TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito made his first speech to the nation since a deadly earthquake hit the north-central region of Koto, with a message marking his 64th birthday on Friday. The ceremonial monarch expressed grief for people affected by the Jan. 1 earthquake, praying for their recovery and saying he hoped to visit the region to console them. …

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here. George Washington Revolutionaries (14-12, 3-10 A-10) at Saint Louis Billikens (9-17, 2-11 A-10) St. Louis; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: George Washington visits the Saint Louis Billikens …

SHASTA LAKE, Calif. (AP) — Two children died after falling into a rushing river near a Northern California campground Thursday morning, authorities said. Deputies responded around 9 a.m. following reports that the children were swept away near Shasta Dam, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Rescue crews including a dive team searched the water and later recovered …