Pete Davidson sentenced to community service after car crash in LA

Pete Davidson will have to do community service and go to traffic school after he was charged with reckless driving for crashing his car into a Los Angeles-area home in March. While the incident occurred in California, Davidson may be able to complete his requirements in New York City. nA spokesperson for the Los Angeles …

‘American Idol’ judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return next season

ABC announced that “American Idol” judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will all return for Season 22, along with the show’s veteran host, Ryan Seacrest. The announcement comes just before the reality singing competition kicks off its “Idol Across America” auditions on Aug. 2. The live virtual auditions give singers and musicians the …

Federal Reserve raises key interest rate to highest level in more than 20 years

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it had raised its key interest rates by another 0.25 points, increasing the federal funds rate range to a 22-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%, the highest level in 22 years. This is the 11th Fed interest rate increase since March 2022. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Reserve …

Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to tax charges after plea deal falls apart

President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, pleaded not guilty to federal tax charges on Wednesday, after a plea deal fell through during the court hearing amid a dispute between the legal teams over a separate gun-related charge. Biden appeared in court with the intent of pleading guilty, as lawyers deliberated for more than three hours over …

NY Giants and OT Andrew Thomas agree to record-breaking $117.5M extension

The New York Giants and left offensive tackle Andrew Thomas agreed to a record-setting 5-year, $117.5 million contract extension. The contract includes $67 million in guarantees for the 2020 first-round draft pick, the most ever for an offensive lineman. The guaranteed money tops the previous record of $64.1 million received by Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie …

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred gets 4-year extension through January 2029

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball voted to extend commissioner Rob Manfred’s contract for 4 years, which will keep him in that position through January 2029. The 64-year-old Manfred had one more season remaining on his previous contract; his latest extension is his second. Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton, who chaired the meeting that approved Manfred’s …

Kevin Spacey found not guilty on all charges in U.K. sexual assault trial

Kevin Spacey has been found not guilty of all sexual assault charges he faced in a U.K. trial. Spacey, 64, was acquitted in London’s Southwark Crown Court of charges including sexual assault, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity. It took the …

Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor dies at age 56

The Irish Times reported that singer Sinéad O’Connor, best known for her 1990 hit single “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has died at age 56.  O’Connor’s family said in a statement, confirmed by RTE: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have …

Potential strike averted as UPS and Teamsters reach tentative agreement

UPS and the Teamsters union both announced on Tuesday that have reached a tentative contract on working conditions for UPS’s 340,000 unionized employees. If ratified, the contact would avert a strike that would have been the biggest in 60 years. Voting on the contract begins Aug. 3 and ends Aug. 22. Part-time workers’ pay was …

LeBron James’ 18-year-old son Bronny suffers cardiac arrest during basketball workout

LeBron James’ eldest son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., was hospitalized recently after suffering cardiac arrest. The 18-year-old was rushed to the hospital following a basketball workout at the University of Southern California on Monday, July 24. Bronny is currently in his freshman year at USC and is a member of the school’s basketball team. According …