Kathy Willens, a trailblazing Associated Press photographer known for her work in sports and beyond, passed away at the age of 74.
NEW YORK (AP) — Kathy Willens, a pioneering photojournalist who played a significant role in establishing women’s presence in photography during her nearly 45-year tenure at The Associated Press, has passed away. She was 74. Willens’ nephew, Ben Willens, confirmed that she died at her home in Brooklyn on Tuesday after battling ovarian cancer, a diagnosis she received shortly after retiring in 2021. Willens was one of the first female staff photographers at The AP, joining the news agency in 1976. Throughout her career, she captured over 90,000 images ranging from shots of presidents and Pope John Paul II to protests, wars, sports victories, and human tragedies. Specializing in sports photography, Willens achieved such high regard that the New York Yankees honored her upon her retirement.
Jarren Duran’s 2-run homer leads AL to a 5-3 victory over NL in All-Star Game started by rookie pitcher Skenes
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The American League secured a 5-3 victory over the National League in the All-Star Game, with Boston’s Jarren Duran, the All-Star MVP, hitting a crucial two-run homer in the fifth inning. The win marked the AL’s 10th in the past 11 All-Star Games. Pittsburgh newcomer Paul Skenes made an impressive debut, pitching a hitless first inning for the NL, clocking speeds of up to 100 mph. Shohei Ohtani’s three-run homer in the third inning gave the AL an early 3-0 lead. Juan Soto’s two-run double and David Fry’s single evened the score in the third before Duran’s homer off Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene sealed the win. Oakland’s Mason Miller earned the win after throwing a fastball at 103.6 mph in his flawless inning. Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase struck out two in the ninth to secure the save.
Singer Ingrid Andress admits to performing inebriated at MLB anthem performance and announces plans for treatment
Country singer Ingrid Andress, a four-time Grammy nominee, acknowledged being under the influence during her poorly received rendition of the national anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby. In a statement posted on Tuesday, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter addressed her performance and revealed her intentions to seek treatment. Andress’ a cappella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been widely criticized on social media, drawing comparisons to previous lackluster renditions by Rosanne Barr and Fergie. Neither the MLB nor Andress’ representative have provided further comments at this time.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issues apology following leaked video of conversation with Trump
PHOENIX (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued an apology after a video surfaced online showing him engaged in a private phone conversation with independent presidential candidate Donald Trump. The video captures Kennedy listening via speakerphone as Trump shares false claims about childhood vaccines, a topic that has garnered Kennedy a following among vaccine skeptics. In the video, Trump seems to be soliciting Kennedy’s endorsement for his campaign. Kennedy’s spokesperson clarified that he has no plans of dropping out.
Tenacious D cancels tour after bandmate’s controversial Trump-related comment
The comedy rock duo Tenacious D has decided to cancel the remainder of their tour following band member Kyle Gass’ remarks regarding an incident involving Donald Trump. During a concert in Sydney, Australia, Gass was asked to make a wish while blowing out his birthday cake candles, to which he replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The video of the incident quickly circulated on social media. In response, Jack Black announced on Instagram that they would be halting all future creative plans. Gass issued an apology for his comment.
Elon Musk announces relocation of SpaceX and X headquarters from California to Texas
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Billionaire Elon Musk confirmed plans to move the headquarters of SpaceX and his social media company X from California to Texas. Musk shared on X that SpaceX will be relocated from Hawthorne, California to Starbase, Texas, while X will make the move from San Francisco to Austin. Musk cited a new law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the reason for the move, particularly the provision prohibiting school districts from requiring parental notification regarding a child’s gender identity change.
Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, passes away at 69
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant, has died, La Salle University confirmed. Bryant, who played in the NBA for eight seasons across three teams, was 69. According to La Salle coach Fran Dunphy as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe Bryant recently suffered a severe stroke. Drafted at No. 14 by Golden State in 1975, Bryant’s rights were later sold to Philadelphia, where he began his rookie season. Bryant notably played for the 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points in 606 games.
MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ host voices disappointment over show being pulled from air
MSNBC “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough expressed his surprise and disappointment after the news and talk show was abruptly removed from the air the previous day. Scarborough, a favorite of President Joe Biden and his supporters, revealed that he was given an explanation for the decision that he found unconvincing. The show was preempted on Monday by a live news stream from NBC News Now. Despite being informed that all MSNBC shows would be preempted that day, Scarborough noted that this did not occur, and he has yet to receive a satisfactory explanation for the change. MSNBC declined to comment on Scarborough’s remarks.
NFL Hall of Famer recounts being unfairly handcuffed and ‘humiliated’ during flight incident
DENVER (AP) — Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis expressed feeling “humiliated” after being wrongfully handcuffed and escorted off a United Airlines flight over the weekend. Davis took to Instagram on Monday to recount an incident where he inadvertently tapped a flight attendant on the arm, prompting a vigorous response from the employee. Upon landing, law enforcement boarded the plane, handcuffed Davis, and removed him from the flight. Subsequently, law enforcement apologized and released Davis. United Airlines confirmed that the flight attendant involved has been removed from duty pending a review of the incident.
Gareth Southgate announces resignation as England manager, citing need for change
Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as England manager after an eight-year tenure. Southgate led England to the final of Euro 2024, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Spain. In his statement, Southgate expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the national team and stated that it was time for a new chapter. Hired in 2016, Southgate guided England to consecutive finals at the Euros and to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. The Football Association confirmed that the search for Southgate’s successor is already underway. Jurgen Klopp, who recently stepped down as Liverpool manager, has indicated his desire to take a break from coaching.
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