New evidence results in the freedom of a Michigan man who spent 37 years in prison for a murder conviction
DETROIT (AP) — After a judge overturned Paul Clark’s conviction based on new evidence, prosecutors have decided not to pursue another trial. Clark was convicted of first-degree murder in 1987 for the fatal shooting of a man. In 2020, prosecutors discovered a police mugshot of another man who had been arrested for a similar homicide in 1987. This crucial information was never shared with Clark’s trial lawyer, potentially casting doubt on the case. The judge now believes that Clark “may actually be innocent.”
UN cultural agency rejects proposal to designate Britain’s Stonehenge as a heritage site in danger
LONDON (AP) — The United Nations’ cultural agency has rejected recommendations to include Stonehenge on the list of endangered world heritage sites due to concerns about a planned highway tunnel near the prehistoric monument. Despite opposition from residents and archaeologists, the UK government argued that efforts to mitigate the tunnel’s impact on Stonehenge were adequate. Adding Stonehenge to the “in danger” list would have pressured the government to reevaluate the highway plan. Stonehenge is a major tourist attraction in the UK.
French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla claims she’s excluded from the Olympic opening ceremony due to wearing a hijab
PARIS (AP) — French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla revealed on Instagram that she has been prohibited from participating in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony because she wears a hijab. The French Olympic Committee is working with her to find a solution that aligns with the team’s secular requirements for athletes. France adheres to a strict principle of secularism known as “laïcité.”
Olympic equestrian champion Charlotte Dujardin is seen repeatedly using a whip on a horse in a video
PARIS (AP) — A video showing three-time Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin using a whip on a horse has prompted an official complaint filed against her with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). The video captures Dujardin striking the horse multiple times, even when it moves away. Dujardin withdrew from competing in the Paris Games following the emergence of the video.
An Alaska veteran finally receives his benefits 78 years after being discharged
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Louis Gigliotti, a 103-year-old World War II veteran, recently obtained his veteran benefits decades after his discharge from the U.S. Army. Gigliotti, who was unaware of the available benefits, had been covering his own medical expenses for nearly 80 years. His caretaker is now working with the Veterans Administration health facility in Anchorage to set up his benefits. A gathering was held at the Alaska Veterans Museum to honor Gigliotti.
British blues pioneer and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Charlotte Dujardin, dies at 90
LONDON (AP) — John Mayall, the influential British blues musician known for his band the Bluesbreakers, has passed away at the age of 90. Mayall played a significant role in the blues revival of the late ’60s and mentored prominent musicians like Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as his proteges, Mayall continued performing into his late 80s.
Discover the ancient game of stickball, the oldest game in North America
CHOCTAW, Miss. (AP) — Since 1975, Indigenous peoples have been competing in stickball tournaments in Mississippi, showcasing the oldest game in North America. Known as the grandfather of field sports, stickball is a game of physicality and endurance. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians hosts an annual tournament, where their team is a dominant force in the competition.
Get to know the diverse nature of the French as they host the Olympics
PARIS (AP) — The French, or “les Français,” are in the spotlight as hosts of the Olympic Games. Known for their principles of fraternity, liberty, and equality, the French have a complex identity that defies categorization. From their love of fast food to their pride in religious architecture, the French embody a mix of cultures and traditions that make them unique.
Man who attacked author Salman Rushdie faces charges of supporting a terrorist group
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The man who assaulted author Salman Rushdie with a knife in Western New York is now facing new terrorism charges. Hadi Matar is accused of attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon. The charges also include committing terrorism transcending national boundaries and providing support to terrorists.
Learn about the warmup songs of Olympians from around the world
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Olympians and Paralympians from various countries shared their favorite warmup tracks, offering insight into what motivates them before crucial competitions. Athletes like hurdler Rai Benjamin and swimmer McKenzie Coan from the United States, as well as competitors from the United Kingdom and Cuba, revealed a diverse range of music genres that get them pumped for their events.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
