US & World News Archives - Page 17 of 86

Judge finds Trump administration unconstitutionally targeted noncitizens over Gaza war protests

September 30, 2025

By MICHAEL CASEY - Associated Press

A federal judge says the Trump administration unconstitutionally targeted noncitizens for deportation over pro-Palestinian protests. U.S. District Judge William Young issued the ruling on Tuesday, agreeing with the plaintiffs that the policy they describe as ideological deportation violates the First Amendment. The decision came after a trial in which plaintiffs presented witnesses who testified that the Trump administration had launched a coordinated effort to target students and scholars who had criticized Israel or showed sympathy for Palestinians. An email to the Homeland Security department for comment was not immediately returned.

Ukraine begins sharing drone expertise with Denmark deployment, Zelenskyy says

September 30, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Ukraine is sharing its expertise in drone defense with European countries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukrainian military experts are in Denmark for joint exercises. European defense ministers recently agreed to build a “drone wall” along their borders with Russia and Ukraine. It aims to improve detection and interception of drones. Ukraine’s experience is seen as crucial for this project. Denmark has reported drone sightings at military facilities and airports. Polish airspace has also been breached by Russian drones. NATO is increasing aerial surveillance in the Baltic Sea amid strained relations with Moscow.

Pfizer agrees to lower prescription drug costs for Medicaid in a deal with Trump

September 30, 2025

By TOM MURPHY and MICHELLE L. PRICE - Associated Press

Drugmaker Pfizer has agreed to lower drug costs and invest $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing under a deal struck with President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump made the announcement with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla at the White House on Tuesday. The announcement comes as the Republican president has for months sought to lower drug costs. Trump says under the agreement New York-based Pfizer will charge most-favored-nation pricing to Medicaid and guarantee that pricing on newly launched drugs. That involves matching the lowest price offered in other developed nations.

Here are some effects of a government shutdown if Congress, Trump don’t reach a deal

September 30, 2025

Associated Press

The U.S. government is nearing a partial shutdown, with a range of effects on public services and the broader economy. Employee furloughs and potential layoffs would halt some government activities. While other functions would continue — including the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs would continue but some payments to providers could be delayed with certain employees off the job. The FDA, USDA and CDC would continue some of their public health functions, but with staff still diminished by furloughs. And long-term research programs would be halted. Air Traffic Controllers would stay on the job. But the training program for new controllers would likely halt, upending efforts to address a critical shortage in the profession.

Scientists find ancient life-size animal rock carvings in the Saudi Arabian desert

September 30, 2025

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

Researchers have discovered life-size rock carvings of camels, gazelles and other animals in Saudi Arabia. The carvings date back around 12,000 years and many are over 6 feet tall. Scientists say they were created using a wedge-shaped rock to make sharp lines. Scientists weren’t sure if humans lived in the desert during this time period since conditions were dry and water was scarce. The art and tools show that people lived in the area about 2,000 years earlier than previously thought, though it’s not yet clear how they survived. The findings were published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

WNBA fines Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve a record $15,000 for conduct and comments: AP Source

September 30, 2025

By DOUG FEINBERG - AP Basketball Writer

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve has been fined $15,000 by the WNBA for her comments and conduct after her team’s Game 3 semifinal loss to the Phoenix Mercury, a person familiar with the penalty tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement was made. The fine is believed to be the biggest for an individual coach or player in league history. The WNBA doesn’t publicize the amount of fines. Additionally, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon were fined $1,000 each for their public comments on WNBA officiating in which they defended Reeve.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT now lets users buy from Etsy, Shopify in push for chatbot shopping

September 30, 2025

AP

OpenAI is transforming ChatGPT into a virtual merchant to boost online commerce revenue. Users can now buy directly from Etsy sellers through the chatbot and will soon be able to do the same with Shopify sellers. Competing with Amazon and Google for purchase fees could provide a new income stream for OpenAI, which hasn’t yet turned a profit. The company is collaborating with Stripe on technical standards for its “Instant Checkout” system. OpenAI says ChatGPT won’t favor specific items, considering factors like availability and price.

US government is phasing out paper checks. Here’s what that means for you

September 30, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change starts Tuesday and affects recipients of benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a beneficiary “has no other means to receive payment.”

Takeaways from AP’s report about financial allegations against worship leader Sean Feucht

September 30, 2025

By DEEPA BHARATH - The Associated Press

Sean Feucht, a conservative Christian worship leader, gained attention in 2020 by defying COVID-19 restrictions with protest concerts. His ministry’s revenue soared to $5 million that year, up from from $243,000 the year before. Now, former staff and volunteers accuse him of financial mismanagement, excessive real estate purchases, and mistreatment of workers. Feucht denies these claims, stating in a June video that all donations serve a “kingdom-ordained purpose.” Property records show his ministry has acquired nearly $7 million in real estate since 2020. Watchdog group MinistryWatch gave his organization an F for transparency. Feucht has not responded to AP’s requests for comment.

Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda charge toward Bermuda as the tiny island prepares

September 30, 2025

AP

The outer bands of Hurricane Humberto lashed Bermuda on Tuesday as it approached the tiny British territory, with newly formed Hurricane Imelda following closely behind. A hurricane watch was in effect for the island located in the north Atlantic as forecasters warned of dangerous seas, strong winds and heavy rain. Humberto was expected to pass well west and north of Bermuda on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, while Imelda was expected to pass near or over the island on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 2 hurricane, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

Worship leader Sean Feucht mismanaged millions in ministry funds, former associates say

September 30, 2025

By DEEPA BHARATH - Associated Press

Worship leader Sean Feucht’s meteoric rise to prominence began in 2020 during the pandemic. His mask-free concerts defied public health rules and drew thousands, boosting his ministry’s revenue from $243,000 to $5 million. Now, several former associates are accusing him and his organization of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency and mistreatment of volunteers. His real estate acquisitions have raised questions not only among former associates, but also Christian watchdog groups. Feucht has dismissed these allegations as false and has questioned the credibility and ethics of those who have made these allegations.

FBI boss Kash Patel gave New Zealand officials 3D-printed guns illegal to possess under local laws

September 30, 2025

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY and JIM MUSTIAN - Associated Press

On a visit to New Zealand, FBI Director Kash Patel gave the country’s police and spy bosses gifts of inoperable pistols that were illegal to possess under local gun laws and had to be destroyed. The plastic 3D-printed replica pistols were presented during Patel’s visit in July to open the FBI’s first standalone field office in New Zealand. The country’s law enforcement agencies told The Associated Press about the gifts and why they were illegal to possess Tuesday. New Zealand law treats inoperable weapons as operable if they can be modified to work, and regulators deemed these operable. The FBI declined to comment.

Prosecutors seek over 11 years in prison for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

September 30, 2025

By LARRY NEUMEISTER - Associated Press

Prosecutors are urging a New York federal judge to send music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to prison for over 11 years. They filed their sentencing recommendation early Tuesday, along with letters from some of his accusers describing how his violence and demands had impacted their lives. The 55-year-old Combs has remained jailed since his July conviction on prostitution-related charges for arranging male sex workers to travel to hotels or residences where he directed them to have sex with his girlfriends. The elaborate dayslong, drug-fueled sexual events were often filmed by Combs. Defense attorneys have asked that he be sentenced to no more than 14 months. Sentencing is set for Friday.

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill carted off field and taken to hospital with dislocated left knee

September 29, 2025

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Sports Writer

Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been taken to a hospital after suffering a dislocated left knee. Hill was hurt when he made a catch and got tackled near the New York Jets’ sideline with 13:21 left in the third quarter Monday night. He was running toward the sideline and planted his left foot, and his knee appeared to twist severely as he was getting pulled down. Players from both teams took a knee while Hill was tended to. The Dolphins said Hill was going to the hospital “for imaging, evaluation and observation.”

Turning Point, moving forward without Charlie Kirk, makes first return to Utah since his killing

September 29, 2025

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM, JILL COLVIN and JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press

Turning Point USA’s college tour is returning to Utah for the first time since founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated earlier this month. Kirk was killed Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. His death has galvanized conservatives, who vow to continue his mission of encouraging young voters to embrace conservatism. The tour is now headlined by other prominent conservatives. Tuesday’s event at Utah State University will feature speakers like podcaster Alex Clark and a panel with Sen. Mike Lee and Gov. Spencer Cox. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, has pledged to continue the organization’s work.

Trump and Hegseth set to meet with hundreds of military leaders as speculation grows

September 29, 2025

By BEN FINLEY and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are planning to address hundreds of U.S. military officials in person at a base in Virginia. Administration officials have released few details about the reasons for suddenly convening top commanders from around the world. The meeting Tuesday at the Marine Corps base in Quantico near Washington has fueled intense speculation about the value of summoning such a large number of generals and admirals. Many are stationed in more than a dozen countries that include conflict zones. Meetings between top military brass and with civilian leaders are nothing new. But experts say the scale of the gathering and the haste with which it was called are particularly unusual.

For Paraguay’s transgender women, survival often means leaving home

September 29, 2025

By MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ - Associated Press

Transgender women in Paraguay often flee their homes at a young age to escape abuse, stigma and the absence of legal protections, turning to sex work and migration to survive. Despite a dictatorship’s end more than three decades ago, conservative politics, Catholic influence and weak laws continue to fuel prejudice. Shelters offer refuge, but violence goes unrecorded and rights remain unrecognized, pushing the LGBTQ+ community to march each Sept. 30 demanding dignity and legal reforms.

US government on brink of first shutdown in almost seven years amid partisan standoff in Congress

September 29, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, LISA MASCARO and STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

A partisan standoff over heath care and spending is threatening to trigger the first U.S. government shutdown in almost seven years. Democrats and Republicans in Congress are unable to find agreement even as thousands of federal workers stand to be furloughed or permanently laid off. The government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday if the Senate does not pass a House measure that would extend federal funding for seven weeks. Senate Democrats say they won’t vote for it unless Republicans include an extension of expiring health care benefits, among other demands, while President Donald Trump and Republicans are refusing to negotiate at all.

In UN speech, Beijing makes clear its intent to remold global norms, seizing on Trump’s retreat

September 29, 2025

By DIDI TANG - Associated Press

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has made a strong case for China’s role in global governance at the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized China’s commitment to global cooperation, climate change, and the authority of the UN, subtly critiquing recent U.S. actions. Li’s speech reflects China’s ambition to reshape the world norms to align with its interests and values. Experts note that China’s foreign policy under Xi Jinping is more confident and strategic. However, some analysts argue that China’s actions don’t always match its rhetoric.

Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to join Islamic State group

September 29, 2025

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to attempting to join the Islamic State group. Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan changed his plea during a court appearance on Monday. Prosecutors say Hassan tried twice in December to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join the group but failed both times. The FBI had been tipped off about his social media activity supporting the Islamic State group and the Somali militant group al-Shabab. Hassan remains in custody with no sentencing date set. Under a plea agreement, the government agreed not to seek a sentence longer than 17 years. Several Minnesotans have been linked to the group.

A new policy on access at the Pentagon has journalists and the Trump administration at odds

September 29, 2025

By DAVID BAUDER - AP Media Writer

New rules that limit the access of journalists in the Pentagon and appear to condition entry into the building on agreement to restrictions have led to a standoff between the press and the Trump administration’s defense department. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s team characterizes it as an effort to protect national security, but journalists see it as an effort to exert control and avoid embarrassing stories. The new policy says defense department information “must be approved for public release by appropriate officials, even if unclassified. Classified material faces even tighter restrictions. The department wants journalists to sign a letter agreeing to, or acknowledging, the new rules, but there is resistance.

Top photos from Week 4 of the NFL season

September 29, 2025

By The Associated Press

Photo highlights from the fourth week of the NFL season. This gallery was curated by AP photo editors. See this gallery in AP Newsroom AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Categories: US & World News

FACT FOCUS: Alleged FBI documents do not prove federal agents incited Jan. 6 Capitol attack

September 29, 2025

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump buoyed the revival of a years-old conspiracy theory over the weekend, claiming that 50 pages of alleged FBI documents recently made public prove that 274 FBI agents at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were there to incite the attack. But the documents — which The Associated Press was not been able to verify as authentic — do not support Trump’s claim. They say that 274 FBI agents responded to the Capitol attack, not that those agents had any role in making it happen.

Bad Bunny tapped for Super Bowl halftime, spotlighting Latin pride and his clashes with Trump

September 29, 2025

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. and ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON - Associated Press

Bad Bunny has been chosen to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, marking a significant moment for Latin identity on a major stage. The Puerto Rican superstar’s selection highlights his global influence and the NFL’s effort to diversify its audience. The halftime show is a collaboration between the NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music. While artists don’t get paid, they gain massive exposure. The NFL has a history of managing performances tightly, but some artists have defied these constraints. Bad Bunny’s performance could carry deep cultural meaning, blending his music with social and political commentary.

Twins fire manager Rocco Baldelli after 70-92 season, missing playoffs in 4 of last 5 years

September 29, 2025

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

The Minnesota Twins have fired manager Rocco Baldelli, ending his seven-year tenure that included three AL Central titles but only one playoff appearance in his final five seasons. The Twins finished 70-92 this year. Baldelli’s firing came following a season marked by a major selloff leading up to the trade deadline. The Twins went 19-35 after the deadline passed following the departure of 10 players from their major league roster. Only the Colorado Rockies fared worse over the final two months. Baldelli is 44. He went 101-61 and won the AL Manager of the Year award as a rookie in 2019.

Marine veteran charged in deadly North Carolina waterfront shooting appears subdued in court

September 29, 2025

By CAROLYN THOMPSON and ALLEN G. BREED - Associated Press

A decorated Marine veteran charged with carrying out a mass shooting on a North Carolina bar remains held without bail following an initial court appearance. Nigel Edge is charged with murder and other counts after authorities said he fired an assault rifle from a boat Saturday evening, killing three and injuring five at the American Fish Company in Southport. Police say he told officers that he was injured in combat and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. In court Monday, Edge requested a court-appointed attorney. His next hearing is scheduled for October 13.

Escalation of Chicago immigration operations lead to claims of discriminatory stops

September 29, 2025

By SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

The sight of armed, camouflaged and masked Border Patrol agents making arrests near famous downtown Chicago landmarks has amplified concerns about the Trump administration growing federal intervention across U.S. cities. As Memphis and Portland brace for a surge of federal law enforcement, residents in the nation’s third-largest city met a brazen weekend escalation of immigration enforcement tactics with anger, fear and fresh claims of discrimination. But Trump has called the expansion of federal immigration agents and National Guard troops into American cities necessary, blasting Democrats for crime and lax immigration policies.

From all over the planet, they came to the UN with a message: Fix things, particularly yourself

September 29, 2025

By TED ANTHONY - AP National Writer

World leaders have spent the past week at the United Nations often criticizing the U.N. itself. They told each other and those who administer the planet’s most prominent global institution that most parts of the metaphorical house of nations are outdated and not in good working order. Some version of this happens every year. Leaders point out the U.N.’s flaws and tell it to buckle down and get things done. But at the end of speeches they congratulate themselves for doing important work, This year, the critiques from dozens of nations feel even more prominent and pointed than usual.

Georgia’s 2026 candidates still can’t escape fallout from Trump’s false 2020 election claims

September 29, 2025

By JEFF AMY - Associated Press

Fallout from the 2020 presidential election feels like it may never end in Georgia. Decisions made following Democrat Joe Biden’s narrow win — and Donald Trump’s false claims of victory that year — still define politics in the Peach State as 2026 elections approach. Some Republicans fear showcasing those questions could turn off a wider electorate more worried about economic issues even if the Trump fervor still drives many GOP voters. Disputes over 2020 still rage in other states including Michigan and Arizona. But in Georgia, 2020’s fallout may define the Republican choice for governor in 2026 and influence other races, including Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection bid.

Maine’s food pantries stare down volunteer shortage while anticipating cuts

September 29, 2025

By ELAINE APPLETON GRANT - The Maine Monitor

Maine has one of New England’s highest food insecurity rates. Directors of its food pantries say it’s getting harder to make sure people are fed not just because of diminishing federal assistance for food banks and increasing demand. Many of the organizations also overwhelmingly rely on aging volunteers who can’t drive long distances or carry heavy boxes of food. More and more younger volunteers now seek out what the Minnesota Alliance of Nonprofit Advancement calls “event-based” volunteering. These are one-time efforts with no commitment to future shifts.

In a rare UN appearance, senior North Korean diplomat insists his country won’t give up nukes

September 29, 2025

By EDITH M. LEDERER and JENNIFER PELTZ - Associated Press

A senior North Korean diplomat is reiterating that his country won’t give up its nuclear weapons despite numerous international demands to do so. Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly meeting of world leaders, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong characterized his country’s nuclear weapons as crucial to keeping a “balance of power” with South Korea. Kim amplified his country’s longstanding complaints about U.S.-led military exercises with South Korea and Japan. He complained about “growing threat of aggression” from Washington and its allies. South Korea has said the exercises were necessary to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats. Numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions have demanded that the North stop building nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

What we know about Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza

September 29, 2025

By SAMY MAGDY and LEE KEATH - Associated Press

Much remains unknown about U.S. President Donald Trump’s 21-point peace plan for Gaza. But one difference stands out from previous ceasefire proposals: For the first time, it tries to outline the key question of how the territory will be ruled after the war. There are provisions that could bring rejection by either Israel or Hamas. For Hamas, the plan means surrender. Not only would the militant group no longer govern Gaza – a concession it has said it is willing to make. It also would have to disarm, something it has so far rejected. For Israel, it would mean not having direct security control over the Gaza Strip, which Netanyahu has said Israel wants to maintain.

What is the overtime rule the NFL adopted for this season?

September 29, 2025

By JOSH DUBOW - AP Pro Football Writer

Micah Parsons’ much-anticipated return to Dallas to face his former Cowboys teammates ended with a 40-40 tie. The Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey and Green Bay’s Brandon McManus traded short field goals in overtime Sunday night, and Parsons’ only sack played a role in keeping Dallas out of the end zone in the extra period. It was the second time the Cowboys played into overtime this season and another showcase for the league’s tweak of its overtime rule.

Eagles send a message to the NFL and the 31 other teams with the fake tush push

September 29, 2025

By ROB MAADDI - AP Pro Football Writer

Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles sent a message to the NFL and the 31 other teams in Week 4. The reigning Super Bowl champions don’t need a tush push to win. And for those who consider it a boring play, now there’s a new twist. The fake makes it even more difficult for opponents to stop and more interesting to watch. Facing a team that had their number and one that actually had some success against Philadelphia’s signature play, Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo mixed things up. Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown on a fake tush push and Jalen Hurts tossed an underhanded TD pass on a variation of it in a 31-25 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

One Tech Tip: OpenAI adds parental controls to ChatGPT for teen safety

September 29, 2025

By KELVIN CHAN - AP Business Writer

OpenAI has announced new parental controls for ChatGPT to make it safer for teens. This move comes after concerns about AI chatbot safety for young users, including tragic cases where teenagers took their lives after using ChatGPT. To get started, parents can send an email or text invite to their teen to link accounts. Teens can also invite parents. The new controls include automatic safeguards for teen accounts, such as reduced graphic content and restrictions on sensitive topics. Parents will have a dashboard to adjust settings and receive notifications if their child might be in distress.

Dolly Parton postpones Las Vegas residency, cites ‘health challenges’

September 29, 2025

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

Dolly Parton has postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years. In a statement shared to her social media accounts on Sunday night, Parton cited “health challenges” as the reason for the delay. She was scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” between Dec. 4 and Dec. 13. That overlapped with the National Finals Rodeo. Her dates have been moved to next year, to Sept. 2026. Tickets are valid for the new dates and refunds will be available. Earlier this month, Parton was unable to attend the announcement of the new Night Flight Expedition ride at her Dollywood theme park following kidney stones.

Latin superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

September 29, 2025

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. - AP Entertainment Writer

Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show next year. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that the Grammy winner will perform at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8. This comes after his historic Puerto Rico residency this month, which drew over half a million fans. Bad Bunny is also leading all nominees at the Latin Grammys in November. With three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys, he has become a global ambassador for Latin music. Last year, Kendrick Lamar set a record with 133.5 million viewers for his Super Bowl performance.

Micah Parsons’ hyped return to Dallas ends with Cowboys and Packers in 40-40 tie

September 29, 2025

By SCHUYLER DIXON - AP Pro Football Writer

Brandon Aubrey and Brandon McManus traded short field goals in overtime, and Micah Parsons’ highly anticipated return to Dallas ended with the Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in a 40-40 tie. Dak Prescott and Jordan Love had three touchdown passes apiece in regulation, which included seven consecutive lead-changing TDs before McManus’ tying 53-yard field goal as time expired. McManus kicked a 34-yarder as the clock hit 0:00 in overtime, just after Love’s pass into the back of the end zone fell incomplete with just a second remaining.

Ryder Cup in European hands no matter where they play

September 29, 2025

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Golf Writer

Rory McIlroy remembers the tears the last time he fell short in a Ryder Cup. What really stung were the words. The Americans were coming off a 10-point victory and spoke four years ago about changing the course of the Ryder Cup. It’s still on a European path. Team Europe made it closer than it needed to be. It still wound up winning at Bethpage Black. That’s two straight wins since that 10-point American victory. Nothing has changed. If anything, Europe might be getting better. It now has won 11 out of the last 15 times in the Ryder Cup.

What we know about the deadly shooting at a Michigan Mormon church

September 29, 2025

By The Associated Press

At least 100 federal investigators are responding to an attack in a Michigan community where a former Marine crashed a pickup into a Mormon church, shot into the building and then set it ablaze during a Sunday service. Police fatally shot the man, and at least four people were killed with eight injured. It was the latest of many shooting attacks on houses of worship in the U.S. over the past 20 years, including one in August that killed two children during Mass at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis. Authorities identified the man they said carried out the attack but a motive is not clear yet.

Moldova’s pro-EU party wins clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups

September 29, 2025

By STEPHEN McGRATH - Associated Press

Moldovans have given the pro-Western governing party a clear parliamentary majority in a recent election. The vote was seen as a choice between East and West. European leaders praised Moldova on Monday for reaffirming its commitment to a Western path and potential European Union membership. Moldova, a former Soviet republic, has been a geopolitical battleground between Russia and Europe. The governing pro-EU party secured 50% of the vote. Leaders said the election faced alleged Russian interference, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Landlocked between war-torn Ukraine and EU member Romania, Moldova was a Soviet republic until it proclaimed independence in 1991. It has embraced a Western path and is a geopolitical battleground between Russia and Europe.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams abandons his reelection campaign

September 29, 2025

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ and ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE - Associated Press

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has abandoned his struggling campaign for reelection. Adams announced his exit from the race in a video released Sunday, signaling he was no longer a credible contender after a year of scandal and political turmoil. Adams spoke proudly of his tenure as mayor. But he said his now-dismissed federal corruption case left voters wary of him, and that constant media speculation about his future made it impossible to raise enough money to run a serious campaign. Remaining candidates include Democrats Zohran Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani beat Cuomo decisively in the Democratic primary.

Micah Parsons gets OT sack but nobody wins in Packers’ visit to Dallas a month after trade

September 29, 2025

By STEPHEN HAWKINS - AP Sports Writer

Micah Parsons finally got a sack for the Green Bay Packers against his former mentor in overtime. But nobody won in the star rusher’s return to Dallas on Sunday night. The Cowboys had to settle for a short field goal on the opening possession in overtime, that kick coming two plays after Parsons tackled a scrambling Dak Prescott from behind at the 4 for a sack. Green Bay then drove the field for a field goal on the final play for a 40-40 tie. Parsons finished with that one solo tackle and sack, along with two assisted tackles and three quarterback hurries. .

Iran hangs a man it accuses of spying for Israel as Tehran continues wave of executions

September 28, 2025

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran said Monday it hanged a man accused of spying for Israel, the latest as Tehran carries out its largest wave of executions in decades. Iran identified the executed man as Bahman Choobiasl, whose case wasn’t immediately known in Iranian media reports or to activists monitoring the death penalty in the Islamic Republic. Iran accused Choobiasl of meeting with officials from the Israeli spy agency Mossad. Iran’s Mizan news agency, which is the judiciary’s official mouthpiece, said Choobiasl worked on “sensitive telecommunications projects“ and reported about the “paths of importing electronic devices.”

Top-seeded Minnesota Lynx see dream season end early after frustrating 3-game tailspin

September 28, 2025

By DAVID BRANDT - AP Sports Writer

The Minnesota Lynx have seen their season end after losing to the Phoenix Mercury 86-81 in Game 4 of the playoff semifinal. Despite having the league’s best record, the Lynx lost three straight games in the playoffs, blowing a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter Sunday. Veteran All-Star Kayla McBride scored 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to force a Game 5. The Lynx played without suspended coach Cheryl Reeve and All-Star guard Napheesa Collier, who was injured. Minnesota was a favorite to reach the Finals but faced challenges with officiating and key absences.

Netanyahu and Trump are set to meet as pressure mounts to end war in Gaza

September 28, 2025

By ADAM GELLER and SAM MEDNICK - Associated Press

Days after using a U.N. address to reject international demands for an end to the war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will sit down with President Donald Trump, his important supporter. But Monday’s scheduled meeting in Washington comes at a tenuous moment. Israel is increasingly isolated after losing support from many countries that were long its steadfast allies. At home, Netanyahu’s governing coalition appears more fragile than ever. And the White House is showing signs of impatience. The question now is whether Trump will step up pressure on Israel to wind down the long conflict.

Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination case faces court hearing

September 28, 2025

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

The 22-year-old man charged with killing Charlie Kirk will have a court hearing Monday where he and his newly appointed legal counsel will decide whether they want a preliminary hearing where the judge will determine if there is enough evidence against him to go forward with a trial. Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and plan to seek the death penalty. The hearing in Provo is open to the public, just a few miles from the Utah Valley University campus where many students are still processing trauma from the Sept. 10 shooting.

Government shutdown draws closer as congressional leaders head to the White House

September 28, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES and MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders are heading to the White House in a late effort to avoid a government shutdown. But both sides have shown hardly any willingness to budge. If government funding legislation is not passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday night, many government offices will be temporarily shuttered and non-exempt federal employees will be furloughed. Republicans are daring Democrats to vote against legislation that would keep government funding mostly at current levels. But Democrats are holding firm and using one of their few points of leverage to demand action on extending health care benefits.

Starting school can be hard for young kids. Here’s how to help with separation anxiety

September 28, 2025

By MAKIYA SEMINERA - AP Education Writer

Separation anxiety can be a struggle for young kids starting preschool or kindergarten. For many of those children, it’s their first time being apart from their parent or guardian for an extended period of time. Experts say separation anxiety is a normal part of development for many children, but if it persists, it can impact their education. Some symptoms include throwing tantrums or consistently following a parent around the house. Parents and teachers play a key role in providing support. Some parents say talking about preschool or a child’s routine can make them more comfortable about the school day ahead.

Mercury overcome 13-point deficit in 4th quarter, beat Lynx 86-81 to advance to WNBA Finals

September 28, 2025

By DAVID BRANDT - AP Sports Writer

Alyssa Thomas scores 23 points, and DeWanna Bonner hits clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Phoenix Mercury rally from a 13-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4. The Mercury advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021. Phoenix will face the Indiana-Las Vegas winner. Indiana forced a Game 5 earlier Sunday with a 90-83 home victory. The Mercury won the last three games of the best-of-five semifinal series against the top-seeded Lynx. Bonner scores 11 points in the fourth quarter, while Satou Sabally adds 21 points. Minnesota’s Kayla McBride leads with 31 points. The Lynx play without coach Cheryl Reeve and All-Star guard Napheesa Collier