TikTok just got a double dose of pop star charisma. Demi Lovato and Charli XCX both posted videos to a sped-up mashup of This Is Me from Camp Rock and Charlis own hit 360, each putting their own spin on the viral moment.Demis Dramatic StrutDemi Lovatos clip is pure performance art. She struts into frame, hands weaving through her hair as if shes in a high-fashion campaign, mouthing along to the mashups dramatic beats. Then she takes it to the floor, lying back, hair spilling behind her, before crawling toward the camera under flashing paparazzi lights. Its campy, its flirty, the kind of video that makes you pause mid-scroll.Charlis Cheeky ReplyCharli XCX wasnt going to let Demi have all the fun. Her video kicks off with her stepping out of a trailer, oversized sunglasses firmly in place, black dress swaying as she struts toward the camera. Jacket off, she leans in to the lyrics before also dropping to the floor and crawling forward just like Demi. Then she takes it a step further, rolling around in playful disarray before springing up, tossing her shades at the camera, and breaking into a laugh. Oh Charli, you know exactly how to make TikTok yours. Demi even commented on her post saying, obsessed! making us all wonder if the two pop stars might potentially hop on a remix together.Why the Mashup WorksThis Is Me is a nostalgic anthem for a generation of Disney Channel fans, while 360 is a slick, self-assured pop track. Together, theyre unexpected but oddly seamless, bridging late-2000s teen movie earnestness with Charlis modern club-ready swagger. Seeing both artists embrace it in back-to-back videos only fuels the trends momentum.Recent Moves from Both StarsThis TikTok moment comes amid busy seasons for both singers.For Charli, it follows her appearance at Norways Oslo Pix Film Festival, where she introduced Joachim Triers Sentimental Value. In her speech, she shared how the film stuck with her for days, making her reflect on family dynamics and the push-pull between love and art.Demi, meanwhile, recently gave Camp Rock fans the ultimate throwback. During the Jonas Brothers JONAS20 tour stop at MetLife Stadium, she joined Joe Jonas for surprise renditions of Gotta Find You and This Is Me. It was a Disney Channel fever dream come to life, 15 years after the original premiere.A Pop Culture Full CircleSeeing Demi perform This Is Me live again and then turn around to dance to it with Charlis 360 is the kind of timeline collision that makes the internet hum. Its nostalgia complete with fierce struts and one perfectly timed pair of sunglasses flying at the camera.Source

Mayor Muriel Bowser said city leaders were focused on how to make the most of the additional federal support.

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Magnolia Pictures has dropped the first trailer for Plainclothes, the Sundance award-winning thriller written and directed by Carmen Emmi and its already setting off sparks.Set in 1990s Syracuse, the film follows Lucas (Tom Blyth, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), a promising undercover police officer assigned to lure and arrest gay men. But Lucas mission takes an unexpected turn when he meets Andrew (Russell Tovey, Looking) and finds himself falling for his target.The trailer teases an intoxicating mix of tension, intimacy, and danger. What begins as another sting operation in a mall bathroom quickly transforms into something far more electric. Thrilling, steamy, erotic, and so much more, it hints at a love story thats as dangerous as it is irresistible. As Lucas navigates a growing romance under the shadow of his assignment, the pressure from his department to deliver arrests mounts pushing him toward a reckoning that collides with his own buried past.You can always tell when a man is hiding something. The story also flashes to a tense New Years Eve at Lucas mothers house, where a misplaced letter threatens to expose everything. Surrounded by suffocating family dynamics, Lucas is forced to confront the memories and choices hes tried to outrun.In addition to Blyth and Tovey, Plainclothes stars Amy Forsyth, Christian Cooke, Maria Dizzia, and Gabe Fazio. Magnolia Pictures will release the film in theaters on Sept. 19, 2025.Source

The cast of Perfect Match Season 3 is bringing the chaos, chemistry, and confessions! We sat down with Ollie, Rachel, Louis, Freddie, AD, Sandy, Lucy, and Clayton to talk all things reality romancewhy they joined the show, what theyre really looking for, and whether there is such a thing as too many dating shows. Is love still in the air? Find out as they dish on their journeys to find the perfect person.Source

The new Air Force uniform honors the F-16 fighter jet that is used in the military branch.

Chargers running back Najee Harris, who had been walking laps at practice since Aug. 2, ran and participated in drills for the first time this training camp Tuesday.

The president cited a number of false and misleading claims about homicides and youth crime in the nations capital.

President Trump said he needed to send in the Guard to secure the nations capital. But on Jan. 6, 2021 the most lawless day in recent Washington history he had a very different reaction.

The video, part of a trove of materials that authorities had refused to release, shows the minutes in which a commander tried to talk to a gunman barricaded in a room with dozens of children.

Dennis Tink Bell was 25 years old when he fell into a crevasse on King George Island. Over the decades, a glacier receded, and a scientific team from Poland found his remains this year.

What bots are really doing in the classroom.

David Archuleta is back with his most sensual and vibrant music yet. Today, the acclaimed singer-songwriter releases Dulce Amor, the third single from his upcoming EP Earthly Delights, which arrives this Friday, Aug. 15. The new track continues Archuletas exploration of love and self-discovery with a playful mix of English and Spanish lyrics wrapped in shimmering pop production.Following the success of his global hit Crme Brle and its remix, as well as the tender single Can I Call You, Dulce Amor ramps up the energy with its catchy hook and smooth, dynamic vocals. Archuleta describes the song as that kind of love that just makes life sweeter. Its romantic, its physical, its emotional. Its truly indulgent and leaves you wanting more. I wanted to capture the full flavor of that.The single marks a bold step in the evolution of Earthly Delights, Archuletas first new music in more than five years. The EP embraces themes of sensuality, vulnerability, and personal freedom with a confident yet tender approach. Im in my indulgence mode when it comes to giving into my sensuality, Archuleta shared. Theres something sweet about being naughty. And its actually helped me get in touch with more tender, vulnerable parts of myself.Archuletas reflections also touch on deeper personal growth and healing. Raised in a conservative environment, the singer reveals how his journey of embracing his queer identity has led him to question old beliefs and fears around sexuality. Earthly Delights is taking in the pleasures of what I always thought would keep me out of heaven, he said. Heres to a big F you to my old fears and embracing the sensual side and earthly delights of how good and rich it feels. It really is the source to life.The Earthly Delights EP, produced by a team including Irvin Rivera, showcases Archuletas ability to blend genres like pop, Latin rhythms, and smooth balladry. The tracklist includes:Give You The WorldCrme BrleCan I Call YouLuckyHomeDulce AmorFans can watch the official music video for Dulce Amor here.With this new music, Archuleta is gearing up for his first headline tour in over five years. The Earthly Delights North American tour kicks off Sept. 17 in Phoenix, AZ, and will make stops across the U.S. and Canada including Salt Lake City, Vancouver, San Francisco, Toronto, and a sold-out show in New York City. The tour runs through mid-October and features special guests Alexandra John (Sept. 17-29) and Rachel Bochner (Oct. 2-17).Tickets for all dates are available here. For fans wanting an extra special experience, a limited number of VIP packages priced at $200 USD (excluding ticket face value, taxes, and fees) will be offered. The Crme Brle Meet & Greet Experience includes early entry, an official meet and greet with Archuleta, a signed photo print, an exclusive stainless steel necklace, a commemorative laminate and lanyard, and access to a dedicated merchandise stand.Archuletas live performances promise a mix of new songs from Earthly Delights alongside longtime fan favorites like Crush, Afraid To Love, Hell Together, and A Little Too Not Over You. Fans can expect a vibrant show filled with heartfelt moments, playful energy, and Archuletas unmistakable charisma.Archuletas journey from a church-raised young man grappling with his identity to a bold artist embracing sensuality and queerness resonates strongly in this new phase of his career. He stands as an example of embracing self-love and personal growth with honesty and joy.In a music industry still hungry for authentic queer voices, Archuletas Earthly Delights offers both sweetness and depth, inviting listeners to revel in the pleasures of love, life, and self-acceptance.2025 Earthly Delights Tour DatesSeptember17 Phoenix, AZ, Valley Bar19 Salt Lake City, UT, Rockwell at The Complex20 Boise, ID, Treefort Music Hall22 Vancouver, BC, Hollywood Theatre23 Seattle, WA, Tractor Tavern24 Portland, OR, Aladdin Theater27 San Francisco, CA, The Independent29 San Diego, CA, House of BluesOctober2 Austin, TX, 3TEN ACL Live3 Dallas, TX, The Cambridge Room at House of Blues4 Houston, TX, The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues6 Atlanta, GA, Terminal West8 Franklin, TN, Franklin Theatre10 Columbus, OH, Skullys Music Diner11 Detroit, MI, El Club12 Toronto, ON, The Mod Club14 Pittsburgh, PA, Thunderbird Music Hall16 New York, NY, The Gramercy Theatre (SOLD OUT)17 Philadelphia, PA, The FoundryFor more information on David Archuleta, his Earthly Delights EP, and tour, visit his official website and social media channels.Source

Grab your knitting needles and alibis Only Murders in the Building is back, and the Arconia is still the deadliest address in New York. Hulu just dropped the trailer for the hit murder mystery comedys fifth season, premiering Sept. 9, and its giving us murder, mayhem, and a whole lot of Mabel fashion moments.This time, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) are investigating the suspicious death of Lester (Teddy Coluca), the beloved doorman of the Arconia. Naturally, our favorite true-crime trio refuses to believe it was an accident and the case pulls them deep into New Yorks underbelly. Think powerful billionaires, old-school mobsters, and the kind of Arconia neighbors who probably know exactly where the bodies are buried.If the trailers any indication, this season is overflowing with star power and laugh-out-loud moments from Steve and Marty what more could we want?Alongside returning favorites like Michael Cyril Creighton, Meryl Streep, DaVine Joy Randolph, Nathan Lane, and Richard Kind, the new season boasts a seriously stacked guest cast: Rene Zellweger, Keegan-Michael Key, Christoph Waltz, Logan Lerman, Ta Leoni, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest, and Jermaine Fowler.The first three episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 premiere Sept. 9 on Hulu, with new episodes dropping weekly. So stay tuned, its going to be killer. Source

One of the most iconic queer love stories in cinema history is celebrating a major milestone. In honor of its 20th anniversary, Brokeback Mountain is receiving its first-ever vinyl release of the original motion picture soundtrack, bringing the sweeping score and emotionally rich songs that underscored the groundbreaking film into a long-awaited physical format.Set for release on September 19 via Verve Forecast, the vinyl edition of the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack includes Academy Award-winning compositions from Gustavo Santaolalla, as well as performances from legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt.Fans will be able to choose from several exclusive color variants, including a striking Blue Sky Twist edition available only through the Verve Record Store. Each release will come housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket with a 16-page booklet featuring rare behind-the-scenes photos from the production of the Ang Lee-directed film.A Soundtrack That Matches the Storys Emotional WeightWhen Brokeback Mountain premiered in 2005, it was more than just a filmit was a cultural lightning rod. Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as star-crossed cowboys Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, the film offered an unflinching, tender portrayal of queer love in a time and place where such a relationship was forbidden. The film went on to win three Oscars, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score for Santaolallas haunting compositions.The soundtracks blend of folk, country, and bluegrass creates an atmosphere that is both earthy and ethereal. Songs like Emmylou Harris A Love That Will Never Grow Old and Willie Nelsons He Was a Friend of Mine amplify the films raw emotion, while tracks from artists like Rufus Wainwright and Steve Earle add texture to the storys rugged Western setting.A standout inclusion is Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompsons dreamy duet of King of the Road, which offers a moment of levity in an otherwise emotionally weighty tracklist. Meanwhile, Mary McBrides No Ones Gonna Love You Like Me and Jackie Greenes I Will Never Let You Go reinforce the themes of yearning and loss that define the narrative.Celebrating Queer Legacy in Mainstream CinemaBrokeback Mountain has long been hailed as the film that shifted the perception of queer cinema in the mainstream. Released at a time when LGBTQ+ representation was still severely limited, the movie opened the floodgates for more complex, nuanced queer storytelling in Hollywood.This re-releasealongside a limited theatrical return this past Juneaims to remind audiences of the films lasting legacy, both in the queer community and beyond. At its core, Brokeback Mountain is a story of love and regret, of what could have been, and what was never allowed to be. And its the music that often carries those unspoken feelings where words fall short.The score is subtly evocative yet emotionally powerful, the press release notes. That sentiment couldnt be more true of Gustavo Santaolallas original compositions, particularly The Wings, which remains a gut-wrenching piece of cinematic music even two decades later.Track Listing (Side A & B Highlights)Side A includes:OpeningHe Was A Friend Of Mine Willie NelsonA Love That Will Never Grow Old Emmylou HarrisKing of the Road Teddy Thompson & Rufus WainwrightThe Devils Right Hand Steve EarleSide B features:I Dont Want To Say Goodbye Teddy ThompsonI Will Never Let You Go Jackie GreeneIts So Easy Linda RonstadtThe Maker Makes Rufus WainwrightThe Wings Gustavo SantaolallaA Queer Milestone RevisitedAs we reflect on two decades of Brokeback Mountain, this vinyl release isnt just about musicits about honoring a pivotal moment in queer cinematic history. For LGBTQ+ audiences, it remains a painful, beautiful reminder of the way love has always existed, even when it wasnt welcomed.Whether youre a longtime fan or a newcomer discovering it for the first time, Brokeback Mountain (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on vinyl offers a tangible piece of a timeless story.Pre-order your copy now through Verve Forecast and rediscover the music that helped define a generation.Source

Pete Alonso hit his 253rd career homer Tuesday night, breaking the franchise record held by Darryl Strawberry for 37 years.

by Lomi Kriel, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, and Alex Nguyen and Paul Cobler, The Texas Tribune ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published. This article is co-published with The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan local newsroom that informs and engages with Texans. Sign up for The Brief Weekly to get up to speed on their essential coverage of Texas issues. Records released this week provide more details about campus safety concerns raised before the deadly 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and include some surviving teachers accounts that school leaders didnt check on them after they were injured and traumatized.The documents from Uvalde County and the school district also indicate that the 18-year-old shooter had behavioral and attendance issues before he dropped out of high school, and that his mother had told sheriffs deputies that she was scared of him.The county and Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District released the materials nearly 12 gigabytes as part of a settlement agreement in a yearslong lawsuit that news organizations, including ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, brought against state and local governments.The records reinforce the failure of law enforcement agencies to more quickly confront the gunman, who killed 19 students and two teachers in the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. ProPublica and the Tribune previously found that officers wrongly treated the shooter as a barricaded subject, rather than an active threat, and waited 77 minutes to confront him. No officer took control of the response, which prevented coordination and communication between agencies.The Texas Department of Public Safety, which dispatched more than 90 officers to the school, has appealed a separate judges order to release hundreds of videos and investigative files to the news organizations that sued for access. The agencys effort to slow the release of information continues to draw criticism from families of the victims, teachers and the former mayor, who is now a Republican state lawmaker. Its important so that the families can begin to heal, so that the families can begin to trust, so they begin to have some sort of closure, said Jesse Rizo, whose 9-year-old niece, Jackie Cazares, was killed during the May 24, 2022, massacre.Rizo, now a school board member who voted to release the agencys records, added, It will never be complete closure, but some sort of closure, and rebuilding that trust in law enforcement.The news organizations will continue to fight for release of the DPS records, said Laura Prather, a media law chair for Haynes Boone who is representing the outlets.Law enforcement experts largely regard the Uvalde shooting response as among the worst in American history. A U.S. Justice Department report in January 2024 affirmed many of the newsrooms initial findings and recommended that all officers in the country undergo at least eight hours of active shooter training annually.Three years is already too long to wait for truth and transparency that could prevent future tragedies, Prather said.Two former Uvalde schools police officers were indicted on child endangerment charges last summer over how they responded to the shooting. That includes Pete Arredondo, who was the districts police chief during the shooting and has been widely faulted for the delay in confronting the gunman. Adrian Gonzales, a school police officer who responded to the shooting, also faces charges related to child endangerment. Both men have pleaded not guilty and did not respond to requests for comment this week.This week, Gonzales attorney filed a request seeking a trial outside of Uvalde, saying it would be impossible to gather a jury that would not view evidence through their own pain and grief. In a text, the attorney, Nico LaHood, maintained that Gonzales is innocent and wrote that there is no evidence for why he should be held to account for collective failures of law enforcement agents from nearly two dozen agencies.It begs to question why he is accused of these charges out of nearly 400 officers present, LaHood wrote.Arredondo has also previously asserted that he did nothing wrong on the day of the shooting.Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell, who is leading the criminal investigation, did not return requests for comment. Spokespeople for the school district and county also did not immediately respond. DPS spokesperson Sheridan Nolen wrote in an email that the agency followed its standard protocol in which it does not release records that will impact pending prosecutions.Former Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, now a GOP member of the state House, called it ludicrous that the news organizations had to launch a legal fight to obtain records. He added that DPS should also release its information so that the victims families could get much-needed answers.Maybe theres something in there that we can keep this from happening again, he said. This was a costly mistake, and so I believe everybody should just release their records and give these families not closure, but at least another piece of what went on that day.ProPublica and the Tribune previously published 911 calls that showed the increasing desperation of children and teachers pleading to be saved and revealed how officers fear of the shooters AR-15 prevented them from acting more quickly. In a collaboration with FRONTLINE that included a documentary, the newsrooms showed that while the children in Uvalde were prepared, following what they had learned in their active shooter drills, many of the nearly 400 officers who responded were not.The county documents include emails to and from Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco, but they reveal little about his offices response. Nolascos inbox was inundated with media requests, offers of assistance from other law enforcement agencies and emails from the public criticizing law enforcements 77-minute delay in confronting the shooter, according to the documents released Tuesday.Nolasco has faced criticism for his actions on the day of the shooting. He was the first officer to respond to the house of the shooter's grandmother, whom the gunman shot in the face before going to Robb Elementary. Law enforcement experts have questioned why Nolasco did not do more to identify the shooter immediately. Shortly after that, the sheriff arrived at the school but did not appear to take charge of the escalating situation. Several officers later told state investigators that they regarded the sheriff as the incident commander.Nolasco could not be reached for comment on Tuesday and has declined multiple interview requests from the news organizations over the course of more than two years. In an interview Nolasco gave to DPS days after the shooting that was later obtained by the news organizations, he offered few details while defending his role that day.A DOJ investigation into the flawed response last year mentioned Nolasco by name 37 times and noted that he specifically should also have assisted with coordinating the law enforcement personnel present and establishing a command post and unified command. Despite the controversy, Nolasco was easily reelected last year.None of the school district police officers were wearing body cameras that day because the district had not issued them the equipment, so no new video or audio was released. The body cameras the county released had already been obtained by ProPublica and the Tribune.I Tried to Stay Calm for My StudentsStill, the records released this week showed further glimpses into the disarray that day.In one school email sent three weeks after the shooting, a fourth grade teacher at Robb Elementary wrote to the district superintendent about how terrified she was during the shooting, as she tried to keep her students safe while bullets ricocheted around her.According to a state House committees investigation into the shooting, the teacher was in a classroom across the hall from the adjoining classrooms where the gunaman killed all of his victims and was barricaded.I fell on the floor and began knocking desks over onto my legs so I wouldnt make noise, but I couldnt block the students from bullets, she emailed the former district superintendent, who retired after the shooting. I told my students I loved them. I told them to stay quiet, and I told them to pray.ProPublica and the Tribune could not immediately reach the teacher. In her email, she told the superintendent she was convinced she was going to die.I physically sat almost laying myself on my students and in front of them to be sure I could block them from bullets, she wrote in an email. I knew I would die that day. I had shrapnel in my back from when he shot in my window. I had blood all over the back of me, but I tried to stay calm for my students.The teacher wrote about how much she loved her students and working for the district. But she also noted that no school officials ever reached out to her immediately after the shooting. She wrote that she and other staff were asked not to talk to the media.A month after the massacre, another fourth grade teacher who survived being shot finally felt ready to ask about what was happening to her classroom.Is it being packed up, if so what will happen with my personal belongings? Elsa Avila wrote in an email to the schools principal. The students had piatas they were working on, were those salvaged or did they get thrown away?Avila said in the email that it was hard to accept that she may never get answers to many of her questions about the shooting.So I guess I can start with answers about my classroom, she said.In a brief interview this week, Avila said school leaders did not reach out to her directly while she was in the hospital. She also said the district should have released records sooner and that she hopes other agencies will follow.Still, she said, the governments actions are lacking any follow up.There were hundreds of officers there, so, to me, it still does not make sense that they only charged two officers, she said. Will there ever be any true accountability from other agencies? Because more people would need to be held accountable, more agencies need to be held accountable than just the two officers that they charged.The new records also show that school administrators had been aware of long-standing issues with locks on campus doors. Multiple witnesses told the legislative panel that employees often left doors unlocked, while teachers would use rocks, wedges and magnets to prop open interior and exterior doors. The shooter was able to enter the school through an unlocked exterior door, according to the legislative investigation.According to emails released this week, administrators had met with the owner of a lock company to discuss purchasing automatic locks for the districts exterior doors a little less than a month before the shooting. Emails sent after the shooting showed cost estimates in the millions for installing new exterior doors, hardened windows, fencing and other security infrastructure.Students have not returned to Robb Elementary since the 2022 attack. Local officials announced plans to demolish the school in the months following the shooting. A new campus, Legacy Elementary School, is expected to open this fall, and the site of the abandoned school has been turned into a living memorial.Troubled HistoryThe school district documents also include previously withheld information about the shooter, Salvador Ramos. They show district officials raising alarms about him hitting another student, using sexual language and drawing inappropriate pictures.In an email, former Superintendent Hal Harrell noted that Ramos was routinely failing classes and barely attending school.Academic intervention plans recommended one-on-one tutoring and parent conferences, however it is unclear what actions district officials or Ramos guardians ever took. Intervention plans from the 2016-17 school year largely list behavior as the reason for intervention. Ramos eventually dropped out.Then, around three months before the shooting, a sheriffs deputy visited the teenagers home two days in a row following reports of physical and verbal disturbance between him and his family.His mother, Adriana Reyes, could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday. But, according to the records, she told the deputy that Ramos became angry and kicked the Wi-Fi modem after she turned off the internet connection. The deputy wrote in a report that the mother said she was scared of Salvador and wanted help.

A collection of U.S. reports on human rights offenses trimmed or omitted past language on violations in El Salvador, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Israel, all seen as partners by President Trump.

The mill, which is part of the recent merger between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, has faced scrutiny from federal and local regulators.

The girls were locked in a classroom in a government-run group home for at-risk youth. The officials were charged with child abuse, dereliction of duty, manslaughter and other counts.

The son of the NBA legend signed to follow in his father's footsteps to play for his alma mater.

A plethora of squads around the NHL creatively posted about the announcement of Swift's new album.

Nature, Published online: 13 August 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02561-3An icy body proved itself a survivor by reappearing in telescope images after passing close to the Sun.

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Burned trees are pictured during one of the largest wildfire in decades in Fontjoncouse, southern France, Friday, Aug.8, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)2025-08-09T10:40:49Z PARIS (AP) About 1,400 firefighters were deployed Saturday in Frances southern Aude region to prevent the countrys largest wildfire in decades from reigniting, as all residents were allowed to return to their homes.Aude prefect Christian Pouget said the fire has been contained since Thursday after burning this week more than 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) in the wooded region, known for its wineries. All roads have been reopened but authorities issued a strict ban on accessing the forest, Pouget said at a news conference on Saturday. The fight is continuing, firefighters are still working on (fire) reignition, he said.The blaze left one person dead and 25 people have been injured, including 19 firefighters, Pouget said.High temperatures in the coming days are expected to complicate firefighters efforts.The fire wont be extinguished for several weeks, Col. Christophe Magny, director of the Aude fire department, said, pointing to several hot spots that are being closely monitored. Frances national weather agency Meteo France placed the southern half of France on a high vigilance alert for heat wave, with temperatures expected in the Aude region of up to 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday. In neighboring Spain, firefighters continued to battle a wildfire in Avila province, over 100 km (62 miles) west of Madrid. Vctor Fernndez, a technician at the advanced command post, told reporters Saturday the fire was being contained but warned the next hours would be critical. Extreme temperatures are expected to continue until at least next week, according to Spains national weather service. The fire began on Friday afternoon with the Spanish Military Emergencies Unit working through the night to bring it under control and prevent it from approaching roads and train lines.Southern Europe has seen multiple large fires this summer. Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

New York Police officers hang a banner for the funeral of officer Didarul Islam, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)2025-08-09T04:01:56Z NEW YORK (AP) Outside the Bronx mosque where a New York City police officer was eulogized last week, a group of officers in their formal navy blue uniforms solemnly hung a banner bearing the young officers photograph and the name of his fraternity, the Bangladeshi American Police Association.Didarul Islam one of four people killed in the July 28 shooting at the Manhattan office tower housing the NFLs headquarters was the NYPDs first Bangladeshi American officer killed in the line of duty.His funeral underscored the fertile recruiting ground the department has found in the citys thriving Bangladeshi community. More than 1,000 of the NYPDs roughly 33,000 uniformed members are Bangladeshi Americans, according to the association. Another 1,500 people of Bangladeshi heritage are among the departments 19,000 civilian employees. Those numbers are up from just a handful of officers a few decades ago, a phenomenon some Bangladeshi officers attribute partly to their own patriotic response to anti-Muslim sentiment after the 9/11 attacks, as well as active recruitment and word-of-mouth in the community. Among the sea of NYPD officers who lined the street to honor Islam, 36, were some who opted for traditional South Asian attire, their police badges worn around their necks. Many joined the throngs of mourners who knelt in the street in prayer. Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel. He actually uplifted our community in a way that was not imaginable before, said Shamsul Haque, one of the co-founders of the NYPDs Bangladeshi officers group. His legacy will endure not only as a hero who gave his life protecting others, but also as a symbol of hope, integrity and the American dream. Bangladeshi immigrants join NYPD following Sept. 11 terror attacksWhen Haque joined the NYPD in 2004, he was one of just a few Bangladeshi immigrants. Many of those who joined around then wanted to dispel the notion that all Muslims were terrorist sympathizers, he said.Haque, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1991, had recently graduated college with a business administration degree when the twin towers fell. But rather than follow his peers into a financial field, he enrolled in the police academy, a decision he acknowledged was initially met with skepticism from his parents.In the aftermath of 9/11, the NYPD built up a domestic surveillance program that for years systematically spied on Muslim communities and monitored local businesses, mosques and student groups in a hunt for terror cells.Haque, 52, who retired earlier this year after becoming the first South Asian and first Muslim to attain the rank of lieutenant commander in the NYPD, said the perception of Muslims among rank-and-file members has improved. Early in his career, he recalled feeling singled out when a counterterrorism expert warned officers during a training session about the possibility of al-Qaida operatives infiltrating the force.Over the years, people started to realize that we work hard, we are ethical, Haque said. Although we are immigrants, we are patriotic. Path to NYPD badge begins with civilian police jobsTo grow their numbers, Haque and others went out into the community proselytizing a sensible path for recently arrived immigrants.Aspiring Bangladeshi officers were encouraged to take civilian jobs in the department, such as traffic enforcement officers and school safety agents, that dont require U.S. citizenship. After gaining citizenship, usually in about five years, they could then apply for the police academy to become a uniformed officer. Some 60% of all officers of Bangladeshi heritage in the NYPD followed this pipeline, Haque estimated. Islam, the officer killed last week, began his career as a school safety officer after immigrating to the U.S. about 16 years ago.The visible growth of Bangladeshis in the NYPD has helped many aspire to leadership roles in the department, just as generations of Irish, Italian and Latino immigrants did before them.Among the uniformed officers with Bangladeshi roots are 10 detectives, 82 sergeants, 20 lieutenants and four inspectors, said Sgt. Ershadur Siddique, current president of the Bangladeshi American Police Association. The departments uniformed ranks are roughly 38% white, 33% Hispanic, 17% Black and nearly 12% Asian, according to NYPD data.I never dreamt that I would go this far, but I always had an ambition to go somewhere where I can be challenged, said Siddique, now a member of Mayor Eric Adams security detail. I always say, Listen, give me a chance, see if I can do better than anybody else, you know? Give me a chance. Young officer reflects on shootingIshmam Chowdhury, a 26-year-old officer who graduated from the academy in May, said Islams death just a few months into his own career has left a lasting impression.Like Islams wife, who is expecting their third child, Chowdhurys wife is due to give birth to their first soon.It just hit us a little different because like that made us think, what if it happens to me today? It can, he said. So yeah, I guess thats a wake-up call for us that even though this is a noble job, we are definitely at grave risk. Chowdhury said he dreamed of joining law enforcement even before he immigrated to the U.S. in 2019. As a teenager in Bangladesh, he and other family members were robbed multiple times. The feeling of helplessness and humiliation stuck with him, he said.Chowdhury started as an unarmed volunteer member of the NYPD auxiliary before joining the civilian ranks as a 911 operator in 2021.He also served about a year in the police force in Washington, D.C., after it opened applications to green card holders in 2023, but he and his wife felt isolated from friends and family. So after receiving his citizenship last year, the couple moved back to Queens and he enrolled in the police academy.Thats what makes this city, this country, great. It doesnt matter where somebody comes from, Chowdhury said. If somebody really works hard and truly wants to do something, they can do it.___Associated Press writer Deepti Hajela contributed to this report.___Follow Philip Marcelo at https://x.com/philmarcelo PHILIP MARCELO Marcelo is a general assignment reporter in the NYC bureau. He previously wrote for AP Fact Check and before that was based in Boston, where he focused on race and immigration. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser speaks as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, left, listens during a news conference in Washington, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)2025-08-09T04:03:37Z WASHINGTON (AP) Around 2 a.m., noisy revelers emerging from clubs and bars packed the sidewalks of U Street in Washington, many of them seeking a late-night slice or falafel. A robust but not unusual contingent of city police cruisers lingered around the edges of the crowds. At other late-night hot spots, nearly identical scenes unfolded. What wasnt apparent in Fridays earliest hours: any sort of security lockdown by a multiagency flood of uniformed federal law enforcement officers. Thats what President Donald Trump had promised Thursday, starting at midnight, in the administrations latest move to impose its will on the nations capital. In short, that law enforcement surge to take control of the District of Columbias streets did not appear to unfold on schedule. A two-hour city tour, starting around 1 a.m. Friday, revealed no overt or visible law enforcement presence other than members of the Metropolitan Police Department, the citys police force. That still might change in the coming evenings as Trump puts into action his long-standing plans to take over a capital city he has repeatedly slammed as unsafe, filthy and badly run. According to his Thursday declaration, the security lockdown will run for seven days, with the option to extend as needed. In an online post Saturday, the Republican president said the Democratic-led city would soon be one of the countrys safest and he announced a White House news conference for Monday, though he offered no details. On Friday night, a White House official said Thursday nights operations included arrests for possession of two stolen firearms, suspected fentanyl and marijuana. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said more than 120 members of various federal agencies the Secret Service, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service were to be on duty Friday night, upping the complement of federal officers involved. This is the first step in stopping the violent crime that has been plaguing the streets of Washington, D.C., White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who publicly faced off against Trump in 2020 when he called in a massive federal law enforcement response to disperse crowds of protesters, has not said a public word since Trumps declaration. The police department has gone similarly silent. Mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser speaks as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, left, listens during a news conference in Washington, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser speaks as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, left, listens during a news conference in Washington, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More A crackdown came after an assaultThe catalyst for this latest round of takeover drama was the assault last weekend on a high-profile member of the bureaucracy-slashing Department of Government Efficiency by a group of teenagers in an attempted carjacking. Police arrested two 15-year-olds and were seeking others. Trump quickly renewed his calls for the federal government to seize control.If D.C. doesnt get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that theyre not going to get away with it anymore, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. He later told reporters he was considering everything from repealing Washingtons limited home rule autonomy to bringing in the National Guard, maybe very quickly. The threats come at a time when Bowsers government can legitimately claim to have reduced the number of homicides and carjackings, both of which spiked in 2023. The number of carjackings overall dropped significantly the following year in 2024, from 957 to just under 500, and is on track to decline again this year, with less than 200 recorded so far more than halfway through the year. The portion of juveniles arrested for carjacking, though, has remained above 50%, and Bowsers government has taken steps to reign in a new phenomenon of rowdy teenagers causing disarray and disturbances in public spaces. Emergency legislation passed by the D.C. Council this summer imposed tighter youth curfew restrictions and empowered Police Chief Pamela Smith to declare temporary juvenile curfew zones for four days at a time. In those areas, a gathering of nine or more under the age of 18 is unlawful after 8 p.m. Pamela Smith, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, speaks during a briefing, June 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) Pamela Smith, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, speaks during a briefing, June 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More This lies within presidential authorityTrump is within his powers in deploying federal law enforcement assets on D.C. streets. He could deploy the National Guard, although that is not one of the dozen participating agencies listed in his declaration. The first Trump administration called in the National Guard during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and again on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters overran the Capitol.Further steps, including taking over the police department, would require a declaration of emergency. Legal experts believe that would most likely be challenged in court. Such an approach would fit the general pattern of Trumps second term in office, when he has declared states of emergency on issues ranging from border protection to economic tariffs. In many cases, he moved forward while the courts sorted it out. Imposing a full federal takeover of Washington would require a congressional repeal of the Home Rule Act of 1973. Its a step that Trump said lawyers are examining. A member of the National Guard patrols the area outside of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) A member of the National Guard patrols the area outside of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More That law was specific to Washington, not other communities in the United States that have their own home rule powers but generally retain representation in their state legislatures, said Monica Hopkins, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia.Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, the measure allowed D.C. residents to elect their own mayor, council and local commissioners. The district had been previously run by federally appointed commissioners and members of Congress, some of whom balked at having to deal with potholes and other details of running a city of 700,000 residents.So far, Trumps criticisms of Washington can be felt most directly in the actions of the National Park Service, which controls large pieces of land throughout the capital. In Trumps second administration, the agency has stepped up its clearing of homeless encampments on Park Service land and recently carried out a series of arrests of people smoking marijuana in public parks. Earlier in the week, the agency said a statue of a Confederate military leader that was toppled by protesters in 2020 would be restored and replaced, in line with an executive order. ___Associated Press writers Mike Pesoli, Michael Kunzelman and Michelle L. Price contributed to this report. ASHRAF KHALIL Khalil writes about local issues in Washington, D.C., for The Associated Press and covers the social safety net around the country. twitter instagram mailto LINDSAY WHITEHURST Whitehurst covers the Supreme Court and legal affairs for The Associated Press. Shes won multiple journalism awards in a career thats spanned two decades. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

A person prays, ahead of a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the WWII U.S. atomic bombing at Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park in Nagasaki, western Japan Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)2025-08-09T01:38:34Z NAGASAKI, Japan (AP) The southern Japanese city of Nagasaki on Saturday marked 80 years since the U.S. atomic attack that killed tens of thousands and left survivors who hope their harrowing memories can help make their hometown the last place on Earth to be hit by a nuclear bomb.The United States launched the Nagasaki attack on Aug. 9, 1945, killing 70,000 by the end of that year, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima that killed 140,000. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, 1945, ending World War II and the nearly half-century of aggression by the country across Asia.About 2,600 people, including representatives from more than 90 countries, attended a memorial event at Nagasaki Peace Park, where Mayor Shiro Suzuki and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke, among other guests. At 11:02 a.m., the exact time when the plutonium bomb exploded above Nagasaki, participants observed a moment of silence as a bell rang. Even after the war ended, the atomic bomb brought invisible terror, 93-year-old survivor Hiroshi Nishioka said in his speech at the memorial, noting that many who had survived without severe wounds started bleeding from gums and losing hair and died.Never use nuclear weapons again, or were finished, he said. Doves releasedDozens of doves, a symbol of peace, were released after a speech by Suzuki, whose parents are survivors of the attack. He said that the citys memories of the bombing are a common heritage and should be passed down for generations in and outside Japan.The existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth, Suzuki said. In order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site now and forever, we will go hand-in-hand with global citizens and devote our utmost efforts toward the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of everlasting world peace. A world without warSurvivors and their families gathered Saturday in rainy weather at Peace Park and nearby Hypocenter Park, located below the bombs exact detonation spot, hours before the official ceremony. I simply seek a world without war, said Koichi Kawano, an 85-year-old survivor who laid flowers at the hypocenter monument decorated with colorful origami paper cranes and other offerings.Some others prayed at churches in Nagasaki, home to Catholic converts who went deep underground during centuries of violent persecution in Japans feudal era.The twin bells at Urakami Cathedral, which was destroyed in the bombing, also rang together again after one of the bells that had gone missing following the attack was restored by volunteers.Despite their pain from wounds, discrimination and illnesses from radiation, survivors have publicly committed to a shared goal of abolishing nuclear weapons. But they worry about the world moving in the opposite direction. Passing down lessonsAging survivors and their supporters in Nagasaki now put their hopes of achieving nuclear weapons abolition in the hands of younger people, telling them the attack isnt distant history, but an issue that remains relevant to their future.There are only two things I long for: the abolition of nuclear weapons and prohibition of war, said Fumi Takeshita, an 83-year-old survivor. I seek a world where nuclear weapons are never used and everyone can live in peace.In the hope of passing down the lessons of history to current and future generations, Takeshita visits schools to share her experience with children. When you grow up and remember what you learned today, please think what each of you can do to prevent war, Takeshita told students during a school visit earlier this week.Teruko Yokoyama, an 83-year-old member of a Nagasaki organization supporting survivors, said that she thinks of the growing absence of those she had worked with, and that fuels her desire to document the lives of others who are still alive.The number of survivors has fallen to 99,130, about a quarter of the original number, with their average age exceeding 86. Survivors worry about fading memories, as the youngest of the survivors were too young to clearly recall the attack. We must keep records of the atomic bombing damages of the survivors and thier lifetime story, said Yokoyama, whose two sisters died after suffering illnesses linked to radiation. Her organization has started to digitize the narratives of survivors for viewing on YouTube and other social media platforms with the help of a new generation. There are younger people who are beginning to take action, Yokoyama told The Associated Press on Friday. So I think we dont have to get depressed yet.Nagasaki hosted a peace forum on Friday where survivors shared their stories with more than 300 young people from around the country. Seiichiro Mise, a 90-year-old survivor, said that hes handing seeds of flowers of peace to the younger generation in hopes of seeing them bloom. Japans security dilemmaSurvivors are frustrated by a growing nuclear threat and support among international leaders for developing or possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence. They criticize the Japanese governments refusal to sign or even participate in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as an observer because Japan, as an American ally, says it needs U.S. nuclear possession as deterrence.In Ishibas speech, the prime minister reiterated Japans pursuit of a nuclear-free world, pledging to promote dialogue and cooperation between countries with nuclear weapons and nonnuclear states at the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons review conference scheduled for April and May 2026 in New York. Ishiba didnt mention the nuclear weapons ban treaty.Countries must move from words to action by strengthening the global disarmament regime, with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or NPT, at the center, complemented by the momentum created by the nuclear weapons ban treaty, said U.N. Secretary-General Antnio Guterres, in his message read by Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu in Nagasaki.Nagasaki invited representatives from all countries to attend the ceremony on Saturday. The government in China notably notified the city that it wouldnt be present without providing a reason.The ceremony last year stirred controversy because of the absence of the U.S. ambassador and other Western envoys in response to the Japanese citys refusal to invite officials from Israel.___Mari Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.___The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ MARI YAMAGUCHI Yamaguchi is based in Tokyo and covers Japanese politics, security, nuclear energy and social issues for The Associated Press. twitter mailto

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the second inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)2025-08-09T02:12:32Z LOS ANGELES (AP) Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw went toe-to-toe for six innings in a vintage duel Friday night between the two most recent additions to the 3,000-strikeout club.The 41-year-old Scherzer, pitching for Toronto, made his 465th career start. Kershaw, 37, started his 443rd game all for the Los Angeles Dodgers over 18 seasons.Probably a lineup card that Ill keep for my office, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.Once teammates in Los Angeles, both pitchers have won three Cy Young Awards and are likely headed to the Hall of Fame.Two great competitors, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. I dont know if youre going to see this one again.Kershaw (6-2) got the win, allowing one run and seven hits as Los Angeles earned a 5-1 victory. He struck out four and walked one on 74 pitches, 54 strikes. And he stuck around to watch his rival work when the Dodgers were batting. Scherz was throwing the ball great. He was throwing like 96 (mph), Kershaw said. It doesnt look like hes aged at all.Scherzer (2-2) took the loss, giving up two runs and six hits. He struck out five and walked three on 98 pitches, 63 strikes. Max had really good stuff, Roberts said. Kershaw exited with the Dodgers leading 2-1, thanks to a two-run homer by Mookie Betts in the fifth.The left-hander was a model of efficiency in the first inning, retiring the Blue Jays on 11 pitches. Los Angeles went right after Scherzer in the bottom half. Shohei Ohtani and Betts hit consecutive line-drive singles before Davis Schneider robbed Will Smith of a potential three-run homer with a catch against the Dodgers bullpen gate in left field. Scherzer walked Max Muncy to load the bases before striking out Teoscar Hernndez to end the inning. Scherzer retired the side in the second and third. Kershaw had traffic on the bases in the second, when Addison Bargers two-strike single scored Bo Bichette and gave Toronto a 1-0 lead. With a runner at first, Dodgers rookie second baseman Alex Freeland raced into shallow right field to catch a blooper by Ernie Clement for the third out of the fifth. A relieved Kershaw smiled and pointed his index finger skyward.It was the fourth time Scherzer and Kershaw faced each other, and Kershaws teams lead their individual series 3-1. Kershaw has two wins and Scherzer one. The first matchup was unexpected. Hall of Famers Randy Johnson of Arizona and Greg Maddux of the Dodgers were scratched on Sept. 7, 2008. Their replacements were rookies Scherzer, then 24, and Kershaw, then 20, who each got a no-decision.Hes had a hell of a career, Scherzer said. Its kind of a cool little milestone moment here where were hooking it back up against each other. Hes an awesome teammate as well. Ive got all the respect in the world for what he does on and off the field.Roberts managed Scherzer when the Dodgers traded for him in the second half of the 2021 season, when he became the 19th pitcher in MLB history to notch his 3,000th strikeout. Having Kershaw already in the fold helped prepare Roberts. Those guys are in very rare company, and when you have an opportunity to manage people like that and superstars, it does help you understand how they think, what makes them tick, he said. Unlike Kershaw, Scherzer likes to talk all the time, Roberts said.Hes got a lot of answers, but theyre valid answers because hes always thinking the game, Roberts said. Hell talk to hitters, get in hitters meetings. Hes always trying to pick peoples brains to get some type of edge, which as a coach, thats a good thing.Kershaw became the 20th member of the 3,000-strikeout club in July at Dodger Stadium.Its really cool that Scherz was the guy right before me to get to 3,000. I got to play with him, I got to compete against him, basically our whole careers, Kershaw said. I dont know if its our last year, but toward the end, for sure. Its been a fun ride.Both pitchers are known for being extremely competitive. Where they differ is Scherzer is more demonstrative than Kershaw.Roberts recalled the reaction he got for patting Scherzer on his rear end in the middle of a game in 2021.I heard a curse word after I did it, he said. Thats pretty intense.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

The Angels turned the eighth triple play in team history Tuesday night, with shortstop Zach Neto getting two putouts and an assist off a liner by Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and several allies will host the president for a video call, the latest in a summer-long effort to hold ranks in supporting Ukraine.

The mayor of Hamilton County, Tenn., declared a state of emergency as rescue crews pulled people out of submerged cars and homes.

In this image from police body cam video provided by the Uvalde County Sheriff's Department, law enforcement agents ready their weapons during the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. (Uvalde County Sheriff's Department via AP)2025-08-13T04:02:28Z AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Anguished pleas from parents. Confused police officers. The horrifying scene that emergency crews found when they first got inside the classrooms at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.Newly released records surrounding the May 2022 massacre, including hundreds of pages of files and hours of body camera video, show in greater detail the heartbreak and failures of one the worst school shootings in U.S. history. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed.The documents offer a deeper portrait of the teenage gunman and actions of hundreds of law enforcement officers who rushed to the rural South Texas campus. Theyre the final batch of records local authorities had withheld during a yearslong legal battle over public access. Family members of the victims were among those pushing for their release. Although state and federal investigations over the past three years have extensively examined the shooting, the batches of records provide new glimpses of the panic and indecision by law enforcement officials as they waited more than an hour to confront the shooter. Parents are heard begging police to stop the gunmanThe official narrative that police quickly rushed to confront and kill 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos had been quickly dismissed by parents who stood outside the school begging for officers to go inside or let them get to their children. Audio released Tuesday detailed their desperation.Whose class is he in? one parent can be heard asking on a deputys body camera. Another comes up and yells, Come on man, my daughter is in there!Their pleas continued.Either you go in or Im going in bro, one parent says, adding seconds later, My kids are in there, bro. ... Please!Some officers urged quick action. One deputy, who first responded to reports of Ramos shooting his grandmother moments before the school attack, rushed to campus after the first gunshots there. As he donned his ballistics vest, a voice says, Something needs to be done, ASAP. After some children run from the school and officers report finding an AR-15 rifle, one officer can be heard saying, We need to get in there, fast.It would be another hour before law enforcement breached the classroom and killed Ramos.Gunmans mother told deputies she was scared of son months before attack Law enforcement records showed sheriffs deputies were called to a physical disturbance at the home of Ramos mother, Adriana Reyes, a few months before the attack. She told deputies that he became angry and kicked a wireless modem after she turned off the internet. She had to hold him down to calm him, according to an incident report. She told deputies Ramos never hit her, but they made a note in their report: Ms Reyes stated she was scared of Salvador and wanted help. Ramos grandmother took him to her house and deputies took no further action.Ramos would end up shooting his grandmother before attacking the school. She survived.School records, meanwhile, showed a pattern of spiraling trouble that emerged at a young age.Ramos was described as a motivated thinker and learner in kindergarten, but by middle school he was getting suspended or disciplined for harassment and bullying. He also failed to meet minimum statewide testing standards. In October 2021 seven months before the shooting Ramos withdrew from high school because of poor academic performance, lack of attendance. Records showed he failed nearly all his classes. Video shows officers unsure of shooters location Some officers were initially unsure about just where Ramos was, how they might get to him and whether children might be trapped or hiding. Some tried finding a way in but also knew Ramos was heavily armed.Crouched behind the school building sizing up an assault on the classroom from the outside, an officer says, I just dont want to be crawling and hes just looking down on me. Former school police chief Pete Arredondo, who has been described as the incident commander, can be heard shouting to Ramos, asking him put down his weapon. These are innocent children. We dont want anyone else hurt. Please talk to me, but there is no response.Once police realized there were children hiding in other classrooms, Arredondo is heard telling officers crouched around him they want to clear those rooms before breaching the classroom where Ramos is holed up. We dont know if there are kids in there, Arredondo says. Were gonna save the lives of the other ones. What comes next The law enforcement response included local, state and federal officers, but Arredondo and former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales are the only two to face criminal charges. Both face multiple counts of child endangerment and abandonment and have pleaded not guilty.Arredondo has said he has been wrongly scapegoated as the one to blame for mistakes that day. The indictment against Arredondo contends that he didnt follow his active shooter training and made critical decisions that slowed the police response while the gunman was hunting victims.Trial is set for October. Gonzales on Monday requested that his trial be moved out of Uvalde County, arguing he cannot receive a fair trial in the community. ___Associated Press reporters John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri; Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia; Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia; and Ed White in Detroit contributed. JIM VERTUNO Vertuno has been covering news, sports and politics from Texas for The AP since 1998. He won a National Headliner Award for sports writing in 2013. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of the press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)2025-08-13T03:45:54Z ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) When U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Alaska on Friday, it will be the latest chapter in the 49th states long history with Russia and with international tensions.Siberian fur traders arrived from across the Bering Sea in the first part of the 18th century, and the imprint of Russian settlement in Alaska remains. The oldest building in Anchorage is a Russian Orthodox church, and many Alaska Natives have Russian surnames.The nations are so close Alaskas Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait is less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Russias Big Diomede that former Gov. Sarah Palin was right during the 2008 presidential race when she said, You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, though the comment prompted jokes that that was the extent of her foreign policy experience. Alaska has been U.S. territory since 1867, and it has since been the location of the only World War II battle on North American soil, a focus of Cold War tensions and the site of occasional meetings between U.S. and world leaders.Heres a look at Alaskas history with Russia and on the international stage: Russian trappers and Sewards FollyThe fur traders established hubs in Sitka and on Kodiak Island. The Russian population in Alaska never surpassed about 400 permanent settlers, according to the Office of the Historian of the U.S. State Department.Russian settlers brutally coerced Alaska Natives to harvest sea otters and other marine mammals for their pelts, said Ian Hartman, a University of Alaska Anchorage history professor.It was a relationship that the Russians made clear quite early on was not really about kind of a longer-term pattern of settlement, but it was much more about a short-term pattern of extraction, Hartman said.Meanwhile, Russian Orthodox missionaries baptized an estimated 18,000 Alaska Natives. By 1867 the otters had been hunted nearly to extinction and Russia was broke from the Crimean War. Czar Alexander II sold Alaska to the U.S. for the low price of $7.2 million knowing Russia couldnt defend its interests in Alaska if the U.S. or Great Britain tried to seize it. Skeptics referred to the purchase as Sewards Folly, after U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward. That changed when gold was discovered in the Klondike in 1896.World War II and the Cold WarThe U.S. realized Alaskas strategic importance in the 20th century. During World War II the island of Attu the westernmost in the Aleutian chain and closer to Russia than to mainland North America was captured by Japanese forces. The effort to reclaim it in 1943 became known as the wars forgotten battle.During the Cold War, military leaders worried Soviets might attack via Alaska, flying planes over the North Pole to drop nuclear weapons. They built a chain of radar systems connected to an anti-aircraft missile system.The military constructed much of the infrastructure in Alaska, including roads and some communities, and its experience building on permafrost later informed the private companies that would drill for oil and construct the trans-Alaska pipeline. Last year the Pentagon said the U.S. must invest more to upgrade sensors, communications and space-based technologies in the Arctic to keep pace with China and Russia, and it sent about 130 soldiers to a desolate Aleutian island amid an increase in Russian military planes and vessels approaching U.S. territory.Past visits by dignitariesPutin will be the first Russian leader to visit, but other prominent figures have come before him.Japanese Emperor Hirohito stopped in Anchorage before heading to Europe in 1971 to meet President Richard Nixon, and in 1984 thousands turned out to see President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II meet at the airport in Fairbanks.President Barack Obama visited in 2015, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to set foot north of the Arctic Circle, on a trip to highlight the dangers of climate change.Gov. Bill Walker welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at the airport in Anchorage in 2017 and then took him on a short tour of the states largest city.Four years later Anchorage was the setting for a less cordial meeting as top U.S. and Chinese officials held two days of contentious talks in their first face-to-face meeting since President Joe Biden took office two months earlier. Critics say Alaska is a poor choice for the summitSentiment toward Russia in Alaska has cooled since Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022. The Anchorage Assembly voted unanimously to suspend its three-decade-long sister city relationship with Magadan, Russia, and the Juneau Assembly sent its sister city of Vladivostock a letter expressing concern.The group Stand Up Alaska has organized rallies against Putin on Thursday and Friday.Dimitry Shein, who ran unsuccessfully for Alaskas lone seat in the U.S. House in 2018, fled from the Soviet Union to Anchorage with his mother in the early 1990s. He expressed dismay that Trump has grown increasingly authoritarian. Russia and the U.S. are just starting to look more and more alike, he said.Many observers have suggested that holding the summit in Alaska sends a bad symbolic message.Its easy to imagine Putin making the argument during his meetings with Trump that, Well, look, territories can change hands, said Nigel Gould-Davies, former British Ambassador to Belarus and senior fellow at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London. We gave you Alaska. Why cant Ukraine give us a part of its territory?___Johnson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Ed White in Detroit and Emma Burrows in London contributed. MARK THIESSEN Thiessen is an Associated Press all-formats reporter based in Anchorage, Alaska. He covers Alaska Native issues and other general assignments. twitter mailto

Police tape surrounds The Owl Bar in of Anaconda, Mont., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, following a fatal shooting. (Joseph Scheller/The Montana Standard via AP)2025-08-08T21:48:31Z A man suspected in a shooting at a Montana bar that left four people dead was captured Friday just a few miles from where the shooting happened after hundreds of law enforcement officers spent the past week scouring nearby mountainsides, authorities said.Michael Paul Brown, 45, was taken into custody around 2 p.m. near the area where authorities had focused their search in the days following the Aug. 1 shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, about 100 miles (190 kilometers) from Missoula. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said during a news conference that about 130 law enforcement officers made a hard push Thursday after getting tips that helped verify they were looking in the right area. Its not someplace hed been hiding. He was flushed out, Knudsen said.Gov. Greg Gianforte first confirmed Browns capture on social media Friday afternoon, saying it was the result of what he called a Herculean effort from law enforcement officers across the state. The community finally would be able to sleep tonight, Anaconda-Deer Valley County Attorney Morgan Smith said, adding that the case is just the beginning for prosecutors who will be seeking to charge Brown with the killings. It was not immediately clear if Brown had legal representation. Email and phone messages were left Friday with the Montana public defenders office. Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel. State authorities have not said what sparked last weeks shooting, which left a female bartender and three male patrons dead. The victims were identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Browns niece, Clare Boyle, said Kelley worked previously as an oncology nurse and was a close family friend who helped Browns mother when she was sick. Bar owners from around the state have pledged to donate a portion of sales to a fund for each of the victims families. The shooting rattled the tight-knit town of about 9,000 people and prompted the closure of a 22-square-mile (57-square-kilometer) stretch of forest as authorities searched for Brown. He had fled from the shooting in a white pickup that he later ditched. Authorities say he later stole another white vehicle stocked with clothes, shoes and camping gear. Earlier in the week, Knudsen had said it didnt appear that Brown had broken into any homes in the area for food or additional supplies.Lee Johnson, administrator of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, said search teams found Brown at a structure near The Ranch Bar and that he looked to be in pretty good shape, physically. He was communicative and able to identify himself, Johnson said. Brown was taken to a hospital for treatment and was medically cleared earlier Friday. Eric Hempstead, who owns The Ranch Bar, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of The Owl Bar, described an intense law enforcement presence in the densely wooded area over the last couple of days that involved search dogs and drones.The guy was never going to make it out in the open, he said, noting that he and his neighbors were armed and ready to protect themselves. Brown, who lived next door to The Owl Bar in Anaconda, served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005. He also was in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009.Boyle told The Associated Press that her uncle has struggled with mental illness for years, and she and other family members repeatedly sought help for him.Before Browns father died in 2015, Boyle said Brown was a good, loving uncle. Then, she and other family members noticed a slip in his mental state. Brown began experiencing delusions and often did not know who, when or where he was. He was an avid hunter and kept guns in his home. Family members had requested wellness checks when they believed he was becoming a danger to himself, she said. Boyle said Brown would tell authorities he was fine. The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Department did not respond this week to several email and phone messages requesting records of the wellness checks Boyle said they helped conduct on Brown in the years leading up to the shooting. At the news conference, Knudsen said officials had no comment on whether police had performed wellness checks.Montana is not among the states that have red flag laws allowing families to formally petition for guns to be removed from the homes of people who are deemed a danger to themselves or others. The state Legislature passed a bill this year banning local governments from enacting their own red flag gun laws. The governor signed it into law in May.___Associated Press journalist Thomas Peipert in Denver contributed to this report. HANNAH SCHOENBAUM Schoenbaum is a government and politics reporter based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also covers general news in the Rockies and LGBTQ+ rights policies in U.S. statehouses. twitter mailto

Armed police officers walk near the scene of shooting at the Emory University in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)2025-08-08T21:45:42Z ATLANTA (AP) A man opened fire outside the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Friday, leaving bullet marks in windows across the sprawling campus and killing a police officer before he was found dead in a nearby building, authorities said. The attack, which unfolded near neighboring Emory University, prompted a massive law enforcement response to one of the nations most prominent public health institutions, but no one else was reported to be injured. Armed police officers walk near the scene of shooting at the Emory University in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Armed police officers walk near the scene of shooting at the Emory University in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More At least four CDC buildings were hit, Director Susan Monarez said in a post on X. Images shared by employees showed multiple agency buildings with bullet-pocked windows, underscoring the breadth of the damage to a site where thousands of scientists and staff work on critical disease research.The gunman was found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC campus and died at the scene, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said. He added that we do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted.The shooter was armed with a long gun, and authorities recovered three other firearms at the scene, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation. Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel. The gunmans motive is still unknown this early in the investigation, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said. Pedestrians comfort each other after a shooting near the campuses of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jenni Girtman/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Pedestrians comfort each other after a shooting near the campuses of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jenni Girtman/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Officer David Rose was killed in the gunfire, the DeKalb County Police Department said in a Facebook post. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement that Rose served in the Marine Corps and graduated from the DeKalb Police Academy in March, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson struck at the emotions of the loss.This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father, Cochran-Johnson said. When the shooting began, staff at a nearby restaurant hunkered down and said they heard a string of gunshots. It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other, said Brandy Giraldo, the chief operating officer of The General Muir restaurant.She then saw people running past her business. Two people paused to warn them of a shooter nearby.When Anurag Mehta and his wife heard about the shooting, they tried to get to their 3-year-old son in a preschool near the CDC, but they were unable to approach.I was thinking that when I left for work this morning, was that the last time I saw my son? said Mehta, who later learned his son was safe. No CDC employees or visitors were harmed, Monarez said. Law enforcements stand outside the hospital emergency of Emory University in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Law enforcements stand outside the hospital emergency of Emory University in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More As we navigate the aftermath of this event, we want to express our eternal gratitude to law enforcement personnel who were injured and share our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Dekalb County Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty, she wrote in an email sent to employees.Monarez said Monday would be a remote workday so the agency could conduct a security assessment before people return to their offices. In her X post, she called the shooting an attack on our Roybal Campus, referring to the office complex. The CDC and Emorys main campus are surrounded by affluent wooded neighborhoods in northeast Atlanta. All three institutions line up along Clifton Road. The area is hard to access, and notoriously traffic-choked, but on Friday few cars were in evidence as a warning siren blared.Gov. Brian Kemp praised the efforts of first responders. Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians, Kemp said, referring to the shooting at Fort Stewart as well as the CDC campus. Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are.___This story has been corrected to show the restaurants name is spelled The General Muir, not General Miur, and that the campus is in northeast Atlanta.Associated Press writers Safiyah Riddle, Russ Bynum, Mike Stobbe, Alanna Durkin Richer and Jesse Bedayn contributed. JEFF AMY Amy covers Georgia politics and state government for The Associated Press. He began work with the AP in 2011 and covered Mississippi for eight years before transferring to the Atlanta bureau in 2019. twitter

Accompanied by California and Texas lawmakers, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, discusses the push to schedule a special election to redraw California's Congressional voting districts, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Friday Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)2025-08-08T15:49:39Z SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared shoulder-to-shoulder Friday with Texas Democratic lawmakers in a show of support for their nearly weeklong walkout, which has blocked a vote on congressional redistricting maps sought by President Donald Trump in a widening national battle over U.S. House control.Texas has been the epicenter of Trumps push to gerrymander congressional maps to shore up Republicans narrow House majority before next year. But the standoff is threatening to spill into other states including California, New York, Florida and Indiana in an emerging proxy war for control of Congress in 2026. California is moving toward a special election in November that Democrats hope could slash five Republican-held House seats in the liberal-leaning state, in direct response to the maneuvering in Texas. We are trying to defend democracy, as opposed to see it destroyed district by district, Newsom said amid the crowd of lawmakers at the governors mansion. There are no rules for Donald Trump. Accompanied by California and Texas lawmakers, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, discusses the push to schedule a special election to redraw Californias Congressional voting districts, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Friday Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Accompanied by California and Texas lawmakers, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, discusses the push to schedule a special election to redraw Californias Congressional voting districts, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Friday Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Pelosi defended the Texas walkout, calling it self-defense for our democracy. She said Democrats will not let Trump pave over free and fair elections in the country. Newsom, Pelosi spotlight high-stakes in battle over House linesThe appearance of nationally prominent Democrats Newsom a potential 2028 presidential candidate and Pelosi underscored the increasingly high stakes for a deeply divided Washington. Earlier Friday the Texas House failed to meet a quorum for the third time this week as Democratic lawmakers continued to stay away from Austin. Texas Republicans had warned they would escalate efforts to end the walkout if defiant Democrats do not return to the Capitol. But the lawmakers who bolted for points across the country Aug. 3 still were not back for Fridays scheduled House floor vote. Texas House Speaker, Dustin Borrow, R - Lubbock, adjourns the House after a quorum was not met at the State Capitol, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) Texas House Speaker, Dustin Borrow, R - Lubbock, adjourns the House after a quorum was not met at the State Capitol, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Frustrated Republican leaders continued to ratchet up the pressure, including new and expanding efforts to try to remove Democratic lawmakers from office and seeking help from the FBI to assist state troopers trying to find them.We have all hands on deck, we are continuing to explore options to force Democrats home, Speaker Dustin Burrows said after the chamber failed to reach a quorum. We will keep pressing forward until the job is done. Each one of you knows eventually you will come back.A court setback though temporary, for now for Texas DemocratsTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, who ran unsuccessfully for governor and Senate, in state district court, alleging that his political group, Powered by People, improperly gave money to cover costs for the absent Democrats and continued to raise more for them. In an initial win for Republicans, Paxton said Friday that he had been granted a temporary restraining order halting the spending and fundraising while the case continues. In a response on the social platform X, ORourke wrote, They want to make examples out of those who fight so that others wont. A Texas road show gets national attentionThe news conference in Sacramento came several days after Texas Democrats appeared in Illinois with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who said he supported the walkout because they dont want to live in a country where the president rigs elections for his side. Thats not democracy. One of the lawmakers in California, Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson, alluded to the national implications of the dispute, saying, We recognize this is not just about Texas. This is about ensuring that the voters get to determine the outcome of their next election. Texas Rep. Ann Johnson, one of the state lawmakers that left Texas to block a vote to redraw the voting districts, speaks at a news conference held by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, fourth from right, in Sacramento, Calif., Friday Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Texas Rep. Ann Johnson, one of the state lawmakers that left Texas to block a vote to redraw the voting districts, speaks at a news conference held by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, fourth from right, in Sacramento, Calif., Friday Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More As California Democrats privately prepare a proposal for new House district lines that would go to voters, Assembly member Isaac Bryan said, This is not a turn-the-other-cheek moment while they continue to send blow after blow to the foundations of democracy.The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene Monday, but the dozens of Democrats who left the state have shown no signs of buckling. Mounting legal threatsTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit directly to the all-Republican state Supreme Court on Friday seeking to have 13 of the Democratic lawmakers immediately removed from office, or at least given a 48-hour warning that they must return or have their offices declared vacated. The lawsuit argues that the lawmakers have effectively abandoned their office and duties, and they were singled out for making public statements that they left for the purpose of blocking the vote and disrupting House business. Their out-of-state rebellion cannot go unchecked, and the business of Texas must go on, Paxton said. Thank you notes are posted on the office door of Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Thank you notes are posted on the office door of Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Paxtons lawsuit includes Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, who also faces a similar lawsuit filed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Wus legal team argued that the state constitution allows House members to be removed only by a two-thirds vote of the chamber, not the courts. Wu said this week that quorum-breaking is not an abandonment of office but a legitimate form of dissent. Republicans vow to end up victoriousAbbott promised that hes willing to play the long game to get the bill passed.We have an agenda to pass priorities critical to Texans, and we will get it done. Ill call special session after special sessionno matter how long it takesuntil the job is finished, Abbott said on X.The current special session ends Aug. 19, and the missing lawmakers already face mounting fines for every day they are gone and civil arrest warrants issued by the state House. The widening battle beyond TexasTrump wants five more seats out of Texas to potentially avoid a repeat of the 2018 midterms, when Democrats reclaimed the U.S. House and proceeded to thwart his agenda and impeach him twice.The dynamics could embroil the 2026 midterm campaign in legislative and court battles testing Trumps power over the Republican Party, Democrats ability to mount opposition and the durability of the U.S. system of federalism that balances power between Washington and the states.___Vertuno reported from Austin, and Blood from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Nadia Lathan in Austin, Texas, and Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida, contributed. Payne and Lathan are corps members for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. JIM VERTUNO Vertuno has been covering news, sports and politics from Texas for The AP since 1998. He won a National Headliner Award for sports writing in 2013. twitter mailto SOPHIE AUSTIN Austin covers California state government and politics for the Associated Press. She reports on environmental, education and reparations policies. twitter mailto NADIA LATHAN Lathan is a statehouse reporter based in Austin, Texas. She is a Report for America corps member. twitter mailto

There is something Putin cares about more than money.

New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks Feb. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)2025-08-08T15:36:10Z Follow live updates on President Donald Trump and his administration WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department is escalating efforts to scrutinize perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump with investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff.The Justice Department has subpoenaed James for records related to a lawsuit the Democrat filed against Trump over alleged fraud in his personal business dealings, according to a person familiar with the matter. Its part of an investigation into whether James violated Trumps civil rights, another person said. Another subpoena seeks records related to a lawsuit involving the National Rifle Association and its longtime leader Wayne LaPierre.The people could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on the condition of anonymity.Attorney General Pam Bondi this week also named Ed Martin as a special prosecutor to help conduct separate mortgage fraud investigations into James and Democratic U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff of California, one of the people said. James and Schiff have denied any wrongdoing and have called the claims politically motivated. The moves are among the most serious yet the Justice Department has taken against political foes of the president, who vowed on the campaign trail to seek retribution against his opponents. Schiff and James are both vocal critics of Trump, and James has sued Trump and his Republican administration dozens of times over his policies as president and over how he conducted his private business empire. News of the subpoenas comes as the Justice Department advances an investigation into the Trump-Russia probe that shadowed Trump for much of his first term as president and as the administration has engaged in a widespread purge from the workforce of law enforcement officials who had been involved in examining the activities of Trump and his supporters. A spokesperson for James office, Geoff Burgan, declined to confirm the subpoenas but issued a statement that said, Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association, and we will continue to stand up for New Yorkers rights. In a separate statement, James personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, called the subpoenas improper.Investigating the fraud case Attorney General James won against President Trump and his businesses has to be the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign, Lowell said. Weaponizing the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration.A spokesperson for the Justice Department, Natalie Baldassarre, declined to comment.FBI Director Kash Patel in May confirmed the existence of a separate investigation into James after a Trump administration official accused her of mortgage fraud. James lawyer has said that accusation was a lie based on a purposeful misreading of documents in a lawful real estate transaction. Martin, who was named special prosecutor to help conduct that probe, has been leading the departments Weaponization Working Group since his nomination for District of Columbia U.S. attorney was pulled amid Republican lawmakers concerns about his scant prosecutorial experience and support for Jan. 6 rioters.Martin is also involved in a separate investigation into Schiff, whom Trump has called to be prosecuted over mortgage fraud allegations related to a property in Maryland. Schiffs attorney called the allegations transparently false, stale, and long debunked.Mr. Martin is a January 6-defending lawyer who has repeatedly pursued baseless and politically-motivated investigations to fulfill demands to investigate and prosecute perceived enemies, said Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney in New York who is representing the senator. Any supposed investigation led by him would be the very definition of weaponization of the justice process. Trump is appealing a $454 million judgment James won against him in a lawsuit alleging he and his companies defrauded banks and other lenders by giving them financial statements that inflated the value of his properties, including his golf clubs and his penthouse in Trump Tower.Trump says that his financial statements actually understated his wealth and that any mistakes in the documents were harmless errors that played no role in banks lending decisions. He and his lawyers have repeatedly accused James of engaging in lawfare for political purposes a claim she has denied.In her role as a regulator of charities and nonprofit groups registered in New York, James also sued the NRA and LaPierre. A jury last year found that LaPierre misspent millions of dollars of the organizations money and used the funds to pay for an extravagant lifestyle, while the NRA itself failed to properly manage its assets and violated whistleblower protections. James had sought to dissolve the powerful gun advocacy organization altogether, though a judge ruled that the allegations did not warrant a corporate death penalty. LaPierre announced his resignation from the NRA on the eve of the trial, and the NRA later said it had fresh board members and a new compliance team.The James subpoenas were earlier reported by The New York Times.___Anthony Izaguirre contributed to this report from Albany, New York. ERIC TUCKER Tucker covers national security in Washington for The Associated Press, with a focus on the FBI and Justice Department. twitter mailto ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Richer covers the Justice Department and federal courts. She joined The AP in 2013 and is based in Washington. twitter

President Donald Trump departs an event to mark National Purple Heart Day in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)2025-08-08T15:02:03Z Follow live updates on President Donald Trump and his administration WASHINGTON (AP) A split appeals court panel tossed out a judges contempt finding against President Donald Trumps administration on Friday in a case over deportations to an El Salvador prison.The decision comes after planes carrying Venezuelan migrants landed at the prison even after U.S District Judge James E. Boasberg said in court they must return to the United States.Boasberg found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court. The ruling marked a dramatic battle between the judicial and executive branches of government. But the divided three-judge panel in the nations capital found that Boasberg had exceeded his authority and intruded on the executive branchs foreign affairs powers. Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao, both of whom were nominated by Trump in his first term in the White House, agreed with the unsigned majority opinion. The district courts order attempts to control the Executive Branchs conduct of foreign affairs, an area in which a courts power is at its lowest ebb, Rao wrote.Judge Cornelia Pillard, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, dissented. The majority does an exemplary judge a grave disservice by overstepping its bounds to upend his effort to vindicate the judicial authority that is our shared trust, she wrote. The 250 migrants have since been released back to their home country in a prisoner swap with the U.S. after months at the mega-prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT. Boasberg had accused Trump administration officials of rushing deportees out of the U.S. under the Alien Enemies Act before they could challenge their removal in court and then willfully disregarding his order that planes already in the air should return.The Trump administration has denied any violation, saying the judges directive to return the planes was made verbally in court but not included in his written order. Last month, the Justice Department filed an unusual judicial misconduct complaint against Boasberg over comments he allegedly made at a closed-door meeting of judges as well as his actions in the deportations case. The complaint calls for the case to be taken away from Boasberg while an investigation proceeds.Attorney General Pam Bondi celebrated the appeals court ruling, calling it a MAJOR victory defending President Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act in a social media post and vowing to continue fighting and WINNING in court.Lee Gelernt, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney who represented the migrants, said there was zero ambiguity in Boasbergs order about the planes. We strongly disagree with todays decision regarding contempt and are considering all options going forward, he said. LINDSAY WHITEHURST Whitehurst covers the Supreme Court and legal affairs for The Associated Press. Shes won multiple journalism awards in a career thats spanned two decades. twitter mailto

FILE -Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrive for a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, May 28, 2025.(AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)2025-08-13T07:07:59Z BERLIN (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Berlin on Wednesday to join German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for talks with European and U.S. leaders ahead of the Trump-Putin summit later this week, the German government said.Merz has convened a series of virtual meetings on Wednesday in an attempt to have the voice of European and Ukraines leaders heard ahead of a summit that they have been sidelined from.Zelenskyy is due to meet with European leaders first, in preparation for a virtual call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance about an hour later. A call between leaders of countries involved in the coalition of the willing those who are prepared to help police any future peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv will take place last.On Wednesday, Merz pledged to help Ukraine develop its own long-range missile systems that would be free of any Western-imposed limitations on their use and targets as the Kyiv government fights to repel Russias invasion.Zelenskyy last visited Berlin in late May. The stakes for Europe Trump has said he wants to see whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war, now in its fourth year, describing Fridays summit as a feel-out meeting where he can assess the Russian leaders intentions. Yet Trump has disappointed allies in Europe by saying Ukraine will have to give up some Russian-held territory. He has also said Russia must accept land swaps, although it was unclear what Putin might be expected to surrender.European allies have pushed for Ukraines involvement in any peace talks, fearful that discussions that exclude Kyiv could otherwise favor Moscow.Trump on Monday ducked repeated chances to say that he would push for Zelenskyy to take part in his discussions with Putin, and was dismissive of Zelenskyy and his need to be part of an effort to seek peace. Trump said that following Fridays summit, a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders could be arranged, or that it could also be a meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy and me. The Europeans and Ukraine are wary that Putin, who has waged the biggest land war in Europe since 1945 and used Russias energy might to try to intimidate the European Union, might secure favorable concessions and set the outlines of a peace deal without them.The overarching fear of many European countries is that Putin will set his sights on one of them next if he wins in Ukraine.Land concessions a non-starter for KyivZelenskyy said Tuesday that Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw from the remaining 30% of the Donetsk region that it still controls as part of a ceasefire deal, a proposal the leader categorically rejected.Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not give up any territory it controls, saying that would be unconstitutional and would serve only as a springboard for a future Russian invasion.He said diplomatic discussions led by the U.S. focusing on ending the war have not addressed key Ukrainian demands, including security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression and including Europe in negotiations. Three weeks after Trump returned to office, his administration took the leverage of Ukraines NATO membership off the table something that Putin has demanded and signaled that the EU and Ukraine must handle security in Europe now while America focuses its attention elsewhere.Trump has also routinely threatened and cajoled his NATO allies over defense spending, and has shown little mercy in trade talks by hiking tariffs on most EU imports to 15%, ostensibly for U.S. national security reasons.Senior EU officials believe that Trump may be satisfied with simply securing a ceasefire in Ukraine, and is probably more interested in broader U.S. geostrategic interests and great power politics, aiming to ramp up business with Russia and rehabilitate Putin.___Cook reported from Brussels. STEFANIE DAZIO Dazio covers Northern Europe from Berlin for The Associated Press. She previously covered crime and criminal justice from Los Angeles.

Nature, Published online: 13 August 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02297-0Four scientists share the emotional toll of pursuing science far from home and the strategies that help them to protect their mental health.

Real Madrid are among the clubs looking at Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

The opening page of X is displayed on a computer and phone in Sydney on Oct. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)2025-08-12T05:16:56Z Billionaire SpaceX, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk says he plans to sue Apple for not featuring X and its Grok artificial intelligence chatbot app in its top recommended apps in its App Store. Musk posted the comments on X late Monday, saying, Hey @Apple App Store, why do you refuse to put either X or Grok in your Must Have section when X is the #1 news app in the world and Grok is #5 among all apps? Are you playing politics? What gives? Inquiring minds want to know.Grok is owned by Musks artificial intelligence startup xAI. Musk went on to say that Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action. He gave no further details. In an emailed statement, Apple defended the fairness of its App Store. The App Store is designed to be fair and free of bias, it said. We feature thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations, and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria. Our goal is to offer safe discovery for users and valuable opportunities for developers, collaborating with many to increase app visibility in rapidly evolving categories. The company has faced various allegations of antitrust violations in recent years. A federal judge recently found that Apple violated a court injunction in an antitrust case filed by Fortnite maker Epic Games. Regulators of the 27-nation European Union fined Apple 500 million euros in April for breaking competition rules by preventing app makers from pointing users to cheaper options outside its App Store. Last year, the EU fined the U.S. tech giant nearly $2 billion for unfairly favoring its own music streaming service by forbidding rivals like Spotify from telling users how they could pay for cheaper subscriptions outside of iPhone apps.As of early Tuesday, the top app in Apples App Store was TikTok, followed by Tinder, Duolingo, YouTube and Bumble. Open AIs ChatGPT was ranked 7th.

Mexican federal police escort who they identify as Servando "La Tuta" Gmez," leader of the Knights Templar cartel, as he sits inside helicopter at a Federal hanger in Mexico City, Feb. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)2025-08-12T20:57:32Z WASHINGTON (AP) Mexico sent 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States Tuesday in the latest major deal with the Trump administration as American authorities ratchet up pressure on criminal networks smuggling drugs across the border. Those handed over to U.S. custody include Abigael Gonzlez Valencia, a leader of Los Cuinis, a group closely aligned with notorious cartel Jalisco New Generation or CJNG. Another defendant, Roberto Salazar, is wanted in connection to the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy. Other prominent figures have ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and other violent drug trafficking groups. The seal of the Department of Justice is shown in Washington, Aug. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The seal of the Department of Justice is shown in Washington, Aug. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The transfers are a milestone for the Trump administration, which is made dismantling dangerous drug cartels a key Justice Department priority. Its the second time in months that Mexico has expelled cartel figures accused of narcotics smuggling, murder and other crimes amid mounting pressure from the Trump administration to curb the flow of drugs onto American streets. These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. We are grateful to Mexicos National Security team for their collaboration in this matter. The cartel figures were put on planes to the U.S. after the Justice Department agreed not to seek the death penalty against any of the defendants or against any cartel leaders and members sent to the U.S. in February. That transfer was of 29 cartel figures, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who was behind the killing of a U.S. DEA agent in 1985. This transfer is yet another example of what is possible when two governments stand united against violence and impunity, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said in a statement. These fugitives will now face justice in U.S. courts, and the citizens of both of our nations will be safer from these common enemies. The February transfers came as Mexican officials were trying to head off the Trump administrations threat of imposing tariffs on Mexican imports. Late last month, President Donald Trump spoke with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and agreed to put off threatened 30% tariffs for another 90 days to allow for negotiations.Sheinbaum has shown a willingness to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexicos cartels. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexicos sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military.Also included in the group expelled Tuesday was Servando Gmez Martinez, also known as La Tuta, a former school teacher who became one of Mexicos most-wanted drug lords as head of the Knights Templar cartel. He was captured in 2015 and sentenced to 55 years in a Mexican prison in June 2019. Gomez led the quasi-religious criminal group that once exercised absolute control over Michoacan and he liked to appear in interviews and videos. The cartel orchestrated politics, controlled commerce, dictated rules and preached a code of ethics around devotion to God and family, even as it murdered and plundered. The letters CJNG for the groups formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, covers the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File) The letters CJNG for the groups formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, covers the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Abigael Gonzlez Valencia is the brother-in-law of CJNG leader Nemesio Rubn El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, a top target of the U.S. government. Abigael Gonzlez Valencia was arrested in February 2015 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and had been fighting extradition to the United States since then. The U.S. government has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Menchos arrest or conviction.Alongside his two brothers, Abigael Gonzlez Valencia led Los Cuinis, which financed the the founding and growth of the CJNG, one of the most powerful and dangerous cartels in Mexico. CJNG traffics hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States and other countries and is known for extreme violence, murders, torture, and corruption. One of his brothers, Jos Gonzlez Valencia, was sentenced in Washingtons federal court in June to 30 years in a U.S. prison after pleading guilty to international cocaine trafficking. Jose Gonzlez Valencia was arrested in 2017 under the first Trump administration at a beach resort in Brazil while vacationing with his family under a fake name. _____Verza reported from Mexico City ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Richer covers the Justice Department and federal courts. She joined The AP in 2013 and is based in Washington. twitter MARA VERZA Verza has focused on immigration, violence and human rights stories in Mexico and Central America for more than a decade twitter instagram mailto

In this combination of file photos, President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, are seen at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris, and President Vladimir Putin, right, addresses a Technology Forum in Moscow on Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, left and center, Pavel Bednyakov, right, File)2025-07-14T14:37:45Z U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly said during his successful campaign for a second term that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. But since his Jan. 20 inauguration, the road to a peace deal has been fraught with changing dynamics among Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.A summit between Trump and Putin set for Friday in Alaska could now be a pivotal moment in the 3 1/2-year-old war. In this combination of file photos, President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, are seen at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris, and President Vladimir Putin, right, addresses a Technology Forum in Moscow on Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, left and center, Pavel Bednyakov, right, File) In this combination of file photos, President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, are seen at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris, and President Vladimir Putin, right, addresses a Technology Forum in Moscow on Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, left and center, Pavel Bednyakov, right, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More At the end of that meeting, probably the first two minutes, Ill know exactly whether or not a deal can be made, Trump said Monday. Trumps rhetoric toward both Zelenskyy and Putin has evolved this year.At the start of his second term, Trump was conciliatory toward Putin, for whom he has long shown admiration. But as Putin remained intransigent and rejected an unconditional truce proposed by Trump, the Republican leader has expressed increasing exasperation with the Russian leader, criticizing him for his unbudging stance on U.S.-led peace efforts and for prolonging the war. Until recently, Trump repeatedly said Russia seemed more willing than Ukraine to get a deal done.Trump appears to have softened toward Zelenskyy after a February confrontation in the Oval Office. And, in a reversal, he promised at some point to provide Ukraine with badly needed Patriot air defense missiles under a deal that would see NATO allies in Europe deliver them from their stock, to be replaced by future U.S. supplies. Russias bigger army is pressing on parts of the 620-mile (1,000-kilometer) front line, where thousands of soldiers on both sides have died since the Kremlin ordered the full-scale invasion in February 2022. In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More June brought the highest monthly civilian casualties in the past three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 wounded in Ukraine, the U.N. human rights mission in Ukraine said Thursday. A look at what Trump has said so far during his second term:Jan. 31 U.S. Vice President JD Vance, right, speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, as President Donald Trump listens, in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov, File) U.S. Vice President JD Vance, right, speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, as President Donald Trump listens, in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More We want to end that war. That war would have not started if I was president.Trump says his new administration has already had very serious discussions with Russia and that he and Putin could soon take significant action toward ending the conflict.Feb. 19A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.Trumps harsh words for Zelenskyy on his Truth Social platform drew criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans in the United States, where defending Ukraine from Russian aggression has traditionally had bipartisan support. Zelenskyy said Trump was falling into a Russian disinformation trap and he was quickly admonished by Vice President JD Vance about the perils of publicly criticizing the president.Feb. 28Youre gambling with World War III. And what youre doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country thats backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.Trump and Vance berated Zelenskyy, accusing him of not showing gratitude after he challenged Vance on the question of diplomacy with Putin. The Oval Office argument, broadcast globally, led to the rest of Zelenskyys White House visit being canceled and called into question U.S. support for Ukraine. A few days later, Trump temporarily paused military aid to Ukraine to pressure Zelenskyy to seek peace.March 30 I dont think hes going to go back on his word. Youre talking about Putin. I dont think hes going to go back on his word. Ive known him for a long time. Weve always gotten along well.Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he trusts Putin to hold up his end of a potential peace deal. The comments were among the last positive remarks he made about the Kremlin leader this year.April 24 I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! In a Truth Social post, Trump was reacting to Russia attacking Kyiv with a barrage of missiles and drones. It was the first of his rare criticisms of Putin amid increased Russian attacks on Ukraine.April 29A lot of his people are dying. Theyre being killed, and I feel very badly about it.Trump addressed the toll on Ukrainians during an interview with ABC News after he met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of Pope Francis funeral. It was the first time the leaders had met since the Oval Office spat and signaled a shift in Trumps attitude toward the Ukrainian president. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to journalists after his phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Sirius Park of Science and Art outside Sochi, Russia, on May 19, 2025. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to journalists after his phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Sirius Park of Science and Art outside Sochi, Russia, on May 19, 2025. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More May 25 Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! Trumps Truth Social post made it clear he was losing patience with Putin as Moscow pounded Kyiv and other cities with drones and missiles in stepped-up aerial attacks.June 25 He was very nice actually. We had a little rough times, sometimes. He was ... Couldnt have been nicer. I think hed like to see an end to this, I do.Trump had a closed-door meeting with Zelenskyy during a NATO summit in The Hague. Trumps comments to reporters later also opened the possibility of sending Patriot air-defense missiles to Ukraine.July 8We get a lot of bull thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. Hes very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.Trump also said hes not happy with Putin and that Moscows war in Ukraine is killing a lot of people on both sides. Trumps comments during a Cabinet meeting came a day after he said the U.S. would send more weapons to Ukraine. It was a dramatic reversal after earlier announcing a pause in delivering previously approved firepower to Kyiv, a decision made amid concerns that U.S. military stockpiles had declined too much.July 13I am very disappointed with President Putin, I thought he was somebody that meant what he said. Hell talk so beautifully and then hell bomb people at night. We dont like that.Trumps remarks to reporters came as Russia intensified aerial attacks on Ukraine.July 14I dont want to say hes an assassin, but hes a tough guy. Its been proven over the years. Hes fooled a lot of people before.Trump pushed harder against Putin during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He said if there was no deal to end the war within 50 days, the U.S. would impose secondary tariffs, targeting Russias trading partners to try to isolate Moscow.Trump and Rutte also discussed a rejuvenated pipeline for U.S. weapons. European allies plan to buy military equipment for transfer to Ukraine. In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center left, and United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Joseph Keith Kellogg, center right, speak during a meeting, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center left, and United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Joseph Keith Kellogg, center right, speak during a meeting, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Aug. 11I get along with Zelenskyy, but, you know, I disagree with what hes done, very, very severely, disagree. This is a war that should have never happened.Trump dismissed the idea of Zelenskyy joining the summit with Putin, declaring the Ukrainian president had been to a lot of meetings without managing to halt a war that Russia started.He also lashed out at Zelenskyy for saying Ukraines constitution bans giving up any land.I was a little bothered by the fact that Zelenskyy was saying, Well, I have to get constitutional approval. I mean, hes got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap? Because therell be some land swapping going on.Trump also noted that I thought it was very respectful that the president of Russia is coming to our country as opposed to us going to his country or even a third party place.___Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

In this image made from video released by Taitung County Government, strong waves and heavy rain pound the Sansiiantai tourist spot on Aug. 13, 2025, as Typhoon Podul reaches Taitung, eastern Taiwan. (Taitung County Government via AP)2025-08-13T03:51:42Z TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Typhoon Podul made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday, where authorities closed schools and government offices as heavy rain threatened more damage to agriculture in the islands southeast.The storm hit Taitung county on the east coast shortly after noon, moving across the southern third of the island at about 36 kilometers (22 miles) per hour, at which rate it would head out to the Taiwan Strait and China by late afternoon, according to the Central Weather Administration. It was unclear how serious the storm would be, with high waves and winds seen across much of the southeast but no major rain as of yet. according to the agency. Such storms typically hit the east coast hard before losing speed and strength as they pass over the Central Mountain Range before continuing toward the Chinese coast. Podul measured 120 kilometers (75 miles) across and was expected to broaden even while losing strength as the storm moved westward across the Taiwan Strait. The areas affected are well south of the capital, Taipei, along with Taiwans main international airport and high-tech industrial base. Around a dozen flights that would have traveled south toward the path of the storm were delayed or canceled. The counties and cities of Tainan, Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Yunlin, Pingtung and Hualien on the east coast and the island group of Penghu in the Taiwan Strait were taking the brunt of the storm. Stay up to date with similar stories by signing up to our WhatsApp channel. Along with flooding, typhoons routinely damage fruit and other cash crops and bring landslides through the islands center. Much of central and southern Taiwan was badly hit by heavy rains in recent weeks that caused severe damage to crops but minimal casualties, while also knocking out electricity to rural areas that took weeks to repair.Recovery crews are on alert.