USA TODAY

NBC News poll: Most Americans view Russia as U.S. enemy, unfriendly

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump may view Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin as a “competitor" who is “not my enemy,” but a new poll being released Wednesday shows a large majority of Americans do not share the same opinion.<p>The NBC News|SurveyMonkey online poll found that only 23% see Russia …

Thai cave rescue, 'Suits,' Nelson Mandela's birthday: 5 things you need to know Wednesday

Thai cave boys to be released early from hospital, hold press conference<p>The 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach who were trapped in a cave will be discharged from the hospital Wednesday — a day earlier than expected. The team will also take questions during a news conference in an attempt to …

Elon Musk apologizes for calling Thai cave rescue diver 'pedo guy'

Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk apologized Wednesday to a British diver who was involved in the Thai cave rescue for calling him “pedo guy.”<p>Musk lashed out at Vern Unsworth on Twitter on Saturday after Unsworth criticized a mini-submarine sent by Musk to help assist in the rescue of the …

Raw: Oregon, Washington Fires Force Evacuations

Gruden aids 4 youth football programs in Oakland area

Jon Gruden is football through and through. It doesn't matter what level, what age, or where.<p>The former and now current coach of the Raiders displayed that again Tuesday by overseeing the distribution of funds and equipment to four Oakland youth football programs through the DICK'S Sporting Goods …

With Hammond pardons, did Donald Trump write a blank check to anti-government extremists?

Anti-government extremists see Trump's Hammond pardons as a green light. Republicans can't claim ignorance or wash their hands of what happens next.<p>Anti-government extremists disguising themselves as populists have already latched on to President Donald Trump’s July 10 pardon of Dwight and Steven …

Boom or bust as homers, strikeouts dominate diamond

WASHINGTON (AP) — Boom or bust. This is what baseball has become — and that has owners worried.<p>"It's just kind of what it is: home runs and strikeouts," Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling said.<p>Stripling had just given up 10th-inning home runs on consecutive pitches to Houston's Alex Bregman …

Manny Machado's future Dodgers teammates ready for big things after All-Star Game trade

WASHINGTON — Manny Machado, wearing a stylish baby-blue suit with glasses, no shirt and a briefcase in his hand, walked out of Nationals Park on Tuesday night, unwilling to release his emotions.<p>He represented the Baltimore Orioles, the only team he has ever known, for the final time at the All-Star …

California Wildfire Fills Yosemite With Smoke

Teams looking for hitters have options besides Manny Machado

Manny Machado could be wearing a new uniform before he plays another game and other hitters will be on the move in the next couple weeks.<p>Teams seeking to boost their offense will have several options to land a big bat, even if they miss out on Machado. The four-time All-Star is the most coveted …

High-priced, established pitchers could be on the move soon

From aces to closers, pitchers will be on the move this month.<p>Teams trying to make a push for the postseason are always looking to add new arms. There's some big names available on the trade market who can make a difference in the starting rotation or bullpen.<p>Here's 10 pitchers — five starters and …

Tokyo Olympic venues make progress with 2 years to go

TOKYO (AP) — The Japan Sports Council gave a progress report on the new National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, saying the project is 40 percent complete with two years to go before the opening ceremony.<p>Located in central Tokyo, the Olympic Stadium will be the centerpiece of the …

Baylor's Rhule able to focus more on football in 2nd season

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Matt Rhule feels like he has a completely different job going into his second season as Baylor's coach.<p>More of his focus can now be on actual football. So much time in his first year was spent working to change the culture in the aftermath of a sexual assault scandal that …

All-Star Game becomes its own Home Run Derby as sluggers shatter record

WASHINGTON — The Home Run Derby was Monday at Nationals Park, but a decent rendition of it broke out Tuesday during the actual All-Star Game.<p>Home Run Derby, Part II saw a record 10 home runs hit in the American League's 8-6 victory over the National League in 10 innings.<p>The 10 homers shattered the …

Mike Trout once again shines in MLB All-Star Game

WASHINGTON — Until the fifth inning Tuesday, Jose Altuve had gone 0-for-10 in his six All-Star Games, a quirky and puzzling stat for a player who has led the American League in hits each of the last four years and ranks at the top again this season.<p>Perhaps he should have consulted with Mike …

Which European soccer league is really the best? EPL, La Liga among those with best case

Soccer has scarcely had time to breathe since the end of the World Cup and already thoughts are turning to the new European club season. And just as some of the leading soccer countries on the planet saw their national teams do battle over the course of five frenetic weeks in Russia, so, too, are …

Saban returns to SEC Media Days still on top of league

ATLANTA (AP) — Nick Saban should feel right at home at the College Football Hall of Fame, the facility hosting part of this week's SEC Media Days.<p>The Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta is only a short walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where six months ago Saban's Alabama team beat Georgia for his …

Coastal Division teams lead off ACC media days in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference opens its preseason media days Wednesday with a focus on the Coastal Division.<p>The division hasn't had a repeat champion since 2011. This time, Miami is trying to hang onto that top spot after Mark Richt's Hurricanes had their first 10-win season …

Former Critic Wins Runoff, Credits Trump

Big 12 Preview: Post Mayfield, can Oklahoma be derailed?

Oklahoma is the favorite again in the Big 12 even with Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield now in the NFL.<p>Who will be the Sooners' biggest challengers in their run for a fourth straight conference championship and third College Football Playoff appearance in the last four seasons? Max Olson of The …

'Incredible' next-generation Air Force One to be red, white and blue, cost $3.9 billion

The next generation of Air Force One will abandon the planes' traditional color scheme in favor of red, white and blue, President Donald Trump told CBS News in an interview that aired Tuesday, confirming reports about changes to the planes' iconic look.<p>The interview came the same day that the …

So-so All-Star Game at home for Nationals' Scherzer, Harper

WASHINGTON (AP) — For Max Scherzer, Bryce Harper and any Nationals Park regulars in attendance, this home All-Star Game probably felt rather familiar. A lot of hype, some so-so performances and, at times, a nearly silent ballpark.<p>Washington righty Scherzer became the first reigning Cy Young Award …

Josh Hart matures during summer league, wins MVP

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Josh Hart wasn't around to see the conclusion of the summer league as he was ejected from the championship game after criticizing the officials.<p>The Lakers fell short in the title game, losing to Portland 91-73 on Tuesday night.<p>Hart earned league MVP honors for a stellar two-week …

Brewers All-Star Hader takes responsibility for tweets

WASHINGTON (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader took responsibility for racist and homophobic tweets that resurfaced while he was pitching in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.<p>Hader was alerted to an online firestorm regarding the tweets when he came out of the game. He locked his account …

How do I get out of $50,000 in credit card debt: personal loan or repayment plan?

<b>Question: I’m 64. My credit score is about 656. For different reasons over a long period of time — including unemployment and health issues — I accumulated credit card debt of about $50,000.</b><p><b>I intend to take out an unsecured personal loan, but I don’t want it to have a negative impact on my credit</b> …

MLB storylines to watch following All-Star Game

Josh Hader apologizes for racist tweets, claims they 'don't reflect any of my beliefs now'

WASHINGTON – Josh Hader was well-known in baseball circles before Tuesday night, his blazing fastball and devastating slider creating one of the most dominant relief weapons in baseball and sending him to his first All-Star Game.<p>With greater notoriety, however, comes greater scrutiny. After the …

Record 10 homers as AL wins All-Star Game 8-6 in 10 innings

WASHINGTON (AP) — A record 10 home runs . A slew of strikeouts.<p>The all-or-nothing All-Star Game mirrored what baseball has become.<p>Astros teammates Alex Bregman and George Springer homered on consecutive pitches to begin the 10th inning, and the American League beat the National League 8-6 Tuesday …

Retirement: Americans think 61 is the ideal age to stop working

Age changes your views on career, friends and love. It alters how you think about big financial questions, too: When should I retire, buy my first home, get my first credit card?<p>According to a new report from Bankrate.com released Wednesday, different generations of Americans disagree on optimal …

American League prevails in extras, All-Star Game sets record with 10 homers

WASHINGTON – Breaking down the 2018 MLB All-Star Game from Nationals Park:<p><b>American League 8, National League 6, 10 innings</b><p>***<p><b>The final:</b> It seems only fitting the Midsummer Classic would reflect the two major trends in the game today: home runs and strikeouts.<p>Houston Astros teammates Alex Bregman …