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  • US soldiers killed by Iran were from Texas and Hawaii, military says

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Two U.S. Army soldiers killed in Jordan while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks were identified on Monday — the first U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war.

    The Defense Department said in a statement that Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, were killed in Jordan in Friday’s attacks.

    Feehan, a first lieutenant, will be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain and awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge medals. The Army did not provide details about his commendations. He was assigned out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command.

    Gonzales was a private with the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command in Ansbach, Germany. She graduated last year from Hebron High School in Carrollton, near Dallas, school officials said.

    “She gave her life in that service, and our district is heartbroken by her loss,” the Lewisville Independent School District said in a statement. “Her decision to serve after graduation speaks volumes of her character.”

    The military said Gonzales died on Friday and Feehan died the following day. It did not provide details.

    A third service member was reported missing in the attacks that killed Feehan and Gonzales. U.S. Central Command said Sunday that “unidentified remains” have been found and were being examined.

    The US military says 17 service members have been killed in the war with Iran

    The deaths reflect the complicated reality that American soldiers don’t need to be on the ground in Iran for there to be lethal risks in a conflict that involves drones, missiles and airplanes. American forces are arrayed across the Middle East, making other nations targets of Iran and its allies as the fighting has escalated after a breakdown in peace talks.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East conflict he had campaigned against.

    Drones and missiles are claiming lives on both sides

    An American service member was also killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a “controlled detonation” of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone, U.S. Central Command said Sunday. A second service member was wounded and was receiving medical treatment for a minor injury.

    The military said it was withholding additional information until 24 hours after families had been notified.

    Iranian authorities said U.S. strikes in just the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others, including eight killed in a strike on a bridge Friday.

    Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the conflict.

    The first US military fatalities came soon after the war started

    Shortly after the U.S. and Israel began the war on Feb. 28, an Iranian drone strike at a civilian port in Kuwait killed six American soldiers. The soldiers were part of a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa who were working at a shipping container-style building that had no defenses.

    A seventh soldier died more than a week after being wounded during a March 1 attack by Iran on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

    Later in March, six service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting U.S. military operations against Iran crashed in Iraq. The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft took place, according to U.S. Central Command.

    Last week, the U.S. military said a Navy pilot died in a helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea. The Navy initially described the July 1 crash as an emergency landing and said there was “no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action.” The remaining three sailors aboard the helicopter were rescued.

  • US gas prices back up to an average of $4 a gallon again as the US and Iran launch attacks

    NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices jumped back to $4 a gallon on average Monday, as Washington’s latest fighting with Iran renews strain on the flow of fuel worldwide.

    According to motor club AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now just above the $4 mark. That’s about 13 cents more expensive than it was a week ago, and far higher than where prices at the pump stood at this time last year, when American drivers could fill up for about $3.14 a gallon on average.

    The U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran plunged the world into a global energy crisis, notably as the cost of crude oil — the main ingredient in gasoline — soared due to supply chain and production disruptions across the Middle East.

    Energy prices cooled last month when Washington and Tehran reached an interim agreement aimed at permanently ending their fighting and reviving traffic in the key Strait of Hormuz. But that peace deal has now crumbled — with the U.S. on Monday only intensifying airstrikes against Iran, which has responded by launching its own attacks on American allies in the region. And oil flows are largely stalling again.

    Many eyes are on the White House. Before co-launching the war in late February, President Donald Trump once bragged about keeping gas prices low — and expressed frustration about them not falling as quickly as the cost of crude oil last month. If prices continue to rebound, expensive gas will likely be at the top of voters’ minds during the midterm elections this November.

    Here’s what we know.

    Where gas prices stand today

    Again, U.S. gas prices are now back at the $4 mark. But that figure is a national average, meaning drivers in some states have been paying well over $4 a gallon for a while now, while others pay less.

    California on Monday continued to see the most expensive gas, with an average of nearly $5.50 a gallon — followed by almost $5.42 in Hawaii and $5.01 in Washington state, per AAA. Meanwhile, states like Indiana and Mississippi have averages closer to $3.35 and $3.57, respectively. Prices vary between due to factors ranging from nearby supply to differing tax rates.

    Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline, and its cost makes up the bulk of what consumers pay at the pump. There’s a bit of a delay because refineries buy crude in advance, and deliveries of that oil take time. But the latest gas prices follow an uptick in oil costs seen over recent weeks. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, swung between roughly $86 to $91 a barrel Monday — compared to closer to $72 at the start of July.

    Oil has been volatile throughout the course of the war, with prices soaring more rapidly in the conflict’s early days. In March, Brent climbed as high as nearly $120 per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. gas prices hit a four-year record of more than $4.50 a gallon in May.

    The national average fell to as low as $3.79 a gallon earlier this month. And the latest turnaround is bringing whiplash to some drivers.

    “I am down to the last drops of gas,” said Litza Mavrothalasitis, a Chicago resident, when filling her tank on Monday, adding that she was shocked to see how high it had gone up again. “It was just unbelievable. I thought we were finally settling down.”

    Jacob Fisher, another Chicago resident who was buying gas on Monday, added that thinking about what’s behind these higher fuel costs “makes me angry.”

    “Senseless war in Iran, and our current administration is fueling a lot of this — and it’s terrible,” Fisher said. “It is not serving the American people. Nor does it serve anywhere in the entire world.”

    White House’s response and the road ahead

    White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement Monday that “oil and gas prices will plummet back to pre-conflict levels” as the U.S. military degrades Iran’s ability to attack vessels and disrupt trade in the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly a fifth of the world’s oil sailed through during peacetime.

    “President Trump remains committed to unleashing American energy dominance, cutting costs, and putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking American families,” Rogers added.

    Still, the escalation of attacks and confusion over future control of Hormuz has fueled uncertainty. All the while, traffic in the key waterway has stalled — with analysts from S&P Global Energy noting Monday that vessel crossings fell 50% last week compared to the week prior.

    “The continued predominance of Iran-linked and sanctioned vessels suggests mainstream shipowners remain cautious about transiting the waterway,” the analysts added.

    Even if fighting ends, experts have repeatedly warned it could take months, if not longer, for supply chains to return to prewar levels. Last month, S&P Global Energy said it did not expect Persian Gulf oil production to rebound fully until at least the first quarter of 2027.

    Gas isn’t the only necessity getting more expensive

    Beyond gasoline, fuel like diesel — which powers many freight and long-haul trucks — is also back on the rise. On Monday, diesel averaged at nearly $5.11 a gallon in the U.S., per AAA, up from $4.88 just a week ago.

    American households have already collectively paid nearly $71.1 billion in extra costs for gas and diesel alone since the war began, according to an online tracker from Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs.

    Beyond pain at the pump, higher fuel prices raise transportation costs across businesses. And shortages of other core necessities — like fertilizer — have also worsened amid the war. Groceries, airline tickets and even goods like condoms and shoes have gotten more expensive in recent months.

    Supply shocks have been even starker in places that rely more heavily on imports from the Middle East — notably countries across Asia and Africa.

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    AP journalists Laura Bargfeld in Chicago and Matthew Daly in Washington contributed to this report.

  • FDA still focused on lettuce supplier as source of parasite, despite faulty test result

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials said Monday they remain focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a multistate outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite, despite inaccurate test results that the government briefly publicized over the weekend.

    Food and Drug Administration officials on Monday said a laboratory test incorrectly identified a positive result for cyclospora on a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms. The FDA posted the finding to its website on Saturday but then said Sunday that the result had been a false positive.

    Federal and state authorities have been investigating a rise in cases of the parasite, initially linking the outbreak in five states to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations. On Saturday, Taylor Farms announced it was recalling 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products sold under eight different brand codes. The products are used by a number of U.S. food chains and suppliers.

    “FDA’s traceback investigation and the outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ locations in central Mexico,” FDA’s acting food chief, Donald Prater, told reporters on Monday.

    In addition to tracing the supply chain of lettuce, FDA staff have begun testing samples of produce coming across the U.S. border.

    FDA officials on Monday said the false positive result came from a rapid test used to screen for traces of cyclospora. The sample that initially appeared positive for the parasite came from Taylor Farms but was not part of the company’s lettuce recall. FDA officials said they felt compelled to alert the public to the finding.

    But a subsequent quality control check showed the positive finding was an error. FDA officials notified Taylor Farms of that on Sunday.

    The company touted the updated test results on social media and claimed “FDA apologized to us.” Agency officials said there was no official apology.

    Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal illness marked by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC.

    In 2026, cyclospora has sickened at least 1,645 people in the U.S. and hospitalized 141, according to the FDA and CDC. The agencies are investigating five separate clusters of illnesses, including the one traced to Taylor Farms.

    FDA’s acting commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, said health officials have continued to see new cases associated with the latest outbreak, including some as recent as last week.

    “Which means it’s imperative for us to take action to ensure that contaminated product is not making its way to the market,” Diamantas explained.

    As of Friday, foot traffic was down at a number of dining chains compared with the day-of-the-week averages between Jan. 1 and July 6, according to Placer.ai, which tracks people’s movements based on cellphone usage.

    Taco Bell suffered the biggest drop — an 18.9% decline — after federal health officials named the chain in its investigation of the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Foot traffic fell 14.3% at Chopt, Placer.ai said. Both Chipotle and Panera Bread had close to a 7% drop in traffic, while Cava’s drop was less — at 4.2% — according to the firm.

    Food safety investigators often cannot draw a direct biological connection between recalled produce and outbreaks of foodborne illness. Some common tests used to check for food poisoning have not been geared to detect cyclospora. Technicians aren’t able to grow the parasite in labs, making it hard to draw evidence from contaminated produce.

    Instead, investigators draw conclusions based on accounts of what people ate, the proximity and timing of cases and other patterns.

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    AP Business Writer Anne D’Innocenzio contributed from New York.

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    The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

  • MLB restricts dugout iPad use to prevent use of AI to make decisions

     

    NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make decisions.

    The tablets have access to video and league-provided data, and also included a custom tab where teams could access other programs. MLB made the custom tabs inaccessible to teams starting Wednesday night, when the second half of the season started.

    “In many cases, the custom tab had expanded the use of the dugout iPads beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches,” MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword wrote in a June 11 memo to general managers, assistant GMs and video coordinators.

    The memo, first reported by The Athletic, was obtained by The Associated Press.

    A review by the competition committee found clubs had been compliant with the regulations.

    “Instituting this prohibition beginning with the second half of the season is intended to provide clubs that have relied on the custom tab with appropriate lead-time to make any necessary adjustments,” Sword wrote.

    MLB started a pilot program allowing use of iPads in dugouts with restrictions late in the 2015 season and expanded their use in 2016 under a deal with Apple. Video was eliminated in the 2020 COVID season following the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, then returned in 2021.

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    AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

     

  • House Approves Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

    House Approves Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

    Americans are one step closer to ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing their clocks after the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Tuesday that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across most of the country.

    The Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139) passed the House by a 308-117 bipartisan vote. The legislation received support from 193 Republicans, 114 Democrats and one Independent, while 22 Republicans and 95 Democrats voted against it. Six members did not vote.

    If the bill ultimately becomes law, Americans would no longer “spring forward” each March or “fall back” each November. Instead, Daylight Saving Time would remain in effect year-round, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the United States.

    The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate. If approved there and signed by President Donald Trump, the change would take effect nationwide. Hawaii and most of Arizona, which already do not observe Daylight Saving Time, would remain exempt under current law.

    For residents across Mississippi, Louisiana and the rest of the Miss-Lou, the most noticeable change would come during the winter months. Sunset would occur about an hour later, providing more daylight in the evening for commuting, shopping, youth sports and outdoor recreation. The tradeoff would be darker mornings, with sunrise occurring roughly an hour later than it does under the current system.

    Supporters of the legislation say eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes would end a practice many Americans find inconvenient while providing additional evening daylight that could benefit businesses, recreation and tourism. They also point to studies suggesting the seasonal clock changes can temporarily disrupt sleep schedules and daily routines.

    Opponents, however, argue permanent standard time is better aligned with the body’s natural circadian rhythm and have expressed concerns that darker winter mornings could affect schoolchildren waiting for buses and morning commuters traveling before sunrise.

    Congress has debated ending the clock changes for years. In 2022, the Senate unanimously approved a similar version of the Sunshine Protection Act, but the measure never received a vote in the House before the end of that congressional session. The current bill must still clear the Senate before it can become law.

    How Mississippi and Louisiana’s Representatives Voted

    Mississippi’s congressional delegation largely supported the Sunshine Protection Act, with Rep. Bennie Thompson casting the state’s only “no” vote. In Louisiana, every representative who voted supported the measure, while Rep. Cleo Fields did not cast a vote.

    Mississippi

    Voted Yes

    • Trent Kelly (R), Mississippi’s 1st District
    • Michael Guest (R), Mississippi’s 3rd District
    • Mike Ezell (R), Mississippi’s 4th District

    Voted No

    • Bennie Thompson (D), Mississippi’s 2nd District

    Louisiana

    Voted Yes

    • Steve Scalise (R), Louisiana’s 1st District
    • Troy Carter (D), Louisiana’s 2nd District
    • Clay Higgins (R), Louisiana’s 3rd District
    • Mike Johnson (R), Louisiana’s 4th District
    • Julia Letlow (R), Louisiana’s 5th District

    Did Not Vote

    • Cleo Fields (D), Louisiana’s 6th District

    The legislation is not yet law. Before any changes take effect, it must pass the U.S. Senate and then be signed by President Donald Trump.

    Until then, Americans—including residents throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and the Miss-Lou—should still plan to turn their clocks back one hour this November.

  • From the Mayor’s Desk  Tennis and Pickleball – Public Input Matters

    From the Mayor’s Desk Tennis and Pickleball – Public Input Matters

    Over the past several weeks, there has been a great deal of discussion about tennis, pickleball, and the future of our recreational facilities, both at Duncan Park and North Natchez Park. As with many issues involving community priorities, there are strong opinions on all sides. This is understandable, and I believe it to be a positive thing. Clearly, our citizens care deeply about our city in addition to the activities they love, the facilities they use, and the future of recreation in general.

     

    With so much discussion, I believe it is important that everyone has an opportunity to be heard before any decisions are made. As a result, I have decided, as Mayor, to call a special meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to be held on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. specifically to allow for public input regarding decisions that are pending regarding tennis and pickleball. The meeting will be held at the Natchez City Council Chamber Building, located at 115 S. Pearl Street, Natchez.

     

    No vote will be taken at this meeting. If city officials wish to take action on this topic at a later date, they can certainly do so after hearing from the public and listening to their input. This meeting will be informational only and designed to give citizens an open forum to speak directly to city leaders.

     

    Recently, Ward Four Alderwoman Felicia Irving stated during a board meeting that we need more public input before moving forward. I appreciate her comments, and I believe she is absolutely right. Decisions involving public recreation facilities should involve the public in a meaningful way and at a time convenient for them to attend.

     

    We extend an invitation to all who would like to take part in this discussion: our tennis coaches, tennis and pickleball players, youth and their parents, and anyone else who may have an interest in this topic. Each speaker will be given up to five minutes to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Whether someone supports expanded pickleball opportunities, improvements for tennis, or a balanced approach that accommodates both sports, every viewpoint deserves respect and consideration.

     

    One thing I hope we can all agree on is that recreation matters. Healthy activities for our children and families, our active adults, seniors, and even visitors make Natchez a better place to live and enhance our overall quality of life. Sports such as tennis and pickleball bring people together, encourage exercise, and create opportunities for fellowship and competition.

     

    Not every conversation has to become a conflict. Sometimes the best path forward begins simply by listening to one another.

     

    I encourage anyone interested in this topic to attend the meeting, participate respectfully, and help us continue building a community where everyone feels heard. Natchez has always been at our best when we work together, and I believe this conversation can be another example of that community spirit that makes our city so special. Indeed, community discussion on the future of recreational programs is a good thing. Because Natchez Deserves More.

  • The Miss-Lou’s Big Heart Shines: Record-Breaking $58,685 Raised for St. Jude

    The Miss-Lou’s Big Heart Shines: Record-Breaking $58,685 Raised for St. Jude

    Natchez, MS – The Miss-Lou community has once again come together in a powerful way, showing incredible generosity and heart as 95 Country (WQNZ, Natchez, MS) celebrates a record-breaking year, during its annual 95 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, held March 12–13, 2026.

    This year’s radiothon raised an amazing $58,685, marking the highest total ever raised in a single year in station history!

    Over the past decade, 95 Country listeners and our community partners have helped raise an incredible $469,320 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Every dollar goes directly toward lifesaving treatment and support, ensuring families never receive a bill for care, travel, housing, or food—so they can focus on what matters most: their child.

     

    “Year after year, our listeners and community partners show just how big their hearts are,” said Margaret Perkins, President/CEO of Listen Up Y’all Media. “To break our own record is truly remarkable, and it speaks volumes about the compassion and generosity of the Miss-Lou community. From heartfelt stories to generous pledges, this year’s St Jude Radiothon once again demonstrated the life-changing power of local radio. I want to thank our community partners, without whom, the Radiothon would not be possible. I want to thank our 95-Country team, whether On the Air, marketing, programming, engineering, and support, for an outstanding job! Your tireless efforts led to tremendous success!”

    Together, the Miss-Lou community is making a real difference—one child, one family, and one miracle at a time. For more information or to support St. Jude’s mission, visit: /st-jude

  • Possible Winter Weather Could Impact the Miss-Lou This Weekend

    Possible Winter Weather Could Impact the Miss-Lou This Weekend

    Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson is urging residents to prepare ahead of a potential winter storm expected to impact the area this weekend, bringing freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions from Friday night through Sunday.

    According to national weather forecasts, the system could bring lows in the teens and a high chance of precipitation, including rain, freezing rain, and sleet. Mayor Gibson warned that conditions are expected to begin declining Friday night and worsen through Saturday and Sunday.

    Mayor Gibson encouraged residents not to wait until the last minute to prepare, advising citizens to stock up on food, water, and essential supplies, wrap pipes, fill gas tanks, check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors, and make plans to keep pets indoors during freezing temperatures. He also reminded residents to allow faucets to drip during hard freezes to help prevent broken pipes and protect the city’s water system.

    In response to the anticipated weather, the Natchez Stewpot announced it will be closed on Sunday and may also be closed on Saturday depending on conditions. The Stewpot plans to prepare extra meals on Friday. Those needing additional information can contact the Stewpot at 601-442-9413.

    Adams County Emergency Management also announced plans to open the Adams County Safe Room to provide warm shelter for those in need. Final details will be released following a planning meeting scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Individuals using the safe room are asked to bring their own food, drinks, medications, blankets, and other essential items. Kennels are required for animals. The Adams County Safe Room is located at 323 Liberty Road.

    The Concordia Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness reports that Concordia Parish and Adams County are currently at Level 2, indicating the potential for extended impacts from freezing rain and sleet. While forecasts suggest the heaviest winter weather may remain north of Concordia Parish, officials caution that dangerous travel conditions, downed trees, and possible power outages remain a concern.

    Rain and freezing rain are expected Friday night, with freezing rain and sleet possible throughout Saturday and into Sunday. Overnight lows could fall into the mid-teens by Sunday night.

    Emergency officials continue to encourage residents to closely monitor weather updates, maintain emergency supplies, ensure multiple ways to receive alerts, and follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management. Residents are reminded to stay off icy roads when possible, leave faucets on a slow drip to help prevent broken waterlines during below-freezing temperatures, and report downed power lines to Entergy at 1-800-368-3749 or by calling 911.

    Officials say early preparation and staying informed will be key to keeping the Natchez and Adams County communities safe as the winter weather approaches.

  • UPDATE: Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    UPDATE: Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, according to his organization.

    President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a post on Truth Social, praising him as a powerful voice for young conservatives.

    “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

    Authorities say a suspect is in custody following the shooting, which took place while Kirk was addressing students. Utah Valley University issued an emergency alert during the incident, and police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing.

    Earlier, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Vice President JD Vance had urged prayers for Kirk and the students present at the event.

    No additional details about the suspect or the motive have been released.

    Kirk, 32, co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group aimed at mobilizing young people in politics. He was also a frequent speaker at college campuses and political events nationwide.

    This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

  • How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July

    WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s almost time for summer’s meteor shower duet.

    The Southern Delta Aquariid and the Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak at the same time — in the early morning of July 30.

    Without too much interference from moonlight — the waxing moon will be only about a quarter full — the meteors should appear bright and clear in regions away from city lights.

    With each shower expected to produce up to a dozen visible meteors per hour under dark skies, the doubleheader means the total number of meteors “do add up,” said Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.

    “Look for flashes of light in the night sky,” he said, adding that both are “very nice classic meteor showers.”

    The Alpha Capricornids — produced by slower-moving meteors — may have tails that linger slightly longer in the sky, said Nick Moskovitz of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

    Viewing of each shower lasts through August 12.

    What is a meteor shower?

    As the Earth orbits the sun, several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets and sometimes asteroids.

    The source of the Delta Aquariids is debris from comet 96P/Machholz. The Alpha Capricornids stem from the comet 169P/NEAT.

    When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, the debris encounters new resistance from the air and becomes very hot, eventually burning up.

    Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly, leaving behind a fiery tail — the end of a “shooting star.”

    You don’t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.

    How to view a meteor shower

    The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky.

    Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities.

    And keep looking up, not down. Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren’t checking your phone.

    When is the next meteor shower?

    The next major meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks in mid August.

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    The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.