United States heat wave bakes Southwest, kills 18

 

PHOENIX, Arizona — A prolonged extreme heat wave is scorching the western United States this week, with forecasters warning that some desert communities could reach 117°F. The hottest conditions are expected in southern California’s Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, on Thursday and Friday, where temperatures could climb to a dangerously...

Los Angeles trade for Kawhi Leonard halted amid probe

 

The NBA has paused a proposed trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors while it investigates potential salary cap circumvention involving Leonard’s endorsement deals. The June 30 agreement would move Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple unprotected first-round picks,...

Nevada: Jason Kelce discusses Swift-Kelce wedding festivities

 

In Nevada on July 9, 2026, retired NFL center Jason Kelce offered the first public family remarks on the wedding of his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, to singer Taylor Swift. Speaking at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in South Lake Tahoe, he called the...

Ohio grand jury indicts eight in White House attack plot

 

A federal grand jury in Columbus, Ohio, on July 9, 2026, indicted eight men accused of plotting a coordinated drone and sniper attack on the “UFC Freedom 250” mixed martial arts event planned for the South Lawn of the White House. Prosecutors say the conspiracy began in May 2026 and...

United States Micron raises chip investment to $250bn

 

Micron Technology said on July 9 it will invest more than $250 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing facilities and supply-chain infrastructure through 2035, increasing its previous $200 billion plan by $50 billion. The company highlighted its New York State manufacturing campus, which is running over a quarter ahead of schedule...

United States snack giant PepsiCo cuts prices

 

United States – PepsiCo has announced a 15% price cut on selected snack products in the U.S. market after the company recorded slowing consumer demand linked to rising inflation. The company says Americans are buying fewer snacks as household budgets come under pressure from higher living costs and families look...

Los Angeles Rams tackle avoids domestic violence charges

 

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office has declined, for now, to file criminal charges against Los Angeles Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson following his June 2026 arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. The case has been sent to a City Attorney hearing, a pre-filing diversion process in which Jackson...

Ireland: American mother killed in Killarney home

 

IRELAND – Irish police have launched a murder investigation after 43-year-old American citizen Jamey Carney was found dead on Tuesday at a residence in Killarney, County Kerry, a major tourist town in southwest Ireland. Carney, originally from Westchester County, New York, moved to Ireland in 2021 with her young daughter...

Iowa Announces Harvest Festival, Historian Discusses Dragoon Trail

 

Des Moines — Gov. Kim Reynolds announced on Wednesday, July 8 that Iowa will host "America's Harvest Festival" across the State Capitol grounds on Oct. 24, 2026, from 1 p.m. to sunset, highlighting agricultural roots with historical reenactments, music, food and Iowa vendors. Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer outlined aspects of...

Pittsburgh removes Jared Jones after six perfect innings

 

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones was removed after six perfect innings against the Atlanta Braves on July 8, 2026, at PNC Park, as the club adhered to a strict post-surgery pitch count. The 24-year-old, who missed the entire 2025 season following ulnar collateral ligament internal brace surgery on...