AP PHOTOS: Scenes of devastation from the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami

Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, known for his role in the court's liberal wing despite a Republican appointment, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter served nearly 20 years, often disappointing conservatives with his liberal decisions, including reaffirming Roe v. Wade and dissenting in Bush v. Gore. After retiring in 2009, he continued to contribute to the judicial system by sitting on...

A group of House and Senate Democrats is urging top Trump administration officials to leverage the designation of Latin American cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to combat the flow of American-made guns into Mexico, which they argue fuels drug trafficking and violence. The lawmakers are advocating for enhanced interagency cooperation, increased inspections, and investigations into gun manufacturers and dealers to curb illegal arms trafficking. They emphasize that without addressing the supply of guns from the...

SummaryA Florida visitor to Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison, marking the first violent encounter of 2025, although he sustained only minor injuries. Park officials reiterated warnings about keeping a safe distance from wildlife, noting that bison have caused more injuries to people than any other animal in the park. Regulations require visitors to maintain at least 25 yards from bison, which can run up to 35 mph, and the incident occurred in...

A 5-year-old bear, Grizzly No. 1058, part of a famous grizzly family in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, was killed by a vehicle, mirroring the fate of his mother, Grizzly No. 399, who died in October 2022. The bear was discovered near Highway 26, having not been sighted this spring, and may have been dead for several days. Wildlife officials highlighted the importance of driver vigilance in national parks, noting that between 2009 and 2023,...

For the first time in history, the Roman Catholic Church has elected an American pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955 and raised in Dolton, Illinois, Prevost's ecclesiastical career includes roles in Peru and leadership positions within the Order of St. Augustine, culminating in his promotion to cardinal in 2024. Despite facing allegations regarding his oversight of abuse cases, Prevost has been a proponent of outreach...

A 77-year-old man from Germany, Rudolf Peters, died after falling while hiking the Windows Loop trail at Arches National Park in Utah. Bystanders attempted to resuscitate him before emergency responders arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The National Park Service is investigating the incident and reminds visitors to be cautious of uneven terrain, weather changes, and personal health when hiking. Full Article