This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governors mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP)2025-04-15T21:12:53Z HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) A family member says the man charged with setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros mansion has struggled with mental illness and was treated at a psychiatric hospital twice in recent years.The fire left significant damage and forced Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building early Sunday during the Jewish holiday of Passover. No injuries were reported, but authorities were still working Tuesday to determine a possible motive, including whether it had anything to do with Shapiros politics or religious beliefs.The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested nearby later in the day, police said. Court records and interviews with family members show his life unraveled dramatically in recent years before authorities say he scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and set the Democratic governors mansion ablaze. Suspect exhibited disturbing behavior, his brother saysDan Balmer, an electrical engineer who lives in the Harrisburg suburbs, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he had given Cody Balmer a place to live a couple years ago. He was involved in getting his brother treatment at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute twice, saying Cody Balmer exhibited disturbing behavior.Hes had ups and downs his whole life with the bipolar, Dan Balmer said. He doesnt believe hes bipolar, so he doesnt take his medicine. Police call arson a planned attackCody Balmer allegedly scaled an iron security fence that stands about 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and is monitored by security cameras, police said. Police became aware someone had climbed over the fence and began a pursuit on the grounds but initially didnt locate anyone.Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a room often used to entertain crowds and display art, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device. Police said two broken glass beer bottles containing gasoline were found. The fire left significant damage to the room, charring walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates and a piano. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened. Balmer was inside for about a minute before he left and escaped the premises, authorities said. The home, built in 1968, did not have sprinklers, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said. He said the damage could be in the millions of dollars.Suspect faces chargesAuthorities said Balmer turned himself in after police received a call from his former partner, who said he confessed.Balmer, who had walked about an hour from his home to the governors residence, admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro, according to a police affidavit. No reason was given. Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online court records. He drew a sentence of probation after guilty pleas to theft and forgery counts. Simple assault charges from 2023 appeared unresolved.In court Monday, he told the judge he did not have any drug or alcohol problems, but acknowledged missing a few court dates in the past. Balmers mother said Monday that she had tried in recent days to get him assistance for mental health issues, but nobody would help. She said her son had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The AP was not able to verify that information.He wasnt taking his medicine, and thats all I want to say, Christie Balmer said, speaking at the family home in Harrisburg.However, in court Monday, Cody Balmer politely told a judge he did not suffer from any mental illness.Governor is a rising Democratic starShapiro, 51, is the first-term governor of the nations fifth most populous state, a presidential battleground that has helped make him a rising star in the Democratic Party and viewed as a potential White House contender in 2028.Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated Passover at the residence Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors about 2 a.m. Sunday. Shapiro has been outspoken about his Jewish faith.He used his first ad in his campaign for governor in 2022 to tell family stories and describe his commitment to making it home Friday night for Sabbath dinner, complete with footage of him and his children at the table. Family and faith ground me, he said.In stump speeches and his election-night victory speech, Shapiro regularly quoted an ancient rabbinic maxim: No one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it.Attack happened during PassoverThe attack happened on the Jewish holiday of Passover, which began at sundown Saturday. The holiday commemorates the Israelites liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, including their 40-year journey through the desert. It is one of the holiest days of the year for Jews and is celebrated with a special meal called a Seder, which includes the eating of matzah, a type of unleavened bread, and the retelling of the Exodus story. Shapiro had celebrated with a Seder at the official residence with his family and members of the Jewish community in the same room where authorities said the fire was set.___Follow Marc Levy on X at https://x.com/timelywriter. MARK SCOLFORO Scolforo is an Associated Press reporter in the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. twitter mailto

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, pose for a photo during their meeting in Odesa, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)2025-04-15T16:32:39Z ODESA, Ukraine (AP) NATOs support for Ukraine remains unwavering, the alliances secretary-general said Tuesday, emphasizing that more than 20 billion euros in security assistance have already been pledged by NATO allies in the first three months of 2025.Mark Rutte visited Ukraine on Tuesday and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the port city of Odesa.Im here today because I believe Ukraines people deserve real peace, real safety and security in their country, in their homes, the NATO official said during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy. Both visited the hospital in Odesa and met with wounded Ukrainian soldiers. His visit came days after two Russian ballistic missiles struck the heart of Sumy on Palm Sunday morning, killing at least 35 people, including two children, and injuring 119 others. The northeastern city lies about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Ukraines border with Russia. It marked the second large-scale attack in just over a week to result in significant civilian casualties. This is also Ruttes first trip to Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed the lead in ceasefire negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, which have included several rounds of talks in Saudi Arabia. These discussions are not easy, not least in the wake of this horrific violence, the NATO official said, referring to the recent strikes. But we all support President Trumps push for peace. Ukraine has endorsed the broader U.S.-proposed cease-fire deal, though Russia has effectively stalled the process by attaching far-reaching conditions.Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European partners are continuing to develop the infrastructure for the coalition of the willing, which is expected to act as a long-term security guarantee aimed at deterring future Russian aggression after a ceasefire is in place.Amid that uncertainty and U.S. warnings that Europe must take care of its own security and that of Ukraine in the future, the multinational force is seen as a first test of the continents willingness to defend itself and its interests. Zelenskyy said Turkey could play a significant role in providing future Black Sea security guarantees for Ukraine.This is not about ending the war, unfortunately, Zelenskyy said, commenting on the security meeting being hosted by Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday. Its about what comes after the security guarantees for Ukraine following a ceasefire.He said military representatives from Ukraine, France, the U.K. and Turkey are discussing the presence of a military contingent in the Black Sea as part of those guarantees. The fact that these talks are ongoing, that we are preparing for this hopeful, soon-to-be achieved eventuality NATO tries to steer that in the direction we think would be advisable, Rutte said.The meeting in Turkey comes less than a month after the United States announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to eliminate the use of force in the Black Sea. However, key details remained unresolved, and the Kremlin has tied the deal to the lifting of certain Western sanctions. Commenting on ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over a revised draft of an agreement that would give the U.S. access to Ukraines valuable mineral resources. Zelenskyy described last weeks technical talks in Washington as positive, with more consultations expected in the coming days.He said the meeting was a technical session for expert teams and that both sides concluded the meeting on a positive note. Zelenskyy added that discussions both online and in person will continue throughout the week, and once the teams are ready, they will present the outcomes of their work.___Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine___

Welcome back to Earth, Gayle King!On Monday, April 14, the Blue Origin (a company founded by Jeff Bezos) completed its 11th human spaceflight to the Krmn line, a spot 62 miles above the planet separating Earths atmosphere and space. The all-female expedition launched Gayle King and Katy Perry to the Krmn line alongside Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyn, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Snchez. The ten-minute and eleven-second space trip was livestreamed, and the memes began to spread before the women even returned to earth, particularly a clip of King looking a bit anxious as she rings the bell while walking onto the New Shepard space capsule."That's called fear, Nate," King said about her expression on CBS Mornings. "I did not realize that I looked that serious. But it does stand out when you look at everybody else. Cause they're like ringing, their smiling, I was just thinking, 'Let me get into my seat and follow instructions. But I was also afraid."And you can certainly see those feelings in her expression! It's no wonder the moment took off on the internet. In its honor, here are just a few of our favorite memes. (@) "Gayle king is all of us on a Monday." (@) "'Oprah Winfrey appears to have tears in her eyes as her longtime friend journalist Gayle King is launched into space' is a 30 Rock plot." (@) "me clocking into the job I prayed for." (@) "Gayle getting out of that rocket capsule." (@) "Gayle King on the spaceship."See on Instagram"When you just wanted to be friends with Oprah and now you are getting blasted into space." (@) "gayle king after 6 minutes in space with katy perry."See on Instagram"New leaked footage of Gayle King on the spaceship launch." (@) "If I send you this, just know that I am STRESSED!"See on Instagram"Men on public transit." (@) "Dont ever do nothing like this again, @GayleKing."

Its been a life-changing few days for all the players chosen for the 2025 WNBA draft, but doubly so for Shyanne Sellers, who can now call herself a professional baller and an engaged woman.Faith Masonius, Sellers fianc, shared news of their engagement to her Instagram on Sunday."Forever & More," she wrote alongside emojis of a white heart and a diamond ring. The pictures captured the moment that Sellers got down on one knee and proposed amidst candles and rose petals, as well as other special moments the happy couple shared on the same day.See on InstagramSellers and Masonius originally met while playing basketball for the University of Maryland. Theyve been public about their relationship on social media since mid-2024, with Masonius wishing a happy birthday to "my person," and Sellers doing the same just two months later."Happy Birthday to my forever person!" she wrote at the time. "I pray that I walk the rest of my life with you."Just one day after Masonius posted about their engagement, Sellers received another big "yes" when she was chosen by the Golden State Valkyries as the 17th draft pick. (@) According to Outsports, it was initially expected that Sellers would be chosen earlier by the Washington Mystics, but the Valkyries are clearly thrilled to have come away with such a star player as are their fans. (@) "Crafted in the Big Ten, destined for the Golden State. Welcome to the Bay, Shyanne Sellers." (@) "What a STEAL for the Valkyries getting Shyanne Sellers" (@) "Welcome to the Valkyries Shyanne Sellers! Prepare to win Championships!" (@) "Absolute steal for the Valkyries. Shocked that Sellers dropped this low but absolutely stoked to see what shes able to do in the WNBA."Sellers draft pick is also slated to reunite her with former Maryland teammate Chloe Bibby, who signed with the Valkyries back in February.

In a recent episode of Sony Music Entertainments Dinners On Me podcast, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Emmy-winning actress Jane Lynch opened up about her career, personal life, and the impact of her roles on LGBTQ+ audiences. The conversation, recorded at Tre Lune in Montecito, California, offered a candid look into Lynchs experiences in Hollywood and her journey toward self-acceptance.Source

Kathryn Hahn, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in WandaVision and Bad Moms, recently discussed her embrace of the affectionate nickname Mother bestowed upon her by the LGBTQ+ community. Appearing on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Hahn expressed her appreciation for the term, highlighting its empowering and respectful connotations. During the podcastSource

Sydney Colson, on the other hand, would love to see Rickea Jackson end up on a Dominque Malonga poster.

Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold opened up on the "New Wave Podcast" about honoring late Alabama teammate Khyree Jackson with his switch to the No. 6.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr speaks as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz listens during a Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative event in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)2025-04-15T14:53:40Z LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Officials in Arkansas and Indiana moved Tuesday to ban soft drinks and candy from the program that helps low-income people pay for groceries, becoming the first states to ask the Trump administration to let them remove such items from the program long known as food stamps.Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said her states request is aimed at improving the health of nearly 350,000 residents who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. It is clear that the current system encourages and subsidizes the overconsumption of unhealthy, highly processed and addictive food and beverages, said Sanders, who announced the request at a Little Rock news conference with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.In Indianapolis, Gov. Mike Braun was joined by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to announce sweeping changes to put the focus back on nutrition not candy and soft drinks. The two states are among several taking steps to strip the purchase of certain foods that may contribute to poor health through the federal program that spent $100 billion to serve nearly 42 million Americans in 2024. The restriction has been a key goal for Rollins and Kennedy and his Make America Healthy Again agenda. They changed our food system in this country so that it is poison to us, Kennedy said Tuesday. We cant be a strong nation if we are not a strong people. The Arkansas plan, which would take effect in July 2026, would exclude soda, including no- and low-calorie soda; fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice; unhealthy drinks; candy, including confections made with flour, like Kit Kat bars; and artificially sweetened candy. It also would allow participants to use benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken, which is excluded from the program now. The Indiana change would exclude candy and soft drinks from the list of foods eligible to be paid for with SNAP benefits. Braun also issued executive orders changing work requirements for SNAP participants; reinstating income and asset verification rules; and launching a review of improper payments and other administrative errors to ensure that SNAP meets federal goals. Antihunger groups oppose SNAP food restrictions, saying that research shows that program participants are no more likely than other low-income Americans to buy sugary drinks or snack foods. And they say that limiting food choices undermines the autonomy and dignity of people who receive a benefit of about $187 per month or about $6.20 per day. They just seem to be targeting a specific population without having data that says that they are the issue or that this is going to improve, said Gina Plata-Nino, a deputy director at the Food Research and Action Center, a nonprofit advocacy group. Trade groups representing beverage and candy makers criticized the effort, saying that they narrowly target SNAP participants. Representatives for American Beverage accused state and federal officials of choosing to be the food police rather than take truly meaningful steps to lift people off SNAP with good-paying jobs. Chris Gindlesperger, a spokesman for the National Confectioners Association, called the approach misguided. SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants alike understand that chocolate and candy are treats not meal replacements, Gindlesperger said. The SNAP program is run by the USDA and administered through individual states. It is authorized by the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which says that SNAP benefits can be used for any food or food product intended for human consumption, except alcohol, tobacco and hot foods. In general, benefits are available to households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, or about $33,500 a year for three people.Excluding any foods would require Congress to change the law or for states to get waivers that would let them restrict purchases, said Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research group. Over the past two decades, lawmakers in several states and from both political parties have proposed halting SNAP payments for soda, chips, ice cream and luxury meats like steak, as well as bottled water and decorated birthday cakes. Since 2004, there have been six previous requests for waivers, including four that were not approved, one that was withdrawn and one request that was incomplete. In rejecting the waivers, the USDA said there was no clear standard to define certain foods as unhealthy and that restrictions would be difficult to implement, complicated, costly and might not change participants food purchases or improve health. ___ Aleccia reported from California. Associated Press writer Tom Murphy in Indianapolis contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. JONEL ALECCIA Aleccia covers food and nutrition at The Associated Press. She is based in Southern California. twitter mailto ANDREW DEMILLO DeMillo is a government and politics reporter for The Associated Press, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked for the AP since 2005. twitter mailto

Imagine stepping into the world of a favorite Classical Hollywood film and becoming the romantic lead of the story, la Humphrey Bogart or Clark Gable. Thats the conceit in Black Mirror season 7's "Hotel Reverie" episode. Issa Raes Brandy Friday, a modern-day actor looking for a role worthy of her, agrees to a remake of the Casablanca-esque film Hotel Reverie via a new technology that allows her to enter the film in place of the male lead as the character Alex Palmer.The Black Mirror universe, from writer and creator Charlie Brooker, investigates dystopian alternate realities exacerbated by technologys horrors. Hotel Reverie, from director Haolu Wang, does just that. But theres also a bit of hope in the interracial queer love story that has been likened to the famed San Junipero episode that starred Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis. Issa Rae and Emma Corrin in Black Mirror's "Hotel Reverie" Netflix Under the direction of the tech company rep Kimmy (Awkwafina), Brandy is caught in a glitch in the system, allowing her on-screen romance with Emma Corrins Dorothy (the character of Clara in the film) to blossom into a real love affair while time stands still around them. Though Hotel Reverie shines a light on the simulacrum or the idea that the entertainment business has no new stories to tell, it also hands back narratives to Black and queer people who were only allowed in the margins or coded during Hollywoods heyday.I have to give credit to Charlie and his depiction and obviously his imagination, but even in the character of Dorothy, for the character of Dorothy in the episode, it shows the fact that Dorothy was queer during this time period where she couldn't really acknowledge those feelings and couldn't be who she really was. And that is what ultimately led to her demise, Rae tells Out. Issa Rae and director Haolu Wang on the set of Black Mirror's "Hotel Reverie" Netflix There's this beautiful element in my character's decision to remake this movie. Dorothy gets a chance to be who she is, even though she is this fictional character, she ultimately becomes who she's meant to be, she adds. And obviously the tragedy that that can only exist in one version of this glitchy film. But I just thought it was so beautiful because this love transcended time and all realms, and the tragic part is that it just couldn't really exist in reality." Issa Rae as Brandy in Black Mirror's "Hotel Reverie" Netflix Though Brandy is a bankable movie star, shes finished with the limitations Hollywood has placed on her as a Black woman. Im tired of my only available options being noble victim or f*ckable sidekick, she tells her agent before agreeing to the Hotel Reverie remake. A dive into Dorothys past reveals she was forced to hide her sexual identity to have her career.Rae, best known for creating and starring in the groundbreaking HBO series Insecure, praises her costar Corrin, the nonbinary star of The Crown.It was so interesting, because obviously my character is stepping into a male role and then ultimately feels comfortable being herself, but Dorothy doesn't. I don't know what Dorothy sees if she still sees Alex Palmer at the end of the day, Rae says. Emma Corrin as Dorothy in Black Mirror's "Hotel Reverie" Netflix But playing this with Emma was so fulfilling just because they're such a phenomenal, transformative actor. And to watch them transform and to embody this actress from the '40s was also alluring for me, where I was just like, Oh, there's such a grace and elegance and dignity that I want to emulate myself and that I want to be around and that I'm curious about. And so there was just that natural curiosity and chemistry there.Stepping into a male role circa the 1940s allowed Rae to sport beautiful suits, another perk of the episode. She credits the costume department's expertise. "The suits were fire and tailored for me. I was like, Can I take this blazer back ,please? she says. The first suit I wanted to wear forever, and when I had to change, I was like, All right, I guess I'll wear linen, but I wanted to live in that suit a bit longer.Black Mirror season 7 is streaming now on Netflix. Watch Out's full interview with Rae above.

Australian Pop Icon Becomes Eighth Woman Honored with the Ted Albert Award Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue will soon add another glittering accolade to her already dazzling resume. The Padam Padam hitmaker has been named the 2024 recipient of the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music, presented by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA).Source

Latin pop artist Johann Vera is having a banner year, and hes doing it with unapologetic flair. Since publicly coming out as queer in August 2023, the Ecuadorian singer, actor, and influencer has released his debut EP Nada Importa En Verdad and launched a bold new line of mens lingerie. Now, with growing momentum and the support of Latin pop legend Ricky Martin, Vera is entering a new era ofSource

Aston Villa showed fight, but PSG have too much going for them and are as poised as anyone for Champions League greatness.

The Dolphins are having trade talks with other NFL teams about star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, general manager Chris Grier confirmed Tuesday.

Wink Martindale arrives at the International Myeloma Foundation 7th Annual Comedy Celebration at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Nov. 9, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)2025-04-15T23:42:27Z LOS ANGELES (AP) Wink Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as Gambit and Tic-Tac-Dough who also did one of the first recorded television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91.Martindale died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his publicist Brian Mayes. Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year.He was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago, Mayes said by phone from Nashville.Gambit debuted on the same day in September 1972 as The Price is Right with Bob Barker and The Jokers Wild with Jack Barry.From the day it hit the air, Gambit spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid, Martindale wrote in his 2000 memoir Winking at Life. Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack. Gambit had been beating its competition on NBC and ABC for over two years. But a new show debuted in 1975 on NBC called Wheel of Fortune. By December 1976, Gambit was off the air and Wheel of Fortune became an institution that is still going strong today. Martindale bounced back in 1978 with Tic-Tac-Dough, the classic Xs and Os game on CBS that ran until 1985.Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse, he wrote.He presided over the 88-game winning streak of Navy Lt. Thom McKee, who earned over $300,000 in cash and prizes that included eight cars, three sailboats and 16 vacation trips. At the time, McKees winnings were a record for a game show contestant. I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience and to a degree, watching lives change, Martindale wrote. Winning a lot of cash can cause that to happen.Martindale wrote that producer Dan Enright once told him that in the seven years he hosted Tic-Tac-Dough he gave away over $7 million in cash and prizes. Martindale said his many years as a radio DJ were helpful to him as a game show host because radio calls for constant ad-libs and he learned to handle almost any situation in the spur of the moment. He estimated that he hosted nearly two dozen game shows during his career.Martindale wrote in his memoir that the question he got asked most often was Is Wink your real name? The second was How did you get into game shows?He got his nickname from a childhood friend. Martindale is no relation to University of Michigan defensive coordinator Don Martindale, whose college teammates nicknamed him Wink because of their shared last name.Born Winston Conrad Martindale on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he loved radio since childhood and at age 6 would read aloud the contents of advertisements in Life magazine.He began his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week.After moving to WTJS, he was hired away for double the salary by Jacksons only other station, WDXI. He next hosted mornings at WHBQ in Memphis while attending Memphis State. He was married and the father of two girls when he graduated in 1957. Martindale was in the studio, although not working on-air that night, when the first Presley record Thats All Right was played on WHBQ on July 8, 1954.Martindale approached fellow DJ Dewey Phillips, who had given Presley an early break by playing his song, to ask him and Presley to do a joint interview on Martindales TV show Top Ten Dance Party in 1956. By then, Presley had become a major star and agreed to the appearance.Martindale and Presley stayed in touch on occasion through the years, and in 1959 he did a trans-Atlantic telephone interview with Presley, who was in the Army in Germany. Martindales second wife, Sandy, briefly dated Presley after meeting him on the set of G.I. Blues in 1960.In 1959, Martindale moved to Los Angeles to host a morning show on KHJ. That same year he reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a cover version of Deck of Cards, which sold over 1 million copies. He performed the spoken word wartime story with religious overtones on The Ed Sullivan Show. I could easily have thought, Wow, this is easy! I come out here, go on radio and TV, make a record and everybody wants to buy it! he wrote. Even if I entertained such thoughts, they soon dissipated. I learned in due time that what had happened to me was far from the ordinary.A year later he moved to the morning show at KRLA and to KFWB in 1962. Among his many other radio gigs were two separate stints at KMPC, owned by actor Gene Autry.His first network hosting job was on NBCs Whats This Song? where he was credited as Win Martindale from 1964-65.He later hosted two Chuck Barris-produced shows on ABC: Dream Girl 67 and Hows Your Mother-in-Law? The latter lasted just 13 weeks before being canceled.Ive jokingly said it came and went so fast, it seemed more like 13 minutes! Martindale wrote, explaining that it was the worst show of his career. Martindale later hosted a Las Vegas-based revival of Gambit from 1980-81.He formed his own production company, Wink Martindale Enterprises, to develop and produce his own game shows. His first venture was Headline Chasers, a coproduction with Merv Griffin that debuted in 1985 and was canceled after one season. His next show, Bumper Stumpers, ran on U.S. and Canadian television from 1987-1990.He hosted Debt from 1996-98 on Lifetime cable and Instant Recall on GSN in 2010.Martindale returned to his radio roots in 2012 as host of the nationally syndicated The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time. In 2021, he hosted syndicated program The History of Rock n Roll.In 2017, Martindale appeared in a KFC ad campaign with actor Rob Lowe.He is survived by Sandy, his second wife of 49 years, and children Lisa, Madelyn ad Laura and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. Martindales children are from his first marriage which ended in divorce in 1972. 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Former U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)2025-04-15T04:07:24Z CHICAGO (AP) Former President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has taken a hatchet to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans as the 82-year-old Democrat briefly returned to the national stage.Biden, who has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January, delivered his pointed message during an evening speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. The former president, who was largely focused on his prepared remarks but rambled at moments, was speaking as Democrats across the nation offered similar warnings for what they described as a Social Security Day of Action. In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. Its kind of breathtaking, Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half hour. Theyve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration. It was no coincidence that Tuesdays appearance, which marked Bidens first major speech since leaving office, was focused on Social Security. Democrats have increasingly focused on Trumps turbulent leadership over the popular government agency that provides benefits to tens of millions of Americans. Both parties expect Social Security to emerge as a key issue in next years midterm elections. The appearance also marked the first time Biden has explicitly attacked Trump since becoming a private citizen, although Biden referred to the Republican president only as this guy on Tuesday. Trump, by contrast, continues to blame Biden for many of the nations problems and often attacks his predecessor by name.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a shot at the former presidents age when asked about his speech earlier in the day.Im shocked that he is speaking at nighttime, Leavitt said during Tuesdays White House press briefing. I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight. She said that Trump, who is 78 years old, would sign a presidential memorandum Tuesday afternoon aimed at stopping illegal aliens, and other ineligible people, from obtaining Social Security benefits. The memorandum will expand the Social Security Administrations fraud prosecutor program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices, and establish Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution programs in 15 U.S. attorney offices, Leavitt said. Despite such moves, the Social Security Administration has been plagued by controversy under Trumps leadership. The Republican president almost immediately began slashing the government workforce upon his return to the White House, including thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.Along with a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients, the SSA has been sued over a decision to allow Trump adviser Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information. Musk, the worlds richest man and one of Trumps most influential advisers, has called Social Security the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time. At the same time, Social Security recipients have complained about long call wait times as the agencys my Social Security benefits portal has seen an increase in outages. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, including disabled seniors and low-income adults and children, also reported receiving a notice that said they were not receiving benefits. The agency said the notice was a mistake. And the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits, saying any changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud. Biden seized on the problems during his remarks. Theyre shooting first and aiming later, the former president said. They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations. Bidens speech came as Democrats nationally sought to elevate Social Security as a key issue heading into the 2026 midterm elections, which will decide the balance of power in Congress for the last two years of Trumps final term.He is not expected to make frequent public appearances as he transitions into his post-presidency. Biden still maintains an office in Washington, but has returned to Delaware as his regular home base. Trump has revoked his security clearances. This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Bidens voice in this moment is so important, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a call with reporters ahead of Bidens address. Biden was joined in Chicago by a bipartisan group of former elected officials, including former Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., former Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and former Social Security Administrator Martin OMalley. In introducing Biden, OMalley said that the Trump administration has gutted the Social Security Administration with a chainsaw. Among the conference attendees was Michigan-based attorney Jason Turkish, who leads one of the countrys largest disability law firms. He said Trumps presidency has caused anxiety for many of his 32,000 clients nationwide, who are worried about diminished benefits and uncertainty over agency changes.We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and theres always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch, he said.Still, he said there are signs that Social Security Administration officials are open to change. He cited how the agency partly backtracked on plans to require beneficiaries to go to a field office to verify their identity. Turkish is also optimistic about agency modernization efforts.While Biden may be in a position to help his party with fundraising and messaging moving forward, he left the White House with weak approval ratings. Biden also faces blame from some progressives who argue he shouldnt have sought a second term. Biden ended his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump and made way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the fall. Just 39% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Biden in January, according to a Gallup poll taken shortly after Trumps inauguration. Views of the Democratic former president were essentially unchanged from a Gallup poll taken shortly after the November election. They broadly track with the steadily low favorability ratings that Biden experienced throughout the second half of his presidential term.Indeed, while some Democratic leaders welcomed Bidens return this week, others were not pleased to see him.The best role that Biden could play going forward would be to stay off the public stage, said progressive activist Norman Solomon. That might sound harsh, but frankly, his self-centered mentality has already done so much damage to the Democratic Party and the country that he certainly owes us some belated humility.___Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen, Will Weissert and Linley Sanders contributed to this report. FATIMA HUSSEIN Hussein reports on the U.S. Treasury Department for The Associated Press. She covers tax policy, sanctions and any issue that relates to money. twitter mailto

Ian McKellen, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, is set to appear in a new film directed by 14-year-old Jacob Franklin. The short film, titled Dragged Through Time, delves into over a millennium of LGBTQ+ history while exploring contemporary queer experiences. The project is produced by Notice Productions, a youth-led drama collective, and is scheduled toSource

Lil Nas X, the Grammy-winning artist behind the chart-topping hit Old Town Road, was hospitalized after experiencing sudden paralysis on the right side of his face. The 26-year-old rapper shared the news with fans via Instagram on Monday night, providing an update on his condition and reassuring followers of his well-being. In a video posted to his Instagram account, Lil Nas XSource

After 16 seasons with one franchise, Sharks captain Logan Couture, 36, said Tuesday he is retiring from hockey due to an injury.

Harriet Dart apologized after her 6-0, 6-3 loss at the Rouen Open on Tuesday for saying that her opponent, Lois Boisson, "smells really bad."

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Flashbacks of past capitulations were fresh in the mind as Barcelona nearly contrived to give up a four-goal lead.

A female African elephant named Pupy stands in her enclosure at the Ecoparque in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as she is trained for her relocation to a sanctuary in Brazil. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)2025-04-16T00:49:34Z BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) An unusual convoy neared Argentinas lush border with Brazil on Tuesday, after snaking through traffic-snarled roads for hours. Inside the specialized iron crate strapped to a truck and flanked by vans full of caretakers and veterinarians was Pupy, a female African elephant.She is heading to a better life after spending more than 30 years in captivity as the last elephant of a Buenos Aires zoo that was often criticized for its conditions before it was turned into a nature preserve nine years ago. Pupy (pronounced POOH'-pee in Spanish) embarked on her arduous 2,700-kilometer (1,670-mile) journey on Monday, from the trendy neighborhood of Palermo in Argentinas capital of Buenos Aires to the Amazon rainforest of Mato Grosso state in Brazil. The 3.5-ton pachyderm is expected to arrive at her new home at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, the first refuge for elephants in Latin America, later this week a voyage dependent on traffic, weather conditions and customs stops. As of late Tuesday, Pupy was traversing the verdant northern Argentine province of Misiones, near the border with Brazil. Standing upright in her crate during the rough road trip, Pupy sleeps and feeds on vegetables, fruit, grass and vitamin supplements. Brazilian park personnel and Argentine handlers monitor her condition during pre-scheduled breaks and through cameras inside the crate. It took months to prepare Pupy for so many hours of confinement. She is making the journey flawlessly, said Mara Jos Catanzariti, a veterinarian and operational manager at the Buenos Aires preserve. Sometimes in the first 24 hours these animals dont want to eat, but Pupy keeps eating.Pupy is just the latest in a series of over 1,000 wild animals elephants, as well as lions, tigers, bears and apes that the Buenos Aires ecopark has sent to sanctuaries abroad since its 2016 conversion from a ramshackle city zoo into a species conservation site. Free from confinement, the animals build new lives in greener pastures. An orangutan named Sandra traded her limited, lonely existence in the Argentine preserve in 2019 for more roaming space and 22 new friends from her own species at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida. Already enjoying the Brazil Elephant Sanctuary are five Asian elephants including Mara, a former circus elephant that also ended up in the Argentine preserves enclosure and five years ago made the same highway trip to the refuge, where she now trudges at least 10 kilometers (6 miles) a day. The Brazilian elephant sanctuary offers newcomers space to adjust to life in the wild, regain behaviors intrinsic to their species and socialize with others after so many years often spent isolated and alone. Because Pupy can only fraternize with other African elephants, she will be alone adapting to her new habitat before the expected arrival of a fellow African elephant named Kenia.From a zoo in the city of Mendoza, western Argentina, with a history of similarly poor conditions, Kenia is now undergoing training before making the trip to the sprawling multi-acre refuge, which evokes an elephants natural home. ALMUDENA CALATRAVA Calatrava writes in Spanish about Argentina for The Associated Press, based in Buenos Aires mailto

Rory McIlroy stuck to a strategy of staying laser-focused, even if that meant not saying a word to Bryson DeChambeau during the final round of the Masters.

Major League Baseball on Tuesday commemorated the 78th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier.

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Cole Anthony scored 26 points off the bench to help the Magic beat the Hawks on Tuesday and set up a first-round series versus the Celtics.

A worker chats with a visitor at the booth for Exotica Freshener Co, a U.S. company selling fresheners, at the 137th Canton Fair in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)2025-04-16T02:11:30Z BANGKOK (AP) Chinas economy expanded at a 5.4% annual pace in January-March, supported by strong exports ahead of U.S. President Donald Trumps rapid increases in tariffs on Chinese exports, the government said Wednesday. Analysts are forecasting that the worlds second largest economy will slow significantly in coming months, however, as tariffs as high as 145% on U.S. imports from China take effect. Exports were a strong factor in Chinas ability to attain a 5% annual growth rate in 2024 and the official target for this year remains at about 5%. Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on American exports, while also stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment. In the near term, the tariffs will put pressure on Chinas economy, but they wont derail long-run growth, Sheng Laiyun, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, told reporters. Chinas economic foundation is stable, resilient and has great potential. We have the confidence, ability and confidence to cope with external challenges and achieve our established development goals, Sheng said. In quarterly terms the economy grew 1.2% in January-March, slowing from 1.6% in the last quarter of 2024. Chinese exports surged more than 12% from a year earlier in March and nearly 6% in U.S. dollar terms in the first quarter, as companies rushed to beat Trumps tariffs. That has supported robust manufacturing activity in the past several months. Much of this was front-loaded fueled by a burst of preemptive activity ahead of U.S. tariff escalations and an inventory binge stateside as importers scrambled to get ahead of the curve, Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.Industrial production rose 6.5% from a year earlier in the last quarter, led by a nearly 11% increase in output of equipment manufacturing. The strongest growth was in advanced technologies, such as production of battery electric and hybrid vehicles, which jumped 45.4% year-on-year. Output of 3D printers soared almost 45% and of industrial robots surged 26%. But despite relatively fast growth by global standards, the Chinese economy has struggled to regain momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic, partly due to a downturn in the property market resulting from a crackdown on excess borrowing by developers. Consumer prices fell 0.1% in the first quarter, suggesting that demand is not keeping up with supply for many industries. Investment in real estate also remained weak, falling nearly 10% from a year earlier despite government efforts to spur more lending for housing purchases. The tariffs crisis looms as another massive blow at a time when Beijing is striving to get businesses to invest and hire more workers and to persuade Chinese consumers to spend more.Those efforts appear to be bearing fruit. Retail sales rose 4.2% from a year earlierBoth private and public sector economists have remained cautious about what to expect, given how Trump has kept switching his stance on the details of his trade war. Given the events over the past two weeks, it is extremely difficult to predict how the U.S. and China tariffs on each other might evolve, Tao Wang and other UBS economists said in a report. The International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank have stuck with more optimistic forecasts of about 4.6% growth this year. After taking office, Trump first ordered a 10% increase in tariffs on imports from China. He later raised that to 20%. Now, China is facing 145% tariffs on most of its exports to the United States.UBS estimates that the tariffs, if they remain roughly as they are, could cause Chinas exports to the United States to fall by two-thirds in coming months and that its global exports could fall by 10% in dollar value. It cut its forecast for economic growth this year to 3.4% from an earlier 4%. It expects growth to slow to 3% in 2026. China has stepped up efforts to spur more consumer spending and private sector investment over the past seven months, doubling down on subsidies for auto and appliance trade-ins and channeling more funding for housing and other cash strapped industries. ___AP researchers Yu Bing and Shihuan Chen contributed. ELAINE KURTENBACH Based in Bangkok, Kurtenbach is the APs business editor for Asia, helping to improve and expand our coverage of regional economies, climate change and the transition toward carbon-free energy. She has been covering economic, social, environmental and political trends in China, Japan and Southeast Asia throughout her career. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Kyrylo Illiashenko, 13, sits on a hospital bed, Monday, April 14, 2025, after being injured on Sunday by a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, while trying to help others evacuate a burning bus that he later exited through a shattered window. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)2025-04-15T20:10:46Z SUMY, Ukraine (AP) The humdrum of daily life in Sumy belies the constant threat of death its people have lived with since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago.Days after Russia targeted the citys center in back-to-back missile strikes, killing 35 people and injuring more than 100 others in the deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians this year, neighbors gossiped in front of their apartment block as children played soccer in the courtyard. They paused to look up only when hearing the buzzing of attack drones and familiar thud of Ukrainian air defenses before resuming what they were doing. Women put flowers on a site of a Russian missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Women put flowers on a site of a Russian missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A woman cleans her window after a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Volodymyr Hordiienko) A woman cleans her window after a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Volodymyr Hordiienko) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Mother Natalia says goodbye to her daughter Olena Kohut, an orchestra musician who was killed in a deadly Palm Sunday Russian attack on Sumy on April 13, during a farewell ceremony in Sumy, Ukraine, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Mother Natalia says goodbye to her daughter Olena Kohut, an orchestra musician who was killed in a deadly Palm Sunday Russian attack on Sumy on April 13, during a farewell ceremony in Sumy, Ukraine, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Sumy is only about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the border of Russias Kursk region, where Ukrainian soldiers are defending the last sliver of territory they took in a surprise offensive last summer. Residents say there has been an uptick in attacks on Sumy in recent weeks, though none as bloody as Sundays airstrike, which targeted a busy intersection. The attack in Sumy, which had a prewar population of about 250,000, came just over a week after a Russian missile strike killed about 20 people, including nine children, in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. Russia said it was targeting a meeting of soldiers, but there is no evidence to support the claim. The attacks on their cities has left many Ukrainians wondering where the next will occur and cast a shadow over the ongoing ceasefire talks being brokered by the United States. The talks have produced only muted results, as Russia insists on conditions Ukraine deems impossible and Kyiv believes Moscows forces are gearing up for a fresh offensive. The attack ended some lives and shattered othersTo the people of Sumy, the talks seem far-removed from their daily struggles.As some of the victims of Sundays attack were laid to rest on Tuesday, Viktor Voitenko, 56, described how he ended up paralyzed in a hospital bed. He was working as a security guard when the second missile hit and shattered his spine. As he spoke, his wife Hanna, 40, lovingly applied his deodorant a simple act he could no longer perform. Hanna seeks to her husband Victor Voitenko, injured in a deadly Palm Sunday Russian attack on Sumy on April 13, at a hospital in Sumy, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Hanna seeks to her husband Victor Voitenko, injured in a deadly Palm Sunday Russian attack on Sumy on April 13, at a hospital in Sumy, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Mention of the ceasefire negotiations conjured a weary smile from her. Its empty talks. They dont move anywhere. It seems to be public relations to me, Hanna Voitenko said. Nothing happens to bring comfort to regular people.Her husband offered his own take: They are stalling for time.Work, errands and planned family visits brought the victims of Sundays attack to the intersection of Petropavlivska Street and the state university on Sunday morning.Asia Pohorila, 20, was working at a cafe and thinking about whether to buy pastries after her shift when the first missile strike left her in shock and bleeding profusely from her legs. On Tuesday, the times 10:20 and 10:23" were still scrawled in marker on her thighs, noting when medics applied tourniquets to them. Asia Pohorila, 20, injured in a deadly Palm Sunday Russian attack on Sumy on April 13, lies on a bed at a hospital in Sumy, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Asia Pohorila, 20, injured in a deadly Palm Sunday Russian attack on Sumy on April 13, lies on a bed at a hospital in Sumy, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A teen springs into actionMaryna Illiashenko and her 13-year old son, Kyrylo, heard the sound of that first blast ricochet across the center city as they waited for a bus.They were headed to visit his grandmother, but the teenager was more excited about wrestling practice later that afternoon. Undeterred, they boarded the bus when it arrived a few minutes later. One stop later, the second missile crashed a few feet from the vehicle, scorching nearby cars, burning passengers alive, killing the bus driver and causing shrapnel to rain down. Three fragments tore through Kyrylos scalp and scratched Marynas face. Kyrylo Illiashenko, 13, sits on a hospital bed, Monday, April 14, 2025, after being injured on Sunday by a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, while trying to help others evacuate a burning bus that he later exited through a shattered window. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Kyrylo Illiashenko, 13, sits on a hospital bed, Monday, April 14, 2025, after being injured on Sunday by a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, while trying to help others evacuate a burning bus that he later exited through a shattered window. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Enveloped in smoke and debris, the teen leaped out of the shattered bus window and pried open the locked door from outside, saving half a dozen trapped passengers, witnesses said.I dont want to think about this as a new type of reality for Sumy city. We can clearly see that our frontline cities are being erased, Oleh Strilka, a spokesperson for the citys State Emergency Service, said while standing outside the collapsed facade of the university building, where the second missile struck.The most painful thing for me is our children. Why do they need to suffer? he asked. I dont want our 13-year-old kids becoming heroes. Liudmyla Shelukhina, 70, was waiting in a neighbors house for a haircut. She was standing in line in the kitchen when the windows suddenly shattered.She said the fridge she was next to saved her life. I would have been decapitated.Dont be so dramatic, joked her husband, Viktor, a former soldier. Their son was hospitalized in the attack. A rescue worker rests near university building destroyed by a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A rescue worker rests near university building destroyed by a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A dead body lies on the ground after a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Volodymyr Hordiienko) A dead body lies on the ground after a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Volodymyr Hordiienko) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A man cries as he leans on the bus that was hit by a Russian missile on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Volodymyr Hordiienko) A man cries as he leans on the bus that was hit by a Russian missile on Sumy, Ukraine, Sunday April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Volodymyr Hordiienko) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More No relief for first responders Rescue workers like Dmytro Shevchenko, 31, have to be prepared to head to the scene of the next attack at all times. He was among the first to arrive at the university grounds on Sunday. Most people he found were too badly injured to help, he said, wiping away tears.He holds on to little hope that ceasefire talks will bear fruit. I just dont believe in it, he said.The childrens hospital where Kyrylo Illiashenko is recovering bears the scars of repeated drone attacks. More than 100 windows were shattered only two weeks ago when a massive drone attack struck nearby, said Chief Dr. Ihor Zmislya. As workers cleared rubble from the sites of the missile strikes Tuesday and Kyrylo expounded on his favorite computer games, an explosion sounded in the distance. From the teens hospital window, plumes of smoke could be seen rising from a nearby railway line. This is our reality, said Zmislya. It happens all the time. SAMYA KULLAB Kullab is an Associated Press reporter covering Ukraine since June 2023. Before that, she covered Iraq and the wider Middle East from her base in Baghdad since joining the AP in 2019. twitter instagram mailto

Toronto captain Auston Matthews scored into an empty net for the 400th goal of his career in the Maple Leafs' 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, becoming the sixth-fastest NHL player to reach that milestone, according to ESPN Research.

Jaydn Ott, one of the top playmakers coming back in college football, is moving on to Oklahoma, just one day after entering the transfer portal.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)2025-04-16T03:08:58Z Fresh from a courtroom loss over The Associated Press access to the presidency, the White House on Tuesday put forward a new media policy that sharply curtails access to Donald Trump by news agencies that serve media outlets around the world. It was the latest attempt by the new administration to control coverage of its activities.The move would block the AP and other wire services that serve billions of readers through thousands of news outlets. It comes after a judge ruled the White House had violated the organizations free speech by banning it because it disagreed with the outlets decision not to rename the Gulf of Mexico.While outlining a new pool coverage policy for small spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One, the White House also said it will ultimately give press secretary Karoline Leavitt the final say over who gets to question her boss, according to people who have seen the plan. The White House did not return messages for comment on Tuesday evening. A federal judge last week ruled the White House improperly punished the AP for refusing to rename the Gulf of Mexico by blocking its reporters and photographers from covering the events. U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered the administration to treat the AP as it does other news organizations. Reframing who gets access to the president for questionsA day after defying McFaddens ruling and continuing APs ban when Trump and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele met with reporters in the Oval Office, the White House leaked a new policy to selected journalists.For many years, the White House Correspondents Association has run the pool for the limited space events, and each time it has included reporters from the wire services AP, Reuters and Bloomberg. One print reporter was also allowed, selected on a rotating basis from more than 30 news outlets.The White House now says it will lump the three wire services with print reporters for two slots meaning roughly three dozen reporters will rotate for two regular slots. Wire services typically report and write stories that are used in multiple locations around the country and the planet. Even with the rotation, the White House said Trumps press secretary shall retain day-to-day discretion to determine composition of the pool. The new policy says reporters will also be allowed in irrespective of the substantive viewpoint expressed by an outlet.In a statement, the APs Lauren Easton said the outlet was deeply disappointed that rather than restore the APs access, the White House instead chose restrictions over all of the wire services.The wire services represent thousands of news organizations across the U.S. and the world over, said Easton, an AP spokeswoman. Our coverage is used by local newspapers and television stations in all 50 states to inform their communities.The administrations actions continue to disregard the fundamental American freedom to speak without government control or retaliation, Easton said Tuesday night.The independent White House Correspondents Association said the administrations insistence on retaining control over who covers the president shows that it is unwilling to guarantee that it would not continue viewpoint discrimination.The government should not be able to control the independent media that covers it, said Eugene Daniels, the associations president. More access for Trump-friendly mediaUnder Leavitt, the White House has given greater access to news outlets friendly to Trump. That was visible Tuesday, when the first reporter Leavitt addressed during a briefing asked two questions while also praising Trump policy.At Mondays Oval Office meeting, Trump bristled at questions from CNNs Kaitlan Collins about a man deported to an El Salvador prison, at one point accusing CNN of hating our country. He made it a point to contrast her questions with a non-pointed one from another reporter.Despite the occasional fireworks, Trump has made himself accessible to the media more than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. Cramped-quarters events, particularly in the Oval Office, are some of his favorite places to talk rendering the new access policy all the more impactful. The new policy advanced on Tuesday did not address access for photographers. At an earlier court hearing about the APs case, the outlets chief White House photographer, Evan Vucci, and correspondent Zeke Miller testified about how the ban has hurt the business of a news agency built to quickly get news and images to its customers.The dispute stems from APs decision not to follow the presidents executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico, although AP style does cite Trumps wish that it be called the Gulf of America. McFadden agreed with APs argument that the government cannot punish the news organization for what it says for exercising its right to free speech.The White House has argued that press access to the president is a privilege, not a right, that it should control much like it decides to whom Trump gives one-on-one interviews. In court papers filed last weekend, his lawyers signaled that even with McFaddens decision, the APs days of unchallenged access to open presidential events were over. No other news organization in the United States receives the level of guaranteed access previously bestowed upon the AP, the administration argued. The AP may have grown accustomed to its favored status, but the Constitution does not require that such status endure in perpetuity.The administration has appealed McFaddens ruling, and is scheduled to be in an appeals court on Thursday to argue that ruling should be put on hold until the merits of the case are fully decided, perhaps by the U.S. Supreme Court.The administration has not curtailed AP access to Leavitts briefings over the past two months. It has blocked access to events in the East Room to White House-credentialed AP reporters until Tuesday, when one was allowed into an event that involved the Navy football team.___David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social DAVID BAUDER Bauder is the APs national media writer, covering the intersection of news, politics and entertainment. He is based in New York. twitter mailto

Jimmy Butler had 38 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Stephen Curry scored 37 and the Warriors earned the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs by beating the Grizzlies on Tuesday night in the play-in tournament.

Minnesota coach John Hynes sent retiring goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, 40, out for overtime in what could well be the final game of his storied career, and the Wild outlasted the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Tuesday night in the home team's regular-season finale.

Addressing his ejection, Trae Young said he was taking out his frustration on the officials for giving his team what he thought was a bad whistle.

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to shut out expectations of another famous Real Madrid comeback and "talk on the pitch" in Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal showdown.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he had to remind his disappointed players they had reached the Champions League semifinal after Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund.

Unai Emery said the future of on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford "depends on the next weeks."

The entrance of the Supreme Court in London, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)2025-04-16T04:18:26Z LONDON (AP) The U.K. Supreme Court is poised to rule Wednesday in a legal challenge focusing on the definition of a woman in a long-running dispute between a womens rights group and the Scottish government. Five judges at Britains highest court are scheduled to rule whether a transgender person with a certificate that recognizes them as female can be regarded as a woman under equality laws.While the case centers on Scottish law, the group bringing the challenge, For Women Scotland (FWS), has said its outcomes could have U.K.-wide consequences for sex-based rights as well as everyday single-sex services such as toilets and hospital wards. Whats the case about? The case stems from a 2018 law passed by the Scottish Parliament stating that there should be a 50% female representation on the boards of Scottish public bodies. That law included transgender women in its definition of women.The womens rights group successfully challenged that law, arguing that its redefinition of woman went beyond parliaments powers. Scottish officials then issued guidance stating that the definition of woman included a transgender woman with a gender recognition certificate.FWS sought to overturn that.Not tying the definition of sex to its ordinary meaning means that public boards could conceivably comprise of 50% men, and 50% men with certificates, yet still lawfully meet the targets for female representation, the groups director Trina Budge said. The challenge was rejected by a court in 2022, but the group was granted permission last year to take its case to the Supreme Court. What are the arguments? Aidan ONeill, a lawyer for FWS, told the Supreme Court judges three men and two women that under the Equality Act sex should refer to biological sex and as understood in ordinary, everyday language.Our position is your sex, whether you are a man or a woman or a girl or a boy is determined from conception in utero, even before ones birth, by ones body, he said on Tuesday. It is an expression of ones bodily reality. It is an immutable biological state.The womens rights group counts among its supporters author J.K. Rowling, who reportedly donated tens of thousands of pounds to back its work. The Harry Potter writer has been vocal in arguing that the rights for trans women should not come at the expense of those who are born biologically female.Opponents, including Amnesty International, said excluding transgender people from sex discrimination protections conflicts with human rights. Amnesty submitted a brief in court saying it was concerned about the deterioration of the rights for trans people in the U.K. and abroad.A blanket policy of barring trans women from single-sex services is not a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim, the human rights group said. SYLVIA HUI Hui, based in London, reports on UK news for The Associated Press with particular interest in foreign and social affairs and human rights. twitter mailto

A 52-year-old family matriarch, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, kisses a granddaughter in a wedding hall at a charity center that has been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the West Bank town of Anabta, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)2025-04-16T03:38:34Z TULKAREM, West Bank (AP) For weeks, the family had been on the move. Israeli troops had forced them from home during a military operation that has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians across the occupied West Bank. After finding shelter in a wedding hall, they were told to leave again.We dont know where well go, said the familys 52-year-old matriarch, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisal. She buried her face in her hands.The grandmother is one of more than 1,500 displaced people in and around the northern city of Tulkarem who are being pushed from schools, youth centers and other venues because the people who run them need them back. It was not clear how many displaced in other areas like Jenin face the same pressure. A youth sleeps at a local multipurpose hall that has been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the village of Kafr al-Labad, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) A youth sleeps at a local multipurpose hall that has been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the village of Kafr al-Labad, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Many say they have nowhere else to go. Israeli forces destroyed some homes.The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, has little to offer. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the largest aid provider in the occupied territories, struggles to meet greater needs in the Gaza Strip while facing Israeli restrictions on its operations.Approximately 40,000 Palestinians were driven from their homes in January and February in the largest displacement in the West Bank since Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast war.Israel says the operations are needed to stamp out militancy as violence by all sides has surged since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack ignited the war in Gaza. Fears of long-term displacementIsraels raids have emptied out and largely destroyed several urban refugee camps in the northern West Bank, like Tulkarem and nearby Nur Shams, that housed the descendants of Palestinians who fled or were driven from their homes in previous wars.Israel says troops will stay in some camps for a year.People with means are living with relatives or renting apartments, while the impoverished have sought refuge in public buildings. Now that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has ended, many are being told to leave. Palestinian men talk as they stand in compound of a local multipurpose hall, that is been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the village of Kafr al-Labad, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Palestinian men talk as they stand in compound of a local multipurpose hall, that is been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the village of Kafr al-Labad, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More This is a big problem for us, as the schools cannot be used for the displaced because there are students in them, and at the same time, we have a shortage of financial resources, said Abdallah Kmeil, the governor of Tulkarem.He said the Palestinian Authority is looking for empty homes to rent to families and plans to bring prefabricated containers for some 20,000 displaced. But its unclear when they will arrive.Seven minutes to packThe matriarch said Israeli troops gave the family seven minutes to pack when they evicted them from the Nur Shams camp in early February. They left with backpacks and a white flag to signal they werent a threat.Shelters were overcrowded. People slept on floor mats with little privacy, and dozens at times shared a few toilets and a shower.The family tried to return home when soldiers allowed people to go back and get their belongings. Days later, they were forced to leave again, and soldiers warned that their house would be burned if they didnt, the woman said.The family found a charity center that doubles as a wedding hall in a nearby town. Now, with the onset of wedding season, they have had to leave. Cars move along a damaged street of the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Cars move along a damaged street of the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More When the family feels homesick, they walk to a hilltop overlooking Nur Shams.Palestinians sheltering in and around Tulkarem say they feel abandoned. Much of the aid they were receiving, such as food and clothes, came from the community during Ramadan, a time of increased charity. Now that has dried up.Israels crackdown in the West Bank has also left tens of thousands unemployed. They can no longer work the mostly menial jobs in Israel that paid higher wages, making it harder to rent scarce places to stay.Iman Basher used to work on a Palestinian farm near her house in Nur Shams. Since fleeing, the days walk there is too far to travel, she said. The 64-year-old was among dozens of people recently forced from another wedding hall. She now sleeps on a mat in another packed building.Basher said soldiers raiding her house stole about $2,000, money she had been saving for more than a decade for her childrens education. An Israeli military spokesperson said the army prohibits the theft or wanton destruction of civilian property and holds soldiers accountable for what it called exceptional violations. The army said militants fight and plant explosives in residential areas, and soldiers sometimes occupy homes to combat them.The scale of the displacement is beyond usAid groups said some displaced people are living in unfinished buildings, without proper clothes, hygiene, bedding or access to healthcare.Its hard to find where the need is ... The scale of the displacement is beyond us, said Nicholas Papachrysostomou, emergency coordinator in the northern West Bank for Doctors Without Borders.The charitys mobile clinics provide primary healthcare, but theres a shortage of medicine and its hard to get supplies because of Israeli restrictions and financial constraints by the West Banks health ministry, he said. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, plans to disburse $265 a month to about 30,000 of the most vulnerable displaced people, but there is enough money for only three months, said Hanadi Jaber Abu Taqa, head of UNRWA in the northern West Bank.The agencys money mostly goes to Gaza. Just over 12% of the funds it seeks from donors for this year will be allocated to the West Bank. Salha Farhat, 68, center, separates herbs for a meal as she sits with two Palestinian women at a youth center that has been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Salha Farhat, 68, center, separates herbs for a meal as she sits with two Palestinian women at a youth center that has been used as a temporary shelter for displaced people in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Portable housing for the many displaced would only be a temporary fix. Some Palestinians said they wouldnt accept it, worrying it would feel like giving up their right to return home.Isam Sadooq had been helping 60 displaced people staying at a youth center in Tulkarem. Last month, he was told, by the people who run the center, that they should consider evacuating so children can resume sports.If we cannot find them another place to live, what will be their fate? he said. They will find themselves in the street, and this is something we do not accept.___Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war SAM MEDNICK Mednick is the AP correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian Territories. She focuses on conflict, humanitarian crises and human rights abuses. Mednick formerly covered West & Central Africa and South Sudan. twitter RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique hailed his squad as the best in the world on Tuesday after they reached the Champions League semifinals with a 5-4 aggregate win over Aston Villa.

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by Patricia Callahan ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has recalled two dozen generic medicines sold to American patients because the Indian factory that made them failed to comply with U.S. manufacturing standards and the Food and Drug Administration determined that the faulty drugs could harm people, federal records show.In February, the FDA found problems with cleaning and testing at the plant in Madhya Pradesh, India, which was the subject of a ProPublica investigation last year. The current recalls, listed in an FDA enforcement report last week, cover a wide range of commonly prescribed medicines, including ones that treat epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and high blood pressure, among other ailments. A full list of the recalled medications is available here. The agency determined that the drugs could cause temporary or reversible harm and that the chance of more serious problems was remote. However, the FDA didnt say what symptoms the flawed drugs could cause. ProPublica asked the FDA and Glenmark for more specifics, but neither responded. Records show that Glenmark first alerted wholesalers about the recalls in a March 13 letter. That letter suggests that Glenmark pulled the drugs because of potential cross-contamination. Thomas Callaghan, Glenmarks executive director of regulatory affairs for North America, wrote that 148 batches of the recalled medicines were made in a shared facility with two cholesterol-lowering drugs, ezetimibe and a combination of that drug and simvastatin. Thats a concern because the chemical structure of ezetimibe contains whats known as a beta-lactam ring. FDA safety experts pay attention to this because many beta-lactam drugs, particularly penicillin, can cause life-threatening allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. Its the most commonly reported drug allergy in the U.S. Because of that danger, the FDA requires manufacturers to follow special precautions to prevent cross-contamination with drugs that contain a beta-lactam ring, even if they arent antibiotics. The chemical structure of ezetimibe, Callaghan wrote to Glenmarks wholesalers, shows it is unlikely to cause such hypersensitivity reactions. Nevertheless, Glenmark was recalling the drugs based on risk assessment and out of an abundance of caution, Callaghan wrote. He added, This recall is being made with knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.According to Callaghans letter, the potential problem dates back years. The executive wrote that Glenmark began shipping the drugs on Oct. 4, 2022.In December, ProPublica revealed that the Glenmark factory was responsible for an outsized share of U.S. recalls for pills that didnt dissolve properly and could harm people. At the time, the FDA hadnt inspected the plant since before the COVID-19 pandemic, even though one of those recalls had been linked to deaths of American patients. About two months after that investigation was published, FDA officials returned to the factory the agencys first inspection in five years. Inspectors discovered that Glenmark hadnt properly cleaned equipment to prevent contamination of medicines with residues from other drugs. The federal investigators also noted that Glenmark routinely released some drugs to the U.S. market using test methods that hadnt been adequately validated, according to the inspection report. Whats more, when some Glenmark tests found problems with a drug, the company at times declared those results invalid and retested with new samples to obtain passing results, the inspection report said. The batches were ultimately released to the US market.In their detailed report, the inspectors listed drugs shipped to U.S. customers who had been affected by the potential contamination and testing problems, but FDA censors redacted page after page, making it impossible to know which medicines may not be safe. An FDA attorney said the information was being withheld because it contained trade secrets or commercial information that was considered privileged or confidential.ProPublica first asked Glenmark about that inspection on March 7 after obtaining the FDA report through the Freedom of Information Act. Glenmark alerted wholesalers about the recalls less than a week later, but the company and the FDA didnt tell ProPublica. Instead, a Glenmark spokesperson sent a statement saying the company was committed to working diligently with the FDA to ensure compliance with manufacturing operations and quality systems. And the FDA said it could discuss potential compliance matters only with the company involved. The FDA first mentioned the recalls publicly in its April 8 enforcement report, which is like an electronic filing cabinet for recalls. The recalls do not appear on the FDAs recalls website, which compiles press releases written by pharmaceutical companies. ProPublica asked the FDA and Glenmark why they didnt alert the public last month that these medicines had been recalled, but neither responded. Glenmark is embroiled in a federal lawsuit that alleges recalled potassium chloride capsules made at its Madhya Pradesh factory caused the death of a 91-year-old Maine woman in June. The FDA had determined last year that more than 50 million of those recalled Glenmark extended-release capsules had the potential to kill U.S. patients because they didnt dissolve correctly and could lead to a perilous spike in potassium. In court filings, Glenmark has denied responsibility for the womans death.Since that potassium chloride recall, Glenmark has told federal regulators it has received reports of eight deaths in the U.S. of people who took the recalled capsules, FDA records show. Companies are required to file such reports so the agency can monitor drug safety. The FDA shares few details, though, so ProPublica was unable to independently verify what happened in each case. In general, the FDA says these adverse event reports reflect the opinions of the people who reported the harm and dont prove that the drug caused it.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial is seen Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford)2025-04-16T04:06:42Z OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Thirty years after a truck bomb detonated outside a federal building in Americas heartland, killing 168 people in the deadliest homegrown attack on U.S. soil, deep scars remain.From a mother who lost her first-born baby, a son who never got to know his father, and a young man so badly injured that he still struggles to breathe, three decades have not healed the wounds from the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.The bombers were two former U.S. Army buddies, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who shared a deep-seated hatred of the federal government fueled by the bloody raid on the Branch Davidian religious sect near Waco, Texas, and a standoff in the mountains of Ruby Ridge, Idaho, that killed a 14-year-old boy, his mother and a federal agent. This aerial view shows the destroyed north side of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City after a massive bomb blast, April 19, 1995. (AP Photo, File) This aerial view shows the destroyed north side of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City after a massive bomb blast, April 19, 1995. (AP Photo, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Rescue workers dig through the rubble from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building explosion in downtown Oklahoma City on April 20, 1995. (AP Photo/J.Pat Carter, File) Rescue workers dig through the rubble from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building explosion in downtown Oklahoma City on April 20, 1995. (AP Photo/J.Pat Carter, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More And while the bombing awakened the nation to the dangers of extremist ideologies, many who suffered directly in the attack still fear anti-government rhetoric in modern-day politics could also lead to violence.A 30-year anniversary remembrance ceremony is scheduled for April 19 on the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. A baby killed and a mothers anguishLittle Baylee Almon had just celebrated her first birthday the day before her mother, Aren Almon, dropped her off at the Americas Kids Daycare inside the Alfred P. Murrah federal building. It was the last time Aren would see her first child alive.The next day, Aren saw a photo on the front page of the local newspaper of Baylees battered and lifeless body cradled in the arms of an Oklahoma City firefighter. I said: Thats Baylee. I knew it was her, Aren Almon said. She called her pediatrician, who confirmed the news. Aren Almon poses for a portrait at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford) Aren Almon poses for a portrait at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Aren Almon poses for a portrait next to the memorial chair for her daughter, Baylee Almon, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford) Aren Almon poses for a portrait next to the memorial chair for her daughter, Baylee Almon, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Aren Almon wears a button with a photo of her daughter Baylee Almon, who was killed in the Oklahoma City federal building bombing, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford) Aren Almon wears a button with a photo of her daughter Baylee Almon, who was killed in the Oklahoma City federal building bombing, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Oxford) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More In the hauntingly iconic image, which won the amateur photographer who took it the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for spot news photography, firefighter Chris Shields came to symbolize all the first responders who descended on the bomb site, while Baylee represented the innocent victims who were lost that day.But for Aren, her daughter was more than a symbol.I get that (the photo) made its mark on the world, Almon said. But I also realize that Baylee was a real child. She wasnt just a symbol, and I think that gets left out a lot. A firefighter thrust into the spotlightThe Oklahoma City firefighter in the photograph was Chris Fields, who had been on the scene for about an hour when a police officer came out of nowhere and handed him Baylees lifeless body.Fields swept the infants airway and checked for any signs of life. He found none.He said the iconic photograph was snapped as he waited for a paramedic to find room for the baby in a crowded ambulance.I was just looking down at Baylee thinking, Wow, somebodys world is getting ready to be turned upside down today, Fields recalled. Former Oklahoma City firefighter Chris Fields looks at the Oklahoma City National Memorial in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Former Oklahoma City firefighter Chris Fields looks at the Oklahoma City National Memorial in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More While he tries to focus more on being a grandfather than politics, Fields said he has little doubt an attack motivated by radical political ideology could happen again.I dont worry about it, but do I think it could happen again? Without a doubt, he said. A badly injured child still scarredOne of the youngest survivors of the bombing was PJ Allen, who was just 18 months old when his grandmother dropped him off at the second-floor daycare. He still bears the scars from his injuries. Nine-year-old P.J. Allen plays in his backyard in Oklahoma City on April 17, 2003. One of the youngest survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing, Allen says he wants more than anything to be able to swim and wrestle with his friends without worrying about the tracheotomy in his throat getting dislodged. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) Nine-year-old P.J. Allen plays in his backyard in Oklahoma City on April 17, 2003. One of the youngest survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing, Allen says he wants more than anything to be able to swim and wrestle with his friends without worrying about the tracheotomy in his throat getting dislodged. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Allen suffered second- and third-degree burns over more than half his body, a collapsed lung, smoke damage to both lungs, head trauma from falling debris and damage to his vocal chords that still affects the sound of his voice.Now an avionics technician at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Allen said he had to be homeschooled for years and couldnt go out in the sun because of the damage to his skin.Still, there doesnt seem to be any self pity when he speaks of the impact of the bombing on his life.Around this time of year, April, it makes me very appreciative that I wake up every day, he said. I know some people werent as fortunate. PJ Allen, the youngest survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing, poses for a photo where he works at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City on March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) PJ Allen, the youngest survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing, poses for a photo where he works at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City on March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A display at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum shows items from the bombed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) A display at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum shows items from the bombed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A son who didnt get to know his fatherAustin Allen was 4 years old when his father, Ted L. Allen, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development employee, died in the bombing. He never truly got to know his dad.Although he remembers snippets of riding in his dads truck and eating Cheerios with him in the morning, most of his memories come from friends and family.Its just been little anecdotes, little things like that Ive heard about him over the years, that have painted a bigger picture of the man he was, Allen said. Austin Allen shows a photo of himself with his deceased father, Ted Allen, during an interview in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. Austin was 4 years old when his father died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Austin Allen shows a photo of himself with his deceased father, Ted Allen, during an interview in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. Austin was 4 years old when his father died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Austin Allen touches a memorial for his deceased father, Ted Allen, in the Field of Empty Chairs section of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum on March 12, 2025. Austin was 4 years old when his father died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Austin Allen touches a memorial for his deceased father, Ted Allen, in the Field of Empty Chairs section of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum on March 12, 2025. Austin was 4 years old when his father died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Austin Allen poses for a photo at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. Austin was 4 years old when his father died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Austin Allen poses for a photo at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. Austin was 4 years old when his father died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Allen, who now has a 4-year-old of his own, acknowledges hes troubled by the anti-government vein in modern-day politics and wonders where it could lead.Its such a similar feeling today, where you have one side versus the other, he said. There is a parallel to 1995 and the political unrest. A workers life changed in an instantDennis Purifoy, who was an assistant manager in the Social Security office on the ground floor of the building, lost 16 co-workers in the bombing. Another 24 customers who were waiting in the lobby also perished.Although he doesnt remember hearing the explosion, a phenomenon he said he shares with other survivors, he remembers thinking the computer he was working on had exploded.Thats just one of the weird ways that I found out later our minds work in a situation like that, he said. This photo provided by Dennis Purifoy on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, shows Purifoy in 1995 at the Social Security office where he worked in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. (Dennis Purifoy via AP) This photo provided by Dennis Purifoy on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, shows Purifoy in 1995 at the Social Security office where he worked in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. (Dennis Purifoy via AP) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Bombing survivor Dennis Purifoy stands during an interview at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) Bombing survivor Dennis Purifoy stands during an interview at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Purifoy, now 73 and retired, said the bombing and McVeighs anti-government motives were a reality check for an innocent nation, something he said he sees in our society today.I still think that our country is naive, as the way I was before the bombing, naive about the numbers of people in our country who hold far right-wing views, very anti-government views, Purifoy said. One thing I say to tell people is conspiracy theories can kill, and we saw it here. SEAN MURPHY Murphy is the statehouse reporter for The Associated Press in Oklahoma City. He has covered Oklahoma news and politics since 1996. twitter mailto

This aerial view shows the destroyed north side of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City after a massive bomb blast, April 19, 1995. (AP Photo, File)2025-04-16T04:07:48Z OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) EDITORS NOTE: On April 19, 1995, a former U.S. Army soldier parked a rented Ryder truck loaded with a powerful bomb made of fertilizer and fuel oil outside a federal office building in Oklahoma City. The blast at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building killed 168 people, including 19 children, and injured more than 500 others in what remains the deadliest homegrown attack on American soil.___ An unidentified woman calls out to friends as she waits for treatment following a bomb blast at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, April 19, 1995. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File) An unidentified woman calls out to friends as she waits for treatment following a bomb blast at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, April 19, 1995. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More It was 9:02 a.m. in the Oklahoma City bureau of The Associated Press when a handful of staffers, some just getting to work, were startled by what felt like a small quake rattling the office.Some guessed it was a nearby gas explosion. Then reports started trickling in. It didnt take long at all for the gravity of the event to set in, said Linda Franklin, the APs Oklahoma City news editor at the time. An unidentified man, his face covered with blood, looks at the bombed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File) An unidentified man, his face covered with blood, looks at the bombed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More She quickly dispatched reporters and photographers to the downtown Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building about 6 miles (10 kilometers) away. They would become among the first journalists on the scene of the deadliest homegrown attack in U.S. history: an explosion that killed 168 people, including 19 children, and left more than 500 others injured. Judy Gibbs Robinson, then a broadcast editor for the AP whose job was mostly filing brief stories for radio and TV, was the first AP reporter to arrive downtown. I still remember the dress shoes I was wearing, because they had fabric on the sides and I was stepping over glass, Gibbs Robinson said. A lot of people were just pointing and saying: Its downtown. Its downtown. The streets surrounding the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City are swamped with emergency vehicles and personnel on April 20, 1995, after a bomb tore through the building. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) The streets surrounding the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City are swamped with emergency vehicles and personnel on April 20, 1995, after a bomb tore through the building. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More In some ways, Gibbs Robinson was prepared for the moment. A broadcast training she had recently attended urged reporters to record all the sights and sounds of a news event. As she made her way closer to the building, the AP veteran put those skills to work. I just started talking and watching and listening, describing what I was seeing, she said. Thirty years later, what Gibbs Robinson witnessed is still seared into her memory. Parents reuniting with their children at a YMCA daycare near the blast site. A man whose suit looked untouched from the front but was shredded in the back because his back was turned to a window when the blast erupted. Cellphones were not yet commonplace, but Gibbs Robinson needed to call the newsroom. She entered a bank, where employees had stretched a landline telephone out onto a ledge, making it available to anyone. Meanwhile, emergency responders streamed into the area. That was how I filed my first report, she said.Back in the newsroom, Franklin and other staffers pushed a steady stream of copy and photos onto the AP wire for newspapers and broadcasters around the world. The phones rang constantly, with other media outlets inquiring about AP copy or asking for the names of people killed or wounded.I remember feeling like an octopus that day. I just didnt have enough arms, said Lindel Hutson, the bureau chief in Oklahoma City. Rescue workers dig through the rubble from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building explosion in downtown Oklahoma City on April 20, 1995. (AP Photo/J.Pat Carter, File) Rescue workers dig through the rubble from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building explosion in downtown Oklahoma City on April 20, 1995. (AP Photo/J.Pat Carter, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The newsroom was moving in a blur and, amidst it all, a stranger walked through the door. Hutson recalled almost being too busy to talk to the man, who said he was an amateur photographer and wanted to show the AP pictures he had snapped at the blast site. Hutson and David Longstreath, an AP staff photographer, took a moment to see what he had. One image jumped out immediately. It showed an Oklahoma City firefighter cradling a fatally wounded baby in his arms.I thought, Oh my God. This is it, Hutson recalled. On the spot, Hutson negotiated a deal with the photographer, Charles Porter, to purchase the image. The photo won Porter the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for spot news photography and remains one of the most defining images of the attack. A man stands in the blown-out doorway of a downtown business a few blocks from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was destroyed by a massive bomb, on April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) A man stands in the blown-out doorway of a downtown business a few blocks from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was destroyed by a massive bomb, on April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More I think that picture probably said more than 1,000 words could about what happened down there, Hutson said.By the end of the night, the Oklahoma City bureau had become a cramped hotbed of activity. AP reporters, editors and photographers from across the country had descended on the small office for the story that would consume the staff in the months ahead.For everyone who had a role in the coverage, it was among the most significant event in their professional lives.This happened in our backyard, Hutson said. It took quite a mental toll on everyone.___Following is the story the AP published on the day of the bombing, Wednesday, April 19, 1995, before the true death toll was known.___Car Bombing Kills More Than 20; No Claim of Responsibility By JUDY GIBBSAssociated PressOKLAHOMA CITY A car bomb ripped deep into Americas heartland Wednesday, killing more than 20 people and leaving 300 missing in a blast that gouged a nine-story hole in a federal office building. Seventeen of the dead were children whose parents had just dropped them off at a day care center, a doctor said.Were sure that that (death toll) will go up because weve seen fatalities in the building, Fire Chief Gary Marrs said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, the deadliest U.S. bombing in 75 years.At least 200 people were injured 58 critically, Marrs said and dozens of others were feared trapped in the rubble of the Alfred Murrah Building. Family members wait for word about their missing relatives on April 19, 1995 at the First Christian Church in Oklahoma City, after a truck bomb exploded in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter, File) Family members wait for word about their missing relatives on April 19, 1995 at the First Christian Church in Oklahoma City, after a truck bomb exploded in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More I dove under that table, said Brian Espe, a state veterinarian who was giving a slide presentation on the fifth floor. When I came out, I could see daylight if I looked north and daylight if I looked west.Attorney General Janet Reno refused to comment on who might have been behind the attack. President Clinton called the bombers evil cowards and Reno said the government would seek the death penalty against them.Their clothes torn off, victims covered in glass and plaster emerged bloodied and crying from the building, which looked as if a giant bite had been taken out of it, exposing its floors like a dollhouse.Cables and other debris dangled from the floors like tangled streamers in a scene that brought to mind car bombings at the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983.Mayor Ron Norick said the blast was caused by a car bomb that left a crater 8 feet deep. He said the car had been outside, in front of the building.Obviously, no amateur did this, Gov. Frank Keating said. Whoever did this was an animal.Paramedic Heather Taylor said 17 children were dead at the scene. The children, all at the day care center, ranged in age from 1 to 7, and some were burned beyond recognition, said Dr. Carl Spengler, who was one of the first doctors at the scene. Medical assistants Janet Froehlich, Wilma Jackson and Kerri Albright run from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building after being told another bomb device had been found on April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) Medical assistants Janet Froehlich, Wilma Jackson and Kerri Albright run from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building after being told another bomb device had been found on April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Reno said that 300 people were unaccounted for by late afternoon. About 20 of 40 children in the day-care center were missing.The explosion, similar to the terrorist car bombing that killed six people and injured 1,000 at New Yorks World Trade Center in 1993, occurred just after 9 a.m., when most of the more than 500 federal employees were in their offices.The blast could be felt 30 miles away. Black smoke streamed across the skyline, and glass, bricks and other debris were spread over a wide area. The north side of the building was gone. Cars were incinerated on the street.People frantically searched for loved ones, including parents whose children were in the buildings day-care center.Christopher Wright of the Coast Guard, one of those helping inside the building, said rescuers periodically turned off their chainsaws and prying tools to listen for calls of help, ``but we didnt hear anything just death.Youre helpless really, when you see people two feet away, you cant do anything, theyre just smashed, he said.The building has offices of such federal agencies as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Housing and Urban Development, and a federal employee credit union and military recruiting offices.The office was built in 1974 and includes an underground parking garage.The bomb was perhaps 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, said John Magaw, ATF director. As for whether his agency suspected terrorists, he told CNN: I think any time you have this kind of damage, this kind of explosion, you have to look there first.More than two hours after the explosion, people were still trapped in the building.We have to crawl on our stomachs and feel our way and were talking to victims who are in there and reassuring them that were doing everything within the good Lords power to reach them and get to them, Assistant Fire Chief Jon Hansen said. Its going to be a very slow process.The explosion heightened U.S. fears of terrorism. Federal buildings in several cities were evacuated because of bomb threats, and the government ordered tightened security at federal buildings throughout the country.In 1920, a bomb blast in New Yorks Wall Street area killed 40 people and injured hundreds. Authorities concluded it was the work of anarchists and came up with a list of suspects, but all had fled to Russia. Television reporters report from the bombed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, back right, on April 20, 1995, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File) Television reporters report from the bombed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, back right, on April 20, 1995, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Emergency crews set up a first aid center nearby, and some of the injured sat on the sidewalks, blood on their heads or arms, awaiting aid. St. Anthony Hospital put out a call for more medical help, and at midday, posted a list of more than 200 names of injured so worried relatives could look for loved ones.It was like Beirut; everything was burning and flattened, said Spengler, who arrived minutes after the blast.Carole Lawton, 62, a HUD secretary, said she was sitting at her desk on the seventh floor when all of a sudden the windows blew in. It got real dark and the ceiling just started coming down She then heard the roar of the whole building crumbling. She managed to crawl down some stairs and was not injured.The explosion occurred on the second anniversary of the fiery, fatal ending to the federal siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. That siege began with a raid by ATF agents a month and a half earlier.Oklahoma City FBI spokesman Dan Vogel wouldnt speculate if there was a connection. The FBIs offices are about five miles away. Dick DeGuerin, who was cult leader David Koreshs lawyer, said any such link was just speculation.In the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993, a rented van blew up in a parking garage beneath the twin towers. Four Muslims were convicted. SEAN MURPHY Murphy is the statehouse reporter for The Associated Press in Oklahoma City. He has covered Oklahoma news and politics since 1996. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Nature, Published online: 16 April 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01107-xA genomic analysis of 84 species in the genus Rosa traces the evolutionary history of the beloved flower.