Iran claims strike on US ship in Strait of Hormuz as fighting escalates
CAIRO (AP) — Iran says it struck an unmanned U.S. vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, the latest salvo in a new flare-up of fighting between the two countries. The U.S. did not immediately confirm the purported attack on Sunday, which came a day after the U.S. military said forces struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to a missile attack on Navy warships. Since a ceasefire agreement was announced in June, on-and-off fighting has persisted with both sides trying to inflict military and economic pain as negotiations have collapsed. At least five people were killed last week during a U.S. bombardment of southern Iran.
Putin meets with US envoys at the Kremlin for renewed talks on ending the war in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin. The talks on Saturday were aimed at reviving a stalled push to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin has ordered a three-day halt on strikes against Kyiv that starts at midnight Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is prepared to halt strikes on Moscow until Monday. The U.S. envoys' visit came amid escalating aerial attacks. Recent Russian attacks have killed eight people in Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses have shot down or suppressed 128 drones launched by Russia. The two U.S. envoys will visit Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Sunday.
Kennedy Center renews call for Trump-backed shutdown after part of a ceiling collapses
WASHINGTON (AP) — A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center is blaming “decades of neglect” for causing part of the ceiling to collapse in the performing arts venue's grand foyer. Spokesperson Roma Daravi said no one was injured when a chunk of the ceiling fell Friday evening. She said the damage underscores “the urgent need to close for renovation and revitalization” called for by President Donald Trump. Members of the Kennedy Center's Trump-aligned board are fighting in court over its plans to add Trump's name to the building and to close the center for two years while performing renovations.
Trump keeps heralding an economic boom, but even a solid jobs report is causing problems for him
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has been promising an economic boom, but Friday's positive jobs report left him frustrated. He vented about inflation and interest rates, blaming financial markets, the Federal Reserve, and trade partners. Trump dismissed the idea that job gains could lead to inflation, saying, "Success does not cause inflation. Stupidity causes inflation." His inability to deliver stronger growth has hurt his credibility. Trump blames high interest rates and tariffs for economic challenges. Despite this, his aides remain optimistic about AI, tariffs, and tax cuts boosting growth. However, experts warn that growth alone won't fix budget deficits.
A golf course for ‘the people’ faces a presidential makeover
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump wants to transform East Potomac Park's golf course in Washington, D.C., into a world-class venue. Residents fear this could alter the park's historic character and affordability. The park, created by Congress in 1897, has served diverse visitors for over a century. Trump has already visited with plans and a golf architect, sparking concerns about increased fees and loss of public space. A lawsuit challenges the redevelopment, citing potential violations of the congressional act that established the park. Locals worry about the impact on the park's accessibility and the future of its bike paths.
Rescuers in Nepal pull 2 people alive from the debris 10 days after devastating floods
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Rescuers in Nepal have pulled out a Chinese man and a woman in separate operations, 10 days after devastating floods hit the country. The man was rescued from a hydropower tunnel, bringing the total to three workers pulled alive from the Trishuli hydropower project. Nepal's army said a joint rescue team of Nepalese military personnel and South Korean disaster experts rescued the man from a nearly 740-foot tunnel. In flood-hit Nuwakot town, a woman was rescued alive from a house. At least 1,300 people were killed in the Aug. 26 floods, and more than 5,000 remain missing.
German region votes in election that could bring first far-right state governor to power
MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — An eastern German region is voting in an election that could bring to power the first far-right state government in the nation’s post-World War II history. The vote for the state legislature in Saxony-Anhalt, a region of 2.1 million people west of Berlin, has gained outsized prominence because it represents the best chance yet of a governor’s post for the far-right, anti-migration Alternative for Germany, or AfD. That would be the biggest prize in the party’s 13-year history, at a time when there’s widespread discontent with an unpopular national government that has yet to persuade voters it can get the country’s sluggish economy moving.
Early Emmys ceremony could bring many trophies for 'The Pitt,' 'Hacks' and 'Pluribus'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Television Academy is presenting the majority of its Primetime Emmys this weekend at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. These ceremonies, previously known as the Creative Arts Emmys, are now part of the 78th Emmy Awards. The events will air on FXX on Sept. 12 and stream on Hulu the next day. HBO Max's “The Pitt” and “Hacks” are top nominees, with potential wins in drama and comedy categories. The weekend focuses on behind-the-scenes awards, but the winners could include Michael J. Fox and the late Rob Reiner. The main ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay and airing on NBC, is set for September 14.
Masked men block roads into Dover port in England in apparent anti-immigrant protest
LONDON (AP) — Hundreds of masked anti-immigration protesters have blocked roads leading to Britain’s busiest ferry port, clogging traffic and disrupting travelers and cargo vehicles heading for France. Police said Saturday they were “engaging with the protesters,” and roads reopened by midday. Social media footage showed dozens of men dressed in black standing across a major road near the port and shouting “stop the boats.” Dover has been the site of previous anti-immigrant protests focused on migrants crossing the Channel from France in small boats. The Labour Party government said the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to democracy but condemned the disruption.
Turning Point is laying the groundwork to shape Republican presidential primary in 2028
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Turning Point Action activists made waves at the Iowa State Fair by heckling Democratic politicians. Videos of these confrontations have gained significant attention online. But Turning Point Action staff are busy registering voters and promoting social events, a test of its ability to shape the next Republican presidential primary in 2028. The organization is focusing on building a foundation for the Iowa caucuses, aiming to have staff in each of Iowa's 99 counties. This effort is not tied to any specific candidate, but Vice President JD Vance, endorsed by Erika Kirk, could benefit if he launches a bid.
