Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says
WASHINGTON (AP) — An emerging TikTok deal with China will ensure that U.S. companies control the algorithm that powers the app's video feed and Americans will hold a majority of seats on a board overseeing U.S. operations. That word comes from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a Fox News interview Saturday. A central question has been whether the popular social video platform would keep its algorithm after the potential divestment of Chinese parent company ByteDance. Congress passed legislation calling for a TikTok ban to go into effect in January. President Donald Trump has allowed TikTok to keep operating in the United States as his administration tries to reach agreement for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations.
White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won't apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s latest plan to overhaul the American immigration system has left some immigrant workers confused. That left the White House on Saturday scrambling to clarify that its new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers that soon will go into effect only applies to new applicants and not to current visa holders. The president on Friday signed a proclamation that will require the fee for what are known as H-1B visas — meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill.
Trump nominates White House aide to be top US prosecutor for office probing Letitia James
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Lindsey Halligan as the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia. This decision follows the resignation of Erik Siebert, who was pressured to bring charges in a mortgage fraud investigation involving New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump has been vocal about the need for swift action in the investigation, which he views as politically motivated. Halligan has been part of Trump's legal team for years. Her nomination comes shortly after conservative lawyer Mary “Maggie” Cleary was named acting U.S. attorney for the same district.
Pentagon steps up media restrictions, now requiring approval before reporting even unclassified info
The Pentagon is stepping up restrictions on the media by requiring journalists to sign a pledge not to report on information that has not been authorized for release, including unclassified information. Journalists who don't abide risk losing their media credentials that provide direct to the military headquarters. Free-press advocates call the move an assault on independent journalism. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is telling journalists to follow the rules or go home. The Pentagon this year has evicted many news organizations while imposing a series of restrictions on the press that include banning reporters from entering wide swaths of the Pentagon without a government escort.
Democratic leaders in Congress demand a meeting with Trump as government shutdown looms
WASHINGTON (AP) — A possible federal shutdown is looming at month's end, and the Democratic leaders of Congress are demanding a meeting with President Donald Trump to negotiate. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said Saturday that Republicans, at Trump’s insistence, have refused to enter talks. The leaders want a meeting with Trump to prevent what they call “your decision” to shutter federal offices if no action is taken by month's end. A Trump administration official, who wasn't authorized to comment on the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, was dismissive of the Democrats' demand. Trump late Saturday suggested he was open to a meeting but said he didn't think it would have impact.
160-mile march for democracy arrives in Washington from Philadelphia
WASHINGTON (AP) — Over the span of 14 days, nearly 200 people marched from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., in defense of democracy. From children to the elderly, members of the We Are America march arrived in the nation’s capital on a warm and sunny Friday afternoon, tired but joyous, where they were greeted with hugs and cheers from supporters and members of Congress. The mission of their sprawling walk was to unite a movement strong enough to hold America’s leaders accountable. Along the way they were housed in churches, where they slept in pews, or at people’s homes.
Trump's peace efforts falter as conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza escalate
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump likes to project dominance and confidence on the world stage, but lately he's been expressing more frustration and disappointment. Russian President Vladimir Putin is showing no end to his war in Ukraine, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expanding operations in Gaza and complicating diplomatic efforts by striking U.S. ally Qatar. Trump says his goal for the upcoming U.N. General Assembly is “world peace,” but conflicts appear to be escalating instead. Critics say the Republican president's approach has been ineffective so far.
Trump's economic promises to Black voters fall short after a modest shift in support for him in 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump warned during the campaign that Black Americans were losing jobs in large numbers and things would only worsen without his leadership. The Republican has been back in the White House since January, and the economic situation for Black Americans has deteriorated. Black unemployment has risen from 6.2% to 7.5% this year, the highest since October 2021. Black homeownership has fallen to the lowest level since 2021. That can put at risk the small but politically meaningful inroads Trump made in 2024 with Black voters. The White House says some of the downward trends began under Democratic President Joe Biden.
Israeli strikes kill 14 in Gaza City as some countries prepare to recognize Palestinian state
CAIRO (AP) — Israeli strikes have killed at least 14 people overnight in Gaza City, according to health officials. Israel is ramping up its offensive and urging Palestinians to leave. The conflict has intensified, with some Western countries considering recognizing Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Portugal plans to recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday. The Israeli military aims to destroy Hamas' military infrastructure, but no timeline for the offensive has been given. Aid groups warn that evacuations will worsen the humanitarian crisis. UNICEF reported that lifesaving food for children was stolen from its trucks in Gaza.
Russia launches a large-scale attack on Ukraine, killing 3 and wounding dozens
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone attack across Ukraine, killing at least three people and wounding dozens more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday the attacks targeted nine regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv. He stated that the strikes were aimed at infrastructure and civilian areas. In Dnipropetrovsk, 30 people were wounded, and buildings were damaged. Ukraine's air force reported shooting down numerous drones and missiles. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry denied violating Estonia's airspace after Estonia reported an incursion by Russian jets. Estonia has summoned a Russian diplomat and initiated NATO consultations.
