World

California toddler bitten by rattlesnake hiding beneath Amazon package amid active snake season

• Rattlesnake under an Amazon package bit a California toddler.
• Comes amid a wider US surge in snake bites this summer.
• California has already exceeded its usual annual fatal-bite count.

A rattlesnake hiding beneath an Amazon delivery package bit a toddler in California, adding to what wildlife officials describe as an unusually active snake season across the United States. The incident highlights a broader surge in snake bites this summer, with California reported to have already exceeded its…

Elite universities face federal cash squeeze over millions tied to China-linked entities

• Universities took millions from watchlisted, China-linked entities
• Federal funding for these institutions now under threat
• Comes amid wider fears over Chinese influence in academia

Elite American universities have accepted millions of dollars from foreign sources flagged on federal watchlists, including entities linked to the Chinese military, according to government data cited by State Department and Education Department officials. The disclosures have intensified scrutiny of higher education institutions' financial ties to China, feeding…

John Harbaugh reacts to Cam Skattebo’s scary backflip slip ahead of Giants training camp next week

• Cam Skattebo slipped attempting a backflip at Fanatics Fest.
• Concern stems from his rookie-season ankle injury.
• Giants training camp begins the following week.

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo alarmed fans after slipping while attempting a backflip at Fanatics Fest over the weekend, just ahead of the team's training camp. The moment drew concern because Skattebo's rookie season was cut short by a dislocated ankle, and his trademark backflips, usually…

Owners of viral lagoon that got ruined by Instagrammers during the Covid pandemic are warning people to stay away

The owners of a lagoon that became a social media sensation during the Covid-19 pandemic are urging visitors to stay away, after the site was left damaged by a surge of Instagrammers seeking the perfect photo. The location, which drew huge crowds once footage and images began circulating…

Army veteran faces arson charge after fire attack outside NYC federal building

• Army veteran Andrew Arrabaca charged with arson in NYC.
• Fire set outside 16 Federal Plaza, home to ICE offices.
• Ex-FBI agent says terrorism charges may follow.

A U.S. Army veteran, identified as Andrew Arrabaca, has been charged with arson after allegedly setting a fire outside a federal building in Manhattan that houses New York City's immigration court and offices for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Surveillance video reportedly captured him pouring petrol before…

Caitlin Clark declines WNBA 3-Point Contest invitation, dealing major blow to All-Star Weekend and ESPN

• Caitlin Clark declines invite to WNBA's 3-Point Contest
• Move seen as blow to All-Star Weekend and ESPN coverage
• Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride also declined invitations

Caitlin Clark has turned down an invitation to compete in the WNBA's 3-Point Contest, a decision seen as a setback for the league's All-Star Weekend showcase and its broadcast partner ESPN. Clark, whose presence has driven record viewership figures for the league and her team, the Indiana Fever,…