US and Iran sign initial deal to end war, ease sanctions and open strait as nuclear talks continue
WASHINGTON (AP) — An initial agreement to end the war between the United States and Iran calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and would waive sanctions on the country, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely. That's according to U.S. officials who read the language of the memorandum on ending the war to journalists on Wednesday. Iran also released a similar version of the accord. The agreement would also open the Strait of Hormuz toll-free for two months and affirm a commitment to Lebanon’s territorial integrity in the face of Israel’s invasion against the Hezbollah militant group. Both the U.S. and Iranian presidents have signed the deal.
Federal Reserve policymakers show support for rate hikes as Warsh reins in guidance
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its key rate unchanged Wednesday yet nearly half the central bank’s policymakers said they could support a rate hike later this year, an unexpectedly aggressive outcome that would disappoint President Trump and suggests heightened concerns about persistent inflation. In an unusually short statement after their two-day meeting, Fed officials dropped language that had suggested their next move would be to cut their key rate. The brief statement reflects the influence of new chair Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump, who has previously criticized the Fed for commenting too broadly on the economy.
US stocks sink on worries about a possible hike to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks dropped on speculation the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates this year to keep a lid on inflation. The S&P 500 slumped 1.2% Wednesday after the Fed released projections showing nearly half its policymakers foresee at least one increase to its main interest rate in 2026. The Dow Jones Industrial Average went from a gain of 0.5% in the morning to a drop of 1%, while the Nasdaq composite sank 1.3%. Treasury yields climbed on rising expectations for a hike to rates. Higher rates can tap the brakes on inflation, but they also slow the economy and hurt prices for investments.
Takeaways from the G7: Trump's new attitude toward allies buoyed by their praise for Iran deal
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — President Donald Trump isn't fond of international meetings of world leaders. But he changed his tune at the G7 summit after earning support from his counterparts for a tentative agreement he struck with Iran to end the war. It was an about-face for the Republican president. Just weeks ago, Trump had been sharply criticizing fellow leaders for refusing to join the United States and Israel in bombing Iran to force it to give up its nuclear aspirations. Trump told reporters before departing the summit at a French Alpine resort that “we found a great deal of unity here at the G7.”
Trump delays his own national intelligence nominee, fueling tension with fellow Republicans
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is trying to stop the confirmation process for his own nominee to head the nation’s intelligence agencies. Trump's extraordinary move Wednesday upended Senate efforts to renew a crucial surveillance program that expired last week and fueled fresh tensions with fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill. Trump declared in a social media post he was delaying the nomination of Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence just hours before his scheduled hearing. Republicans eventually postponed the hearing for Clayton, who's U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. Further complicating matters, Trump says he won't sign the surveillance program renewal without his legislation to require proof of citizenship for voters.
'A million years isn’t enough': Victims' relatives confront Gilgo Beach serial killer at sentencing
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) — A Long Island architect who lived a secret life as the Gilgo Beach serial killer has been sentenced to to life in prison without parole. Rex Heuermann had previously admitted in court to killing eight women, many of them sex workers. Police discovered the remains of several of the women along a coastal parkway not far from Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. Family members of victims delivered emotional statements during the court hearing. Jasmine Robinson, a cousin of victim Jessica Taylor, said, “You fill me with so much repugnance, I can’t stand it.”
Georgia Republican legislative leaders reject governor's call for 2028 redistricting
ATLANTA (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Georgia won’t redraw congressional and state legislative districts for the 2028 elections during a special session called by GOP Gov. Brian Kemp. In a letter to Kemp on Wednesday, Republican House leaders said changes to Georgia’s maps should take place only after a deliberative process providing the public ample opportunity for input. They also noted that legal challenges are still ongoing against some of their current districts. The decision marked a setback for both Kemp and President Donald Trump, who has urged Republican-led states to redraw congressional districts to their advantage
Luigi Mangione will assert psychiatric defense in murder case in UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing
NEW YORK (AP) — Luigi Mangione plans to assert a psychiatric defense at his state murder trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro said Wednesday that Mangione’s lawyers have informed him they will try to show that he was suffering from “extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the occurrence.” By asserting a psychiatric defense, Mangione would effectively be admitting that he killed Thompson but did so because of mitigating circumstances. If a jury finds that Mangione was emotionally disturbed at the time of the killing, it could convict him of manslaughter instead of murder, meaning he’d be sentenced to less time in prison.
Investigators seek clues in small jet crash that killed 1 in Texas, where bystanders rushed to help
Investigators are on the scene where business jet crashed on a Texas highway, killing one person on board. Local officials in Laredo said Wednesday the toll in the fiery crash could have been much worse and credited bystanders for helping police rescue passengers and crew. A business partner confirmed in a social media post that the person who died was Joshua Baer, a leader in Texas’ technology and startup sectors. The plane went down with six people on board late Tuesday near the Mexican border after its crew radioed the local airport seeking to make an emergency landing. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
Harry Kane ties England's record for World Cup goals in 4-2 win over Croatia
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Harry Kane scored twice to equal the English record for World Cup goals, Jude Bellingham added another two minutes into the second half and England beat Croatia 4-2. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa answered each of Kane’s first-half goals in a rematch of the 2018 semifinal game won by Croatia. Musa’s goal came on the final play before the whistle ending the first half. After Bellingham's goal, Marcus Rashford padded the lead in the 85th minute. Kane is up to 10 World Cup goals. That ties Gary Lineker's mark from the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.
