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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The Declaration's forgotten (non)signer: John Dickinson’s missing 1776 signature haunts his legacy
SUMMARY: Jane Calvert has spent 25 years championing John Dickinson, a lesser-known Revolutionary War figure. Known for not signing the Declaration of Independence, Dickinson was a key voice against British taxation and wrote “The Liberty Song.” Despite his contributions, he sought peace with Britain and abstained from the independence vote. Calvert argues Dickinson's concerns about unpreparedness and lack of legal protections were valid. Though he later supported the U.S. Constitution and served in public roles, his reputation remains overshadowed. Some historians agree with Calvert's view, while others see him as a secondary figure.
WORDS: 1079 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:02 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSAmericaTheMissingPenmanstLdWritethru/940e074f90c1a9e1ffe5eee6f253b897/text___
New Jersey is set to charge companies with workers on Medicaid. Other states may follow
SUMMARY: New Jersey is set to charge companies whose workers have Medicaid health coverage. California's lawmakers are calling on their state to lay out a plan for doing the same thing next year. It's an idea that other states have considered this year as new federal policies mean fewer people have coverage and states have to foot more of the bill when they do. The affected companies oppose it. So do some liberal organizations, who fear that it will make it harder for lower-income people to get and keep jobs — and could discourage some from getting Medicaid coverage.
WORDS: 940 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:01 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSMedicaidEmployersndLdWritethru/04356a421cb832340acc8f179ecc1d79/text___
Some ransom notes sent in Nancy Guthrie case still being investigated as legitimate, FBI says
SUMMARY: The FBI has discounted some of the ransom notes that surfaced after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as extortion attempts. But the agency said Wednesday it's still evaluating others that might be legitimate. The FBI did not specify how many ransom notes have been received, other than saying it's “several.” Guthrie is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff's Department also is investigating the case but declined to comment on the ransom notes. Nancy Guthrie has been missing for five months.
WORDS: 226 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 12:46 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSNancyGuthrieMissingndLdWritethru/890d78ad5ed4df684d137588230ee0f9/text___
The Onion's new parody of Alex Jones' Infowars starts with $100,000 to Sandy Hook families
SUMMARY: The families of those killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting will indirectly receive money from Alex Jones after a billion-dollar defamation verdict. The Onion, which has tried to take over Jones' Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, is sending the families a $100,000 check from merchandise sales combining the conspiracy empire’s brand with the The Onion’s logo. The Onion has big plans for Infowars. The satire news site plans to parody Jones' style with shows and content under Infowars branding. Jones called the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting a hoax, leading to harassment of the families. The Onion CEO Ben Collins says he wants to use satire to expose Jones.
WORDS: 714 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:03 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTheOnionInfowars/e38e5447435e6dc117e1ce996a58ac5c/text___
Climber couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building antenna for apparent marriage proposal
SUMMARY: A daredevil couple has been arrested after scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurling a banner about “the power of love” and peace. It was apparently part of an audacious, high-altitude marriage proposal. The Russian climbers go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus. They were the subject of a 2024 Netflix documentary called “Skywalkers.” It’s unclear how the pair gained access to the antenna. Police identified the two climbers by their formal names, Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov. They were arrested on burglary, reckless endangerment and other charges. It's not immediately clear whether they have attorneys who can speak to the charges. An assistant says the couple is unavailable.
WORDS: 662 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:46 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSEmpireStateBuildingBannerthLdWritethru/68f02bde462ee033662f3e5939142559/text___
16 children rescued from Ohio home were 'almost feral,' authorities say
SUMMARY: Authorities say 16 children from the same family who were rescued from a run-down home in rural Ohio were living in horrific conditions and were confined to just one room over much of the past four years. Investigators say some of the children discovered Tuesday were unable to speak. The children’s parents and two grandparents are now charged with felony child endangerment. They appeared in court Wednesday where a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf. Authorities say they found the children while carrying out a search warrant in an unrelated investigation. They also say it seems as if no one outside the family knew about the children, who weren’t enrolled in school.
WORDS: 796 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:49 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSOhioAbusedChildrenthLdWritethru/099cda8f0014adde4b87a7e86aeefe5f/text___
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to host their wedding Friday at Madison Square Garden, AP source says
SUMMARY: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will host their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. That's according to a law enforcement official briefed on the security plans. The official said the festivities will kick off with a smaller rehearsal dinner planned for Thursday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the events. Speculation about the superstar singer and football player’s nuptials has built to a frenzy in recent days. Unconfirmed reports said it would take place over July Fourth weekend at one of New York’s iconic landmarks. Nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, despite multiple requests for comment.
WORDS: 475 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 7:59 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APENTTaylorSwiftTravisKelceWeddingthLdWritethru/3496ff38f2f929084a62662ed52e471e/text___
Extraordinary heat in US Northeast arrives to clash with Fourth of July revelry
SUMMARY: Multiday warnings of extreme heat have landed in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. The sultry weather has pushed east just ahead of weekend Fourth of July events in a region that revels in its role as a cornerstone of U.S. independence. Temperatures in the 90s are forecast for the Northeast. Philadelphia and Boston could top 100 by Thursday. Throw in humidity, and the heat index will be miserably higher this week. At Acme Ice, outside Boston, the phone is ringing repeatedly. Owner Marc Savenor says the weather is an “ice man's dream.”
WORDS: 743 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 5:27 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSExtremeWeatherHeatthLdWritethru/816a02dd3b522cbd3092b467b2cc57aa/text___
What to know about fireworks and the risk of wildfires this July 4
SUMMARY: With wildfires raging across the western U.S., cities and states are restricting fireworks as the nation gears up for a big Fourth of July. Utah has banned personal fireworks due to extreme wildfire risk. Governors in Colorado and New Mexico are urging restraint, while cities from the Southwest to Oregon and Washington have imposed their own restrictions. Record dry conditions have elevated the risk this year, with hundreds of wildfires erupting throughout the West in the past week alone. Officials are encouraging families to attend professional displays instead of lighting fireworks at home.
WORDS: 755 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:50 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSFireworksRestrictionsWhattoKnowthLdWritethru/afc67952b9eaf72bc7ecaf10eeb4227e/text___
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS
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Goal of higher voter turnout remains elusive in California as changes have extended ballot counting
SUMMARY: California has enacted many changes over the years that were intended to boost voter turnout. But there hasn't been significant improvement in participation and those changes are largely responsible for the state’s tediously slow ballot counting today. Preliminary figures show turnout hit 40.8% in the June primary, with counties required to complete their vote counting on Thursday. That would be an increase over recent primary elections but below participation levels in others stretching back to 2000. Meantime, California’s drawn-out tabulating has put the state in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump and made California a target of those who promote unfounded election conspiracy theories.
WORDS: 1244 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 2:02 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSElectionCaliforniaTurnout/525dca3720c76b96072656ff759f0b30/text___
Trump administration’s $46 billion 'smart wall' races ahead on the US-Mexico border
SUMMARY: The United States is rapidly building what it calls a “smart wall” on the Mexico border, combining tall steel fencing with advanced technology like sensors and cameras. Critics argue this militarizes the border and impacts local communities. Customs and Border Protection says the technology helps free up agents for other tasks. Contracts for hundreds of miles of wall have been signed. The wall has been a top priority for Republican President Donald Trump, with $46 billion allocated for its completion. Critics warn of privacy concerns and environmental impacts. The project continues to face scrutiny over costs and oversight.
WORDS: 1314 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 11:48 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSImmigrationBorderWallTechnology/e0ec5fd754a25d345dfb1e5f24a49b80/text___
Analysis: Trump embraces 'Great Equivocator' role sending mixed signals that vex markets and allies
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has increasingly adopted a contradictory communication style even as it roils financial markets and causes consternation among top Republicans trying to retain control of Congress in November's midterm elections. The president often makes strong statements, then goes back on them, only to later suggest he hasn't fully decided. This approach, described by allies as "optionality," may give Trump more personal negotiating power, but critics note it also threatens to harm America's reputation as leader of a rules-based international order. White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed questions about Trump's shifting positions as an “asinine obsession with splitting hairs" and said the results speak for themselves.
WORDS: 1368 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:01 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpTheGreatEquivocatorAnalysis/8ca3af8230b9669b30f76e943fb98eea/text___
Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump's trip to North Dakota
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has taken his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One. Trump's plane landed in North Dakota on Wednesday morning. The retrofitted Boeing 747-800, worth $400 million, was a gift from Qatar. Gone is the trademark light blue hull that helped Air Force One blend into the sky. The refurbished jet is painted in Trump’s preferred color scheme: a navy-blue belly with red and gold stripes. It has luxury features like plush carpets, lie-flat seats, wood paneling and a presidential seal on the seat belts. Trump is in North Dakota visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opens on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
WORDS: 710 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 1:25 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpAirForceOnethLdWritethru/8eb5da68e95d583b14811f85e62cbcd1/text___
Trump visits newly built Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota's Badlands
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump visited the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota on Wednesday. The $450 million library project explores the 26th president's life in the rugged, remote landscape where he roamed as a cowboy and big game hunter in the 1880s. The facility's grand opening is July 4th, but Trump visited on Wednesday to see the library and to speak to a crowd at a nearby amphitheater. Roosevelt served from 1901 to 1909 and said he never would have been president were it not for his experiences in North Dakota. Trump made the trip aboard his new Air Force One, a Boeing 747 that Qatar gave to the United States.
WORDS: 1071 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 9:04 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSAmericaTrumpRooseveltLibrarythLdWritethru/784bce4c9389b086a8a70a04d06b9939/text___
Ex-CIA Director John Brennan seeks court order requiring records from investigations be preserved
SUMMARY: Former CIA Director John Brennan is suing the Trump administration, demanding a court order that would require officials to preserve records from investigations that are targeting him. Brennan says in the lawsuit filed Wednesday that the records would be essential for him to mount a defense on vindictive prosecution grounds in the event of a future indictment brought by the Republican administration. The lawsuit says Brennan is facing separate investigations based in Florida. No charges have been brought and the Department of Justice has denied claims of weaponization.
WORDS: 824 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 5:16 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpRussiaProbethLdWritethru/0953e358307a391d6f1c0da14b18bf4e/text___
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INTERNATIONAL
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Iran warns oil tankers to use approved routes in Strait of Hormuz or face a 'forceful response'
SUMMARY: Iran’s joint military command has warned that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a “forceful response.” The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command was aired on Iranian state television Thursday. It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the threat from Iran. Ship passage through the vital waterway is continuing to rebound, even after Iran attacked two commercial vessels last week that circumvented its routes. Shipping data firm Lloyd's List Intelligence says at least 258 ships transited the strait last week, a period that includes the Iranian strikes. That's up from 138 ships the previous week.
WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 8:42 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLIranUSthLdWritethru/de981ef87afe8da617076fe494c37482/text___
Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes
SUMMARY: Rescuers have pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after being trapped since June 24 under the rubble in the basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal town in La Guaira. Rescuers initially made contact with him over the weekend. Gil Flores, who worked as a night-shift security guard at the complex, was inside his small security cabin when the first violent tremor struck.
WORDS: 706 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 1:30 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APLTVenezuelaEarthquakeSurvivorthLdWritethru/ecb4f8db7608e16dd09bcca962a35bc8/text___
Rescue teams in Venezuela cling to hope as US rebuffs criticisms of government earthquake response
SUMMARY: Black smoke from fires in flattened buildings and the smell of decomposition have spread across ruins, one week after Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes, while rescue teams pulled on a thread of hope that they might still rescue the few remaining souls trapped beneath the rubble. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez continued to face mounting criticisms from Venezuelans over the government’s inadequate handling of the devastation. It comes just a day before the extension of Rodríguez’s 180-day mandate as acting leader was set to expire.
WORDS: 613 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:10 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APLTVenezuelaEarthquake/7e9964076f51a68d656f5727551f1f72/text___
Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers
SUMMARY: The Vatican has responded aggressively to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent. The Vatican on Thursday declared that the Society of St. Pius X had formally broken with the Catholic Church and it excommunicated its bishops. It also warning its faithful they also could face the harsh sanctions. The Vatican went above and beyond the minimal sanctions foreseen by the church’s canon law to respond to the consecrations Wednesday of four new bishops at the society’s seminary in Switzerland. The Vatican has excommunicated the four new bishops and the two bishops that participated in the ceremony. It declared that the society had created a schism, or intentional rupture with the church.
WORDS: 1297 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 7:32 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURELVaticanTraditionaliststhLdWritethru/6570c6bcc0784f4b9229e20bdec4e5aa/text___
Russia lands heavy strikes on Ukraine's capital, killing at least 21
SUMMARY: Russia has launched a massive drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least 21 civilians in the city and injuring many more. Moscow says the assault is in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities. The attack lasted 11 hours overnight into Thursday morning, causing widespread damage across the city. Ukrainian officials report damage to 30 locations, including residential buildings. Russia's Defense Ministry says the strikes targeted military-linked sites. Ukraine's Foreign Minister calls it a “night of horror” and urges more international support for air defenses. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
WORDS: 888 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 1:30 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURussiaUkraineWarthLdWritethru/384d5b6bcdfc6e7d8c18f25130332ef7/text___
Gaza faces uncertain future as Palestinians and Israelis mark 1,000 days of war
SUMMARY: The conflict in Gaza has reached its 1,000th day since a Hamas-led attack on Israel. Both sides are weary, and ceasefires remain fragile. Over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza face uncertainty, with many displaced. Israeli forces control much of the territory, aiming to expand further. The October 2023 attack on Israel killed about 1,200 people and 251 were taken hostage. Israel's retaliation resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths. Despite a ceasefire, violence continues. Humanitarian aid is limited, and reconstruction efforts are stalled. Israelis remain divided and traumatized, facing an upcoming election amid ongoing security concerns.
WORDS: 1180 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 5:03 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLMideastWarsGazaDaysExplainerthLdWritethru/f81c32c32a96cd7dd7952ef9b70b06b3/text___
Facing barbs and pressure from Trump, Europe's leaders close ranks
SUMMARY: U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks on Italy’s premier have had an unintended consequence. After Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and claimed Giorgia Meloni had groveled for his attention, European leaders rallied to Meloni’s side. Trump's social media barbs helped thaw Meloni's previously frosty relationship with other European leaders over her hard-right political roots. It is the latest example of how the often divisive American president is helping to draw Europe closer together. European leaders are finding more reasons to coordinate on defense, tariffs and foreign policy. Analysts say that leaves Trump, who has often preferred to negotiate with European countries individually, with less ability to do so.
WORDS: 997 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:05 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUEuropeanUnityTrumprdLdWritethru/4567748bf998f158d99158068d978aad/text___
Russia waged a drone campaign in Europe and likely launched drones from shadow ships, report says
SUMMARY: Russia likely used shadow ships to launch drones over Europe that repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation, as it monitored military sites and tested the air defenses of NATO nations. That's according to a report published Thursday by the International Institute of Strategic Studies think tank. The report was shared before publication with The Associated Press. It plotted 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe between 2024 and 2026, including in several NATO countries. Those sightings peaked in late 2025, forcing the temporary closure of several European airports, including in Germany, Spain and Denmark.
WORDS: 1292 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 8:32 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUEuropeRussiaDronesstLdWritethru/4b92117efdde1a370a8991a7759dee6d/text___
11-year-old boy driving pickup truck crashes into group of Thai monks, killing 8
SUMMARY: Officials in Thailand say an 11-year-old boy has crashed a pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage walk, killing eight. A total of 35 monks from Mukdahan province, about 600 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, were on the pilgrimage Thursday. Five monks were killed at the site, while three others died at a hospital, according to Mukdahan Governor Worrayan Boonnarat. Fourteen others were hospitalized. Local police said the boy is now in custody. The police said the cause of the accident is still under investigation, but said they were told by the monks that they saw the vehicle swerving before it slid off the road and crashed into the group.
WORDS: 185 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 7:41 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APASThailandCrashndLdWritethru/1600f3465556051223ae00629e478d36/text___
An AP journalist describes a month in the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak
SUMMARY: An Associated Press journalist spent a month in the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak documenting the toll and the challenges for health workers in a conflict zone. The outbreak has over 1,300 confirmed cases and still hasn't peaked. Amid funerals, overwhelmed clinics and communities struggling with fear and distrust, life continues. People gather for World Cup matches, nightlife and daily routines. But the funeral of a 6-month-old baby was a reminder that Ebola can catch anyone, and the cost of losing focus is high.
WORDS: 1049 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 5:15 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APAFEbolaDispatch/10a0c2ea31cb66f06414bc8b76ce60e2/text___
Correction: Iran-US-School Bombing story
SUMMARY: In a story published Jul. 1, 2026, about a U.S. strike on an Iranian school, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of a local rights group. It is the Balochistan Human Rights Documentation Network, not the Baluchistan Human Rights Group.
WORDS: 44 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:01 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLIranUSSchoolBombingCORRECTIVE/2a134a5c74d80db763db4c3eb6d0d847/text___
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BUSINESS
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US employers still reluctant to add many jobs as hiring slows in June
SUMMARY: U.S. employers pulled back on hiring last month and added only 57,000 jobs, less than half the previous month’s total and a sign companies still have a cautious economic outlook. The Labor Department said Thursday that the unemployment rate declined to a low 4.2% from 4.3% in May, though the decline mostly occurred because many people out of work gave up looking and were no longer counted as unemployed. The figures suggest companies remain wary of the economy’s health, with inflation at a three-year high and consumer confidence near post-pandemic lows.
WORDS: 1126 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 7:55 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSEconomyJobsReportthLdWritethru/49c7a993b394e6ae3f801c8e3c0d39dd/text___
Crypto, real estate, watches: How Trump made over $1 billion last year
SUMMARY: The latest disclosure report listing President Donald Trump's financial holdings shows he took in about $1.2 billion last year from crypto holdings, overshadowing a real estate business that first brought him fame. It's a stunning development, sped along by his own friendly policies toward the industry and help from billionaires and others with business before the presidency. The report also shows Trump took in tens of millions from new properties in countries beholden to the U.S. for military support or seeking tariff relief. He got tens of millions more suing media companies. The White House says the president has no financial conflicts with his government role and only acts in the public interest.
WORDS: 923 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 8:01 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpFinancesWhattoKnow/8b8b54fae333d1200f4c1b509991b544/text___
Changes to student loans are taking effect July 1. Here's what to know
SUMMARY: Changes to federal student loans that are expected to affect millions of student loan borrowers are taking effect as of July 1. A part of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” these changes mean the end of some payment plans and new limits for graduate loans. Along with the sunsetting of the Biden-era SAVE plan, these changes are expected to raise the cost of payments for millions of borrowers. Around 9 million Americans are in default on their federal student loans as of June, according to the Education Department. Hundreds of thousands more are behind on loan payments and at risk of default this year.
WORDS: 1191 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:09 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSFinancialWellnessStudentLoanChangesExplainerstLdWritethru/28e7b41b9b3fbdbca564c7c77c774173/text___
Federal Reserve Chair Warsh emphasizes political independence, signals focus on inflation
SUMMARY: New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said Wednesday that the central bank would remain independent and seek to bring down inflation, likely foreclosing the rate cuts President Trump has sought. The Fed typically combats inflation by raising borrowing costs. When asked about Trump’s oft-repeated desire for lower rates, Warsh underscored the Fed’s independence from day-to-day politics. Such comments suggest that Warsh has shifted his views since replacing Jerome Powell as chair May 22.
WORDS: 711 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 2:03 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSFederalReserveWarshthLdWritethru/18c005515444abd2043ad113c9849407/text___
Most US stocks rise, but drops for tech pull Wall Street lower
SUMMARY: Most U.S. stocks rose, but drops for some influential technology companies pulled the market lower. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% Wednesday for its eighth loss in 11 days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was nearly flat and edged down less than 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.7%. Stocks got a boost after a weaker-than-expected report on U.S. manufacturing helped Treasury yields pare gains in the bond market. That could mean less pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year. Three out of five stocks within the S&P 500 rose, but drops for AI winners weighed on the index.
WORDS: 699 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 2:27 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APFinancialMarketsthLdWritethru/c9003e1a8bb436a594e5dd9a080bcb30/text___
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RELIGION
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Defying Pope Leo XIV, traditionalists go ahead with bishop consecrations in Switzerland
SUMMARY: A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics has directly defied Pope Leo XIV by consecrating four bishops without his consent. The Society of St. Pius X is dismissing the resulting excommunications and schism by declaring it was a “sacred duty” to defend the Catholic faith. The group opposes the modernizing reforms of the Catholic Church. It went ahead with the consecrations at its seminary in Econe, Switzerland, despite a last-ditch appeal by Leo to call it off. The ceremony drew thousands of people who prefer the Latin Mass to the modern liturgies celebrated in most of the Catholic Church. The Vatican has said the ceremony is a schismatic act that incurs automatic excommunication.
WORDS: 1307 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:02 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURELSwitzerlandVaticanTraditionaliststhLdWritethru/975a7dd408e151310f5e515030cd6c97/text___
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EDUCATION
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Trump's actions signal a move toward institutionalizing people with disabilities, advocates warn
SUMMARY: For decades, disabled people have fought for their rights to go to school and live alongside peers without disabilities. Now, they fear those rights could be losing ground under the Trump administration. Most notably, the Department of Justice recently released guidance that lowered the barrier to institutionalizing any person with a disability. Critics argue this undermines decades of progress in integrating disabled people into schools and communities. And last month, the Education Department announced it would shift special education to the Department of Health and Human Services. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called into question the abilities of people with autism.
WORDS: 1260 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:12 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpEducationDisabilitiesstLdWritethru/c6f064dcf4a1185d23cc5693f4b2df69/text___
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding in New York: Here's what we know
SUMMARY: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce really are having a wedding this weekend at Madison Square Garden. That's according to what a source has told The Associated Press. Frenzied speculation that the superstar singer and football player’s wedding would take place over July Fourth weekend at the iconic New York landmark had intensified over weeks. And crews have unloaded equipment from trucks outside the venue even as city officials publicly wouldn't confirm. A law enforcement official briefed on security plans told AP Wednesday that the wedding will be held Friday, with a smaller rehearsal dinner Thursday night. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the events publicly. The superstar couple hasn't commented publicly or confirmed plans.
WORDS: 970 - MOVED: 06/27/2026 11:53 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APENTTaylorSwiftTravisKelceWhattoKnowrdLdWritethru/7347c79528d2153b9110f57cef683950/text___
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SPORTS
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Alex Ovechkin returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Capitals
SUMMARY: Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals. The league's career goal-scoring record holder inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. Ovechkin turns 41 in September. He has 929 goals after scoring 32 in his 40-year-old season. The Russian superstar broke Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894 goals in April 2025. He had said in recent months he was waiting until the offseason to decide whether to return or retire. Ovechkin in a news release sent out by the Capitals declared, “I'm back.”
WORDS: 239 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 4:42 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APHKNCapitalsOvechkinstLdWritethru/2f1410cc72e150169fe3b07cc51eb574/text___
Soccer fans are into this year's World Cup, but the US still isn't a soccer nation, new poll finds
SUMMARY: New polling from Ipsos Sports, provided exclusively to The Associated Press, shows that the World Cup has excited soccer fans and piqued many Americans’ interest, even as the sport continues to face an uphill climb to reach mainstream popularity in the United States. The poll was conducted June 26-28, after the U.S. advanced from the group stage but before they won against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout round. About 6 in 10 soccer fans were “extremely” or “very” excited about the U.S. advancing to the knockout round, much higher than the 25% of Americans overall who said the same. About half of soccer fans say the U.S.'s role in co-hosting the World Cup is going at least “very” well, but there’s less enthusiasm for FIFA’s role.
WORDS: 902 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 2:03 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSWCupPollstLdWritethru/4698128b1de4ac4e08d07ceb982f3607/text___
Princess Kate greets fans at Wimbledon and sits next to Andy Murray to watch the tennis
SUMMARY: Princess Kate met tennis fans lining up in Wimbledon’s famous Queue and sat next to Andy Murray in a day of rooting on British players at the grass-court Grand Slam. The princess early last year announced her cancer was in remission. She's the patron of the All England Club. Kate also met with children from a local program that supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Kate last year was at Centre Court on consecutive days to present the winners’ trophies to singles champions Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner.
WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 07/02/2026 10:37 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APTENWimbledonPrincessKatendLdWritethru/993488d4a3d51fc2b812e535b4a93a7c/text___
Belgium comes back from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time at World Cup
SUMMARY: Belgium stages a dramatic comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in the World Cup. Senegal led 2-0 with just five minutes left, but late goals by Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans pushed the match into extra time. Tielemans then scored a penalty in the 125th minute, marking the latest goal in World Cup history. The referee awarded the penalty after a video review, despite protests from Senegal. This win marks the second time in 11 World Cups that a team has overcome a two-goal deficit in the knockout round. Belgium will face the United States.
WORDS: 768 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 10:01 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APSOCWCupBelgiumSenegalthLdWritethru/461f08dc7297b99741a449cdcbd89ac6/text___
Harry Kane sends England into the round of 16 of the World Cup after 2-1 win against Congo
SUMMARY: Harry Kane scored two second-half goals to help England rally for a 2-1 victory over Congo and a spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup. England’s all-time leading scorer evened the contest with a header after Brian Cipenga had given Congo a surprising halftime lead. Kane then scored the decisive goal into the top corner in the 86th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For much of the game, England looked to be headed for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The 1966 World Cup champions will next play co-host Mexico in the round of 16 in Mexico City on Sunday.
WORDS: 861 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 4:52 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APSOCWCupEnglandCongothLdWritethru/c538259dc9d0212678db8ace14dd8f2b/text___
Krejcikova beats French Open winner Andreeva in Wimbledon upset. Gauff overcomes Sierra
SUMMARY: Barbora Krejcikova needed seven match points to knock French Open champion Mirra Andreeva out of Wimbledon in the biggest upset of the women’s tournament so far. Coco Gauff also reached the third round after coming from a break down in the third set to beat Solana Sierra. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and men's No. 1 Jannik Sinner also advanced.
WORDS: 965 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 10:58 AM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APTENWimbledonthLdWritethru/c4b1638934ca49362b3dd71e6adbf3c1/text___
NBA free agency: Norman Powell to Chicago in another All-Star move as teams continue shaping rosters
SUMMARY: Add Norman Powell to the list of this past season’s All-Stars who are changing addresses this summer in NBA free agency. Powell has agreed to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million with the Chicago Bulls, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. Powell also had received some interest from the Detroit Pistons, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be finalized until July 6 at the earliest.
WORDS: 1100 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 3:02 PM PST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APBKNNBAFreeAgencythLdWritethru/2d40bf4dafefde75dc12d97860224b5b/text___
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