For the US news industry, a tough summer draws to a close with McClatchy chain's cuts

NEW YORK (AP) — The McClatchy newspaper chain has made significant layoffs at The Miami Herald and other papers, cutting over 90 unionized journalists across 17 publications. This accounts for about 30 percent of McClatchy's unionized workforce. The Miami Herald lost 32 jobs, including the entire writing staff of its Spanish-language publication, El Nuevo Herald. McClatchy cites declining consumer revenue as the reason for these cuts. Other news organizations, like USA Today Co. and The Associated Press, have also made recent layoffs. These changes reflect the industry's struggle with shifting audience behaviors and revenue challenges.

No relief from inflation as Middle East clashes lifts fuel prices to painful levels

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. inflation accelerated last month as gas prices spiked in the wake of renewed fighting in the Middle East, underscoring the affordability challenges that are top of mind for many voters as midterm elections near. The Labor Department said Friday that the consumer price index rose 3.4% last month compared with a year ago, the same as in July. But on a monthly basis, inflation accelerated, as costs jumped 0.4% from July to August, up from an increase of just 0.1% the previous month. The figures show that inflation remains stubbornly elevated, more than five years after prices first soared as the economy emerged from the COVID pandemic.

US diesel prices soar past $6 a gallon, deepening strain for hauling everyday goods

CHICAGO (AP) — Diesel prices in the U.S. has hit yet another record, soaring past $6 a gallon on average as Washington’s war with Iran disrupts the world’s flow of fuel. The national average of nearly $6.06 is up from $5.85 last week and almost $3.71 from this time last year, according to motor club AAA. Higher diesel prices mean more expensive transportation for a long list of everyday goods. That’s because diesel is used for many freight and delivery networks. And some businesses have already passed along steeper costs to consumers in the form of added fees.

US stocks jump after oil prices ease and an inflation update comes in near expectations

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rebounded and clawed back much of their losses for the week after oil prices eased off their recent spurt. An update on inflation across the United States that came in close to economists’ expectations also helped calm the market Friday. The S&P 500 climbed 0.9% and broke a four-day losing streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. A drop of nearly 3% for Brent oil's price took some pressure off inflation, while expectations strengthened in the bond market for an upcoming hike to interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Diesel prices are hitting record highs at a bad time for many US farmers

FOREST CITY, Mo. (AP) — The price of diesel is hitting record highs just as many U.S. farmers are harvesting two of the nation’s largest commodities, soybeans and corn. That means they'll need countless gallons of the fuel for combines, tractors and trucks. Diesel hit a record price in the U.S. last week, soaring to an average of $5.85 a gallon for the first time as the six-month war with Iran disrupted the world’s flow of fuel. On Friday, it was at $6.05. The diesel spike adds to an already tough year for many farmers, who also faced higher costs for fertilizer, seeds and equipment.

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims during the Republican midterm convention

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other Republican officials came together for a two-day convention this week to rally voters in advance of midterm elections in November. But in celebrating their accomplishments, they made several false and misleading claims, many of which have been stated repeatedly during Trump’s second term. They covered topics including the economy, healthcare and the 2020 election.

Trump wants to send Americans money. Congress and economists don't seem thrilled with the idea

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s pitch to send Americans $5,000 checks should Republicans prevail in the November midterms is drawing scorn from some members of Congress — the very people who have constitutional authority over federal spending. Economists and other political observers are voicing concerns about the potential effects on inflation and the national balance sheet. Taken together, it’s a swift reaction that makes clear that Trump's dubious election-year gambit is little more than another grand promise from a politician with a long history of them. Trump previously pledged to use savings from the Department of Government Efficiency and revenue from tariffs on foreign imports to distribute payments of $2,000 or more, but none of that came to pass.

US officials declare an end to record-setting cyclospora outbreak, but its origin is still unknown

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials have declared the largest cyclospora food poisoning outbreak in the country's history over. The FDA said Friday that all recalled iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak is off the market. Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea. Nearly 13,000 cases were reported. The outbreak affected 21 states, with Michigan hit hardest. The parasite spreads through human feces, but the exact contamination source remains unclear. The FDA has ended inspections at the Mexican facility.

The Houthi advance in Yemen raises concerns about a key shipping choke point

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured the Red Sea port of Mokha and the strategic island of Mayun in Yemen. This move brings their forces to the heart of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global trade route. The strait is vital for Saudi oil shipments to Asia, especially after Iran restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi tankers are now using the Suez Canal as an alternative, but this route is more time-consuming and costly. The situation raises concerns about further disruptions to global shipping.

Anthropic says it blocked misuse of its AI that could have supported biological weapons

Anthropic says it has blocked efforts by bad actors to use its artificial intelligence models for malicious activity such as cyberattacks, surveillance and research that could have led to biological weapons. As AI models grow more powerful, elaborate cyberattacks no longer require sophisticated skills and even lone individuals can create attacks that would not have been possible even a year ago. Anthropic said Thursday that it found signs of misuse despite adding stronger safeguards in its latest models to restrict research for things such as biological misuse. The company says its researchers blocked threatening actors from spyware vendors to state-sponsored spreaders of propaganda.