US looks to boost anti-China spending worldwide by hundreds of millions, documents say
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is preparing to ramp up funding by hundreds of millions of dollars for programs designed to counter China’s growing influence worldwide. It comes after having put a halt to many of those initiatives last year during a flurry of budget and personnel cuts. The administration notified Congress late last week that it intends to spend $175.8 million to replace outdated and aging undersea telecommunications cables in the Caribbean and Central America to prevent China from moving in. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the notification Monday. The funding appears to be part of a broader push to restore support for initiatives aimed at blunting Chinese influence globally that would cost hundreds of millions of dollars more.
A shootout that killed 3 at a food festival near Seattle's Space Needle may have been gang-related
SEATTLE (AP) — Police say there were at least three suspects involved in a food festival shooting near Seattle’s Space Needle over the weekend, and that one of them was among those killed in the violence. Police say they believe there were at least three shooters: a 15-year-old arrested in the case; a 19-year-old acquaintance who died at the scene; and at least one other “unknown suspect.” The 15-year-old waived his initial court appearance Monday. The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. Sunday during the Bite of Seattle festival. Police say the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups firing at each other.
Trump administration urges Supreme Court to allow order targeting mail-in voting before midterms
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow for now an executive order targeting mail-in voting. This request follows an appeals court decision that blocked the order in nearly half the country. Trump's order, issued in March, directs the creation of a federal list of eligible voters for mail ballots. Democratic officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia sued, arguing that election rules are set by states and Congress, not the president. A Massachusetts judge blocked the order for those states, and an appeals court left that ruling in place. The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to allow the proposed changes to move ahead while lawsuits play out.
Mediators see progress in efforts to halt Iran war as drone attacks rattle region
CAIRO (AP) — Mediators have made progress in efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to negotiations and prevent an all-out war in the Middle East. That's according to two regional officials who spoke to The Associated Press. But scattered attacks by armed groups across the region underscored the lingering tensions. Neither the U.S. nor Iran have claimed any strikes for three days. Mediators led by Qatar and Pakistan are working to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. has paused attacks after targeting Iranian areas in response to Iran firing at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Judge rules singer D4vd must stand trial in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has ruled there’s enough evidence to send singer D4vd to trial for the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The Los Angeles judge on Monday decided the evidence presented during a preliminary hearing provided probable cause for charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 and began abusing her at 13. They claim he killed her when she threatened to report him. Burke’s music career was rising before these allegations emerged.
What to know about the historic wildfires in France and Spain
PARIS (AP) — Historic wildfires in France and Spain have forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Heat waves and scant rainfall have fueled these blazes, with record temperatures in June contributing to the crisis. Climate data shows Europe is heating faster than anywhere else on earth. The extreme heat drew moisture from vegetation, creating abundant fuel that allows flames to spread faster and burn more intensely. National and European Union authorities are reporting fires of record scope this year. Other European countries have sent assistance, including firefighters and water bombers, to help battle the blazes.
Lindsay Clancy goes on trial over whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her 3 children
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts woman is on trial in a case where her lawyers argue that postpartum psychosis was the reason she killed her three children, aged 5 and younger. Opening statements in Lindsay Clancy's trial began Monday. Jurors are expected to hear evidence for weeks, including dueling views about her culpability and mental state. Clancy has pleaded not guilty and her attorney has laid out an insanity defense. Prosecutors argue she strangled Cora, Dawson, and Callan in well-planned murders in January 2023. At the time, she had been getting psychiatric care for about four months.
Trump defends his sweeping tariffs and watches 'America First' drag races during Michigan stop
MILFORD, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump says his economic policies have revived the auto industry and American manufacturing. His comments in the Detroit suburb of Milford on Monday came as many businesses there contend that sweeping tariffs he's imposed against Canada and the rest of the world have hurt Michigan. The Republican president watched General Motors vehicles compete in drag races and looked at other vehicles at a GM facility before he delivered a speech. His tariffs have affected many businesses in Michigan, where the economy relies heavily on trade with Canada.
Wisconsin tornado causes extensive damage and cuts power to thousands of homes
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A tornado has struck northeastern Wisconsin, causing widespread damage and power outages. The National Weather Service confirmed Monday afternoon's tornado in Winnebago County. Cities including Appleton and Menasha reported severe impacts, with roofs ripped off homes and vehicles flipped over. Menasha Police Chief Matt Albrecht said many businesses and homes were severely affected. Despite the destruction, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. Emergency officials are still assessing the damage and searching the stricken area. The storm knocked out power to over 30,000 people, and authorities have opened a shelter for those displaced.
Chiefs assistant Eric Bieniemy’s son charged in shooting of his mother in Virginia, authorities say
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, have arrested the son of Chiefs assistant coach Eric Bieniemy and charged him in the shooting of his mother. Elijah Zion Bieniemy was booked into the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on Monday. Deputies responded to a shooting in Ashburn, Virginia, late Sunday. They found 57-year-old Mia Bieniemy with multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition. The 27-year-old Elijah Bieniemy faces charges including malicious wounding and use of a firearm in a felony. He is being held without bond. The Chiefs have acknowledged the incident, offering thoughts and prayers for the family.
