Associated Press stories, Page 1435
University of Michigan reaches $490M settlement over sexual abuse
The University of Michigan has agreed to a $490 million settlement with more than 1,000 people who say they were sexually assaulted by a former sports doctor during his nearly four-decade career at the school, the university and those involved in the settlement announced Wednesday. The university said 1,050 people...
U.S. begins offering free covid test kits, but doubts persist
WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, all Americans can log on to a government website and order free, at-home covid-19 tests. But the White House push may do little to ease the omicron surge, and experts say Washington will have to do a lot more to fix the country’s...
Germany criticizes Czech tycoon’s 257 mph Autobahn rideVideo
BERLIN — Germany’s Transport Ministry has criticized a stunt that saw a Czech millionaire drive his high-powered sportscar along a public highway at speeds of up to 414 kilometers per hour — 257 mph. A video posted online this month shows Radim Passer pushing his Bugatti Chiron to extreme speeds...
Israel evicts Palestinians from disputed Jerusalem property
JERUSALEM — Israeli police on Wednesday evicted Palestinians from a disputed property in a flashpoint Jerusalem neighborhood and demolished the building, leaving some 15 people homeless on a cold, rainy day in the wake of a tense standoff earlier this week. The predawn demolition took place in Sheikh Jarrah, an...
Security for Arbery death trial cost taxpayers $1.08 million
BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The trial of three white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery cost local taxpayers $1.08 million for security and other expenses related to the high-profile case, which sometimes drew large crowds to the courthouse but resulted in no violence. Commissioners in coastal Glynn County, Georgia, said...
U.K.’s Johnson defies calls to quit as ouster bid gathers pace
LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defied calls to resign in a feisty performance Wednesday in Parliament — but it may be too little to prevent a push by his Conservative Party’s lawmakers to oust him over a string of lockdown-flouting government parties. Pressure on the prime minister grew...
Ford recalls 200K cars because brake lights can stay on
DETROIT — Ford is recalling about 200,000 cars in the U.S. to fix a problem that can stop the brake lights from turning off. The recall covers certain 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ midsize cars as well as some 2015 Mustangs. All were sold or registered in...
U.S. home construction rises 3rd straight month in December
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Construction of new homes in the U.S. rose again in December as builders ramp up projects amid a persistent shortage of homes. The December increase puts home construction at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.70 million units, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday, the third consecutive...
New York AG says Trump’s company misled banks, tax officialsVideo
NEW YORK — The New York attorney general’s office late Tuesday told a court its investigators have uncovered evidence that former President Donald Trump’s company used “fraudulent or misleading” asset valuations to get loans and tax benefits. The court filing said state authorities haven’t yet decided whether to bring a...
Pope on prisons: No inmate should ever be deprived of hope
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis issued a plea on behalf of prison inmates Wednesday, saying they should never be deprived of hope and always be given the opportunity to redeem themselves. In remarks at his weekly public audience at the Vatican, Francis told the faithful that “we risk being imprisoned...
Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks starting next week
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to Americans starting next week, now that federal officials are emphasizing their better protection against the omicron variant of covid-19 over cloth face coverings. The White House announced Wednesday that the masks will come from...
U.S., Russia show no sign of relenting ahead of Ukraine talksVideo
KYIV, Ukraine — With critical talks approaching, the United States and Russia on Wednesday showed no sign either will relent from entrenched positions on Ukraine that have raised fears of a Russian invasion and a new war in Europe. Speaking in Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia...
Major airlines cancel, change flights to U.S. over 5G dispute
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Major international airlines canceled flights heading to the U.S. or changed the planes they’re using Wednesday, the latest complication in a dispute over concerns that 5G mobile phone service could interfere with aircraft technology. Some airlines said they were warned that the Boeing 777, a...
NHL to stop covid testing for asymptomatic players after All-Star break
The NHL will stop testing asymptomatic players, coaches and staff who are fully vaccinated following the All-Star break in early February, saying coronavirus cases continue to decline across the league. The league and Players’ Association announced the protocol changes Tuesday. The current policy will remain in place until the All-Star...
Technology, bank stocks drag Wall Street to new low for 2022
Technology companies led a broad sell-off Tuesday on Wall Street as bond yields surged amid renewed jitters that the Federal Reserve will act more aggressively than expected to tackle rising inflation. The S&P 500 fell 1.8%, with about 90% of the stocks in the benchmark index closing in the red....
Jaguars’ Lerentee McCray arrested, charged with eluding police in high-speed chase
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Lerentee McCray made an obscene hand gesture at a police officer, fled a would-be traffic stop and then reached speeds of 100 mph and crossed three lanes of traffic during an ensuing chase, authorities said Tuesday. McCray, 31, was arrested early Sunday, booked...
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott apologizes for condoning fans throwing objects at refsVideo
FRISCO, Texas — Dak Prescott apologized Tuesday night for his comments that condoned Dallas Cowboys fans throwing objects at NFL officials after the team’s playoff loss, with the quarterback saying in a series of tweets that he deeply regretted what he said after the game. When initially asked about objects...
1 killed, 8 hurt as explosion, fire collapses Bronx homeVideo
NEW YORK — One person was killed and eight other people — including five police officers — were hurt Tuesday in a suspected gas explosion and fire in the Bronx, officials said. The blast happened around 11 a.m. at a home on a block of three-story residences in the borough’s...
Florida Democrat sworn in as newest member of HouseVideo
WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida was sworn in as the newest member of the House on Tuesday, filling the seat last held by Alcee Hastings, who died in April of pancreatic cancer. She’ll boost the Democrats’ slender House majority to 222-212, leaving room for no more than...
Boost in Women’s Open purse, are men’s majors next?Video
HONOLULU — The U.S. Women’s Open is nearly doubling its prize money to $10 million, an announcement that was celebrated across golf and genders. The LPGA Tour this week starts its 73rd season of running a league on its own, and no one begrudges the players finally getting paid big...
Improving defense propels Aaron Donald, Rams onward to Tampa BayVideo
LOS ANGELES— Matthew Stafford was nearly flawless in his first career playoff victory. Odell Beckham Jr. made huge plays as a receiver and as a passer in his own first postseason win. Yet the Los Angeles Rams (13-5) are headed to Tampa Bay on Sunday to play for a spot...
Cryer, Mayer lead No. 5 Baylor past West Virginia 77-68Video
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — LJ Cryer scored a career-high 25 points in his second start of the season, and No. 5 Baylor snapped a two-game losing streak with a 77-68 victory over West Virginia on Tuesday night. Baylor (16-2, 4-2 Big 12) bounced back after losing twice at home and relinquishing...
In unusual move, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis submits redistricting map
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has submitted a proposal to reshape the state’s congressional map and carve up districts held by Black Democrats, as the Republican takes the unusual step of inserting himself into the redistricting process. The proposed congressional map, submitted Sunday on the eve of Martin Luther...
Confusion, lawsuit follow Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin’s order on masksVideo
RICHMOND — Virginia’s new Republican governor was facing pushback from Democratic lawmakers, school districts and a group of parents who sued him Tuesday over an executive order that aims to create an opt-out for classroom mask mandates. The order issued Saturday and set to take effect Monday was among Glenn...
Andy Murray wins in Australia for 1st time since 2017Video
MELBOURNE, Australia — Five years and five long sets later, five-time Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray finally has won another match at the season-opening Grand Slam tournament. The former No. 1-ranked Murray, playing thanks to a wild-card invitation as he continues his career comeback from hip operations and thoughts of...
