US & World News Archives - Page 4 of 76

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

Rocchio’s walk-off homer embodies Guardians’ 2nd-half rally to AL Central title

September 28, 2025

By JOE REEDY - AP Sports Writer

It was fitting in many ways that Brayan Rocchio hit the walk-off homer that put an exclamation point on the Cleveland Guardians’ historic run to an AL Central title. Even though Cleveland had secured its 13th division crown in the eighth inning when Boston beat Detroit, the Guardians weren’t content to let the AL Central race finish in a tie and win it on a tiebreaker. Cleveland rallied from two runs down to force extra innings. Texas pinch-hitter Rowdy Tellez put the Rangers up 8-5 with a three-run homer in the 10th, but the Guardians came back again with Bo Naylor’s RBI double in the bottom half and then Rocchio’s three-run drive down the right-field line that hit the foul pole and gave them a 9-8 victory.

Reds earn 1st playoff berth since 2020 as they capitalize on Mets’ big fade

September 28, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

The Cincinnati Reds are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after overtaking the New York Mets for the National League’s third and final wild card on the season’s final weekend. Cincinnati got to the postseason with plenty of help from the stumbling Mets. The Reds blew an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot on their own Sunday when they squandered a 2-0 lead in a 4-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. But they still earned the NL’s last postseason spot when the Mets lost 4-0 to the Miami Marlins.

Red Sox beat Tigers 4-3, clinching AL Central title for Guardians

September 28, 2025

By JIMMY GOLEN - AP Sports Writer

José De León pitched a career-high 6 2/3 innings in his first outing in two years to help the Boston Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers that clinched the AL Central title for the Cleveland Guardians. The Red Sox had clinched a postseason berth on Friday, and the Tigers did so on Saturday. De León, called up from Triple-A, allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks. Greg Weissert pitched the ninth for his fourth save. The Tigers will play at Cleveland in the wild-card round and Boston travels to New York.

Europe retains the Ryder Cup and reasserts dominance over Americans

September 28, 2025

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Golf Writer

Europe is keeping the Ryder Cup, just like everyone expected. It didn’t happen without a few nervous moments. The Americans rallied from a seven-point deficit to have a flicker of hope. Europe needed only two points to retain the cup. Ludvig Aberg in the fifth match got the first one. Matt Fitzpatrick earned a halve that felt like a consolation because he had Bryson DeChambeau down by 5 holes at one point. And then Shane Lowry delivered the magic and added his name to Irish lore. His birdied on the 18th hole gave Europe a half to reach 14 points.

‘One Battle After Another’ opens with $22.4 million

September 28, 2025

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

“One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s widely acclaimed American epic of rebellion and resistance, opened with $22.4 million in ticket sales from North American theaters over the weekend. Anderson’s ultracontemporary opus signifies a major gamble by Warner Bros. With “One Battle After Another,” the studio is making a $130 million-plus bet that audiences would come out for 170-minute-long powerhouse drama from one of cinema’s most celebrated auteurs the way they usually only turn up for a franchise or superhero movie.

Steelers backup quarterback Skylar Thompson robbed in Dublin, report says

September 28, 2025

AP

The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed that backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was involved in an incident this weekend after a report that the player had been robbed. The Irish Independent newspaper reported Sunday that Thompson was assaulted and robbed either Friday night or early Saturday in Dublin. Thompson was not playing Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in what is Ireland’s first regular-season NFL game. The Steelers say “we are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin.” The team said it is “working with NFL security to gather more information.” The Steelers beat the Vikings 24-21. Thompson was at the game.

A list of notable shooting attacks on houses of worship in the US in the past 20 years

September 28, 2025

By The Associated Press

A gunman opened fire inside a Michigan church during Sunday services, inflicting casualties after ramming his vehicle into the front door of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. It was the latest of many shooting attacks on houses of worship in the U.S. over the past 20 years. The list of notable attacks includes one barely a month ago in Minneapolis when an assailant fired on Catholic students attending Mass, killing two of the children.

Steelers hold on for 24-21 win over Vikings in NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland

September 28, 2025

By KEN MAGUIRE - AP Sports Writer

Kenneth Gainwell ran for 99 yards and two touchdowns and the Pittsburgh Steelers held on to beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in Ireland’s first regular-season NFL game. DK Metcalf had five catches for 126 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown for the Steelers, who improved to 3-1 going into their bye week. Carson Wentz, making his second consecutive start for the injured J.J. McCarthy, was 30 for 46 for 350 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Vikings.

Oregon moves to No. 2 behind Buckeyes in AP poll; Rebels, Sooners join top 5; Alabama back in top 10

September 28, 2025

By ERIC OLSON - AP College Football Writer

Oregon has moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll, while Mississippi has its highest ranking since 2015. Alabama jumped back into the top 10, and Virginia entered the Top 25 for the first time in six years. Ohio State remains No. 1 for the fifth straight week. The Buckeyes received 46 first-place votes. Oregon’s two-overtime win at Penn State boosted them to their highest ranking since last year. Miami slipped to No. 3, followed by Mississippi and Oklahoma.

LeBron’s future, Kawhi’s situation and Tatum’s health all part of the questions for NBA Media Day

September 28, 2025

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

The NBA’s Media Day happens on Monday for most teams, marking the start of training camps. LeBron James is set to play his 23rd season, and there are questions about if there will be a 24th. The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard faces scrutiny amid an NBA investigation into potential salary cap violations. Injuries are a big concern, with Jayson Tatum hinting at a possible return despite his Achilles injury. Oklahoma City, last season’s champions, are favorites for the next title. And Victor Wembanyama is expected to be ready for the Spurs, now led by no-longer-interim coach Mitch Johnson.

Things to know about federal law enforcement activity in Portland, Chicago, Memphis

September 28, 2025

By ADRIAN SAINZ - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will send troops to Portland, agents clashing with protesters near an immigration enforcement building in suburban Chicago, and the expected arrival of the National Guard in Memphis are the most recent examples of federal law enforcement crackdowns in U.S. cities. Trump said on social media Saturday that he was directing the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.” Trump said the decision was necessary to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. His announcement was met with pushback from Oregon’s Democratic governor.

Shutdown standoff deepens ahead of crucial meeting at the White House

September 28, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN and MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader John Thune are digging in ahead of this week’s deadline to keep the government open, showing little evidence of budging even as both sides have agreed to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Republicans say that Democrats need to help them pass a simple extension of government funding by Tuesday night to avoid a shutdown, and they will not agree to negotiate on it even as they will need a bipartisan vote to pass it. Democrats say they want immediate talks on health care and that they are willing to shut down the government if they don’t get concessions.

Trump will speak at a hastily-called meeting of top military leaders, AP source says

September 28, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump will be speaking at a hastily-called meeting of top military leaders. That word comes from a person with knowledge of Trump’s plans. Hundreds of generals and admirals — senior commanders of the one-star rank or higher and their top advisers — have been summoned for the gathering Tuesday at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, with little notice by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The person was not authorized to discuss the president’s plans before a public announcement about his attendance and spoke on condition of anonymity.

What’s the craic? Steelers and Vikings fans set for Dublin game

September 28, 2025

By KEN MAGUIRE - AP Sports Writer

Steelers and Vikings fans piled into Croke Park on Sunday for Ireland’s first regular-season NFL game. South Dakota native Aden Scott was dressed in black-and-gold overalls. He says “It’s awesome, the energy is great.” Inside Croke Park, the stadium’s pregame music selection was a steady diet of Irish artists including U2 as players stretched two hours ahead of kickoff. Still, some Irish have objected to the Irish government’s allocation of up to 9.95 million euros to support Sunday’s game.

Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv kills 4 and wounds at least 10, as other regions hit too

September 28, 2025

By DEREK GATOPOULOS, ILLIA NOVIKOV and ELISE MORTON - Associated Press

Russia has launched a major drone and missile attack on Ukraine that killed at least four people. Kyiv faced the heaviest assault and it marked the first major bombardment since last month’s deadly air attack. Kyiv City Administration confirmed Sunday’s casualties that included a 12-year-old girl. Ukraine’s air force reported that 595 drones and 48 missiles were fired with most intercepted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the attack targeted multiple regions. Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said that 70 people were wounded. The assault followed Zelensky’s announcement of a significant arms deal with the U.S. Russia’s Defense Ministry said that 41 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight.

Intense and intentional training is helping Democratic women gain state lawmaking seats

September 28, 2025

By ISABELLA VOLMERT - Associated Press

Democratic women have made gains in state legislatures and are now nearly equal in number to Democratic men in state legislatures since 2016, according to the The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. That’s up from making up 34.1% of all Democratic state lawmakers in 2016. However, similar gains are glaringly lacking on the Republican side. Women only comprise of 21.3% of all Republicans in state legislatures. Experts say the numbers are the partially result of a systemic failure to invest in female candidates by the Republican party and its allies.

Mideast nations confront chaos in their region, which Egypt warns ‘is at a point of implosion’

September 28, 2025

By EDITH M. LEDERER - Associated Press

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Oman — all nations in the thick of the unrest that has pervaded the Middle East — confronted the crisis in the region at the annual U.N. gathering of world leaders. Egypt’s top diplomat warned that the Mideast “is at a point of implosion.” All four countries decried Israel’s ongoing pursuit of war in Gaza and the horrific impact on Palestinian civilians. And they bemoaned the failure of the UN and the broader international community to achieve a ceasefire and end the bloodshed. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, whose country has been a key mediator in Gaza, sharply criticized the international community “standing idly by as a spectator” while international law is systematically violated in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East.