US strikes targets in northern Iran as it also disables ship trying to run the blockade
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States has intensified its strikes targeting Iran, hitting targets further north. American forces also fired into a ship it accused of trying to break its naval blockade on the Islamic Republic. Tehran retaliated early Thursday with missile and drone fire targeting Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait before dawn. Days of back-and-forth strikes by the U.S. and Iran across the Middle East — and renewed threats to the Strait of Hormuz — have shredded the interim deal to end the Iran war and the region could tip back into all-out war. Already, Iranian officials say U.S. strikes have killed at more than than 35 people and wounded over 300 others.
ICE should keep making traffic stops despite recent shootings, Trump says
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers should continue vehicle stops despite recent fatal shootings. Trump's statements Wednesday run counter to a new suspension of the stops that are used as part of his immigration crackdown. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has responded by saying that people illegally in the country would be “arrested and deported wherever they are.” Mullin didn’t directly say whether ICE officers will be allowed to carry out traffic stops, but he later said he and Trump “are on the same page.” ICE’s enforcement tactics are coming under new criticism after three people died during encounters with federal officers in just a week.
Blanche confronts skeptical questioning of fund, tax deal for Trump at Senate confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is confronting skeptical questioning at a Senate confirmation hearing about the creation of a fund to compensate allies of President Donald Trump and a tax immunity deal for the president. He's aiming to lock down Republican support that he will need to advance his nomination. Blanche insisted at the hearing Wednesday that the $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund" was “not moving forward.” But lawmakers, including Republican Sen. John Cornyn, raised concerns that the Trump administration has yet to commit in writing that the fund is dead and that it could therefore conceivably be resurrected.
Hegseth announces new policy to test troops for low testosterone
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he's rolling out a new screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops. In a video posted on social media Wednesday, he calls the move necessary to allow service members to operate at their “absolute best.” He says the screenings will be conducted annually as part of service members’ required medical screenings for those 30 and older. Troops under 30 can volunteer to be tested. Other Trump administration officials have begun to advocate for men to have easier access to testosterone replacement therapies. But the messaging from Hegseth and others blends known science on the hormone with broader, and less substantiated, claims.
New York Times files motion to quash subpoenas served on journalists over Air Force One coverage
WASHINGTON (AP) — The New York Times has filed a motion to quash subpoenas that the Justice Department served on journalists who reported on security concerns involving the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One, teeing up a significant court fight over press freedom and the government’s ability to force reporters to identify sources. The filing was made under seal Wednesday in the Southern District of New York, where the journalists were summoned in subpoenas delivered last Friday to testify before a federal grand jury. The Times’ senior vice president and deputy general counsel says the subpoenas “violate the constitutional rights of The Times and its journalists.”
Drained Reflecting Pool reveals Trump's 'American flag blue' liner is now closer to gray
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's new liner, once dubbed “American flag blue” by President Donald Trump, has faded to a color closer to gray. An Associated Press team viewed the pool Wednesday from the Washington Monument. The pool was drained and debris removed after Independence Day fireworks. Trump’s renovation project has faced setbacks, including algae blooms and peeling paint. The project’s cost soared from $1.5 million to over $16 million by June. Trump blames vandals for the problems, while critics point to poor repair work. Several people face charges for allegedly damaging the pool.
Vance says Trump administration 'screwed up' communications around Epstein files
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration “absolutely” mishandled the communications surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. During a lengthy podcast interview with Joe Rogan released Wednesday, Vance pointed largely to former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who infamously stated that an alleged “client list” of Epstein’s was “sitting on my desk right now.” "I don’t think there was anything malicious going on,” Vance told Rogan. “I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn’t have.”
A family outing to spread ashes of loved one on San Francisco Bay turned into another tragedy
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Rescuers are still searching for three people missing after a boat sank in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island as part of memorial service. One person was pulled from the water but later died, and 16 others were rescued Tuesday afternoon. A dog on board also died. Ralph Boisa said his extended family were out scattering the ashes of his daughter, who died over a decade ago. Authorities say the boat was a cabin cruiser that capsized amid swells up to 5 feet. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the search with vessels and aircraft and will stop at sundown Wednesday.
Flooding forces evacuations in parts of South Texas as slow-moving storms swamp the region
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says more than 40 people have been rescued from high waters as heavy downpours drenching South Texas continue to raise the risk of flash flooding. Most of the rescues have been in the Uvalde County area. The storms also spawned a tornado in San Antonio on Wednesday morning. The downpours began Tuesday. More than six million people in 57 counties were under a National Service flood watch, and in some areas flash flood warnings are in effect. In Kerr County, where last year flooding killed more than 100 people, officials say they're in contact with summer camps. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries.
Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1
ATLANTA (AP) — Defending champion Argentina rallied to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final. Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Lionel Messi and Co. had other ideas. Argentina pushed for an equalizer and the pressure eventually led to Fernandez scoring in the 85th minute. Martinez headed in the winner two minutes into injury time. Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
