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Iraqi officials: American journalist released

BAGHDAD (AP) — American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped from a Baghdad street corner last week, has been released, two Iraqi officials with direct knowledge of the situation said on Tuesday. The development came after the powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah said in a statement earlier in the day that it had decided to free Kittleson, who was abducted on March 31. Its condition was that that Kittleson must “leave the country immediately” upon her release. Two officials within the militia, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not ...

Panel urged to lift halt on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Environmental groups on Tuesday asked a federal appellate court panel to drop its temporary halt of a lower court’s order instructing state officials to close an immigration detention center in the heart of the Florida Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The Everglades facility remains open, still holding detainees, because the appellate court in early September relied on arguments by Florida and the Trump administration that the state had not yet applied for federal reimbursement, and therefore wasn’t required to follow federal environmental law. ...

Skenes flirts with no-hitter as Bucs best Padres

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes put together his second straight solid start, keeping San Diego hitless until the sixth inning of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 7-1 win over the Padres on Tuesday night. Skenes (2-1), who was rocked during an opening day loss to the New York Mets, struck out six and walked two in 6 1/3 innings while lowering his ERA to 5.54. The Padres’ first of two hits against the 23-year-old was a clean single to left by Fernando Tatis Jr. with one out in the sixth. Xander Bogaerts homered off Skenes — the first round-tripper given ...

Michael Malone takes over as North Carolina coach

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Michael Malone acknowledged that he’s an outsider as North Carolina’s basketball coach. “I did not play here. I’m not from Carolina,” he said Tuesday evening during his introductory news conference at the Dean Smith Center. “But I think they’re ready to embrace somebody new. A new vision to try to get this program back to where we all want it to be.” The Tar Heels hired the NBA championship-winning coach Tuesday, signing him to a six-year deal worth $50 million in base compensation. Malone replaces Hubert Davis, who was fired on March 24 ...

Mullin pledges progress on disaster relief response

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday toured North Carolina areas devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024, revealing plans to prioritize relief to disaster-impacted communities on his first official trip since replacing Kristi Noem, whose leadership cast uncertainty over federal disaster response. While the trip focused on emergency management, Mullin also weighed in on immigration enforcement, a centerpiece policy of the Trump administration, which his department also oversees. He suggested he might halt customs processing at airports ...

Iran war casts shadow over Georgia special election

ACWORTH, Ga. (AP) — Unease from the war with Iran loomed over Georgia’s special election as voters decided whether Republican Clay Fuller will succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress or if Democrat Shawn Harris will clinch an upset victory. Even in this deep red district, President Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric had some Republicans worried. Acworth resident Jason McGinty pointed to Trump’s threats to bomb electrical plants and other infrastructure in Iran. “I’m concerned he’s about to go too far with it, that Trump may be committing a war crime,” said ...