Here are the AP's top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.
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Here are the AP's top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.
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NATIONAL
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MS NOW, CNN and Politico say their journalists were denied access to White House after Trump ban
SUMMARY: Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico have been denied access to the White House. Reporters from the two cable networks both went live to report they’d been barred following a ban imposed by President Donald Trump. The actions escalated Trump’s long-running efforts to restrict news coverage by journalists he finds objectionable. It's the latest test of First Amendment protections in the United States. Trump said Friday he would ban both organizations and also Politico, because of their coverage — which he called “fake news.” Politico said its White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett was also denied entry to the White House and had her badge confiscated.
WORDS: 958 - MOVED: 09/19/2026 12:33 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpNewsMediathLdWritethru/d160e253453229600ce54f8e91351523/text___
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS
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Trump says his planned arch would become a 'military complex' able to host drones and snipers
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump says the massive arch he wants to build between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery would become a “top grade military complex” able to host drones and snipers while storing ammunition. Trump said in a social media post Sunday about the arch that he was acting at the “strong request” of the military. The Pentagon says it had no information beyond the president’s statement. Meanwhile, a lawyer for a group of people suing over the project says the arch hasn't won congressional approval and shouldn't be allowed to move ahead without it.
WORDS: 429 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 12:15 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpTriumphalArchthLdWritethru/ef9212f98c337a6a142b338c1861da97/text___
Alaskans will decide fate of ranked choice voting system after chaotic end to state's primary
SUMMARY: Alaska’s primary revealed some of the headaches related to a major change in how voters select their candidates. Late withdrawals shook up the races for governor and Congress. That's left many voters upset after casting their ballots for candidates who dropped out after winning a spot in November’s general election. Some were quick to blame the state's unique elections system that combines open primaries, where the top four vote-getters advance, with general elections run under a ranked choice system. Voters will once again decide whether to keep or scrap the election method this fall.
WORDS: 1316 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 11:31 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSElectionAlaskaRankedChoiceVoting/f79df9852994692cf8bc555c6a7fdaf2/text___
Rising gas prices frustrate voters. Trump says it's an 'inexpensive price to pay' for the Iran war
SUMMARY: Voters across the nation say skyrocketing gas prices are causing financial hardships for their families. Those concerns cuts across the political spectrum and are adding to a sour political environment that may be worsening for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party as early voting begins in the midterm elections. Trump triggered a bipartisan backlash during a campaign appearance in North Carolina this week when he played down the economic impact of surging gas prices. Republican candidates are struggling with the additional burden of Trump’s weak approval ratings, an unpopular war in Iran and an affordability crisis that Trump and his GOP allies in Congress had promised to fix.
WORDS: 1400 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 11:25 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSElectionGasPrices/d2f5d5aa7ecc1f6d55d8f5759db03150/text___
Trump used to slam China. Here's why he's now rolling out the red carpet for Xi
SUMMARY: When Donald Trump ran for office a decade ago, he called China a menace to the U.S. economy. Today, the Republican president has changed his tune. He's playing down the impact that Beijing has on trade, artificial intelligence and other issues. His new strategy of currying favor with China’s Xi Jinping has helped undermine traditional U.S. economic and national security alliances. Xi will be in Washington for a state dinner Thursday. Meanwhile, other Western leaders have found themselves trying to shore up their economic ties with China, too. Trump’s focus on having a good relationship with Xi has left experts questioning whether the U.S. is adequately positioning itself to compete against China.
WORDS: 1084 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 4:02 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpXiFriendsstLdWritethru/2716ee31afa579e9ca18ae76cbe35ab9/text___
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INTERNATIONAL
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Merz vows to press ahead with reforms after historic state election defeat
SUMMARY: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a major electoral setback in two state elections, including a historic defeat for his party. Exit polls show Merz's Christian Democratic Union received just 5% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, its lowest result since World War II. The anti-migration Alternative for Germany party made significant gains. Despite acknowledging the result as a “disaster,” Merz vowed to continue with potentially painful economic reforms. He emphasized the need for backbone and patience. Merz's authority was already weakened by a previous defeat to AfD in Saxony-Anhalt. Calls for his replacement have emerged, but he remains determined to finish his term.
WORDS: 435 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 6:52 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUGermanyStateElectionsthLdWritethru/7e2b99e72100fe2d4364045ae65db765/text___
Far from shore, Tropical Storm Fay forms as Odalys eyes hurricane strength
SUMMARY: A new tropical storm, Fay, has formed in the northern Atlantic Ocean but doesn't pose a threat to land. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reports Fay was about 450 miles southwest of the Azores on Sunday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Fay is expected to dissipate by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Odalys has formed southwest of Mexico's west coast. It's expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Monday. The storm's center is about 1,245 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. There are no coastal watches or warnings for either storm.
WORDS: 201 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 11:30 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTropicalWeatherthLdWritethru/78644c7efe89efe3799ca8ff482d739d/text___
Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including 'largest ever' attack on Moscow
SUMMARY: Russian officials say Ukrainian forces launched over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds targeting Moscow. Moscow's mayor described Sunday's attack as the largest drone attack on the Russian capital. The attack killed two people and wounded 20, while also damaging a Moscow oil refinery and a residential building. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack aimed to hit oil and logistics facilities to pressure Russia's economy. This occurred during Russia's parliamentary elections, which lack opposition to President Vladimir Putin. Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed to have shot down 1,110 Ukrainian drones across Russia and Crimea on Sunday.
WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 7:23 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURussiaUkraineWarthLdWritethru/5f7889d027c0247ca2c2c64425b9ffa9/text___
Russia wraps up first wartime parliamentary election with Kremlin dominance all but assured
SUMMARY: Russia's first wartime parliamentary election is ending, with little opposition to President Vladimir Putin's policies. The Kremlin aims to showcase support for the war and legitimize its actions. The vote began Friday, with authorities encouraging online balloting. For the first time, it includes residents of four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed. Authorities in Kyiv denounced the voting as illegal. The European Union called it a “blatant violation of international law.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces fired over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds toward Moscow. The Kremlin is expected to maintain control amid mounting economic costs and increasing drone attacks.
WORDS: 1072 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 1:47 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURussiaElectionndLdWritethru/6f3df3716cbcf8c96711b688762b450b/text___
Macron and Carney to hold talks on strengthening Canada-France economic and defense ties
SUMMARY: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are meeting to deepen economic and security ties on the North Atlantic archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Macron arrived in the French territory on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. Carney recently embraced the idea of Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member. This move comes as Canada seeks to reduce dependence on the U.S. Macron also aims to secure oil and gas supplies amid global market disruptions. The leaders will discuss partnerships in aerospace, energy, and advanced technologies on Sunday.
WORDS: 369 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 8:38 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUFranceCanadastLdWritethru/73454c45d9a9428fabbfd00a5daeb23f/text___
An Israeli is shot dead in the occupied West Bank, and other Mideast developments
SUMMARY: An Israeli man has been fatally shot in the occupied West Bank and the suspect was detained. Separately, Israel's military said on Sunday that it killed a man attempting a ramming attack on troops elsewhere in the Palestinian territory. Both occurred hours before the start of the Yom Kippur holiday. Meanwhile, Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait have condemned Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen for firing a ballistic missile at the Saudi capital of Riyadh the day before. And the head of the CIA has been in Egypt, a key mediator in the Middle East, meeting with the country's president.
WORDS: 767 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 9:50 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLMideastthLdWritethru/4ca7f5b7d7b4a6658909b7c92764973a/text___
This truth emerges as political situations change fast: Maps show us our world, but not neutrally
SUMMARY: Maps can anchor us in a place or help us get somewhere else. But while the physical geography of our world can be set in stone, maps aren't. There are choices involved in everything from which countries are centered, their size relative to each other and what the objects on the map are called. And where there are choices, there can be disputes. That was recently demonstrated at the United Nations when a General Assembly vote endorsed a map with a different way of looking at the world than has commonly been used.
WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 12:29 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUNUNGeneralAssemblyChangingMaps/80554c1b7dc7ad138eebe5a2801ba725/text___
North Korea launches 2 ballistic missiles toward the sea and dials up pressure on the US
SUMMARY: South Korea’s military says North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea. The launches on Sunday — about three hours apart — came two days after North Korea threatened to bolster its nuclear capabilities in response to U.S. hostilities. They were conducted from North Korea’s eastern coastal Wonsan area. South Korea has boosted its surveillance and is exchanging information with the United States and Japan. The launches follow a series of weapons tests by North Korea, even after the U.S. scaled back a military exercise with South Korea. North Korea's actions continue to heighten tensions in the region.
WORDS: 668 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 6:31 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APASKoreasTensionsthLdWritethru/ad020d996b61dedd358cc689db614fdb/text___
Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile
SUMMARY: Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Yemen’s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile. It was the first attack targeting Riyadh since the escalation in fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemeni government forces backed by the Saudis. The statement late Saturday by the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis came long after the early morning attempt, which the coalition said was intercepted. The statement also said the Houthis tried to attack civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu but they were thwarted. The recent fighting has opened a new front in the Iran war.
WORDS: 458 - MOVED: 09/19/2026 8:10 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLYemenndLdWritethru/b1286cad816dd3e553f50f6dd5205972/text___
A state funeral in Hong Kong honors Tung Chee-hwa, the city's first post-colonial leader
SUMMARY: Hong Kong has held a state funeral for the city's first post-colonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa. Tung, a shipping magnate and chief executive from 1997 to 2005. He died on Septrmber 8 at the age of 89. His casket was draped in a Chinese flag as it was brought out of the funeral home on Sunday. During his tenure, he faced numerous challenges, including the Asian financial crisis, the SARS epidemic, and public protests over a proposed anti-treason law. After stepping down, Tung was elected vice chairman of China's top political advisory body. He was honored in 2019 for his contributions to the country.
WORDS: 439 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 3:01 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APASHongKongTungCheehwaFuneralstLdWritethru/977a3e4b6d1524bb5756e19470a379ef/text___
Families of suspected illegal miners who died in Nigerian detention accuse officials of mistreatment
SUMMARY: Lawan Mohammed is distraught over the death of his 25-year-old son Sulieman who was found dead in the custody of a Nigerian security agency. He said Sulieman was a mechanic in Niger state and was on his way home when he and some friends were arrested by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps. Sulieman was found dead on Thursday in a cell along with 36 other detainees. A total of 67 people suspected of being illegal miners were held in a cell, and 37 of them probably died of suffocation. That's according to the state governor, Umar Bago. The security agency has blamed the deaths on a possible disease outbreak.
WORDS: 656 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 9:00 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APAFNigeriaCustodyDeaths/5239942a46674378a577af017d88180d/text___
Congo begins Ebola vaccinations for health workers in the epicenter of the outbreak
SUMMARY: Congo has begun vaccinating healthcare staff against Ebola in Bunia, the epicenter of the fastest-growing outbreak of the disease in history. Health workers and other front-line workers in the Ebola response are being prioritized to receive the Ervebo vaccine. That vaccine was effective in past Ebola outbreaks caused by a different, more common type of virus. Clinical trials are ongoing to find a licensed vaccine for the current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which has no licensed vaccine or treatment. The rollout is targeting the Bunia and Mongbwalu zones in Ituri province, health authorities said Saturday. Both zones are among the hardest hit by the virus.
WORDS: 615 - MOVED: 09/19/2026 5:01 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APAFCongoEbolaVaccinationstLdWritethru/3f28becb36c401084cb3b19183edb940/text___
Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war
SUMMARY: Russia’s parliamentary election for the first time is being held in Ukraine’s regions that Moscow illegally annexed after the start of its full-scale invasion more than 4 1/2 years ago. It's a way for the Kremlin to cement its territorial gains in the war. While the vote is held for three days from Friday to Sunday to help boost turnout, the Russia-held parts of Ukraine and some areas along the Ukrainian border actually started some early balloting since the end of August. Officials said they added days of voting for security reasons. Ukraine vigorously denounced the voting in the Russian-held areas as illegal and urged foreign governments and international organizations not to recognize it.
WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 09/19/2026 4:12 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURussiaElectionUkraineWarTerritoriesrdLdWritethru/dc5773facca1bedad04c212ccdc94532/text___
Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi tells the AP that Iranians paying the price for war and repression
SUMMARY: Iran's most prominent human rights activist says Iranians are suffering seven months into the war and paying the price for the conflict. Narges Mohammadi is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was released from prison with a suspended sentence earlier this year. Her memoir titled “A Woman Never Stops Fighting” was written behind bars with parts smuggled out by fellow inmates. Mohammadi said in an interview conducted by The Associated Press from outside Iran on Friday that Iranians are grappling with multiple crises but many resist.
WORDS: 946 - MOVED: 09/19/2026 2:30 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLIranRightsActivistthLdWritethru/6bdfbd3fd84e4bab4d0b01176df9c7c0/text___
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BUSINESS
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Federal Reserve rate hike reflects new world of sticky inflation and faster growth
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has renewed his attacks on the Federal Reserve after it hiked its benchmark interest rate Wednesday, but the Fed matters less than broader economic trends when it comes to longer-term borrowing costs, economists say. The economy is growing steadily despite being hit with repeated shocks — and may even be accelerating — while inflation remains stubbornly high. And big tech firms are borrowing huge amounts of cash to plow into data center construction while the federal government is still running large yearly budget deficits. All these trends point to higher interest rates regardless of what the Fed does, analysts say.
WORDS: 799 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 11:59 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSFederalReserveHigherRatesstLdWritethru/a633de46f84a3487f3bdc03f788188fa/text___
In Chile, even beloved hot dogs feel the economic squeeze
SUMMARY: Chileans are feeling the pinch as the cost of living rises, impacting even affordable foods like the completo, the country's version of the hot dog. Official data show Chile is nearing a recession, with unemployment at 9.5% and inflation over 4%. The Central Bank has cut growth forecasts, warning of persistent economic weakness. Many Chileans are cutting back on dining out, with basic food costs rising. President José Antonio Kast has launched an economic reactivation agenda to boost investment and employment. However, social frustration is growing as wages lag behind inflation, creating a challenging scenario for the government.
WORDS: 866 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 10:00 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APLTChileCostofLiving/267c7040d4e5c4b1b7149ea69a68654b/text___
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Ed Sheeran says situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' as he opens concert
SUMMARY: Ed Sheeran opened a concert in Philadelphia with comments about Gaza, saying what’s happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He said in the Saturday night performance at Lincoln Financial Field that he wants his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics. But he added he has found himself in the middle of a debate about free speech and a complex political issue. He then addressed the controversy that unfolded since his supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.
WORDS: 796 - MOVED: 09/19/2026 4:02 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APENTMacklemoreEdSheeranthLdWritethru/d452b6eadff285553b20c558191886bb/text___
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SPORTS
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Ole Miss set to jump LSU in the AP Top 25 after a 32-24 win
SUMMARY: The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll is expected to see changes when released Sunday. Mississippi is set to move ahead of LSU after a win on Saturday night. Texas A&M should drop after losing to Kentucky. Texas, which recently claimed the top spot, easily defeated UTSA. The rest of the top five—Georgia, Notre Dame, Indiana, and Miami—also won with comfortable margins. Several ranked teams, including SMU, Houston, and Virginia, faced their first losses. Washington and Florida are potential candidates to re-enter the rankings after recent victories.
WORDS: 265 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 5:25 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APFBCTCollegeFootballPoll/24005ba778fee95626d65d5deb5a18f8/text___
Van silences doubters in Pantoja rematch as Tsarukyan, Pitbull score dramatic UFC 331 finishes
SUMMARY: Flyweight Champion Joshua Van erased the controversy surrounding his first victory over Alexandre Pantoja by defeating the former champion over five rounds Saturday, then declaring that his UFC flyweight title could no longer be dismissed as the product of an accidental injury. Van said critics had questioned his legitimacy after Pantoja (30-7) suffered an injury early in their first meeting. The rematch gave the champion the opportunity to prove himself in a complete fight against the division’s former standard-bearer. Van finished with 140 significant head strikes, to Pantoja’s 99.
WORDS: 686 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 4:19 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMMAUFC/233b14a678e656f026ad7ac30cd954ae/text___
Joey Logano wins NASCAR race at Bristol as Carson Hocevar, Ryan Blaney fight afterward
SUMMARY: Joey Logano led the final seven laps Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway after seizing the lead from Carson Hocevar, who overshadowed the winner despite finishing third. Hocevar, a brash 23-year-old who has earned the ire of veterans with his aggressive driving, traded punches in the pits with Ryan Blaney after they were involved in an incident while racing for second with 41 laps left where Hocevar wrecked Blaney’s car from behind. Hocevar stopped his car after finishing third and was greeted by a shove from Blaney. Hocevar responded by swinging twice at Blaney, who fell to the pavement, got up and threw a punch at Hocevar before they were separated by their crews.
WORDS: 956 - MOVED: 09/20/2026 3:11 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APCARNASCARBristolndLdWritethru/0e353a805b7cb68a6441b3e26a6bbba4/text___
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