Americans Whelan, Gershkovich among those freed from Russian prisons in multi-country swap

The White House confirmed on Thursday that Russia, the United States and several other countries engaged in a multi-country, 24-prisoner exchange — the largest of its kind since the Cold War. President Joe Biden said that three American citizens and one green card holder detained in Russian prisons were released in the prisoner swap, sharing …

14 arrested in sex-trafficking sting operation at Comic-Con in San Diego

Officials confirmed on Thursday the fourteen people were arrested and 10 victims of sex trafficking were rescued in a sting operation at the Comic-Con International convention in San Diego, California, last week.  The annual convention dedicated to comic books and pop culture held in San Diego has attracted crowds of over 130,000 in recent years. …

Gordon Hayward announces retirement after 14 seasons in NBA

Forward Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from the NBA after 14 seasons on Thursday. Hayward, 34, wrote in a post on social media: “Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. It’s been an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.” Hayward thanked …

Simone Biles wins gold medal in all-around finals, Sunisa Lee takes bronze

Simone Biles is officially the world’s most celebrated gymnast after narrowly defeating Rebeca Andrade of Brazil on Thursday (Aug. 1), coming in at first place at the 2024 Paris Olympics all-around finals. Andrade took silver, while Team USA’s Sunisa Lee collected bronze in the  event. Per the Associated Press, Biles edged out Andrade by just …

Carrie Underwood replaces Katy Perry as new ‘American Idol’ judge

Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry as a judge on the upcoming Season 23 of American Idol. Perry announced back in February that she was stepping away from Idol, with Season 22 being her last as a judge. Underwood will appear alongside returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, as well as longtime host Ryan …

Cardi B announces pregnancy after filing for divorce from husband Offset

Cardi B confirmed on Instagram on Thursday, Aug. 1 that she is pregnant and expecting her third baby. Cardi, 31, wrote in a social media post alongside photos of herself in a red dress showing off her baby bump: “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season …

Fed leaves key interest rates unchanged, alludes to cuts coming in September

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady again Wednesday but signaled that a long-awaited interest rate cut may be just weeks away – as soon as mid-September. According to an article from The New York Times, the Fed’s decision on a rate cut will come on Sept. 18, when policymakers next meet. The …

US women’s soccer team defeats Australia with 2-1 win to advance to quarterfinals

The US women’s soccer team continued their unbeaten record at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a 2-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday, qualifying them for the quarterfinals (per CNN.) Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert each found the net to lead the USWNT past Australia to closing out group-stage play at Marseille Stadium. Rodman opened …

Chicago Bears sign wide receiver D.J. Moore to 4-year, $110M extension

The Chicago Bears announced they have signed veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore to a four-year contraction extension (through 2029), with sources telling ESPN that the deal is worth $110 million  – the largest in franchise history. The deal includes $82.6 million guaranteed, which ranks third for a wide receiver on a single contract in NFL …

U.S. Senate introduces bill to protect artists from AI Deepfakes

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the highly anticipated NO FAKES Act on Wednesday (July 31), which aims to protect artists and others from AI deepfakes and other nonconsensual replicas of their voices, images and likenesses. Led by Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, the senators introduced a revised version Wednesday of the No Fakes …