6 mins read

Shiite Muslims mark holy day of Ashoura after months of war in Iran and Lebanon

BEIRUT | Shiite Muslims around the world on Thursday marked Ashoura, a holy day symbolizing sacrifice and martyrdom that holds special significance for many this year after months of war in Iran and Lebanon. Ashoura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in A.D. 680 Imam […]

8 mins read

AI is an energy and water hog, here’s what you can do to counter that

WASHINGTON | As the world tries to curb human-caused climate change and not run dry of water, every online query is increasing our environmental footprint and exacerbating the problem. Artificial intelligence and the data centers they require use growing amounts of energy and are water hogs — and AI companies aren’t transparent about how much […]

4 mins read

When a rip current sucks you out to sea, try not to panic

SAN DIEGO | To someone who is getting sucked out to sea by a rip current, “Don’t panic!” may be difficult to heed, even if that’s exactly what you should do. But lifeguards say to not only relax but flip over and float out of the danger. Rip currents are one of the coast’s greatest […]

8 mins read

What is the 2026 song of the summer? AP offers some predictions

NEW YORK | What is 2026’s song of the summer? There’s no easy answer. Algorithmic division is certainly a factor in why there isn’t an obvious pick this year. Where have the songs like “Despacito” in 2017 or “Old Town Road” in 2019 gone? Last year, some even wondered if Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” — a […]

7 mins read

The world of extreme pogo is an eye-popping blend of artistry, courage and ‘mystical zest’

PITTSBURGH | The greatest day of Michael Mena’s life as a professional athlete ended with a pair of world championships that the 33-year-old had spent the better part of two decades chasing. Asked how becoming the best in his chosen sport — for a day anyway — was going to go over back at the […]

8 mins read

AI chatbots hit the dating scene, becoming the lovelorn’s modern-day Cyrano

Marie Lansley recently started a new job in a new city while searching for a new partner. In her dating pursuits, the freshly minted San Franciscan said she’s been “trying everything”— including some help from artificial intelligence. AI chatbots have become — for her and many others — de facto dating coaches and relationship experts. […]

5 mins read

For a soothing cup of herbal tea, here’s how to grow and prepare your own herbs

Drink a fragrant cup of herbal tea, and the intoxicating scent of steeped herbs might calm your mind before you even take a sip. Even better is when they come from your own backyard herb garden. Mine includes several ingredients for my daily cup, and they’re all easy to grow and prepare. Herbal teas are […]

3 mins read

The AIDS Memorial Quilt made a fearful epidemic powerfully human

It is more than 50 tons of fabric and compassion, and the Library of Congress describes it as the largest communal art project in the world. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was stitched from the lives of those dying from an epidemic that many in the government and public feared and failed to address. There was […]

6 mins read

Take this simple step as you approach retirement

An important job in the two or so years leading up to retirement—right up there with figuring out your healthcare coverage and winding down your work activities—is building up a cash cushion. In addition to being there as a source of funding when you eventually retire, cash has the salutary effect of providing a buffer […]

2 mins read

McDonald’s is serving fried apple pie again for America’s 250th birthday

McDonald’s is frying up some apple pies to honor America’s 250th birthday. The company said Tuesday it’s bringing back fried apple pies for the first time in more than three decades. They’ll be available at most U.S. restaurants for a limited time starting June 23. McDonald’s is one of several fast food companies offering semiquincentennial […]