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FILE - Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., listens to journalists at the end of his visit to Israel, in Jerusalem, Wednesday, 2024. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

Bauer, South Carolina’s former lieutenant governor, ends GOP primary challenge to Sen. Graham

August 8, 2025

Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer has suspended his GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham. Bauer announced the decision on social media, citing a “political climate that rewards deception over honesty.” He launched his campaign 38 days ago, criticizing Graham for not being conservative enough. Bauer has not endorsed any remaining candidates. Graham, who has President Trump’s support, wished Bauer well. Bauer, a longtime Trump backer, previously served as South Carolina’s lieutenant governor and has run for other offices. Republicans dominate South Carolina politics, making GOP primaries highly competitive.

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Rana Mourer waves an American flag outside of the migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Alexandra Rodriguez)

Florida updated agreement on handling detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ but a month after it opened

August 8, 2025

Florida’s corrections agency and ICE updated an agreement on handling federal immigration detainees, but they did it more than a month after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ opened. This update was made public Thursday in court documents. The facility built in the Florida Everglades has faced criticism for allegedly restricting detainees’ access to attorneys and immigration courts. A civil rights lawsuit has been filed, and a federal judge has ordered officials to clarify who has legal authority over detainees. Another judge in a separate lawsuit temporarily halted construction on Thursday while she considers whether it violates environmental laws. Florida claims detainees have had access to legal counsel.

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Owner Michelle Souliere, left, chats with a frequent customer at the Green Hand Bookstore in Portland, Maine, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

From Stephen King to New Jersey diners, History Press books cover local lore around the US

August 8, 2025

A writer from Maine, Sharon Kitchens has turned her passion for Stephen King’s books into a published work. Her book, “Stephen King’s Maine,” explores the real-life settings and inspirations behind King’s stories. Published by The History Press, it’s part of a series focused on regional and local histories. The History Press is now part of Arcadia Publishing and aims to make community histories accessible. Kitchens’ book gained attention after Stephen King endorsed it on Instagram. The History Press often works with local specialists who are passionate about preserving their community’s history, offering them a platform to share untold stories.

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The Rev. Oona Casanova Vazquez, lead pastor of the South Bay Church of the Nazarene in Torrance, stands outside Santa Ana Immigration Court during a prayer vigil for immigrants in Santa Ana, Calif., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Deepa Bharath)

Faith leaders rally to support immigrants facing deportation in Southern California

August 8, 2025

Faith leaders in Southern California have been supporting immigrant communities during increased immigration arrests and raids. Many pastors and people of faith have been offering comfort, holding prayer vigils and accompanying refugees and asylum-seekers to their court hearings. Churches and nonprofits are also delivering groceries, food and medicine to those afraid they’ll be arrested when they leave their homes. Some congregations are also providing rent assistance to individuals who have lost or quit their jobs out of fear of being apprehended. Others are streaming live services so those who are apprehensive will not be isolated from their congregations.

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FILE - Immigrants seeking asylum walk through the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Judge to consider the fate of an agreement on protecting immigrant children in US custody

August 7, 2025

A federal judge is set to hear a Trump administration request to end a long-standing policy on protections for immigrant children in federal custody. The Flores settlement limits how long Customs and Border Protection can hold immigrant children and requires safe conditions. Advocates argue the protections are necessary and have submitted accounts of poor conditions in detention centers. The Trump administration says conditions have improved since the settlement was formalized in 1997. But advocates for the children say the government is holding children beyond the time limits set out in the agreement. A hearing is set Friday in Los Angeles. The Trump administration request comes after the Biden administration successfully pushed to partially end the agreement last year.

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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addresses supporters during an event marking the anniversary of his disputed re-election and the birthday of late President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Trump doubles reward to $50 million for arrest of Venezuela’s president to face US drug charges

August 7, 2025

The Trump administration is doubling to $50 million a reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and accusing him of working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine. The announcement was made Thursday by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Maduro was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020 on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Maduro remains entrenched after defying the U.S. and several Latin American governments who condemned his 2024 reelection as a sham and recognized his opponent as Venezuela’s duly elected president.

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President Donald Trump departs an event to mark National Purple Heart Day in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump orders increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington to ‘make DC safe again’

August 7, 2025

The White House has announced an increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., for at least the next week to combat crime. This move follows President Donald Trump’s suggestions that his administration could take over running the city. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that federal personnel from various police forces would be visible on the streets starting at midnight. This initiative will last for at least a week, but there will be the option to extend. The decision comes after a recent assault on a government worker, and amid Trump’s criticism of rising crime in the city. Local officials, however, can point to declines in carjackings and homicides since 2023.

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FILE - Demonstrators holds up a banner during a citizenship rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Judge blocks Trump’s birthright order nationwide in fourth such ruling since Supreme Court decision

August 7, 2025

A federal judge in Maryland has ruled the Trump administration cannot withhold citizenship from children born to people in the country illegally or temporarily, issuing the fourth court decision blocking the president’ birthright citizenship order nationwide since a key U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman’s preliminary injunction was expected after the judge said last month she would issue such an order if the case were returned to her by an appeals court. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sent the case back to her later in July. An email to the White House for comment was not immediately returned.

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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Allentown, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump opens the door for private equity and crypto as 401(k) retirement plan options

August 7, 2025

Millions of Americans saving for retirement through 401(k) accounts could have the option of putting their money in higher-risk private equity and cryptocurrency investments. That’s according to an executive order signed Thursday by President Donald Trump. His order could give those financial players long-sought access to a pool of funds worth trillions. There’s no immediate change in how people invest part of their work earnings. Federal agencies would need to rewrite rules and regulations to allow the expanded choices, and that would take months or more to complete. New plans from employers could invest in alternative assets, particularly private equity, cryptocurrencies and real estate.

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FILE - Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, walks at the White House, June 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump to nominate top economic aide Stephen Miran to Federal Reserve board

August 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has nominated a top economic adviser to the Federal Reserve’s board of governors for four months, temporarily filling a vacancy while continuing his search for a longer-term appointment. Trump on Thursday named Stephen Miran, the chair of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, to fill a seat vacated by governor Adriana Kugler, a Biden appointee who is stepping down Friday. Miran, if approved by the Senate, will serve until January 31, 2026.

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In this photo provided by the Azerbaijan's Presidential Press Office on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, right, and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan pose for a photo prior to their talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Azerbaijani Presidential Press Office via AP)

Trump will meet Friday with leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign US-brokered peace deal

August 7, 2025

Armenia and Azerbaijan’s leaders are set to meet with Donald Trump on Friday to sign a peace deal. Trump announced this on his social media platform, Truth Social. The agreement, brokered by Trump’s administration, aims to end decades of conflict and reopen key transportation corridors in the South Caucasus. U.S. officials say the deal includes a major transit corridor, which will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. This corridor will link Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region. The agreement follows earlier talks and a visit by Trump’s special envoy to Baku.

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Lucasfilm and Disney settle with actor Gina Carano following her firing from ‘The Mandalorian’

August 7, 2025

Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Disney over her firing from “The Mandalorian.” The actor had filed suit in federal court last year alleging  she had been dismissed from the “Star Wars” series in 2021 for expressing right-wing views on social media. Carano thanked Elon Musk for helping fund the lawsuit “and asking for nothing in return.” Lucasfilm said in a statement that the company “look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” The specific terms of the agreement were not made available.

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President Donald Trump makes an announcement about Apple with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump orders colleges to prove they don’t consider race in admissions

August 7, 2025

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum requiring colleges to prove they do not consider race in admissions. This follows a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 against affirmative action. The court allowed colleges to consider how race has shaped students’ lives if applicants shared that information in essays. Trump’s Republican administration accuses colleges of using personal statements as proxies to consider race. The policy issued Thursday has similarities to parts of agreements with Brown and Columbia universities, which agreed to provide data on race as part of settlements to restore their federal funding. Conservatives argue colleges still consider race through proxy measures, but no clear pattern emerged in the racial makeup of last year’s freshman class.

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Closure of Midwest-based newspaper chain leaves dozens of communities without a news source

August 7, 2025

News Media Corp., an Illinois-based publisher, has announced the abrupt closure of dozens of newspapers across five states due to financial problems. The company said Thursday that it will shut down 14 operations in Wyoming, seven in Illinois, five in Arizona, four in South Dakota and one in Nebraska. This move affects small-town newspapers that were often the primary news source, worsening the issue of news deserts in rural areas. The closure comes amid a decades-long decline in local newspapers, with the U.S. losing over a third of its print newspapers since 2004. Employees expressed shock and disappointment at the sudden announcement.

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President Donald Trump greets attendees as he departs an event to mark National Purple Heart Day in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump honors Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life

August 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has recognized nearly 100 Purple Heart recipients at the White House. On Thursday, he honored three service members who gave him their medals after an attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally. Trump expressed gratitude for their gesture and shared stories of valor. National Purple Heart Day is marked annually on August 7. During the ceremony, Trump also mentioned authorizing a 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, calling him the “father of the roadside bomb.” The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who are killed or wounded while engaging in enemy action or resulting from acts of terrorism.

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President Donald Trump holds charts as he speaks about the economy in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump defends the US economy with charts after job reports showed warning signs

August 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has summoned reporters to the Oval Office to present charts that he says shows the economy is solid. This follows a recent jobs report that raised concerns and led to the firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Stephen Moore, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, joined Trump to discuss the economy. Moore argued that Trump was right to dismiss the BLS head, citing overestimated job numbers during Joe Biden’s term. Trump aims to reset the economic narrative amid sluggish job growth and rising inflation. Inflation concerns have increased due to Trump’s tariffs.

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President Donald Trump speaks while making an announcement about Apple with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump orders federal regulators to probe alleged bank discrimination against conservatives

August 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into whether banks have discriminated against conservatives and industries like gun manufacturers and cryptocurrency companies. This executive order addresses “debanking,” where banks close accounts or refuse business with certain industries. Trump accuses banks like JPMorgan and Bank of America of targeting him and his allies, something both bansk have denied. The order directs federal regulators to ensure banks don’t discriminate based on political or religious beliefs and to refer cases to the Department of Justice. This could lead to civil or criminal investigations. The banking industry argues it has the right to choose business partners, citing risk concerns.

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FILE - Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin speaks, Feb 3, 2025, in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

EPA cancels $7 billion Biden-era grant program to boost solar energy

August 7, 2025

The Environmental Protection Agency has terminated $7 billion in funding for solar programs approved under the Biden administration, including projects for nearly 1 million households in low-income communities. Environmental groups, state departments of energy and other recipients say the EPA’s move is illegal and that the funding has already been disbursed. Solar is a renewable energy that’s widely regarded as a way to introduce cleaner power onto the electrical grid and lower energy bills for American consumers.

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FILE - Kelly Clarkson arrives with Brandon Blackstock for the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington on Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and former manager, dies at 48

August 7, 2025

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager Brandon Blackstock has died of cancer. His death was first reported by People. He was 48. A representative for the Blackstock family shared a statement to The Associated Press explaining that Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years. Blackstock was the father to four children, two from a previous marriage and two with Clarkson. He was previously Clarkson’s manager and also formerly represented Blake Shelton. Clarkson and Blackstock were married in October 2013. In 2020, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

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FILE - A briefcase of a census taker is seen as she knocks on the door of a residence, Aug. 11, 2020, in Winter Park, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Trump seeks to change how census collects data and wants to exclude immigrants in US illegally

August 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change how the Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants in the United States illegally. The Republican president said Thursday the census’ data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures” and use information gained from the 2024 presidential election. It’s an indication Trump might try to inject his politics into a head count that determines political power and federal spending. Trump says people in the U.S. illegally would be excluded from census counts. Census changes could play into Trump’s efforts to urge Texas and other Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps. A census expert says Trump “cannot unilaterally order” a new one.

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A top Republican in the Georgia governor’s race is suing his rival over campaign financing

August 7, 2025

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is suing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over how Jones is financing his campaign as both Republicans run for governor in 2026. Carr claims Jones’ ability to use a special leadership committee gives him an unfair advantage by allowing unlimited fundraising. Carr says that because he has to follow campaign contribution limits, Jones’ use of the leadership committee violates Carr’s rights to free speech and equal protection. The Thursday lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta. It seeks to stop Jones from raising or spending money from his leadership committee before the May primary. Jones’ campaign dismisses Carr’s complaints.

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Gloria Simeon, co-founder of the Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition, speaks during an interview outside her smokehouse in Bethel, Alaska, on June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Trump’s push for drilling, mining sharpens debate for Alaska Natives about land they view as sacred

August 7, 2025

When Alaska Natives debate proposals to drill and mine the landscape of the nation’s largest state, it involves more than an environmental or economic question. It’s also a spiritual and cultural one. They have hunted and fished for subsistence food for generations. Some fear that extraction industries could threaten these activities in a similar way that other factors have contributed to a salmon crisis on Alaska’s longest rivers. Such debates have intensified with the Trump administration’s aggressive push to increase extraction here. Other Alaska Natives say such projects boost their economies. Opponents fear permanent environmental damage. Advocate Gloria Simeon says her people have been stewards of the land for millennia and take that relationship seriously.

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This image provided by NASA/European Space Agency shows an image captured by Hubble of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21, 2025, when the comet was 277 million miles from Earth. (NASA/European Space Agency via AP)

Hubble Space Telescope takes best picture yet of the comet visiting from another solar system

August 7, 2025

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the best picture yet of a high-speed comet visiting our solar system from another star. NASA and the European Space Agency released the latest photos Thursday. The interstellar comet was discovered last month by a telescope in Chile. Astronomers originally estimated the size of its icy core at several miles across, but Hubble’s observations have narrowed it down to no more than 3.5 miles. It’s only the third known object from another solar system to pass our way. It poses no threat to Earth.

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(AP Illustration / Peter Hamlin)

Keeping work from spoiling a vacation takes planning and the right phone settings

August 7, 2025

The summer vacation season is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, but navigating the line between work time and personal time is tricky for a lot of people. With laptop computers and smartphones making it possible to log in anytime to do work from anywhere, many find it hard to disconnect even when they take vacations. Others feel so compelled to keep working that they feign illness instead of going on family outings. Experts say planning ahead and setting up your smartphone to reduce email requests and office notifications can help keep work from intruding on your time off.

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U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a news conference, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

RFK Jr.’s vow to overhaul vaccine injury program echoes grievances of anti-vaccine movement

August 7, 2025

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he wants to rework the U.S. program for compensating Americans injured by vaccines. The plan has long been a target of anti-vaccine groups and changing it could have far-reaching consequences for vaccine availibility. Government officials set up the program in the 1980s to limit the legal risks for vaccine makers. At the time many companies were leaving the business due to class action lawsuits. Kennedy and other critics have complained that the program shields vaccine makers from litigation and is too stingy in compensating injured patients.

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Independent candidate for Michigan governor is betting on partisan fatigue in the midterms

August 7, 2025

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has been a career Democrat in the battleground state of Michigan but is now planning to run for governor as an independent. Duggan recently told The Associated Press that he’s tired of all the partisan fighting. He says he’s committed to working with anyone reasonable in the Legislature, regardless of party affiliation. He’s also vowed to stay out of national political talking points. Duggan’s decision has infuriated some in Michigan’s Democratic Party who feel his independent run could split the vote and potentially help the Republican candidate. Current Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and cannot run again.

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FILE - A hiring sign is displayed at a retail store in Mount Prospect, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

US applications for jobless benefits up modestly but remain at a healthy level

August 7, 2025

The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits rose modestly last week, a sign that employers still retaining workers despite economic uncertainty related to U.S. trade policy. The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims for the week ending Aug. 2 rose by 7,000 to 226,000, slightly more than the 219,000 new applications analysts forecast. The report is the first government labor market data release since Friday’s grim July jobs report sent financial markets spiraling downward, spurring President Donald Trump to fire the head of the agency that tallies the monthly jobs numbers. Applications for jobless benefits serve as a proxy for layoffs.

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A mural of past concerts at Toad's Place is displayed above one of the bars in New Haven, Conn., on Friday, May 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

From the Stones to Cardi B, this college haunt has attracted big acts for 50 years

August 7, 2025

A Connecticut nightclub with a storied history is celebrating its 50th year in business. Toad’s Place in New Haven has drawn legendary acts ranging from The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen to Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and Snoop Dogg. Owner Brian Phelps started as the club’s manager in 1976. He says the key to Toad’s longevity has been showcasing diverse musical styles while also hosting dance parties and “battle of the bands”. The Stones played a surprise show there in 1989, followed five months later by what is believed to be Dylan’s longest show — more than four hours.

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A customer shops a grain isle at New India Bazar, where most merchandise is imported from India and Canada, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Fremont, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Trump’s broad tariffs go into effect, just as economic pain is surfacing

August 6, 2025

President Donald Trump has started imposing higher import taxes on goods from over 60 countries, including the European Union, Japan and South Korea. These tariffs, which began Thursday, are part of Trump’s strategy to reduce the trade deficit and encourage foreign investment in the U.S. However, the economic impact is already visible, with signs of stalled hiring, rising inflation and declining home values. Despite the uncertainty, Trump remains optimistic about economic growth, while many experts warn of potential long-term damage.

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A protester stands outside the migrant detention dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Facility, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Alexandra Rodriguez)

Judge considers whether Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center violates environmental law

August 6, 2025

A federal judge heard arguments about an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe want to halt the project, claiming it violates environmental laws and threatens sensitive wetlands. The lawsuit in Miami challenges the detention center, built over a month ago on a Miami-Dade County airstrip. A separate lawsuit by civil rights groups argues detainees’ rights are being violated. Attorneys for federal and state agencies argue the case was filed in the wrong jurisdiction. The judge hasn’t yet ruled on this argument.

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President Donald Trump arrives to speak before signing an executive order about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Washington, as Vice President JD Vance watches. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump maintains influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor

August 6, 2025

President Donald Trump has hinted that Vice President JD Vance might be the favorite to succeed him as the leader of the MAGA movement. Trump has also mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential political partner for Vance. Trump’s comments highlight his ongoing influence over the Republican Party and intent to keep potential successors vying for his favor. While Trump hasn’t ruled out a third term, he’s praised Vance’s performance. Vance has been active in promoting Trump’s policies and has taken on significant roles in both domestic and foreign affairs. Other Republicans are also positioning themselves for possibly entering the 2028 race.

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President Donald Trump pauses while speaking during an announcement about Apple with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Judge issues temporary injunction against Trump administration cancellation of humanities grants

August 6, 2025

A federal judge in Oregon has issued an injunction temporarily stopping the mass cancellation of National Endowment for the Humanities grants to humanities councils around the country. Judge Michael H. Simon says the cancellations were likely unconstitutional and the lawsuit challenging the actions would likely succeed on merits. The judge says the defendants’ conduct reflects a “deliberate decision to flout Congressional command and refuse to spend appropriated funds.” The Department of Government Efficiency and the National Endowment for the Humanities canceled dozens of grants to state and local humanities’ councils in April as part of President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting efforts.

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Alicia Arden, who accused Jeffrey Epstein of sexual battery in 1997, reads a statement alongside her attorney, Gloria Allred, during a news conference in Los Angeles Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Victims feeling exhausted and anxious about wrangling over Epstein files

August 6, 2025

Women who say they were abused by Jeffrey Epstein are feeling skeptical and anxious after the Justice Department requested a court take the rare step of unsealing transcripts of secret testimony related to the sex-offending millionaire’s case. In letters addressed to federal judges in New York this week, several victims said Trump was just seeking to placate segments of his base who are unhappy with the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation. Other victims said they would support the disclosure, provided the government took steps to ensure their privacy. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on the victims’ statements.

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Federal agents hid in back of rental truck at start of raid outside LA Home Depot

August 6, 2025

U.S. Border Patrol agents jumped out of the back of a rented Penske truck and made arrests at a Los Angeles Home Depot store during an immigration raid. An agency official called Wednesday’s raid “Operation Trojan Horse.” The early morning operation near downtown LA came just days after a federal appeals court upheld a federal judge’s order blocking the Trump administration from conducting indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests in Southern California. A spokesperson for Penske Truck Rental says the company is looking into the use of its vehicles by federal officials, adding that its regulations prohibit transporting people in truck cargo areas.

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FILE - The Boston Scientific logo is seen at company offices in Fremont, Calif., Feb. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

FDA flags problems with two Boston Scientific heart devices tied to injuries and deaths

August 6, 2025

U.S. health officials have issued warnings on two separate Boston Scientific heart devices recently linked to injuries and deaths. The agency said Wednesday an issue with defibrillator wires could cause the implants to fail to deliver adequate electrical shocks. The company warned doctors about the issue last month. Separately, the FDA flagged updated instructions for the company’s Watchman heart implant, which is used to reduce the risk of stroke. Boston Scientific said it has seen an increased risk of dangerous blockages in the bloodstream depending on how the device is implanted. The company says the problem is not related to the device design.

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FILE - A Confederate Memorial is seen in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Dec. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

Restoration of torn-down Confederate monument will cost $10 million over 2 years, military says

August 6, 2025

A U.S. Army official says restoring a memorial to the Confederacy that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery at the recommendation of Congress will cost roughly $10 million total. It was the latest development in a Trump administration effort to combat what it calls “erasing American history.” Once back in the cemetery, the monument will also feature panels nearby that will offer context about its history. That’s according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity about a project still in progress. The Pentagon expects it to take about two years to restore the monument to its original site.

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FILE - People gather to light candles in a makeshift memorial to honor Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim who were killed as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, during a candlelight vigil outside of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Man accused of killing Israeli Embassy staffers indicted on federal hate crime and murder charges

August 6, 2025

The man accused of shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington has been indicted on federal hate crime and murder charges. The indictment against Elias Rodriguez was unsealed Wednesday and includes nine counts, including hate crime resulting in death. It also could clear the way for the Justice Department to potentially seek the death penalty. Rodriguez is accused of killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in May, reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” during his arrest. Prosecutors say Rodriguez planned the attack, flying from Chicago with a handgun. Witnesses described him pacing outside before opening fire. He allegedly confessed inside the museum afterward.

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FILE - People shop at a Claire's in New York, Saturday, March 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Claire’s, known for piercing millions of teens’ ears, files for Chapter 11, 2nd time since 2018

August 6, 2025

Mall-based teen retailer Claire’s, known for helping to usher teens into a key rite of passage _ ear piercing _ but now struggling with a big debt load and changing consumer tastes, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The bankruptcy filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on Wednesday, marked the second time since 2018 and for a similar reason: high debt load and the shift among teens heading online. It follows the bankruptcies of other teen retailers including Forever 21, which filed for bankruptcy protection in March and eventually shut its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.

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A federal agent escorts a man to a bus after he was detained following an appearance at immigration court, Monday, July 28, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits to boost hiring for Trump deportations

August 6, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security has removed age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement. This change aims to expand hiring after Congress provided a massive funding boost. On Wednesday, the department announced that it waived age limits so more people could join ICE, which is at the center of efforts to carry out mass deportations. Congress recently passed a bill allowing ICE to hire 10,000 more staff. Applicants can now be as young as 18. New recruits must pass medical and drug screenings and complete a physical fitness test. ICE is also offering bonuses and benefits to attract new hires.

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FILE - Astronaut Butch Wilmore is interviewed at Johnson Space Center on March 31, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, file)

Stuck astronaut Butch Wilmore retires from NASA less than 5 months after extended spaceflight

August 6, 2025

One of NASA’s two previously stuck astronauts has retired. NASA announced Butch Wilmore’s departure from the space agency on Wednesday. Wilmore and Suni Williams launched last summer as test pilots on Boeing’s first astronaut flight. What should have been a weeklong trip to the International Space Station turned into a stay of more than nine months because of Boeing’s malfunctioning Starliner. Starliner came back empty. Wilmore and Williams returned to Earth in March with SpaceX. The 62-year-old Wilmore had already retired from the Navy. Williams, also a retired Navy captain, is still with NASA.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at a news conference at the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

What to know as Trump’s immigration crackdown strips tuition breaks from thousands of students

August 6, 2025

Tens of thousands of U.S. college students without legal residency are losing access to in-state tuition as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. The Justice Department has been suing states to end these tuition breaks. The lawsuits started in Texas in June and have expanded to Kentucky, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Federal law prohibits in-state tuition benefits for students in the country illegally if those benefits are denied to out-of-state U.S. citizens. Texas’ program, once widely supported, has faced criticism from Republicans as they take a tougher stance on immigration. The impact is being felt nationwide, with some states ending or reconsidering these tuition breaks.

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FILE - President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House, May 15, 2020, in Washington. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, left, and Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listen. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump once hailed mRNA vaccines as a ‘medical miracle.’ Now RFK Jr. is halting advancement

August 6, 2025

President Donald Trump once hailed mRNA vaccines as a “miracle” for combating COVID-19. Now, his administration seems to have shifted its stance. On Tuesday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cancellation of $500 million in mRNA development contracts with pharmaceutical companies. This decision effectively halts U.S.-backed efforts to use the technology for future pandemics, cancer treatments, or flu prevention. Trump had previously emphasized his role in pushing for the vaccines’ development, calling them a “medical miracle.” Despite their initial success, the administration’s current actions suggest a change in perspective.

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‘Weapons’ spins small town into chaos that mirrors real life, humor and all

August 6, 2025

Zach Cregger says he had to stop writing jokes while creating his latest horror film, “Weapons,” and instead let the hyper realistic aftermath of tragedy drive the movie’s humor. The film follows Cregger’s widely celebrated genre-bending horror “Barbarians,” his 2022 solo directorial debut. The young director spins a town into chaos in his second act, after all children but one from the same classroom mysteriously vanish, leaving a trail of questions in their place. Cregger says the movie’s humor comes naturally, as characters stumble through their grief and navigate the absurd events happening around them. The Warner Bros. Pictures release hits theaters Friday.

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FILE - The super yacht Amadea sails into the San Diego Bay June 27, 2022, seen from Coronado, Calif. The United States is auctioning off the $325 million luxury superyacht Amadea, its first sale of a seized Russian superyacht since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The auction comes as President Donald Trump pressures Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

US is auctioning a seized $325M Russian yacht with 8 state rooms, a helipad, a gym and a spa

August 6, 2025

The United States is auctioning off the $325 million yacht Amadea in the first American sale of a seized Russian luxury ship since the start of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The auction comes as President Donald Trump pressures Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. The Amadea was seized three years ago and is docked in San Diego. The 348-foot-long yacht features eight state rooms, a helipad and a beauty salon. The U.S. says the yacht belongs to a sanctioned Russian former politician. But a former Russian energy company official claims he owns it and says he’ll pursue the auction proceeds once he prevails in court. The auction closes Sept. 10.

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This handout photo released by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. shows Denna Fredericka Campbell, who was an officer for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. She was killed in 1995. (Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. via AP)

Boyfriend charged with killing police officer in their Maryland home nearly 30 years ago

August 6, 2025

Authorities say a man charged this week with fatally shooting a police officer in her Maryland home nearly 30 years ago was the officer’s live-in boyfriend and had blamed her 1995 killing on a burglary. Amir Jalil Ali was arrested Tuesday on a first-degree murder charge. He initially was charged in 1995 with killing 24-year-old Denna Fredericka Campbell, an officer for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. But the charges against him were dropped two months later by prosecutors in Maryland’s Montgomery County. Police officials announced Ali’s arrest on Wednesday.

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Donald Trump listens at an event to promote his proposal to improve Americans' access to their medical records in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

What to know about mRNA vaccines

August 6, 2025

Research shows mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now scientists are using that Nobel Prize-winning technology to try to develop vaccines and treatments against a long list of diseases including cancer and cystic fibrosis. But this week, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine critic, canceled $500 million in government-funded research projects to create new mRNA vaccines against respiratory illnesses that might trigger another health emergency. That dismays infectious disease experts who note that mRNA allows faster production of shots than older vaccine-production methods, buying precious time if another pandemic were to emerge.

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Lewes Beach Patrol Chief Mark Woodard rests a moon jellyfish on the sand at Savannah Beach, in Lewes, Del., on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mingson Lau)

Many Delaware beachgoers feel the sting of a blooming jellyfish population

August 6, 2025

More beachgoers have been getting an unexpected shock this summer as jellyfish numbers bloom along the Delaware coast. Many beach patrol captains say they’re seeing the most jellyfish activity and stings in recent memory. Dramatic increases were reported at Delaware’s two most popular beaches in July. Lewes Beach is one of them. It had over four times as many stings in July compared to the same month last year. Lion’s manes, sea nettles and moon jellyfish are some varieties that frequent Delaware’s summertime waters, but the sudden boom has shocked beachgoers. A beach patrol captain says he has never seen this many jellyfish or reports of stings.

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FILE - This Feb. 19, 2014, file photo, shows WhatsApp app icon on a smartphone in New York. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)

WhatsApp takes down 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam centers, Meta says

August 6, 2025

WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam centers worldwide, according to its parent company, Meta. The account deletions occurred over the first six months of the year as part of wider efforts from Meta to crack down on scams. On Tuesday, Meta also announced new tools on WhatsApp to help users spot scams, including a safety overview and test alerts. Scams are becoming all too common and increasingly sophisticated in today’s digital world — with too-good-to-be-true offers and unsolicited messages attempting to steal consumers’ information or money filling our phones, social media and other corners of the internet each day.

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Ryan Speedo Green triumphs in first outing as Wagner’s god in ‘Die Walküre’

August 6, 2025

Ryan Speedo Green has taken on the challenging role of Wotan in Wagner’s “Die Walküre” at the Santa Fe Opera House. Known for its demanding nature, the role is often compared to climbing Mount Everest for a bass-baritone. Green, who overcame a troubled childhood, has risen to stardom with performances at the Metropolitan Opera. He is set to play Wotan in a new “Ring” cycle that launches in the 2027-28 season at the Met. Green’s dedication and hard work have earned him praise from critics and colleagues alike and he says it has given him the opportunity to play a character who doesn’t worry about what anyone thinks about him.

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This combination of images shows author James Patterson during a portrait session in New York on Aug. 30, 2016, left, and Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, at a hearing in New York on Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo, left and New York Post Pool via AP)

James Patterson and Vicky Ward to write book on UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

August 6, 2025

James Patterson and Vicky Ward are collaborating on a new book about the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The book will explore the hunt for his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione. Little, Brown & Company announced the project, which currently has no title or release date. Patterson and Ward plan to use exclusive interviews, firsthand reporting and court transcripts. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to a federal murder charge for the December shooting. Patterson describes the story as “the American Dream Gone Wrong.” The pair’s previous book, “The Idaho Four,” became a national bestseller last month.

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FILE - President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in a ceremony in the President's Room near the Senate chambers in Washington, Aug. 6, 1965. Surrounding the president from left directly above his right hand, Vice President Hubert Humphrey; Speaker John McCormack; Rep. Emanuel Celler, D-N.Y.; Luci Johnson; and Sen. Everett Dirksen, R-Ill. Behind Humphrey is House Majority Leader Carl Albert of Oklahoma; and behind Celler is Sen. Carl Hayden, D-Ariz. (AP Photo, File)

Protections of the Voting Rights Act are under threat as the law marks its 60th anniversary

August 6, 2025

The Voting Rights Act was signed into law 60 years ago but has been slowly eroding for more than a decade. That erosion started with a 2013 Supreme Court decision ending the requirement that all or parts of 15 states with a history of discrimination in voting get federal approval before changing the way they hold elections. The court upheld a key part of the law in 2023. But in the court’s upcoming term it’s scheduled to hear a case that could roll back that decision and another that would effectively neuter the law. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund says the Voting Rights Act is at “a critical juncture.”

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The Jackson Home, where Martin Luther King Jr. and others planned marches to call for Black voting rights in the early 60s in Selma, Ala., is shown being reconstructed at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Mich., Monday, July 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Michigan museum preserves Civil Rights artifacts amid federal efforts to downplay Black history

August 6, 2025

An Alabama home where Martin Luther King Jr. and others planned marches in the 1960s calling for Black voting rights has been reconstructed in its entirety at a museum near Detroit. The delicate operation to move and preserve the Jackson Home and other artifacts from the Civil Rights era preceded President Donald Trump’s efforts to eradicate what he calls “divisive” and “race-centered ideologies,” and downplay the cultural and historical impact of race, racism and Black Americans. The Smithsonian Institution and other federal museums are now facing pressure to minimize artifacts that explain American history from a Black perspective.

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FILE - Luci Baines Johnson looks at the desk May 16, 2023, on display at the LBJ Presidential Library, that President Lyndon B. Johnson sat at in the President's Room at the U.S. Capitol to sign the Voting Rights Act of 1965, on Aug. 6, 1965. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman, File)

Things to know about the Voting Rights Act and the cases that could unravel it

August 6, 2025

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ended the discriminatory practices against Black voters that were prevalent in many states. That discrimination included poll taxes and literacy tests that allowed those voters to be turned away. The law also established a process known as preclearance, which required that all or parts of 15 states with a history of discriminatory practices in voting get federal approval before making changes to the way they hold elections. The Supreme Court removed that pillar in 2013. Cases before the current court could undo most of what’s left of the law.

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FILE - State troopers swing billy clubs to break up a civil rights voting march in Selma, Ala., March 7, 1965. (AP Photo, File)

The Voting Rights Act is turning 60. Civil rights marchers recall a hard-won struggle

August 6, 2025

The nation is marking the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. President Lyndon Johnson signed the landmark legislation into law on Aug. 6, 1965 after marchers were beaten in Selma, Alabama. Those at the epicenter of the fight for voting rights for Black Americans recalled the struggle. The Voting Rights Act led to sweeping change across the American South. But the anniversary of the legislation comes amid trepidation about what’s ahead and fear that those hard-won rights are being eroded.

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Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield speaks at a campaign watch party Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Mary Sheffield to face Solomon Kinloch in November election for Detroit mayor

August 5, 2025

The race for Detroit’s next mayor is set to pit a longtime City Council member against a popular pastor. Council President Mary Sheffield and megachurch leader Solomon Kinloch were the top two vote-getters in Tuesday’s nonpartisan primary. Voters will decide in November which of the two will succeed popular three-term Mayor Mike Duggan. He is running as an independent for Michigan’s open governor’s seat in 2026. Sheffield and Kinloch bested a field of seven others. They included former police Chief James Craig, former City Council member Saunteel Jenkins and current member Fred Durhal III.

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Texas House Rep. Joe Moody, D - El Paso, stands at the back of the House Chambers with empty chairs belonging to House Democrats protesting a redistricting map at the State Capitol, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

Why dozens of Democrats left Texas and how Republicans are trying to punish them

August 5, 2025

Dozens of Democratic state lawmakers in Texas have scattered across the country in a last-ditch effort to prevent Republicans from adopting U.S. House maps that President Donald Trump wants in place before the 2026 midterm elections. The Republican-controlled state House failed to reach a necessary quorum to vote on a district map Monday and Tuesday. By leaving the state, Democrats are beyond the reach of Texas law enforcement, and they can effectively shut down the vote by ensuring the 150-member House does not have the quorum required to do business. Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Republicans are threatening to try to remove the Democrats from office if they don’t return to the Capitol.

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FILE - This undated image provided by the U.S. Department of State shows Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel. (U.S. Department of State via AP)

US won’t seek death penalty for Mexican drug lords Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Rafael Caro Quintero

August 5, 2025

U.S. prosecutors won’t seek the death penalty in their cases against Mexican drug lords Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Rafael Caro Quintero. Prosecutors disclosed their decision in brief letters to judges on Tuesday. Caro Quintero and Zambada have pleaded not guilty to an array of drug trafficking charges. It is unclear whether taking the death penalty off the table signals any possibility of a plea deal with either or both men. Prosecutors declined to comment. The men’s lawyers welcomed the decision but were circumspect about what happens next. The prosecutions are separate, but they similarly target two of Mexico’s most notorious narcos.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at a news conference at the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

What’s known and not yet known about the Justice Department’s scrutiny of Trump-Russia probe origins

August 5, 2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi is set to criminally investigate the origins of the Trump-Russia probe from the Obama era. This move reopens a highly scrutinized chapter in American history. Bondi has directed President Donald Trump’s Justice Department prosecutors to present evidence to a grand jury. The investigation’s specifics, including which prosecutors are involved and potential charges, remain unclear. The Trump administration has been challenging intelligence community conclusions about Russian interference in the 2016 election. This probe adds to a series of inquiries into Russian interference and the U.S. government’s response, which have revealed significant flaws but no criminal wrongdoing.

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President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump threatens federal takeover of DC after attack on former DOGE worker

August 5, 2025

Two 15-year-olds have been arrested in Washington for an attempted carjacking and beating of Edward Coristine, a prominent member of the Department of Government Efficiency. The incident happened early Sunday in Logan Circle. Police say a group of teenagers tried to carjack Coristine and his significant other. Coristine was attacked until officers intervened. The attack has renewed calls from President Donald Trump for federal control over Washington, citing crime concerns. Trump threatened to impose federal control if local authorities don’t act. The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate, seeking additional suspects.

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CORRECTS CITY TO AURORA, ILL., Texas Rep. Gene Wu speaks as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker looks on during a news conference in Aurora, Ill,, on Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Texas governor asks court to remove House Democratic leader from office over walkout

August 5, 2025

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the state Supreme Court on Tuesday to remove from office a top state lawmaker he called the “ringleader” of Democrats who left the state to block a vote on a new congressional voting map pushed by President Donald Trump. Abbott bypassed lower courts and filed a rare emergency petition against state House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu straight to the all-Republican state Supreme Court, the state’s top civil court. The governor’s lawsuit came just three days after dozens of Democrats left the state and hinges on an untested legal theory that the lawmakers can be found to have vacated their office if they don’t return to the state Capitol.

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FILE - People film a statue of Confederate general Albert Pike in the nation's capital after it was toppled by protesters and set on fire in Washington early June 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

Confederate statues in DC area to be restored and replaced in line with Trump’s executive order

August 5, 2025

Two Washington, D.C.-area statues commemorating the Confederacy will be restored and replaced, in line with President Donald Trump’s pushback on recent efforts to reframe America’s historical narrative. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that a statue commemorating the Confederacy would be returned to Arlington National Cemetery. The statue, which Hegseth referred to as “The Reconciliation Monument,” was removed in 2023. The National Park Service announced Monday that the statue of Albert Pike, a Confederate brigadier general and a revered figure among Freemasons, would resume its previous position in Washington’s Judiciary Square, a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

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FILE - Traditional Russian wooden dolls called Matryoshka depicting China's President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump at a souvenir shop in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, File)

Trump’s pursuit of meeting with Chinese leader reveals the complex web of US-China relations

August 5, 2025

President Donald Trump is raising eyebrows in Washington with his approach to China. Concerns are growing that he might offer concessions that could hurt U.S. interests in his quest to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. There is no firm plan for a meeting, but many believe it must happen for a trade deal. Some worry Xi is leveraging Trump’s eagerness for concessions. Taiwan fears it could be “trade-able” in negotiations. Critics say Trump may cave to China to reach a deal. Meanwhile, export controls have been eased, causing concern among lawmakers about national security.

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FILE - A sign marks the entrance to Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, a site used by the Florida National Guard, near Starke, Fla., July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/David Fischer, File)

Florida prepares to build a second immigration detention center to join ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

August 5, 2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is apparently preparing to build a second immigration detention center, awarding at least one contract for what’s labeled in state records as the “North Detention Facility.” The site would add to the capacity at the state’s first detention facility, built at an isolated airfield in the Florida Everglades and dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Florida plans to build a second detention center a Florida National Guard training center called Camp Blanding. DeSantis has said the state is waiting for federal officials to ramp up deportations from the South Florida facility before building out the second site outside of Jacksonville.

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‘Ketamine Queen’ accused of selling Matthew Perry fatal dose gets September trial date

August 5, 2025

A woman charged with selling Matthew Perry the ketamine dose that killed him is headed for trial in September. Jasveen Sangha’s trial is the only one forthcoming over the “Friends” star’s death after four other defendants reached plea agreements and are cooperating with prosecutors. A federal judge set the trial date for September 23. Sangha, who prosecutors say was known to customers as “The Ketamine Queen,” faces five counts of ketamine distribution, including one resulting in death. She has pleaded not guilty. Sangha was a major target in the investigation, along with Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty last month.

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FILE - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks with former television journalist Gretchen Carlson, not shown, at an event on April 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Michigan Gov. Whitmer makes another White House visit to meet with Trump

August 5, 2025

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the impact tariffs and Medicaid changes are having on her state. The Democrat has met with Trump multiple times in his second term after taking a more diplomatic approach than in his first term. The new approach has netted her multiple wins for the state, including a new fighter jet mission to an air base in the state. Whitmer said that she will “work with anyone to get things done for Michigan.” The friendly relationship between Whitmer and Trump is in contrast towards his public stance towards other Democratic leaders, including other high-profile governors.

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FILE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters is photographer in Washington, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Federal judge rules Trump administration cannot reallocate billions meant for disaster mitigation

August 5, 2025

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from reallocating more than $4 billion meant to help communities protect against natural disasters. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns on Tuesday granted a preliminary injunction sought by 20 Democrat-led states while their lawsuit over the funding moves ahead. The states argue the Federal Emergency Management Agency lacks the authority to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and redirect more than $4 billion of its funding. The program aims to harden infrastructure around the country against potential storm damage. Noting money for the program was allocated by Congress, the states say any attempt to redirect it would run afoul of the Constitution.

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The outside of the Montgomery County Circuit Court is seen in Rockville, Md., Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lea Skene)

Mother of 2 missing children held without bail after previous case dropped for mental health reasons

August 5, 2025

A Maryland woman with a long history of severe mental illness has been held without bail and ordered to receive psychiatric treatment behind bars after she was recently rearrested and charged with murder in the 2014 disappearance of her two children. The new indictment against Catherine Hoggle comes three years after an earlier murder case was dismissed because she had been repeatedly found incompetent to stand trial. Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy alleges that Hoggle confessed to strangling her children during a conversation with another woman attending a group-therapy session.

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FILE - People shop for shoes on , Nov. 25, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)

Tips to help manage your buy now, pay later loans

August 5, 2025

Between rising prices and dwindling job growth, using “buy now, pay later” on everything from concert tickets to fast food deliveries is becoming increasingly appealing. But greater use could also mean greater trouble, as more people fall behind on repaying these loans. Buy now, pay later loans gained popularity during the pandemic, especially among young people. While these loans can help you make large purchases without paying interest or undergoing a hard inquiry in your credit report, they can also be easily overused.

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FILE - The seal of The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seen on the Headquarters in Washington, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Violent crime in the US dropped 4.5% last year, FBI data shows

August 5, 2025

A new FBI report says violent crime in the United States fell 4.5% last year while property crime dropped 8% from the year before. The FBI statistics released Tuesday show murder and nonnegligent manslaughter in the U.S. fell nearly 15% in 2024, continuing a decline that’s been seen since a coronavirus pandemic-era crime spike. Reported hate crimes decreased 1.5%. The FBI collects data through its Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Not all law enforcement agencies in the U.S. participate. The 2024 report is based on data from more than 16,000 agencies, or more than 86% of those agencies in the FBI’s program.

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CORRECTS DATE PHOTO WAS TAKEN TO AUGUST 4 - Rep. Mike Flood speaks and takes questions during a town hall meeting on the University of Nebraska campus, Monday, August 4, 2025 in Lincoln, Neb. The second-term Republican braved a Democratic-heavy audience of roughly 700, most of whom booed and chanted in opposition to the GOP-backed tax-break and spending-cut bill President Donald Trump signed last month. (AP Photo/Thomas Beaumont)

GOP congressman faces heated town hall where hundreds boo him for supporting Trump’s big bill

August 5, 2025

Republican congressman Mike Flood has gotten an earful during a Nebraska town hall held to defend his support of President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts law. Flood braved the ire of a Democratic-leaning college town audience dominated by hundreds of people intent on expressing their displeasure chiefly with cuts to Medicaid benefits and tax reductions tilted toward the wealthy. Flood described the law Monday in Lincoln as less than perfect but stood firm on its Medicaid and tax provisions, fueling a barrage of jeers and chants from the hostile audience. How voters receive the law could go a long way to determine whether Republicans keep power in next year’s midterm elections.

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Palantir books its first $1 billion in quarterly sales and dodges DOGE axe

August 5, 2025

Shares of Palantir Technologies sailed past previous record highs Tuesday after booking its first $1 billion sales quarter and raising its performance expectations for the year. The stock rose above $170 Tuesday after breaking previous records four times this year in the global artificial intelligence race. The previous closing high for the stock was set this week at $160.66. Since going public in 2020 when it posted a $1.17 billion annual loss, the artificial intelligence software company has swung swiftly to a profit and sales are booming. Profit rose 33% to $327 million in the second quarter.

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FILE - Kendrick Lamar performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, file)

Lady Gaga leads 2025 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, followed by Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar

August 5, 2025

Lady Gaga tops the 2025 the MTV Video Music Award nominations, ending Taylor Swift’s two-year run in the top spot. Gaga is up for 12 awards including song, video, album and artist of the year. She is followed closely by Bruno Mars with 11 nominations. Kendrick Lamar has 10. Sabrina Carpenter and first-time nominee Blackpink’s ROSÉ are tied with eight. The three-hour VMAs will broadcast live on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern from the UBS Arena just outside New York City. It will also simulcast on MTV and be available to stream on Paramount+.

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FILE - A jar of krill sits on a lab counter at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, Va., on May 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, file)

Krill fishery in Antarctica shut down after record catch triggers unprecedented early closure

August 5, 2025

Officials have shut down the krill fishery near Antarctica early after exceeding the seasonal catch limit for the first time. This decision follows a report detailing a surge in krill catches after a conservation framework lapsed without a new plan. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources confirmed the early closure of the 2024-25 season. The U.S., Russia, China, and other governments failed to approve a new management plan. Krill is crucial for marine ecosystems and climate change mitigation. Researchers highlight its role in removing 20 million tons of carbon annually from the atmosphere.

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Oprah Winfrey picks Richard Russo’s ‘Bridge of Sighs’ for her book club

August 5, 2025

Oprah Winfrey has selected Richard Russo’s novel “Bridge of Sighs” for her book club. The 2007 novel is set in a rural New York community. Winfrey announced the pick on Tuesday. Russo, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, often writes about small Northeastern towns. His works include “Nobody’s Fool” and “Empire Falls,” which won a Pulitzer in 2002. Russo expressed his excitement about introducing his work to a new generation. A conversation between Winfrey and Russo is available on her YouTube channel. Winfrey praised the book as a “classic summer read” filled with romance and family drama.

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Ranchers work to evacuate cattle as the Gifford Fire burns nearby on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Padres National Forest, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Massive wildfire in central California threatens homes, injures 3 people as it burns out of control

August 4, 2025

Hundreds of remote homes are being threatened by a massive wildfire burning through Los Padres National Forest in central California. Three people have been injured, including a motorist with burn injuries who was overrun by flames. Officials say the Gifford Fire spans more than 100 square miles of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The blaze grew out of several smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. More than 1,000 firefighters working in hot and dry conditions are scrambling to make progress against the flames.

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FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Corrections shows Byron Black. (Tennessee Department of Corrections via AP, File)

Tennessee readies for execution of man with working implanted defibrillator

August 4, 2025

Tennessee is gearing up for an execution that experts say would likely mark the first time a man has been put to death with a working defibrillator in his chest. Gov. Bill Lee declined Monday to grant a reprieve. That cleared the way for Byron Black’s execution on Tuesday amid uncertainty about whether the device will shock his heart when the lethal drug takes effect. Black’s attorneys argue that the device should be turned off to prevent unnecessary pain. Black was convicted of the 1998 killings of his girlfriend and her two daughters. This execution is Tennessee’s second since May.

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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Allentown, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

In rejecting the jobs report, Trump follows his own playbook of discrediting unfavorable data

August 4, 2025

President Donald Trump has a pattern of dismissing or altering data that reflects poorly on him. During his first term, he suggested reducing COVID-19 testing to make the outbreak seem less severe. When he lost the 2020 election, he falsely said the vote count was fraudulent. And on Friday, after a jobs report showed economic distress, he fired the official responsible for the data and called the report “phony.” Critics warn that manipulating data could harm public trust and lead to misguided policies. Experts stress the importance of trustworthy data for government and businesses. Trump has also been accused of inflating his net worth.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at a news conference at the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Bondi moves forward on Justice Department investigation into origins of Trump-Russia probe

August 4, 2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi is moving forward with a Justice Department investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation. Her action follows the recent release of documents by the Trump administration aimed at undermining the legitimacy of that inquiry. Bondi has directed a prosecutor to begin presenting evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administration’s top intelligence official. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Fox News first reported the development.

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This photo provided by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shows Austin Robert Drummond. (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation via AP)

3rd person arrested for allegedly helping a Tennessee fugitive wanted in family’s killings

August 4, 2025

Police in Tennessee have charged a 23-year-old woman with assisting a man wanted in the killings of four people. The infant child of two of the victims was found alive miles away from the crime scene. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Dearrah Sanders was arrested in Jackson on Monday and charged with being an accessory after the killings. Authorities say she allegedly helped 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond after the July 29 killings. Drummond remains on the run. Two other men have also been arrested for allegedly helping Drummond.

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Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump attend the meeting between President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Company advised by Trump sons said it hoped to benefit from fed money, then took it back

August 4, 2025

A public document filed by a company that just hired President Donald Trump’s two oldest sons as advisers included a sentence early Monday that said it hoped to benefit from grants and other incentives from the federal government, which their father happens to lead. But the company later deleted the line from the document. That came after The Associated Press asked the Trump family business about the apparent conflict of interest. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are getting “founder shares” worth millions of dollars in New America Acquisition 1 Corp., according to the filing. Lawyers who prepared the filing said the earlier inclusion of the line was a “mistake” by a copyist.

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FILE- A sign announces hiring, July 15, 2025, in Richardson, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Trump says he doesn’t trust the jobs data, but Wall Street and economists do

August 4, 2025

The monthly jobs report is already closely-watched on Wall Street and in Washington but has taken on a new importance after President Donald Trump on Friday fired the official who oversees it. Trump claimed that June’s employment figures were “RIGGED” to make him and other Republicans “look bad” yet provided no evidence. The firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics director followed Friday’s jobs report that showed hiring was weak in July and had come to nearly a standstill in May and June. Economists and Wall Street investors have long considered the job figures reliable. Friday’s revisions were unusually large, and the surveys used to compile the report are facing challenges from declining response rates. But that hasn’t led most economists to doubt them.

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FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Corrections shows Byron Black. (Tennessee Department of Corrections via AP, File)

Tennessee set to execute inmate without turning off his implanted defibrillator

August 4, 2025

Tennessee plans to execute Byron Black without deactivating his defibrillator, raising concerns about potential shocks during the lethal injection. The 69-nine-year-old Black suffers from multiple health issues, including dementia and heart failure. His attorneys argue that the device should be turned off to prevent unnecessary pain. The state Supreme Court recently overturned a decision requiring deactivation. Black was convicted of the 1998 killings of his girlfriend and her two daughters. This execution is Tennessee’s second since May, following a five-year pause. Legal efforts to reconsider Black’s intellectual disability claim have been unsuccessful.

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President Donald Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before he boards Marine One en route to Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In his own words: Trump’s comments over the past year on the jobs report

August 4, 2025

In firing the head of the agency that produces monthly jobs figures, President Donald Trump alleged that the recent weaker-than-expected numbers were phony and that positive numbers reported before the 2024 election were manipulated to make him look bad. This move follows a pattern where Trump labels favorable job reports as legitimate and unfavorable ones as fraudulent. In August 2024, he criticized the Democrats for the fact that the economy added only 114,000 jobs the month before. In April 2025, he praised a surprising 228,000 jobs added the previous month, crediting his own economic policies.

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A slab of concrete is prepared to be removed from the remaining portions of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Owners of cargo ship that crashed into Baltimore bridge sue company that built vessel

August 4, 2025

The owners of the cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge are suing the company that built the vessel. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Pennsylvania last week alleges negligence in the design of a critical switchboard on the ship. Grace Ocean Private, the owners of the Dali, filed the lawsuit against Hyundai Heavy Industries in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Hyundai Heavy Industries could not immediately be reached for comment. Grace Ocean Private contends the switchboard was defectively designed in a manner that wiring connections were not secure.

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A protester stands outside the migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Facility, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Alexandra Rodriguez)

Judge orders Florida, federal officials to produce ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ agreements

August 4, 2025

A federal judge has ordered officials to produce agreements showing who has legal authority at “Alligator Alcatraz,” an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. The order, issued Monday, is part of a civil rights lawsuit claiming detainees’ rights are being violated. Officials must provide documents by Thursday. The facility was hastily constructed over a month ago. The lawsuit says detainees are being held without charges and are barred from meeting attorneys. Environmental groups have also sued over the facility, arguing the project didn’t follow environmental laws. The Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the first Mass at the center on Saturday.

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The U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

August recess can’t hide tensions ahead for Congress on spending and Trump nominations

August 4, 2025

Lawmakers have left Washington for the annual August recess, but a few weeks of relative quiet at the U.S. Capitol can’t mask the partisan tensions that are brewing on government funding and President Donald Trump’s nominees. It could make for a momentous September. On government funding, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries sent their Republican counterparts a sharply-worded letter Monday calling for a meeting this week. They said it will take bipartisanship to avert a “painful, unnecessary shutdown.” On nominees, Republicans are considering changes to Senate rules to get more of Trump’s nominees confirmed.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives a media briefing during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur Friday, July 11, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/Pool Photo via AP)

State Department may require visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000 to enter the US

August 4, 2025

The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States. It’s a move that may make the process unaffordable for many. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the department says it will start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when they apply for a visa. It says the countries affected will be listed once the program takes effect.

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Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks at the annual Fancy Farm picnic Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Fancy Farm, Ky. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Mitch McConnell’s legacy comes under fire in Kentucky race to replace him in the Senate

August 4, 2025

Republican Nate Morris warmed up a recent crowd of party faithful by gushing about President Donald Trump and recounting his own life’s journey. He then focused on the man he wants to replace, Sen. Mitch McConnell. That’s when things got feisty. While bashing the Kentucky senator, Morris was cut off by someone in the crowd who noted that McConnell isn’t seeking reelection. The man then asked Morris what he’s running on. The pushback revealed the risks of attacking McConnell in the twilight of his career. Morris is running against two other prominent Republicans — U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron. The Senate primary will be next spring.

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From a job at a meat processing plant to country music stardom, Bailey Zimmerman is figuring it out

August 4, 2025

Country singer Bailey Zimmerman is releasing his sophomore album, “Different Night Same Rodeo.” Coming out Friday, it follows his successful 2023 debut, “Religiously. The Album.” Zimmerman is a far cry from where he was before 2020, when he was working at his local meat processing plant and laying gas pipeline. Uploading videos to TikTok built him a loyal fan base and the rest is history. For his new album, Zimmerman told The Associated Press he focused on doing what he does best. He wrote songs about his life to connect with others. “Different Night Same Rodeo” also features Luke Combs, the Kid LAROI and Diplo.

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Hank Hill returns to a changed world in new ‘King of the Hill’ episodes

August 4, 2025

Hank Hill is back in a new season of “King of the Hill,” this time streaming on Hulu after a 15-year break. The show follows Hank and Peggy as they return to Arlen, Texas, adjusting to a world of boba tea, ridesharing and Wi-Fi-enabled grills. Their son Bobby, now 21, runs a German-Asian fusion restaurant. Familiar characters like Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer also return, navigating modern life with their classic quirks. Executive producer Saladin K. Patterson says the show balances nostalgia with fresh humor, avoiding politics while exploring relatable changes in culture and relationships. Fans can expect 10 new episodes.

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FILE - The DuPont logo is seen on a sign at the entrance to the company's Spruance Plant on April 22, 2008, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

New Jersey says 3 chemical makers agree to ‘forever chemical’ settlement worth up to $2 billion

August 4, 2025

DuPont and two other companies will pay New Jersey up to $2 billion to settle environmental claims stemming from PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The agreement was announced Monday. State officials say the deal with DuPont, Chemours and Corteva is the largest such settlement in state history. It calls for the companies to pay $875 million over 25 years and create a remediation fund of up $1.2 billion. The companies will split the costs under the deal, which must still be approved by the courts. PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation’s air, water and soil.

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This combination of photos shows Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 8, 2025, from left, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 12, 2024, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in Annapolis, Md., May 15, 2025, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in Washington, June 12, 2025, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Washington, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

Democratic governors may offer a path forward for a party out of power in Washington

August 4, 2025

Democrats are out of power in Washington but hold 23 governors’ seats, including in five of the seven presidential battlegrounds Donald Trump swept last year. Some Democratic activists see that slate as the party’s best counter to the Republican president and evidence the party is not in as much disarray at it might sometimes seem. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill is leaving the House minority to run for New Jersey governor. Sherill says the statewide job matters because governors have to get things done to improve people’s lives. Sitting Democratic governors have won minimum wage increases, expanded Medicaid insurance coverage and shored up abortion rights. The question is whether Democrats can scale those victories to federal elections.

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Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., speaks during the Republican National Convention, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Rep. Nancy Mace kicks off South Carolina GOP gubernatorial bid. She says she’s ‘Trump in high heels’

August 4, 2025

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina says she plans to start a statewide series of town halls this week in Myrtle Beach now that she’s running for governor. Mace enters a GOP primary in which competition for President Donald Trump’s endorsement is expected to be fierce. Mace announced her candidacy Monday in Charleston. The congresswoman plans to focus on criminal justice, fiscal responsibility, education and energy grid improvements. Mace says she’ll seek Trump’s support, saying she stands out in the GOP field as having best advanced his agenda for South Carolinians. Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Ralph Norman have already entered the GOP race.

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Cars drive along the Las Vegas Strip, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

All major Las Vegas Strip casinos are now unionized in historic labor victory

August 3, 2025

The Culinary Workers Union representing 60,000 hospitality workers in Nevada has achieved a historic victory on the Las Vegas Strip. For the first time in its 90-year history, all major casinos on the Strip are unionized. The union’s gains follow a change in ownership at the Venetian, a longtime holdout. Experts say this success is notable amid declining union membership in the U.S. and GOP-led efforts over the years to curb union power, including “right to work” laws in more than two dozen states. Many credit the union’s resilience to the industry’s deep roots in Las Vegas and ability to navigate complex power dynamics with casino owners.

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Louie the spider monkey climbs on John Richard, a volunteer at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary in Perkinston, Mississippi on Friday, July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates)

A Mississippi monkey sanctuary helps veterans with PTSD find peace

August 3, 2025

An Army veteran finds peace through a unique bond with a spider monkey named Louie. John Richard, who has struggled with PTSD for over 20 years, says his connection with Louie has been more healing than any treatment. Their friendship began last fall at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary in Mississippi. The sanctuary’s founder, April Stewart, also a veteran, shares a similar story. She says working with animals has helped her cope with PTSD. The sanctuary, which houses various rescued primates, aims to provide a natural habitat and healing space for both animals and veterans.

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FILE - A Russian and Chinese national flag flutter near Tiananmen Gate for the visiting Russia's President Vladimir Putin, in Beijing, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

China pushes back at US demands to stop buying Russian and Iranian oil

August 3, 2025

China has taken a firm stance against U.S. demands that it stop buying oil from Russia and Iran or face a possible 100% tariff. This comes as both countries signal goodwill in negotiating a trade deal after two days of talks in Sweden. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledges China’s position on oil purchases but suggests an overall trade deal remains likely. China has shown confidence in playing hardball when dealing with the Trump administration, especially when trade is linked to its energy and foreign policies. China was the only country that retaliated when President Donald Trump in April unveiled a sweeping plan for tariffs on dozens of countries.

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Trump attacks Charlamagne Tha God after radio host criticizes his presidency

August 3, 2025

President Donald Trump has criticized radio host Charlamagne Tha God, saying that the broadcaster “knows nothing about me or what I have done.” Trump’s comments on Sunday followed Charlamagne’s criticism on a Fox News show hosted by Lara Trump. Charlamagne said he wouldn’t rate Trump’s presidency highly, citing negative impacts on vulnerable communities. He also predicted traditional conservatives might reclaim the Republican Party from Trump’s movement, referencing controversy over Jeffrey Epstein. Trump called Charlamagne a “racist sleazebag” and criticized his professional nickname.

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Soulja Boy arrested on suspicion of weapons charge during a traffic stop

August 3, 2025

Los Angeles police confirmed that Soulja Boy was arrested early Sunday following a traffic stop on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Police said that Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was a passenger during a traffic stop and was arrested. Inmate records indicate Way was booked into jail after 6 a.m. in the department’s Wilshire Division. The rapper was recently found liable for sexually assaulting and physically and emotionally abusing a former assistant. He was ordered to pay the woman $4 million in damages. The Chicago hip-hop artist is best known for his 2007 single “Crank That (Soulja Boy).”

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“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” holds its lead atop the box office

August 3, 2025

Marvel’s first family faltered in its sophomore weekend at the box office, recording a 66% dip in North American theaters. But the movie still managed to hold on to the No. 1 spot this weekend. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” earned $40 million, bringing total earnings to $198 million domestically. “The Bad Guys 2” and “The Naked Gun” snagged the second and third spots. Marvel’s previous film, “Thunderbolts,” took a 55% dive in its second weekend and is almost on par with “Captain America: Brave New World.” That film landed in theaters earlier this year and fell 68% after its debut weekend.

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FILE - Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows addresses a livestream as election workers scan ballots, Nov. 12, 2024, in Augusta Maine. (AP Photo/David Sharp, File)

The Justice Department seeks voter and election information from at least 19 states, AP finds

August 3, 2025

The Justice Department is ramping up an effort to get election data from the states. According to an Associated Press tally, the department’s voting section has requested copies of voter registration lists from state election administrators in at least 15 states. And department lawyers have contacted officials in at least seven states to propose a meeting about forging an information-sharing agreement related to instances of voting or election fraud. The unusually expansive outreach has raised alarm among some election officials. That’s because states have the constitutional authority to run elections and because federal law protects the sharing of individual data with the government.

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