More than 1,300 are missing in Nepal and Tibet after catastrophic floods caused by glacier collapse
DEVIGHAT, Nepal (AP) — Rescue teams are searching for hundreds of missing people along the Nepal-China border. A catastrophic and deadly torrent of floods and mud swept through several communities on Wednesday following a glacier collapse. The disaster left at least 168 people dead and more than 1,300 missing including foreigners and pilgrims. Hundreds of people across the Himalayan region were displaced. Videos of the tragedy showed the flood swallowing up people as they tried to escape. Drone footage from Nepal on Thursday showed the scale of the destruction.
After six months of Iran war, US goals have shifted. The Strait of Hormuz is now a top concern
WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Donald Trump launched the war with Iran in late February, he initially said he expected the war to last four to five weeks. But despite Trump’s repeated assertions that the war has been won or a deal to resolve it was nearly complete, there’s no off-ramp in sight as the war reaches the six-month mark. As the shape of the war has morphed over the last half year, so have the goals for the conflict. The U.S. has had tactical success on its goals to degrade Iran’s military capabilities. But some of the other key objectives Trump laid out at the start of the conflict remain unfulfilled.
Pakistani investigators visiting hospital nursery where fire killed 14 newborns
ISLAMABAD (AP) — High-level investigators are visiting the hospital nursery in Pakistan's capital where a fast-moving fire killed 14 newborns. Grieving families and the public sought answers about the cause of the blaze and the safety measures at the major government facility in Islamabad. The fire was confined to the nursery and officials said the fire spread so quickly the staff were able to rescue only one baby among the 15 in the nursery. The investigators will visit the nursery Thursday and take statements of staff and relatives. Hospital and district officials initially said an exploding air-conditioning unit caused the fire. The hospital now says a blast involving a nebulizer sparked the blaze.
Yayoi Kusama, who splashed polka dots across art world, dies at 97 in Tokyo
TOKYO (AP) — Pioneering Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who splashed her signature polka dots on paintings, sculptures and museum installations around the world, has died. She was 97. Yayoi Kusama Studio said she died at a hospital in Tokyo on Aug. 14. Repetitive motifs were her trademark, in various shapes, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases, or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations, in all their vibrant psychedelic glory.
Michigan Democrats want to fight Trump. First they have to stop fighting each other
SAUGATUCK, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Democrats want to focus on President Donald Trump and the economy heading into November. But divisions from a bruising Senate primary continue to follow them. Some Democrats have withheld support for Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, citing concerns about antisemitism and his association with streamer Hasan Piker. Piker’s latest comments about American Jews and Israel have fueled the dispute. Republicans see an opportunity to exploit the divide. El-Sayed and Democrats campaigning with him are pushing back, arguing the party is largely united and should turn its attention to defeating Republican Mike Rogers and winning control of Congress.
Time limits and a midnight cutoff: Meta’s new rules for kids go further, but critics say not enough
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Kids under 18 will soon see a host of changes to their Instagram and Facebook experiences thanks to a historic $18 billion settlement Meta Platforms reached Wednesday with 48 U.S. states. Besides the money, which will be paid out over a decade, Meta has agreed to strengthen its age estimates to keep kids under 13 off its platforms and teens in age-appropriate accounts, enact a hard limit of two hours a day for users under 18, block kids from the apps from midnight to 6 a.m. and hide like counts, among other changes. But critics and children’s advocates cautioned it will not solve its myriad problems overnight.
In Dolly Parton’s theology, God and acceptance shared the same stage
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dolly Parton was known for both her faith and acceptance. The beloved country singer's support for the LGBTQ+ community resonated with many, especially queer Christians. Parton's music and public persona consistently promoted acceptance, making her a beacon for those struggling with their identity. Her theme park, Dollywood, reflects her Christian values and commitment to inclusivity. Parton's legacy of love and acceptance continues to inspire across political and denominational lines. For many Christian members of the LGBTQ+ community who struggled to reconcile their sexuality and gender identity with the beliefs they were taught, Parton’s public support was a beacon.
Zelenskyy's direct plea helped unlock Russia sanctions in the Senate. What's next is uncertain
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hours after Lindsey Graham's funeral last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told U.S. lawmakers his country needed the Russia sanctions bill they were considering, as a morale booster in the long war. The bill from the late Sen. Graham would deprive President Vladimir Putin of oil and gas revenue fueling the war machine. The package sailed to Senate passage days later. But next steps in the House are uncertain. The Russian sanctions package represents the most ambitious effort to support Ukraine since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces resistance from some Republicans. And many Democrats supportive of Ukraine warn it would hand Trump too much tariff authority with no real checks from Congress.
Canada is bolstering its defense industry as US relations fray. A boom is on for local contractors
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian military spending is surging, with companies expanding into defense contracting. Wuxly, known for luxury parkas, is now making high-tech military gear. The Canadian government is investing billions to reduce reliance on American suppliers. This shift is partly due to pressure from the U.S. to contribute more to NATO and strained relations between Washington and Ottawa. The defense plan includes $60 billion in additional funding over five years. It aims to boost domestic defense capabilities and create jobs. Canadian startups are also developing innovative technologies for military and civilian use, like drones and robotics.
Closing arguments are set to begin in Lindsay Clancy's trial in the killings of her 3 children
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Closing arguments are set to begin in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of strangling her three young children in 2023. Clancy has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, with her lawyers arguing she was experiencing postpartum psychosis when she killed the children. Prosecutors say Clancy planned the killings and understood her actions were wrong. Testimony concluded in the trial’s fifth week. A prosecution expert testified that Clancy’s actions showed she remained in control. The defense highlighted her repeated efforts to seek mental health treatment before the killings.
