• Updated

FILE - Smoke rises after a Ukrainian drone strikes on warehouses of the online retailer Wildberries in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Friday, July 24, 2026, with St. Isaac's Cathedral in foreground. (UGC via AP, File)

Target has pulled a children's Halloween costume after backlash over its resemblance to racist minstrel caricatures. Critics say the costume, modeled by a Black child, evokes harmful stereotypes. Target apologized and removed the costume from sale, acknowledging the offense caused. This incident comes as Target's sales are rebounding after previous controversies and a rollback of diversity efforts. Activists have called for a boycott, urging Target to reinstate its diversity programs. Despite recent recovery, the boycott continues, with organizers criticizing Target's handling of diversity and inclusion issues.

Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx co-owner Marc Lore has agreed to sell his controlling stake in the franchises to limited partner Marc Shad at a $4.5 billion value barely a year after his purchase was finalized, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details of the agreement were not being publicized. Lore is a New York e-commerce entrepreneur. His partner and former baseball star Alex Rodriguez bought the NBA and WNBA clubs from Minnesota businessman Glen Taylor. That $1.5 billion sale got league approval in June 2025.

  • Updated

FILE -A carpet seller sits at his shop in the old main bazaar in Tehran, Iran, June 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

  • Updated

A shopkeeper arranges nuts at his shop at Tajrish traditional bazaar in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)