LeBron James named 2018 AP Male Athlete of the Year

For the third time, James has been selected as The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year — after 2018 saw him continue to excel on the court, open the “I Promise” school for at-risk children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, and further use his voice as an activist who bristled at being told to “shut up and dribble.”

Liberty Bell to reopen for weekend thanks to tourism group

Tourists in Philadelphia for the holidays will be able to see the Liberty Bell this weekend despite a partial federal government shutdown that closed many national parks throughout the country.

California moves up primary, will have bigger impact in 2020

Early voting in California’s primary will overlap with the traditional early nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Nevada gaming win up from surge in baccarat winnings for November

The win advanced to $967 million compared with $909 million in the same month last year, when the impact of the Oct. 1 shooting was being felt, the state’s Gaming Control Board said Wednesday.

 
Noseless dog, Sniffles, up for adoption in Florida

Sniffles may have no nose but he has a big heart, and an animal rescue organization is looking to find the 12-year-old Florida pooch a permanent home.

 
Oregon adventurer conquers solo trip across Antarctica

An Oregon man became the first person to traverse Antarctica alone without any assistance on Wednesday, trekking across the polar continent in an epic 54-day journey that was previously deemed impossible.

5.5 magnitude earthquake rattles Venezuela capital before dawn

A strong earthquake jolted Venezuelans from their sleep early Thursday, forcing residents in the capital to evacuate buildings in their pajamas before sunrise. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

San Quentin inmate escapes, manhunt underway

SAN QUENTIN, Calif. — Officials at San Quentin State Prison say authorities are searching for an inmate who escaped from the facility overnight and pulled off a carjacking, according to various reports.

 
Family of wrestler who cut dreads will not seek legal action

An attorney for a New Jersey high school wrestler forced by a referee to cut his dreadlocks before a match to avoid a forfeit says the boy’s family won’t pursue legal action.