Epstein survivors implore Congress to act as push for disclosure builds
WASHINGTON (AP) — Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse have gathered on Capitol Hill to demand the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier. On Wednesday, they pushed back against President Donald Trump's dismissal of the issue as a "hoax." During a news conference, the women shared their experiences and called for transparency and accountability. Lawmakers are divided on how to proceed, with some Republicans supporting a bill to force the Department of Justice to release records. The Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee has released some documents. Survivors see this as a crucial moment for justice and accountability.
Judge allows advanced DNA evidence in Gilgo Beach serial killing trial
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) — A New York judge has allowed DNA evidence obtained through advanced techniques into the forthcoming murder trial of the man accused of being Long Island’s Gilgo Beach serial killer. A New York State Supreme Court justice handed down his decision Wednesday in the case against Rex Heuermann in Riverhead court. The 61-year-old Manhattan architect was arrested more than two years ago and has been charged in the deaths of seven women in a series of killings that prosecutors say spanned decades. Most of the women's remains were discovered along an isolated parkway not far from Gilgo Beach and Heuermann’s home in Massapequa.
C-SPAN announces deal for its service to be carried on YouTube TV, Hulu
NEW YORK (AP) — C-SPAN's three public affairs networks will be carried beginning this fall on YouTube TV and Hulu's live television package, according to a deal announced on Wednesday. Cord-cutting has reduced the number of homes with access to the networks that have traditionally been carried on all cable and satellite systems. But the new streaming services with live TV packages hadn't been carrying C-SPAN. Representatives in Congress who provide much of the Washington-based network's programming passed a resolution urging parent companies Alphabet and Disney to include C-SPAN on their services. C-SPAN says the companies would pay the same fee charged to cable and satellite companies, roughly 87 cents per subscriber each year.
Powerball jackpot jumps to $1.7 billion after another night without a big winner
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has jumped to an eye-popping $1.7 billion after yet another drawing passed without a big winner. The numbers selected Wednesday were: 3, 16, 29, 61 and 69, with the Powerball number being 22. Since May 31, there have been 41 straight drawings without a big winner. The next drawing will be Saturday night, with the prize expected to be the third-largest in U.S. lottery history. Powerball tickets cost $2, and the game is offered in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Andy Richter, Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman and Jordan Chiles join 'Dancing with the Stars' cast
NEW YORK (AP) — Corey Feldman, Hilaria Baldwin, Danielle Fishel and Jordan Chiles are set to compete on the new season of “Dancing with the Stars.” They were announced Wednesday on “Good Morning America.” The season premieres September 16 on ABC and Disney+. Baldwin, a fitness enthusiast, will dance with Gleb Savchenko. Feldman will pair with Jenna Johnson. Fishel, known for “Boy Meets World,” will partner with Pasha Pashkov. Elaine Hendrix, Baron Davis, Dylan Efron, Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui and Andy Richter are also joining. Previously announced contestants include Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, and Jen Affleck.
Rory McIlroy plans to follow Novak Djokovic’s lead in dealing with Ryder Cup hostility
STRAFFAN, Ireland (AP) — Rory McIlroy watched Novak Djokovic handle boisterous spectators during a win at the U.S. Open and is ready to follow the tennis star’s lead at the Ryder Cup held in the United States this month. A hostile and partisan crowd is set to greet McIlroy and the European team at Bethpage Black for the Sept. 26-28 matches as the Americans look to regain the cup two years after losing in Rome. Djokovic had to deal with a similar environment during his U.S. Open quarterfinal match against home favorite Taylor Fritz, even blowing kisses at one points to the fans rooting against him. McIlroy liked what he saw from Djokovic.
Trump-backed bitcoin company rises in first day of trading on Nasdaq
A bitcoin treasury and mining company linked to the Trump family saw its stock rise more than 16% on its first day of trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange. American Bitcoin's listing follows a merger with Gryphon Digital Mining. The company is backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Eric Trump, a co-founder, called the Nasdaq debut a historic milestone for bitcoin in U.S. capital markets. Public companies accumulating bitcoin as a corporate treasury has become a popular trend. American Bitcoin plans to use self-mining operations and opportunistic bitcoin purchases to stand out. The Trump family has shifted from real estate into crypto, launching several projects.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker announces he's engaged to girlfriend Alexis Lewis
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker has announced his engagement to girlfriend Alexis Lewis. Booker shared the news on Instagram with photos of the couple on a beach. He expressed excitement about their future together. Booker has never been married and was previously in the news for dating actress Rosario Dawson. Booker was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and reelected in 2014 and 2020. His recent 25-hour Senate speech criticizing President Donald Trump's agenda brought him back into the national spotlight.
Cardi B wins case filed by security guard who claimed rapper assaulted her
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury has ruled in favor of Cardi B in a lawsuit where a security guard accused her of assault during the rapper's first pregnancy. On Tuesday, the jury in Alhambra, California, deliberated for about an hour before finding Cardi not liable. Emani Ellis claimed Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her in a Beverly Hills doctor's office in February 2018. Cardi admitted they argued but denied it turned physical. Ellis sought damages for medical expenses and emotional suffering. A receptionist supported Cardi's account, and the jury sided with the rapper.
Trump says video showing items thrown from White House is AI after his team indicates it's real
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump claims a video showing items being tossed from a White House window is fake and created with AI, though his press team earlier seemed to confirm the video's authenticity. Trump said Tuesday that the windows are sealed and too heavy to open. The video, which circulated Monday, shows a small black bag and a long white item being thrown from a window. The White House told several news outlets that inquired about the video that it was a “contractor who was doing regular maintenance while the President was gone.” The White House has not addressed the discrepancy.
