Pistons beat Raptors 129-127 to end NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games

Pistons beat Raptors 129-127 to end NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games

DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons ended their NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games with a 129-127 victory over the short-handed Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, as Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 12 assists. The Pistons, who hadn’t won since Oct. 28, matched the Philadelphia 76ers’ record of 28, split over the 2014-15 and … Read more

John Pilger, Australia-born journalist and filmmaker known for covering Cambodia, dies at 84

John Pilger, Australia-born journalist and filmmaker known for covering Cambodia, dies at 84

LONDON — John Pilger, an Australia-born journalist and documentary filmmaker known for his coverage of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, has died, his family said Sunday. He was 84. A statement from his family, posted on X, formerly Twitter, said Pilger died on Saturday in London. “His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world, … Read more

Vice President Harris announces nationwide events focused on abortion

Vice President Harris announces nationwide events focused on abortion

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris is redoubling her focus on abortion rights as the election year begins, planning a nationwide series of events as Democrats try to rally voters to give President Joe Biden a second term and regain full control of Congress. Her first event is scheduled for Wisconsin on Jan. 22, which … Read more

At the stroke of midnight, the New Year gives a clean slate for long-elusive resolutions

At the stroke of midnight, the New Year gives a clean slate for long-elusive resolutions

NEW YORK — It’s an annual end-of-year exercise in futility for many. But a clean slate awaits at the stroke of midnight for the next round of resolutions. From the first spray of fireworks to the closing chorus of “Auld Lang Syne” 366 days into the future — 2024 is a leap year — it … Read more

Paula Abdul accuses ‘American Idol’ producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault in lawsuit

Paula Abdul accuses ‘American Idol’ producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault in lawsuit

LOS ANGELES — Paula Abdul has accused former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the reality competition show, according to a new lawsuit. The lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles also accuses Lythgoe of sexually assaulting Abdul after she left “American Idol” … Read more

China to ease visa requirements for U.S. travelers in latest bid to boost tourism

China to ease visa requirements for U.S. travelers in latest bid to boost tourism

China will ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States, the country’s latest effort to attract foreign travelers since reopening its borders earlier this year. Starting Jan. 1, American tourists will no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China, according to a notice posted … Read more

British actor Tom Wilkinson, known for ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Michael Clayton’, dies at 75

British actor Tom Wilkinson, known for ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Michael Clayton’, dies at 75

LONDON — Tom Wilkinson, the Oscar-nominated British actor known for his roles in “The Full Monty,” “Michael Clayton” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” has died, his family said. He was 75. A statement shared by his agent on behalf of the family said Wilkinson died suddenly at home on Saturday. It didn’t provide further … Read more

US seizes more illegal e-cigarettes, but thousands of new ones are launching

US seizes more illegal e-cigarettes, but thousands of new ones are launching

WASHINGTON — Federal officials are seizing more shipments of unauthorized electronic cigarettes at U.S. ports, but thousands of new flavored products continue pouring into the country from China, according to government and industry data reviewed by The Associated Press. The figures underscore the chaotic state of the nation’s $7 billion vaping market and raise questions … Read more

Venice is limiting tourist groups to 25 people starting in June to protect the popular lagoon city

Venice is limiting tourist groups to 25 people starting in June to protect the popular lagoon city

MILAN — The Italian city of Venice announced new limits Saturday on the size of tourist groups, the latest move to reduce the pressure of mass tourism on the famed canal city. Starting in June, groups will be limited to 25 people, or roughly half the capacity of a tourist bus, and the use of … Read more

Nebraska governor stands firm on rejection of federal money to feed food-insecure children

Nebraska governor stands firm on rejection of federal money to feed food-insecure children

OMAHA, Neb. — Nebraska’s Republican governor on Friday reiterated his rejection of $18 million in federal funding to help feed children who might otherwise go hungry while school is out. Nebraska will not participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children — or Summer EBT — program, Gov. Jim Pillen said in a … Read more