Heat dome expands across the central United States, creating dangerous conditions for millions
WASHINGTON (AP) — A heat dome is set to expand across much of the central United States, pushing temperatures above 100 degrees from Dallas to North Dakota. About 70 million people will face heat advisories. Forecasters say the heat will stretch from the desert southwest to the Gulf Coast and into the Midwest and Great Plains. Some areas, like the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, won't be hit by such severe weather. The elderly and children are especially at risk of heat-related illnesses. People are advised to seek air conditioning and stay hydrated. Relief might come to the central U.S. toward next weekend.
America In Focus: New tariffs, soaring gas, mortgages and a down week for Wall Street
President Donald Trump is going ahead with new double-digit tariffs on dozens of U.S. trading partners just as the clock ran out Friday on stopgap levies he imposed after a stinging defeat at the Supreme Court. Gas prices soared above $4 this week as the U.S. and Iran launched more attacks. And U.S. applications for jobless benefits tumbled to the lowest level in more than five decades last week. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits in the week ending July 18 declined by 22,000 to 187,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s the fewest number of weekly applications since the week ending Sept. 6, 1969.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hurt in a car crash, limited as training camp opens
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers say coach Kyle Shanahan suffered a concussion and other injuries in a car crash earlier this month that will limit his participation at the start of training camp. The two-car accident happened on July 14 in Palo Alto, leading to Shanahan being taken to the hospital. The other driver wasn't hospitalized. Police say there was no evidence that either driver was impaired and that both cooperated with officers. No one was cited in the collision. Niners general manager John Lynch says Shanahan sustained a concussion, along with a broken nose, broken ribs and an injured hand.
Former Cowboys QB Tony Romo arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence
MILWAUKEE (AP) — CBS NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. A Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office’s arrest report says Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests after getting stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 on Thursday. Sheriff’s officials said Romo was taken into custody, booked and released. He has a court appearance set for Sept. 21. Romo went to high school about 35 miles from Milwaukee in Burlington, Wisconsin. The 46-year-old Romo has been the lead game analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage since 2017. CBS had no comment.
A float plane changed course to avoid a storm before crashing on a Washington island, injuring 11
SEATTLE (AP) — The pilot of a float plane that crashed on a remote island near Washington’s border with Canada changed course to avoid a thunderstorm before it went down. All 11 people on board were injured in the crash Thursday, but a swift rescue by nearby boats and a helicopter crew got everyone safely to hospitals. Kenmore Air, which operated the flight, said Friday the pilot changed the flight path to avoid a weather system. It remains unclear what caused the crash. By Friday afternoon three people remained in hospitals, all in satisfactory condition. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Pompeii archaeologists reconstruct frescoed ceiling of a banquet hall, with more fragments to come
ROME (AP) — Archaeologists in the ancient city of Pompeii have unveiled the partially reconstructed frescoed ceiling vault of a banquet hall featuring detailed images of Greek mythology. The curved vault was presented late Thursday. The archaeological park said Friday that it used an innovative method to reconstruct the ceiling: Experts created a curved support structure to place the fragments in the design that replicates the original shape of the vault. As new fragments of frescoes are found and restored, they can be added to the scene. Pompeii was buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions.
Singer Chris Brown pleads guilty over bottle attack at a London nightclub
LONDON (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty to brawling at a London nightclub in 2023, a fight in which he hit a music producer over the head with a bottle. The altercation took place in February 2023. Brown, 37, changed his plea during a hearing at London's Southwark Crown Court on Friday. Prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including assault and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, in exchange for the guilty plea. The fight was caught on surveillance camera. Brown had been free on bail, allowing him to tour in Europe and North America. He remains free on bail and will be sentenced on October 26.
Ford recalls more than half a million Broncos due to engine fire risk
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than half a million Broncos because a wiring harness in the engine compartment can short circuit and increase the risk of fire. Ford said Thursday that 565,691 Ford Broncos and Bronco Raptors, model years 2021-2026, are included in the recall. The automaker estimates that around 1% of those vehicles have the wiring harness defect. Ford said it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue. To fix the problem, dealerships will install new covers over the wiring free of charge.
Laura Loomer meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine after her major reversal on the war
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Laura Loomer, President Donald Trump's ally with a reputation for incendiary social media comments, has sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a dramatic about-face regarding the war. Loomer had spent years minimizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amplifying Russian propaganda to her nearly 2 million followers. But during a visit to the country this week, she said she had been wrong. Loomer said she interviewed Zelenskyy on Thursday for her Rumble show. Zelenskyy's office confirmed the meeting.
Yankees' José Caballero targeted by MLB for crackdown on plate routine of waiting to engage pitcher
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is cracking down on José Caballero's batting routine, saying it amounts to deception. MLB told umpires Wednesday to enforce pitch-clock violations against Caballero, leading to a strikeout and the ejection of the Yankees' hitting coach during a game against the Pirates. Caballero's routine involves waiting until the last moment to acknowledge the pitcher, which MLB says disrupts the game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone criticized MLB for not informing the team about the change. Caballero feels targeted, arguing his routine is consistent and not meant to deceive. MLB adopted the pitch clock to speed up games.
