July 21, 2025 5:07 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Ex-federal prosecutors say a Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts in the prosecution of chronic sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend is unlikely to produce much, if anything, to satisfy the public’s appetite for new revelations about the financier’s crimes. Attorney Sarah Krissoff, who was an assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan from from 2008 to 2021, calls a Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts in the prosecutions of Epstein and imprisoned British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell a distraction. The request came as some supporters of President Donald Trump blasted his administration for reneging on a vow to make public key evidence.
July 21, 2025 2:13 pm
(AP) Harvard University is in federal court Monday to make the case that President Donald Trump’s administration illegally cut $2.6 billion from the storied college. It’s a pivotal moment in the school’s battle against the federal government. If U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs decides in the university’s favor, the ruling would reverse a series of funding freezes that later became outright cuts as the administration escalated its fight with the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university. Such a ruling, if it stands, would revive Harvard’s sprawling scientific and medical research operation and hundreds of projects. Harvard’s lawsuit accuses the administration of waging a retaliation campaign against the university after it rejected a series of demands in an April 11 letter from a federal antisemitism task force. (Photo: AP)
July 21, 2025 5:12 am
Russia says it’s open to peace with Ukraine but insists achieving its goals remains a priority. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s demands on Sunday, including Ukraine withdrawing from Russia-annexed regions and abandoning its NATO aspirations. Kyiv and its allies have rejected those terms. Meanwhile, Russia continues escalating drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, with analysts predicting further intensification. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with severe tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. He also announced increased U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense systems.
July 21, 2025 5:11 am
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza’s Health Ministry says the territory has experienced its deadliest day for aid-seekers in over 21 months of conflict, with at least 85 Palestinians killed while seeking aid. On Sunday, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on crowds near aid convoys, killing dozens in northern Gaza. The U.N. has confirmed massive crowds gathered as 25 aid trucks entered the area. Israel’s military claims it targeted groups posing threats and accused Hamas of creating chaos. Meanwhile, new evacuation orders for central Gaza have alarmed residents and disrupted aid efforts. The ongoing conflict has killed over 58,800 Palestinians, with Gaza facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
July 21, 2025 2:09 pm
MANADO, Indonesia (AP) — Rescuers in Indonesia responding to a ferry that caught fire and killed at least three people say they have rescued 575 people — far more than originally reported — and that two people are still missing. The KM Barcelona V-A caught fire Sunday in the sea off North Sulawesi province, and initial reports said five people were dead and about 280 rescued, based in part on the ship’s manifest. However, by Monday afternoon officials updated the death toll to three, with two missing, and said many more people were aboard than originally believed, and that 575 of them were rescued. (Photo: AP)
July 21, 2025 3:15 pm
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died at 54. He was known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” Costa Rican authorities report he drowned Sunday afternoon at Playa Cocles on the Caribbean coast. A strong current pulled him into deeper waters while swimming. Bystanders rescued him, but first responders found him without vital signs. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department confirmed the details on Monday. Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents. He was nominated for an Emmy and won a Grammy for his work as a musician. (Photo: AP)
July 21, 2025 5:05 am
NEW YORK (AP) — James Gunn’s “Superman” continues to top the box office charts in its second weekend in theaters. According to studio estimates Sunday, the film collected $57.3 million in ticket sales this weekend. New releases include “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Smurfs,” and “Eddington, ” but none of those movies came close to touching Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ superhero success. “Superman” dipped 54% from its domestic opening weekend, an average decline for a big summer release. In two weeks, “Superman” has grossed $406.8 million worldwide, a good start for the film DC Studios is banking on to restart its movie operations. A big test looms next weekend when Walt Disney Company will release Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”’S
July 20, 2025 7:04 am
South Strabane Township’s fire department reported a tractor trailer rollover resulting in injuries Sunday morning at 5:30. The incident happened on the ramp from I-79 North to I-70 East at the south junction. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice. (Photo: South Strabane Fire Department)
July 20, 2025 7:39 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Midway through summer, U.S. retailers are sweating a different season. It’s less than 22 weeks before Christmas, and American businesses that make and sell consumer goods usually nail down their holiday orders and prices at this time of year. But President Donald Trump’s vacillating tariffs on imported goods have complicated the process. The consequences for consumers? Stores may not have the specific gift items customers want come November and December. Some retail suppliers and buyers scaled back their holiday lines. Businesses still are finalizing their prices but say shoppers can expect many popular products to cost more, though by how much depends partly on whether Trump’s latest round of “reciprocal” tariffs kicks in Aug. 1.
July 20, 2025 7:37 am
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military has issued new evacuation warnings for central Gaza, an area where ground operations have been rare. This move cuts access between Deir al-Balah and southern cities. The announcement comes amid stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says military pressure aims to push Hamas into negotiations. The evacuation zone includes areas where aid organizations operate, though they have not commented. Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began. Protests in Israel demand an end to the war and the return of hostages.
