SANTA CLARA — Quarterback Mac Jones will finally join the San Francisco 49ers four years after the team nearly drafted him third overall. Jones agreed to a two-year deal worth $7 million with $5 million guaranteed to join the Niners, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press...
Belgian Prosecutors Arrest Suspects in Huawei Bribery Probe Targeting EU Parliament
BRUSSELS — Belgian federal prosecutors on Thursday announced the arrests of several people in a corruption probe linked to the European Parliament and the Chinese company Huawei, which is suspected of bribing EU lawmakers. The arrests came as an investigation by Le Soir newspaper and other media said lobbyists working...
Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on EU Wine in Response to Proposed US Whiskey Tax
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, Champagne and spirits if the European Union goes forward with a planned tariff on American whiskey. The European import tax, which was unveiled in response to steel and aluminum tariffs by the U.S. administration, is expected...
Putin Agrees in Principle With US Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but the terms need to be worked out, and he emphasized that it should pave the way to lasting peace. "So the idea itself is correct, and...
Vaccinating Poultry Could Help Cut Soaring Egg Prices but US Remains Hesitant
OMAHA, Neb. — Vaccines could be a key means of suppressing bird flu and avoiding the slaughter of millions of chickens, which is blamed for egg prices averaging nearly $6 a dozen. But the move has been delayed in part because of concerns it could jeopardize chicken exports worth billions...
Trump Administration Withdraws Nomination of David Weldon for CDC Director
NEW YORK — The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. David Weldon, a former Florida congressman, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Republican-controlled Senate health committee announced Thursday morning that it was canceling a planned hearing on Weldon's nomination — less than an hour...
SpaceX Delays Flight to Replace NASA’s Stuck Astronauts After Launch Pad Problem
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A launch pad problem prompted SpaceX to delay a flight to the International Space Station on Wednesday to replace NASA's two stuck astronauts. The new crew needs to get to the International Space Station before Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams can head home after nine months...
49ers Cut 2 More Players, Increasing Dead Cap Charge to More Than $86 Million
SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers cut defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins at the start of the new league year on Wednesday in the latest moves to overhaul the roster. The 49ers have cut four key contributors, traded star receiver Deebo Samuel to Washington and saw seven...
Chargers Sign Former Steelers Running Back Najee Harris and Cornerback Donte Jackson
EL SEGUNDO — The Los Angeles Chargers signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and free agent cornerback Donte Jackson on Wednesday. The team also re-signed linebacker Troy Dye and wide receiver Jalen Reagor. Harris brings durability, having started all 68 games regular-season games with the Steelers. A first-round...
USDA Ends Program That Helped Schools Serve Food From Local Farmers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Agriculture Department is ending two pandemic-era programs that provided more than $1 billion for schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers and producers. About $660 million of that went to schools and childcare centers to buy food for meals through the Local Foods...