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Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general clears critical hurdle after deal with GOP holdouts

WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche cleared a critical hurdle Tuesday in his bid to be confirmed to the post after swaying Republican holdouts on a Senate committee to advance his nomination for a floor vote. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines in support of the nomination of President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, who has aggressively pushed the Republican administration’s priorities since taking over from Pam Bondi in April. The vote followed a deal struck late Sunday between Blanche and two Republican senators — John ...

Pirates add pitching at the deadline

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates made a significant push to improve their beleaguered bullpen at the trade deadline Monday, acquiring a handful of relievers, most notably veteran right-hander Luke Weaver from the New York Mets. Pittsburgh, looking to end a decade-long playoff ...

SPORTS BRIEFING

CLIPPER SERIES COLUMBIANA — The third race in the Clipper Cross County Series will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday behind Columbiana High School. It will be held on the 3K junior high school course at the Ward Athletic Complex. Entry fee is $10. Runners can preregister online or sign up before the race beginning at 6 p.m. MORE BIG RACES SCHEDULED SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association on Monday announced a six-race championship series over a span of five months that includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes and a $5 ...

Roger Craig could do it all for 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers' dynasty had launched even before Roger Craig arrived in 1983 as a fullback out of Nebraska. Craig's versatility as a runner, receiver and blocker helped elevate Bill Walsh's offense to an even higher level as a perfect fit in a trendsetting scheme. "Roger was a pioneer," former 49ers quarterback Steve Young said. "Our offense allowed for new things to happen, and it demanded running backs who could catch the football, and run routes, and be dynamic and still line up in the eye and go downhill off tackle. It asked more of anyone ...

Guardians ready to make another run

CLEVELAND — General manager Chris Antonetti knew the Cleveland Guardians needed to make upgrades to their lineup if they wanted to contend for a third consecutive AL Central title. Not only did the Guardians get a couple of veteran bats, they surprisingly bolstered their starting rotation as well on Monday. Cleveland acquired All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin from the Washington Nationals for four players, strengthening one of baseball's top rotations. The Guardians also made moves to get outfielder Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the ...