bug in 2020The long stride that makes it seem like he can get from first to second in a handful of steps. Polanco wants to be a part of the next wave designed to get the team back into contention. Or he could be a trade chip designed to help a team in transition stock up on younger and cheaper talent. The Pirates could decide to use him more at designated hitter, but he'd prefer to be in the field. Only three teams hit fewer home runs than the Pirates last season.
Lawmakers vote closes down Philippines' largest TV network
Read full article: Lawmakers vote closes down Philippines' largest TV networkSupporters of the country's largest TV network ABS-CBN shout slogans during a rally outside the House of Representatives in metropolitan Manila, Philippines on Thursday, July 9, 2020. ABS-CBN was shut down by the government's telecommunications regulator in May after its 25-year franchise expired. Congress has been hearing the network's request for a franchise renewal. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)MANILA Philippine lawmakers voted Friday to reject the license renewal of the countrys largest TV network, one of the critical news agencies the president has repeatedly threatened, in a move that shut down a major news provider amid the coronavirus pandemic. It left the air then, but the vote takes it off the air permanently.
China vows retaliation against US sanctions over Xinjiang
Read full article: China vows retaliation against US sanctions over XinjiangBEIJING China said Friday it will retaliate against U.S. officials and institutions following Washingtons imposition of sanctions on three local officials of the ruling Communist Party over human rights abuses in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. In response to the wrong practice of the U.S., China decided to take reciprocal measures against the relevant U.S. institutions and individuals who performed badly on the Xinjiang-related issues, Zhao said. The U.S. administration's Thursday announcement comes a day after it slapped visa bans on Chinese officials deemed responsible for barring foreigners access to Tibet. China says vast, resource-rich Xinjiang has long been its territory and claims it is bringing stability and prosperity to the region. In October 2019, the United States imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in the detention of Muslims in Xinjiang.
US wholesale prices fell 0.2% in June as food costs plunged
Read full article: US wholesale prices fell 0.2% in June as food costs plungedWASHINGTON U.S. wholesale prices fell 0.2% in June as food costs dropped sharply, offsetting a big increase in energy prices. The Labor Department said the drop in its Producer Price Index, which measures inflation pressures before they reach consumers, followed a 0.4% gain in May. Wholesale prices have fallen in four of the past five months. The 0.2% drop in wholesale prices in June reflected a 5.2% decline in food costs which helped to offset a 7.7% jump in energy prices. Over the past year, wholesale prices have fallen 0.8%.
25 years on: A look at Europe's only post-WWII genocide
Read full article: 25 years on: A look at Europe's only post-WWII genocideIn July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces massacred over 8,000 men and boys, an event that is officially marked on Saturday July 10, 2020. With Bosnian Serb troops taking control over eastern Bosnia which borders Serbia thousands of Bosniak Muslim refugees streamed into Srebrenica. Within the next 10 days, however, Bosnian Serb troops killed the male prisoners and hunted down many of those who tried to escape through the surrounding hills. In an attempt to hide the massacre, the Bosnian Serbs buried the bodies in mass graves, only to dig them out and move later. Bosnian Serbs, however, still largely deny the scope of the killings and refuse to acknowledge they amounted to a genocide.
Morikawa builds big lead at Muirfield Village before storms
Read full article: Morikawa builds big lead at Muirfield Village before storms(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)DUBLIN, Ohio Among the lessons Collin Morikawa took away from missing his first cut as a pro was that his reliable cut shot had left him. He found at it Muirfield Village, and suddenly looks as though he'll be tough to catch at the Workday Charity Open. Morikawa ran off four straight birdies after making the turn Friday, finished with another birdie and shot 6-under 66 to build a six-shot lead when thunderstorms arrived in Ohio. I had heard from a lot of people before, this course was going to suit a left-to-right shot, anyway, Morikawa said. I think sometimes when something really doesnt go your way, like missing a cut, it just stands out a little more, he said.
IndyCar drivers grateful to have fans back this weekend
Read full article: IndyCar drivers grateful to have fans back this weekendIndyCar Rev Group Grand Prix winner Alexander Rossi enters Victory Lane Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Road America allowed fans back in for its events starting last month. Fans this weekend will get temperature checks at gates and receive masks and hand sanitizer as they enter. The only drivers to open an IndyCar season with at least three straight victories are A.J. Drivers believe the Road America course wont be as grueling with all of its straightaways despite its 14 turns.
NBA teams at Disney had tough travel-party decisions to make
Read full article: NBA teams at Disney had tough travel-party decisions to makeWalt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are reopening Saturday, while Epcot and Disneys Hollywood Studios will follow four days later. (Gabrielle Russon/Orlando Sentinel via AP)The 22 teams participating in the NBA restart were all at the Disney campus together for the first time Friday. Some teams left player development coaches behind, some even left assistant coaches, and all teams traveled with only one media relations staffer and one equipment manager. In normal circumstances, some teams travel with as many as three people to handle media requirements and two for equipment. That left 20 spots for coaches, assistant coaches, player development, video, security, strength and conditioning, athletic training, media relations and content creators.
AP Was There: Nadal edges Federer 9-7 in 5th at Wimbledon
Read full article: AP Was There: Nadal edges Federer 9-7 in 5th at WimbledonOne memorable head-to-head rivalry is Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, who have met in nine Grand Slam title matches, an Open era-record for men. He just played fantastically.Indeed he did, earning Spain its first Wimbledon mens title since Manolo Santana won in 1966. A forehand winner put Federer ahead 9-8, and when Nadal missed a backhand return, the match was even. Federer has led the rankings for a record 231 consecutive weeks, and Nadal has been second for a record 154. Nadal lost to Federer in the 2006 Wimbledon final in four sets, and the 2007 final in five.
Morikawa back from missed cut with strong debut at Muirfield
Read full article: Morikawa back from missed cut with strong debut at MuirfieldDUBLIN, Ohio Collin Morikawa didn't get rattled by his first missed cut as a pro or his first time playing Muirfield Village. It was a quiet day of work, typical for the PGA Tour with no spectators allowed in the return from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. For the first time in 63 years, the PGA Tour will have tournaments on the same course in consecutive weeks. The second week at Muirfield Village the Memorial was supposed to be the first with fans since the PGA Tour returned June 11. He used PGA Tour winner Marc Turnesa as a caddie for this week, which might be a short week.
MLS returns to action after poignant moment of silence
Read full article: MLS returns to action after poignant moment of silence(AP Photo/John Raoux)KISSIMMEE, Fla. Nearly 200 players took the field for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccers return to action Wednesday night. Players wore black T-shirts, black gloves and black facemasks emblazoned with Black Lives Matter. The shirts had varying slogans that included Black And Proud, Silence Is Violence and Black All The Time. The group was formerly called the Black Players Coalition of MLS but changed its name this week to Black Players for Change. MLS players had weeks to decide what to do prior to the MLS is Back tournament at ESPNs Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World.
Pentagon leaders face grilling on use of military in unrest
Read full article: Pentagon leaders face grilling on use of military in unrestThat was before the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic became apparent and before nationwide civil unrest threw the Pentagon's relations with Trump into crisis. Esper said he saw no need for such an extreme measure, a clear counterpoint to Trumps threat to use force. The House and Senate versions of the 2021 defense budget legislation require name changes at those 10 Army bases. But that list was delayed for weeks because the White House asked for an investigation of Vindman, one of the officials said. A senior defense official said the list was held up by a routine personnel review not related to Vindman.
Biden proposes $700 billion-plus Buy American campaign
Read full article: Biden proposes $700 billion-plus Buy American campaignIts the first of a series of addresses Biden plans as he shifts his line of attack against President Donald Trump to the economy. The Biden campaign also pointed to an uptick in foreign procurement and continued outsourcing of jobs by U.S.-based corporations during Trumps presidency. Biden voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement in the Senate in 1994, an anchor of Trumps criticism and Sanders attacks before that. That includes joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership that Biden advocated when he served as President Barack Obamas vice president. That raises the possibility that Biden could declare that spending to be deliberate deficit spending to stimulate the struggling economy.
US sanctions Chinese officials over repression of minorities
Read full article: US sanctions Chinese officials over repression of minoritiesWASHINGTON The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on three senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party for alleged human rights abuses targeting ethnic and religious minorities China has detained in the western part of the country. Pompeo said additional visa restrictions are being placed on other Chinese Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the unjust detention or abuse of Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs and members of other minority groups. In recent years, the Chinese government has detained an estimated 1 million or more ethnic Turkic minorities. China has long suspected the Uighurs, who are mostly Muslim, of harboring separatist tendencies because of their distinct culture, language and religion. China says Xinjiang has long been its territory and claims it is bringing prosperity and development to the vast, resource-rich region.
AP source: Feds feared Epstein confidante might kill herself
Read full article: AP source: Feds feared Epstein confidante might kill herselfThe concern comes in part because Epstein, 66, killed himself in a federal jail in Manhattan last summer while in custody on sex trafficking charges. The Bureau of Prisons has been the subject of intense scrutiny and conspiracy theories since then, with staff shakeups and leadership changes. Maxwell, the daughter of the late British publishing magnate Robert Maxwell, was the former girlfriend and longtime close associate of Epstein. Several Epstein victims have described Maxwell as his chief enabler, recruiting and grooming young girls for abuse. Marshals Service, which utilized a series of suicide-prevention protocols, including taking away her sheets, as well as other safety measures, fearing a repeat of what happened with Epstein.
MLB releases 2021 schedule; all 30 teams to open on April 1
Read full article: MLB releases 2021 schedule; all 30 teams to open on April 1The league released the full schedule Thursday, two weeks before it plans to begin a 2020 season that's been delayed and shortened by the coronavirus pandemic. MLB intended to start this season on March 26, its earliest opening date ever except for international games. Instead, a 60-game regular season schedule is scheduled to begin July 23, with clubs set to play only division foes and regional interleague opponents AL East vs. NL East, AL Central vs. NL Central, AL West vs. NL West to limit travel. Clubs will resume full intraleague schedules in 2021, and interleague play will again align regionally. MLB also tried to have every team play its first game on the same day in 2018, but two games were postponed due to poor weather.
Late Seoul mayor was outspoken liberal who eyed presidency
Read full article: Late Seoul mayor was outspoken liberal who eyed presidencyFILE - In this June 5, 2014, file photo, Park Won-soon, then candidate for Seoul city mayor of the main opposition party New Politics Alliance for Democracy celebrates his victory in the Seoul mayoral election at his office in Seoul, South Korea. Police say on Thursday, July 9, 2020, Park, the current mayor of South Korean capital Seoul, has been reported missing and search operations are underway. The Seoul Metropolitan Government earlier said Park did not come to work on Thursday and had canceled his schedule for the day. He was last seen on security video entering a park at the mouth of the hills late Thursday morning. He was elected Seoul mayor in 2011, upsetting his conservative opponent as an independent candidate backed by opposition liberals.
Tiger Woods to return next week at Muirfield Village
Read full article: Tiger Woods to return next week at Muirfield VillageDUBLIN, Ohio The PGA Tour returned five weeks ago with some of its strongest fields. He chose not to go to Mexico City for a World Golf Championship, then skipped three straight tournaments in Florida before golf was halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That will give him at least one start, and possibly two if he plays a World Golf Championship in Tennessee, before heading into the first major of a reconfigured year. The PGA Championship is Aug. 6-9 at Harding Park in San Francisco, where Woods won a World Golf Championship in 2005. Woods has played only three times this season on the PGA Tour, starting with his record-tying 82nd victory at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
Trump signs executive order as he courts Hispanic voters
Read full article: Trump signs executive order as he courts Hispanic votersPresident Donald Trump holds an executive order on the "White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative," after signing it in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, July 9, 2020, in Washington. In 2016, Trump won the votes of about 3 in 10 Latino voters, and he faces strong economic headwinds as he tries to improve his standing. Thirty-four percent of Hispanics, 29% of African Americans and 20% of white Americans said someone in their household has been laid off. Just 26% of Latino Americans say they approve of Trump, according to recent Gallup polling. Trump, in his Rose Garden remarks, emphasized his support for charter schools;, noting that one in three students who attend U.S. charters are Hispanic.
Setbacks hamper pipeline industry backed by Trump
Read full article: Setbacks hamper pipeline industry backed by TrumpThe rulings came a day after utilities cancelled an $8 billion natural gas pipeline through West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina amid mounting delays and bitter opposition from environmentalists. That would allow more than 70 pipeline projects that faced potentially billions of dollars of delays to proceed. But that outcome may be too little too late for some companies already making changes to their plans, said Ben Cowan, who represents pipeline companies as an attorney with Locke Lord LLP. An extended shutdown could force oil companies to use more costly and risky transport methods, such as by rail. With a more careful and thorough environmental review process, other pipeline projects may yet be able to move forward.__ Bussewitz reported from New York.
Practices begin at Disney, as teams begin restart routines
Read full article: Practices begin at Disney, as teams begin restart routinesCars drive under a sign greeting visitors near the entrance to Walt Disney World, Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Despite a huge surge of Floridians testing positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, two of Disney World's four parks are reopening Saturday, July 11. He had just walked off the court after the first Orlando Magic practice of the restart, and some of his teammates remained on the floor while engaged in a loud and enthusiastic shooting contest. We all missed it.The last eight teams were coming in Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers among them. I really think the NBA did the best they could to know make this as good as they can for us.
The Latest: Biden wins New Jersey's Democratic primary
Read full article: The Latest: Biden wins New Jersey's Democratic primaryWASHINGTON The Latest on Tuesday's primary elections in New Jersey and Delaware (all times local):8:30 p.m.Former Vice President Joe Biden has won New Jerseys mostly mail-in Democratic presidential primary. Biden faced Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on the ballot Tuesday, even though Biden has accumulated enough delegates to become the party's presumptive nominee. New Jerseys already-late primary got pushed a month later because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Democratic Gov. ___8:25 p.m.Joe Biden has won Delaware's Democratic presidential primary, while President Donald Trump has won the state's Republican presidential primary. Biden, a longtime senator from Delaware before serving two terms as vice president, is already the party's presumptive nominee.
AP Was There: Graf beats Navratilova at Wimbledon again
Read full article: AP Was There: Graf beats Navratilova at Wimbledon againGraf won the match to reach the semifinals of the tournament, where she will meet Chris Evert. One memorable head-to-head rivalry was Steffi Graf vs. Martina Navratilova, who met in three consecutive Wimbledon finals from 1987-89. Graf overpowered Navratilova in the final set to win her second straight womens championship 6-2, 6-7, 6-1 on a history-making day at the All England Club. Last year, Navratilova won the first set and led 2-0 in the second before Graf won 12 of the last 13 games. Trailing 3-1 in the final set, Navratilova had one last chance to get back in the match.
Texas tries to recoup unemployment after overpaying Texans
Read full article: Texas tries to recoup unemployment after overpaying TexansHOUSTON Texas is attempting to recoup unemployment payments after mistakenly sending them to thousands of Texans amid the pandemic. The Texas Workforce Commission, an agency that oversees unemployment benefits, estimates that it overpaid by $32 million, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday. The commission has sent 46,000 notices to people, saying they were overpaid or ineligible to receive benefits. But she received a notice in June, saying she has to pay back $1,800 because teachers are not eligible to receive unemployment during summer break. The commission also noted that it is not deducting over payments from claimants benefits during the pandemic.
Despite risks, Trump invests big in attacks on Biden's age
Read full article: Despite risks, Trump invests big in attacks on Biden's ageShrugging off the risks, Trumps team is pumping millions of dollars into the broadside and vowed this week not to back off. The author says it is likely, however, that both Biden and Trump are super agers whose life expectancy would extend well beyond average. A poll commissioned by the Republican National Committee this spring determined that attacks on Biden's mental acuity didn't sway persuadable voters. Public polling also suggests that more voters may trust Biden's ability to handle the rigors of the presidency more than they trust Trump. Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said that attacks on Biden's age and mental competence should resonate with every American. He insisted that Trump's team would not back off the line of attack, despite concerns of ageism.
Wizards' Beal not playing rest of NBA season due to injury
Read full article: Wizards' Beal not playing rest of NBA season due to injuryWASHINGTON Wizards leading scorer Bradley Beal wont take part in the restart of the NBA season because of a right rotator cuff injury. The team ruled out Wall traveling to Orlando at the start of team workouts. Beal averaged 30.5 points a game this season, almost twice as much as Bertans, the Wizards' No. That team said that was shoulder discomfort Beal experienced early in the season that worsened over time. This was a difficult decision and one that I did not take lightly as the leader of this team, Beal said in a statement.
Hiring soared in May as mass layoffs eased
Read full article: Hiring soared in May as mass layoffs easedThey remained extraordinarily high in April, at 7.7 million, but in May they fell back to pre-pandemic levels of 1.8 million. While that is the most hires on records dating back to 2000, it wasn't nearly enough to offset the roughly 19 million layoffs in March and April. The JOLTS report provides gross totals of hiring and layoffs, while the monthly jobs report, which also includes the unemployment rate, is a net figure of total jobs gained or lost. On Thursday, the jobs report showed that employers added a net total of 4.8 million jobs in June, after a gain of 2.7 million in May. Employers advertised 5.4 million jobs in May, about 10% higher than in April, but still below pre-pandemic levels of about 7 million.
Atlanta Mayor: No need for troops, despite governor's order
Read full article: Atlanta Mayor: No need for troops, despite governor's orderFile- In this Wednesday, June 17, 2020 file photo, Nikita Gleen, raises his hand towards the sky near a Wendy's restaurant, in Atlanta. The Guard troops will provide support at sites including the Capitol and governors mansion, freeing up state law enforcement resources to patrol other areas, according to a statement from Kemp's office. There was no visible presence of Guard troops at either site Tuesday morning. His choice to deploy National Guard troops for todays selfish purpose is outrageous and will endanger lives, she said in a statement. It happened near the Wendys restaurant where a Black man, Rayshard Brooks, was killed by a white police officer June 12.
2 female firsts at the Supreme Court announce retirements
Read full article: 2 female firsts at the Supreme Court announce retirementsWASHINGTON The Supreme Court said Tuesday that the first-ever women to hold two prominent positions at the court, handling the justices' security and overseeing publication of the court's decisions, are retiring. She served as the court's general manager and chief security officer, managing approximately 260 employees, including the Supreme Court's police force. The courts third and fourth female justices, Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Elena Kagan, joined the court in 2009 and 2010 respectively. As marshal, Talkin was responsible for ensuring the justices security when they attended events, including the State of the Union, inaugurations and state funerals. All persons having business before the Honorable, the Supreme Court of the United States, are admonished to draw near and give their attention, for the Court is now sitting," she said in calling the court to order more than 700 times, even when she was hoarse with a cold.
1st 60: How MLB standouts fared in what will equal full 2020
Read full article: 1st 60: How MLB standouts fared in what will equal full 2020After 60 games this year, it will already be time to determine who wins those awards. Only one Cy Young winner over the past 20 seasons has had more than the nine wins Verlander had after 60 games last year. Mauer and Morneau have the highest and lowest batting averages for any MVP through 60 games since 2000. In 2008, nine years after Chipper Jones was the NL MVP, he was hitting .409 through Atlanta's first 60 games. Williams hit .406, only one point lower than he was through Boston's first 60 games that season.
AP Was There: Navratilova tops Evert for 1st Slam title
Read full article: AP Was There: Navratilova tops Evert for 1st Slam titleThe AP is republishing stories about a handful of such matches while the canceled grass-court Grand Slam tournament was supposed to be played. The following story, about their first meeting in a Wimbledon final, was sent July 7, 1978. But when Evert twice a Wimbledon champion went from 0-2 to 4-2 in the final set, it seemed that her coolness and experience would prevail. That left Navratilova needing only to hold service for the title, and she did it without dropping a point. Evert set a pattern for the tentative match by dropping the opening game in each of the three sets.
NHL, NHLPA agree on protocols to resume season
Read full article: NHL, NHLPA agree on protocols to resume seasonDeputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press on Sunday that the NHL and NHL Players Association have agreed on protocols to resume the season. Daly said the sides are still negotiating a collective bargaining agreement extension. A CBA extension is still crucial to the process, and the leagues board of governors and players executive committee and full membership must approve that and the return to play protocols to bring hockey back this summer. If ratified, it will end a pandemic-forced shutdown for 31 teams across North America that began in mid-March. Games would resume in late July or early August with 24 teams taking part in an expanded playoffs, finishing with the Stanley Cup being awarded in October.
French drug company accused of favoring profits over lives
Read full article: French drug company accused of favoring profits over livesFrench pharmaceutical company Servier Laboratories is facing millions of euros in potential fines after a massive trial around a diabetes drug used as a diet pill. The popular drug, called Mediator, became one of Frances biggest modern health scandals. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)PARIS Accused of favoring profits over patients lives, French pharmaceutical company Servier Laboratories is facing millions of euros in potential fines and damages after a huge trial involving 6,500 plaintiffs who say the company allowed a diabetes drug to be widely and irresponsibly prescribed as a diet pill with deadly consequences. But it took an independent investigation by another worried French doctor before the company suspended sales in its main market in France in 2009. Lawyers for Servier argued that the company wasn't aware of the risks associated with Mediator before 2009, and said the company never pretended it was a diet pill.