Laura Loomer meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine after her major reversal on the war
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Laura Loomer, President Donald Trump's ally with a reputation for incendiary social media comments, has sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a dramatic about-face regarding the war. Loomer had spent years minimizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amplifying Russian propaganda to her nearly 2 million followers. But during a visit to the country this week, she said she had been wrong. Loomer said she interviewed Zelenskyy on Thursday for her Rumble show. Zelenskyy's office confirmed the meeting.
Yankees' José Caballero targeted by MLB for crackdown on plate routine of waiting to engage pitcher
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is cracking down on José Caballero's batting routine, saying it amounts to deception. MLB told umpires Wednesday to enforce pitch-clock violations against Caballero, leading to a strikeout and the ejection of the Yankees' hitting coach during a game against the Pirates. Caballero's routine involves waiting until the last moment to acknowledge the pitcher, which MLB says disrupts the game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone criticized MLB for not informing the team about the change. Caballero feels targeted, arguing his routine is consistent and not meant to deceive. MLB adopted the pitch clock to speed up games.
A Turkish governor is sacked over photos in snug cycling shorts. Many want him reinstated
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish governor has been sacked after photos of him in tight cycling shorts went viral. Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, governor of Ardahan province, was removed from his post on July 17 by a presidential decree. Some Turkish politicians had criticized him for wearing the tight attire during a public event and posting the photos online. Inan Akgun Alp of the opposition party accused him of prioritizing social media over official duties. A petition to reinstate him has gathered over 10,000 signatures. Supporters argue he was promoting sports and youth activities in Ardahan.
Author Charles Gaines, who popularized the world of bodybuilding with 'Pumping Iron,' dies at 84
NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Gaines, the author who helped bring bodybuilding into the mainstream with "Pumping Iron," has died at 84. His daughter Greta confirmed his passing on Tuesday. Gaines collaborated with George Butler on the book and documentary "Pumping Iron," which introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger to the world. Initially, Gaines didn't expect the book to interest many outside bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger, who won multiple Mr. Olympia titles, later became a movie star and governor of California. Gaines, who began lifting weights at 16, also wrote novels like "Stay Hungry." Schwarzenegger praised Gaines for his adventurous spirit and influence.
Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18
Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened early Tuesday morning. Hottle was one of two passengers when the car went off the road. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster. Her parents, who are also deaf, shared emotional tributes online. The crash is under investigation.
Louvre reopens Apollo Gallery after a brazen heist, but no jewels are on display
PARIS (AP) — The Louvre's Apollo gallery is reopening to the public for the first time since last year's crown jewels heist. The museum has removed the collections and precious jewels, returning the gallery to its original ceremonial purpose. Security at the Paris museum has been boosted with new surveillance cameras and anti-intrusion systems. On the day of the heist, thieves took less than eight minutes to steal the 88 million euro trove. Security improvement is a priority of the decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, launched last year, to modernize infrastructure and ease crowding.
Tate brothers will fight extradition to the UK. But the law makes it difficult to win
Any extradition of Andrew and Tristan Tate from the U.S. to the United Kingdom would ultimately rest with the State Department. But that's only after a judge determines whether the request fits the law and a treaty between the countries. The U.S. has a treaty that allows it to honor a U.K. extradition request if the alleged conduct would also be considered illegal in the U.S. The Tate brothers are accused of rape, assault, trafficking and other offenses in England. An expert says it's “very hard” to defeat extradition.
Police seek people responsible for break-in at Eagles' running back Saquon Barkley’s home
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Police are searching for people responsible for a weekend break-in at the home of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Authorities in Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania, responded to the burglary early Saturday. They said those responsible had fled by the time police arrived. Barkley and his family were unharmed. Police released a photo of a white SUV that may be involved. The Chester County District Attorney's office is assisting in the investigation. They are asking the public to check home security cameras for suspicious activity from early Saturday. Police and the district attorney's office have not responded to requests for comment.
WTA introduces gene testing for all players on women's tennis tour
BERLIN (AP) — The Women’s Tennis Association is introducing one-off mandatory gene-testing for all players effective from Tuesday – a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The WTA has updated its women’s eligibility policy to include gender screening “based on biological sex” this week “to preserve the integrity of women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition conditions for all players.” The new policy takes the organization in line with the eligibility policy introduced by the IOC in March to align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order on sports ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Mbappé wins another Golden Boot, and Spain's Rodri gets Golden Ball with World Cup title
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Kylian Mbappé kept the Golden Boot award and Spain wouldn’t let Lionel Messi get anything else. Shortly after winning the World Cup title Sunday, the Spaniards claimed all three individual player awards, keeping Messi from leaving with any more personal hardware. Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Unai Simón won the Golden Glove for the top performance by a goalkeeper, and Pau Cubarsí won the Best Young Player Award, beating out fellow 19-year-old teammate Lamine Yamal.
