World

D-Calif. State Sen. Aisha Wahab attends the state legislature on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Annie Barker)

Special election for former US Rep. Eric Swalwell’s seat draws a crowded field in California

Jesse Bedayn, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 11:04 PM CDT

Voters in the San Francisco Bay Area congressional district formerly represented by Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell are casting ballots Tuesday to determine who will replace him after he resigned from Congress amid allegations of sexual assault.

The special primary is for the 14th Congressional District, which includes East Bay cities such as Fremont, Hayward and Livermore. It heavily favors Democrats, and Swalwell typically beat Republican challengers by wide vote margins.

If any candidate receives over 50% of the vote, they will win outright and serve out the remainder of Swalwell's term through January. If not, the top two from the field of Democratic and Republican candidates will move on to an Aug. 18 runoff.

Among the 11 names on the ballot are Democrats Aisha Wahab, a state senator who focused her campaign message on reducing housing costs, and Melissa Hernandez, a Bay Area Rapid Transit director and former mayor of the East Bay city of Dublin.

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FILE - A motorcyclist drives past the South Luzon Thermal Energy Power Plant in Calaca, Batangas, in the Philippines on Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Anton L. Delgado, File)

Iran war is a ‘wake-up call’ for Southeast Asia’s energy sector, report says

Anton L. Delgado, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Iran war is a ‘wake-up call’ for Southeast Asia’s energy sector, report says

Anton L. Delgado, The Associated Press 4 minute read 2:23 AM CDT

BANGKOK (AP) — The war in Iran has exposed major risks for Southeast Asia that could cost the region many billions of dollars if it does not diversify sources of energy more quickly, according to an International Energy Agency report released Tuesday.

An overreliance on oil and gas transported through the Strait of Hormuz left the region particularly vulnerable to shocks from the Iran war, a "stark wake-up call" for its energy security, the report says.

It notes that rising sales of electric vehicles, a renewed interest in nuclear power and a boom in rooftop solar and other renewable energy installations show the war is spurring change.

But more sweeping reforms are needed. Otherwise, Southeast Asia’s energy import bill could rise to $245 billion by 2035, tripling from $80 billion in 2024, the report warns.

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2:23 AM CDT

Business

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters at the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City, Sunday, May 31, 2026, marking two years in power. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Mexican president says FIFA should reflect on high World Cup ticket prices

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Mexican president says FIFA should reflect on high World Cup ticket prices

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:11 PM CDT

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said FIFA should reflect on the high cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup as many have called the price far out of reach for the vast majority of Mexicans.

Sheinbaum told journalists that soccer should be much more than a business.

“Soccer has to be something else,” she said. “All of this should prompt reflection, even within FIFA.”

There was no immediate public reaction from FIFA. Its president, Gianni Infantino, last week defended high ticket prices as fitting in the North American market.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:11 PM CDT

World

U.S. President Donald Trump talks talks as he greets France's President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron at the G7 summit, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The Latest: G7 to focus on Ukraine and Iran on first full day of meetings

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

The Latest: G7 to focus on Ukraine and Iran on first full day of meetings

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 2:50 AM CDT

Leaders of the Group of Seven are discussing Russia's war in Ukraine along with a tentative deal struck by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the conflict with Iran as they meet for the first full day at the G7 summit of leading industrialized nations on Tuesday in the French town of Evian-les-Bains.

Trump said he would focus again on Ukraine following a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron shortly after arriving late Monday in the lakeside spa town.

“Now that this (Iran) is finished, we’re going to be focusing on that,” Trump said.

Macron said he will seek to persuade Trump to continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to help reach a peace agreement more than four years after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the war. Trump said he had good conversations on Sunday with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is attending the summit at France’s invitation.

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Updated: 2:50 AM CDT

Arts & Entertainment

Judge tosses out Dawn Richard’s lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Michael R. Sisak And Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Judge tosses out Dawn Richard’s lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Michael R. Sisak And Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:12 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has tossed out singer Dawn Richard's lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, saying most of her claims of emotional and physical abuse, including groping, were not filed in the required year after the described events.

Judge Katherine Polk Failla in a ruling dated Friday and released publicly on Monday said Richard can refile her claims in state court on one allegation against the hip-hop impresario but cannot refile claims that have missed the deadline by which a lawsuit must be filed under New York law by over a decade.

The judge flexed her vocabulary in writing that the court ruling “exists independently of its disapprobation of the factual allegations, which, if true, are execrable.” In lay terms, that means the court's ruling is not based on whether the judge approves or disapproves of what Comb's is accused of.

Arick Fudali, a lawyer for Richard, said the singer will refile her primary claim in state court under the gender-motivated violence act.

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Yesterday at 6:12 PM CDT

Soccer

Fans in Cape Verde party into the night after historic World Cup debut

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Fans in Cape Verde party into the night after historic World Cup debut

The Associated Press 3 minute read 2:44 AM CDT

PRAIA, Cape Verde (AP) — Fans in Cape Verde were celebrating late into the night after their historic World Cup debut that saw the country pulling off a stunner against European champion Spain.

The tiny nation of half a million people made its first World Cup appearance on Monday, holding Spain scoreless in a 0-0 draw thanks to heroics from the team’s 40-year-old goalkeeper and a stubborn defense.

In the capital, Praia, fans crowded watch parties and major roads, singing and dancing as they celebrated what many thought had been unimaginable against Spain, heavily favored to win the game and a fair bet for the whole tournament.

Tears ran down faces as people hugged each other tightly and climbed poles to catch a glimpse of the spectacle across the city.

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2:44 AM CDT

Business

Employee of a foreign exchange dealing company work under an electronic board showing the stock index of Japan's Nikkei 225, in Tokyo Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026. (Kyodo News via AP)

Asian shares are mostly higher and Japan’s Nikkei tops 70,000 before BOJ rate hike

Yuri Kageyama, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Asian shares are mostly higher and Japan’s Nikkei tops 70,000 before BOJ rate hike

Yuri Kageyama, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 11:47 PM CDT

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares mostly gained and Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 briefly topped 70,000 for the first time Tuesday before trimming early gains after the Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate to 1%.

The quarter percentage point hike took the benchmark rate to its highest level in three decades.

By early afternoon, the Nikkei 225 was up 0.6% at 69,713.05, while South Korea's Kospi moved further into record territory, gaining 2.1% to 8,721.64.

The Shanghai Composite gained less than 0.1% to 4,100.53.

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Yesterday at 11:47 PM CDT

Featured

Vintage matches spark burning passion for West Broadway phillumenist

Nicole McLennan first started collecting matchbooks as a teenager. She now sells multi-coloured, high-quality matches imported from Europe and displayed in vintage bottles and vessels. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

Storm insurance claims could set Manitoba record

Unmoved by young offender’s progress, Manitoba judge ordered prison term; Indigenous man later chose death

MORBERG HOUSE
‘There was no justice for Ethan Wildcat,’ says Willis.

Free Press Summer Reading Challenge for kids returns with a trove of new titles

Despite its non-profit status, FIFA is no team player when it comes to World Cup costs and windfall

Laura Proctor / Free Press
Residents enjoy one of the two temporary soccer pitches set up in downtown Toronto as part of the city’s month-long World Cup celebration.

Chasing the Beautiful Game: Former national team soccer player looks back on World Cup adventure

World

This image taken from video provided by KABC shows law enforcement responding to the scene of an aircraft crash, Monday, June 15, 2026, near Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (KABC via AP)

What to know about Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

What to know about Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert

The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 12:27 AM CDT

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) — For decades, a U.S. Air Force base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert has been a hotbed of some of the most innovative flight research in the U.S.

From a test pilot breaking the sound barrier to a space shuttle touching down, aviation history has often been made at Edwards Air Force Base, about 100 miles (161 km) north of Los Angeles.

There has also been tragedy, like the one that unfolded Monday when a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at the base and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard.

Here’s a closer look at Edwards Air Force Base and some of its notable moments:

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Updated: 12:27 AM CDT

World

District of Columbia mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George walks down a street while canvassing in a Washington, neighborhood, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Brown)

Washington, DC, voters cast ballots in crucial primaries as Trump reshapes the capital

Gary Fields, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Washington, DC, voters cast ballots in crucial primaries as Trump reshapes the capital

Gary Fields, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 11:12 PM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Voters in the nation's capital head to the polls on Tuesday to select party candidates for mayor and the district's delegate to Congress, an election taking place as Washington undergoes major change under President Donald Trump's administration.

The primary marks the first time in a generation that D.C. residents will vote for a new mayor and delegate in the same election. And in an overwhelmingly Democratic city, that party's winner is expected to come out on top in the general election in November.

The most prominent race is for mayor after Muriel Bowser, who was first elected in 2014, decided not to seek a fourth term. Democratic front-runners Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie are hoping to replace her.

The district's long-serving congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is also stepping down, with top candidates council member Brooke Pinto and at-large council member Robert White Jr. vying for the role. Republican Denise Rosado, an immigration lawyer, is running unopposed.

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Yesterday at 11:12 PM CDT

World

FILE -Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Oklahoma begins choosing a new US senator and governor in crowded primary

John Hanna, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Oklahoma begins choosing a new US senator and governor in crowded primary

John Hanna, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 11:10 PM CDT

Oklahoma’s primary elections on Tuesday put open races for U.S. Senate and governor on the ballot in the deeply conservative state where President Donald Trump’s status as party kingmaker faces another test ahead of November’s midterms.

In the Senate race, Trump’s early backing of Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern for the seat previously held by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin kept other potential big challengers at bay in Oklahoma, which hasn’t elected a Democratic senator since 1990.

A bigger test of Trump’s influence — which has usually proved potent in Republican primaries this year — may come in a crowded race to succeed outgoing Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Trump endorsed former state Sen. Mike Mazzei last month, wading late into a primary that includes several prominent Oklahoma Republicans. They include Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall and Chip Keating, the state’s former public safety director.

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Yesterday at 11:10 PM CDT

World

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

G7 leaders open summit talks on Ukraine and the Middle East as Zelenskyy joins in France

Sylvie Corbet And Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

G7 leaders open summit talks on Ukraine and the Middle East as Zelenskyy joins in France

Sylvie Corbet And Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 11:09 PM CDT

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — Leaders at the Group of Seven summit of major industrialized nations face a packed agenda on their first full day Tuesday, including challenging discussions on ending Russia's war in Ukraine and addressing the Middle East crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be in attendance at the invitation of host France.

The Ukraine talks come on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of an agreement to end the 3 1/2-month-old U.S. war against Iran. In recent weeks, the Iran conflict has overshadowed the war in Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched more than four years ago.

Trump said he had good conversations on Sunday with both Zelenskyy and Putin. “Now that this (Iran) is finished, we’re going to be focusing on that,” he said, speaking during a bilateral meeting Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said he’ll seek to persuade Trump to continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to help reach a peace agreement. Hours before the start of the G7 summit, Russia fired hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine’s biggest cities in a barrage that killed 11 people and set fire to a religious landmark.

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Yesterday at 11:09 PM CDT

World

FILE - This combination of photos shows Republican candidates for U.S. Senate Jared Hudson, left, on May 7, 2026, in Enterprise, Ala., and Rep. Barry Moore, right, on April 17, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo, File)

Trump-backed US Rep. Barry Moore battles ex-Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in GOP Senate runoff in Alabama

Kim Chandler, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Trump-backed US Rep. Barry Moore battles ex-Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in GOP Senate runoff in Alabama

Kim Chandler, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 11:06 PM CDT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama congressman backed by President Donald Trump is seeking to defeat a political outsider in Tuesday's Republican runoff for the state's open U.S. Senate seat.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore faces former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson for the Republican nomination to advance to November's general election as the party seeks to retain the seat vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor. Two Democrats also are in a runoff.

Trump's picks have largely prevailed in Republican primaries this year, although his preferred candidate for Iowa governor was defeated earlier this month. The Alabama race will be another test of his endorsement powers.

Moore is a three-term congressman and a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. He led first-round voting in May with nearly 40% of the ballot to Hudson's 25%. He was an early backer of Trump's first presidential campaign and Trump returned the support.

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Yesterday at 11:06 PM CDT

World

AP News in Brief at 12:04 a.m. EDT

The Associated Press 13 minute read Yesterday at 11:05 PM CDT

Initial deal to end US-Iran war moves toward formal signing despite lingering questions

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An initial agreement between the United States and Iran to extend their shaky ceasefire inched toward a formal signing despite questions Monday over the fate of Tehran's nuclear program and an offensive by Israel in Lebanon that could prolong the fighting and scuttle the deal.

The agreement signed electronically Sunday is meant to provide a meaningful truce in a monthslong war that has killed thousands across the Middle East, including the top leaders of Iran's theocracy, and raised the prices of fuel, food and other basic goods far beyond the region. But logistical and military challenges underscored the fragile nature of the deal, which was set for a ceremonial signing Friday in Geneva.

At the core of the pact is a planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway whose blockage has choked the supply of the world's oil and natural gas. Yet even a full reopening would not immediately alleviate the global energy crisis its closure created.

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