AP Photo
Judge rules Utah’s congressional map must be redrawn for the 2026 elections
By HANNAH SCHOENBAUMUpdated 10:33 PM CDT, August 25, 2025
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Legislature will need to rapidly redraw the state’s congressional boundaries after a judge ruled Monday that the Republican-controlled body circumvented safeguards put in place by voters to ensure districts aren’t drawn to favor any party.
The current map, adopted in 2021, divides Salt Lake County — Utah’s population center and a Democratic stronghold — among the state’s four congressional districts, all of which have since elected Republicans by wide margins.
District Court Judge Dianna Gibson made few judgments on the content of the map but declared it unlawful because lawmakers had weakened and ignored an independent commission established by voters to prevent partisan gerrymandering.
“The nature of the violation lies in the Legislature’s refusal to respect the people’s exercise of their constitutional lawmaking power and to honor the people’s right to reform their government,” Gibson said in the ruling.
New maps will need to be drawn quickly, before candidates start filing in early January for the 2026 midterm elections. The ruling gives lawmakers a deadline of Sept. 24 and allows voting rights groups involved in the legal challenge to submit alternate proposals to the court.
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Bolton unleashes on Trump Ukraine policy days after FBI raid
John Bolton blasts Trump's Ukraine negotiations as doomed and contradictory following federal agents' search of his home and office last week.
Trump says he's firing Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook amid mortgage fraud allegations
President Donald Trump says he’s firing Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve’s board of governors, amid mortgage fraud allegations.
apnews.com
Gorsuch and Kavanaugh warn lower court judges in Trump cases | CNN Politics
In Donald Trump’s long-running feud with federal judges, the president has found some support in an unlikely place: the nation’s highest court.
www.cnn.com
Trump admin live updates: Ukrainian delegation heading to US this week, source says
The visit is being described a follow-up meeting to Gen. Keith Kellogg's visit to Kyiv earlier this week.
‘I'm not a dictator’: Trump responds to critics decrying his DC crackdown
President Donald Trump says he’s "not a dictator" as he responds to critics decrying his crackdown in Washington.
apnews.com
Analysis: Trump vs. Pritzker: A political feud that could trigger a major national crisis | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker are each the type of foe the other loves to hate.
www.cnn.com
President Donald Trump suggests some Americans may 'like a dictator,' says he's not one
President Donald Trump said some Americans may "like a dictator” while defending his stance on violence in Chicago.
www.usatoday.com
Trump moves to ban flag burning despite Supreme Court ruling that Constitution allows it
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate instances of flag burning.
apnews.com
Mamdani reveals which Dem cities are 'model for how to fight' Trump admin in NYC
Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, cites Boston's immigration policies and California's legal challenges as examples of resisting the Trump administration.
Trump repeatedly touts 'great relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
At two White House events Monday — including during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung — President Donald Trump repeatedly praised North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, saying he knows him “better than anybody” and hopes to meet with him “this year.”
apnews.com
Some FEMA staff warn that Trump cuts may weaken disaster response
FEMA employees on Monday warned Congress that the Trump administration's changes and leadership at the agency could harm the U.S. if disaster strikes.
Trump threatens lawsuit over 'blue slips' as top GOP senator bucks demand to bend Senate rules for nominees
President Donald Trump renewed his demand for the Senate's "blue slip" tradition to be done away with and urged Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley to tell Democrats to "go to HELL."
What to know about Trump deportation policies that could send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda
Efforts by U.S. immigration officials to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda, a country to which the Salvadoran national has no ties, has again focused attention third-country deportations.
apnews.com
Judge temporarily blocks Abrego Garcia's deportation
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is taken into custody in Baltimore as his lawyers say he may be sent to Uganda.
www.bbc.com
'They're going to be brought down': Trump vows to go after Biden's advisers
President Donald Trump on Monday called his predecessor's team "evil people."
www.nbcnews.comTrump administration demands apology from George Mason University president for diversity practices
The Trump administration has found that George Mason University’s efforts to diversify its workforce violate a civil rights law intended to end segregation.
apnews.com
As measles surged in Texas, Trump administration's actions hampered CDC's response
Trump officials sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists, slowing their response to the measles outbreak in West Texas.
www.cbsnews.com
Israel bombs hospital, kills journalists, medics, dozens more across Gaza
‘Double-tap’ attack on Nasser Hospital kills at least 21 Palestinians and draws global condemnation.
Analysis: Donald Trump vs. Antonin Scalia on burning the American flag | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump sees an epidemic of flag burning and says it needs attention.
www.cnn.com
Pritzker slams Trump as a 'wannabe dictator' over threat to send troops to Chicago
Gov. JB Pritzker pushes back on Trump’s threat to deploy military to Chicago, calling it dangerous and unnecessary.
www.usatoday.com
House committee subpoenas Epstein's estate for documents, including birthday book and contacts
The House Oversight Committee is subpoenaing the estate of the late Jeffrey Epstein. Congressional lawmakers are trying to determine who was connected to the disgraced financier and whether prosecutors mishandled his case.
apnews.com
Trump says he's firing Fed Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook
President Donald Trump said he fired Fed Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook
Trump envoy says officials working 'very, very hard' on ending Russia-Ukraine war
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg says officials are “working very, very hard” on efforts to end the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine.
apnews.comBolton unleashes on Trump Ukraine policy days after FBI raid
John Bolton blasts Trump's Ukraine negotiations as doomed and contradictory following federal agents' search of his home and office last week.
What to know about cashless bail after Trump's executive order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday threatening to withhold federal funding from local and state governments that allow cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety.
apnews.com
Senate Republicans push back against Trump's calls to end 'blue slips'
Trump ups pressure on Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley to do away with Senate tradition that places constraints on his authority to make judicial nominations.
Iran directed antisemitic attacks in Australia, PM Albanese says
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia and said the country is cutting off diplomatic relations with Iran.
apnews.com
California Republicans file petition to stop special election on Newsom's redistricting plan
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan is facing more legal pushback as state Republicans filed another emergency petition to block a November special election on the proposal.
www.cbsnews.comAP freelancer among 5 journalists killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital, health officials say
Among the victims was Mariam Dagga, a freelancer for the Associated Press. Al Jazeera confirmed that its journalist Mohammed Salam was also killed in the strike. Reuters reported that its contractor cameraman Hussam al-Masri was killed, and photographer Hatem Khaled was wounded.
apnews.com
Trump, Christie trade insults, rekindling 2013 bridge scandal
Trump called former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie 'a slob' but stopped short of saying he should be criminally investigated.
www.usatoday.com
Bridge collapse aid becomes economic weapon in escalating Trump-Moore feud
Though the feud between Trump and Moore began with sharp barbs over Baltimore’s crime rates, it has now evolved into a political standoff with sweeping national economic implications.
AP, Reuters employees among 5 journalists killed by Israeli strike, outlets say
Five journalists were among at least 21 people killed in an Israeli airstrike at the Nasser Medical Complex in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday.
'Leave our kids alone': Schools reopen in DC with parents on edge over Trump's armed patrols
Public schools have reopened in the nation’s capital with parents on edge over the presence of thousands of National Guard troops, some armed, and federal law enforcement officers.
apnews.com
Trump signs executive order establishing ‘specialized’ National Guard units to address crime in cities | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday tasking his secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, with establishing “specialized units” in the National Guard that will be “specifically trained and equipped to deal with public order issues” — the clearest sign yet he intends to expand the...
www.cnn.comIsrael strikes a Gaza hospital twice, killing at least 20, including journalists and rescuers
Israel struck one of the main hospitals in the Gaza Strip and then hit the facility again as journalists and rescue workers rushed to the scene.
apnews.com
Child sex abuse victim begs Elon Musk to remove links to her images
BBC investigation finds US victim's images are traded globally by an operator based in Indonesia.
www.bbc.com
President Trump suggests renaming Department of Defense to Department of War
"We want to be offensive, too." President Trump suggests renaming Department of Defense to its previous title of the Department of War.
www.usatoday.com
'No magic fixes' for Democrats as party confronts internal and fundraising struggles
Ken Martin, the new chair of the Democratic National Committee, says he's bringing a bazooka to the fight against President Donald Trump and his Republican allies.
apnews.com
Trump touts Kim Jong Un relationship amid South Korea summit
Trump says he has a good relationship with Kim Jong Un and expects to meet 'someday' ahead of White House summit with South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung.
Missouri Republican signals he's not on board with Trump's latest National Guard threats
Rep. Mark Alford said the National Guard shouldn't be sent to cities without a governor's request after Trump threatened to send troops to Baltimore and Chicago.
www.nbcnews.com
House Oversight subpoenas Jeffrey Epstein estate
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued a new subpoena to the estate of Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump says he's removing Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook, citing his administration’s allegations of mortgage fraud
Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, responded by saying she has done nothing wrong and Trump cannot fire her.
www.nbcnews.comAnd now for something different, civility unfolds in a Missouri GOP congressman's town hall
One of the few Republican U.S. House members making in-person appearances embarked on a town hall tour of his district to meet with constituents, and a civil conversation broke out.
apnews.com
Trump threatens lawsuit over century-old Senate tradition delaying his nominees
President Donald Trump said he plans legal action against the Senate's blue slip practice, calling it a barrier to appointing judges and U.S. attorneys.
Democrats demand Trump resume a major offshore wind project near Rhode Island
The Trump administration has halted construction on a nearly complete wind farm off Rhode Island and Connecticut, citing national security concerns.
apnews.com
Flag burning incident near White House leads to arrest hours after Trump's executive order
The arrested man identified himself as a combat veteran and said he was burning the American flag in protest of an executive order Trump signed Monday targeting flag burning.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump floats changing Defense Department to Department of War: "We want to be offensive, too, if we have to be"
President Trump on Monday floated returning the Department of Defense to its prior name, the Department of War, calling its current moniker "too defensive."
www.cbsnews.comNew top admiral takes over the US Navy amid military firings
Adm. Daryl Caudle has taken over as the Navy’s highest-ranking officer. It ends a six-month vacancy created by the Trump administration’s firing of his predecessor.
apnews.com
Former CIA Director Petraeus says Putin is ‘the obstacle to peace’ in Ukraine
Former CIA Director David Petraeus told ABC News' "This Week" he's doubtful that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet.
‘Bold’ general who led US’ ‘Midnight Hammer’ strikes on Iran ends Middle East reign
Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla hands over CENTCOM leadership to Adm. Brad Cooper after overseeing Iran strikes and Houthis operations during his tenure as commander.
Maine clinics denied Medicaid funds during lawsuit after Trump cuts to abortion providers
A judge has denied a request from a network of Maine clinics to force the federal government to restore Medicaid funding.
apnews.com
Donald Trump: Inside the Indian factories hit hard by US's 50% tariffs
BBC correspondents visit export hubs across India to assess how steep US tariffs are impacting business owners.
www.bbc.comNetanyahu says Israel could withdraw from Lebanon if Hezbollah is disarmed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he welcomes the Lebanese Cabinet’s “momentous decision” earlier this month to work toward the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
apnews.com
Bolivia's right-wing ex-president Jorge Quiroga says he'll 'change everything' if elected
Bolivia’s most right-wing candidate is one of two men headed to an unprecedented runoff election to lead the landlocked nation of 12 million.
www.nbcnews.com
Israeli double strike on Gaza hospital - what we know
Netanyahu said it was a "tragic mishap" but did little to address the apparent "double-tap" nature of the attack.
www.bbc.com
Ground Game: Trump says he might also send troops to police Baltimore and Democrats confront party struggles
This newsletter was originally sent out via email to our Ground Game subscribers on August 25. You can subscribe at any time at apnews.com/newsletters.
apnews.com
What the Menendez brothers said about the murders at their parole hearings
Lyle and Erik Menendez both opened up about the brutal murders of their parents at their long-awaited parole hearings last week.
Trump opens door to 600,000 Chinese students amid Beijing trade talks
Trump signaled a thaw in US-China relations by proposing 600,000 student visas while maintaining tariffs and discussing potential meeting with Xi Jinping.
Some National Guard units in Washington are now carrying firearms in escalation of Trump deployment
Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms.
apnews.com
Elon Musk's xAI sues Apple, OpenAI over alleged scheme to dominate AI
The lawsuit centers on an agreement last year between Apple and OpenAI.
'Separated from reality': Senate Republicans fume as Dems use Epstein saga to block Trump's agenda
Congressional Democrats and Republicans clashed over transparency surrounding the Epstein files last month, and the issue is set to linger when lawmakers return to Washington next week.
Death toll from Israeli strikes on Yemen’s capital rises to 10, authorities say
Health authorities say the death toll from Israel’s latest airstrikes on Yemen’s rebel-held capital has risen to 10. Multiple strikes rocked Sanaa on Sunday.
apnews.com
President Donald Trump confronts South Korean president over martial law probe
President Donald Trump questioned South Korea’s president Lee Jae Myung over a probe into ousted leader Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law.
www.usatoday.com
Trump wants to bring back the Department of War: 'It had a stronger sound'
President Donald Trump brushed aside any concerns about Congress not going along with his plans. “We’re just going to do it,” he said.
www.usatoday.com
There's no room for Trump's face on Mount Rushmore, despite MAGA push
Even back in 1936, lead sculptor Gutzon Borglum said the "stone limitations" of the site meant a fifth person couldn't be added.
www.nbcnews.com
Epstein estate hit with new House subpoena for 'client list,' call logs
The House Oversight Committee revealed multiple steps Monday to widen its probe into Jeffrey Epstein's case.
Ukraine condemns Woody Allen for speaking at a Russian film festival
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned Woody Allen for speaking at a Russian film festival, calling his participation in the event “a disgrace and an insult” to the victims of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
apnews.com
LAPD busts major burglary ring, seizes arsenal of weapons, officials say
The LAPD said they arrested eight gang members of a major burglary ring that targeted 92 homes.
House panel subpoenas Epstein's estate for documents, book reportedly containing Trump birthday letter
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer subpoenaed estate of Jeffrey Epstein, seeking over a dozen categories of documents.
www.cbsnews.comLibya’s coast guard shoots at a vessel seeking to rescue migrants in distress, group says
A humanitarian group says Libya’s coast guard fired upon its vessel as it searched for a migrant boat in distress in the Mediterranean Sea.
apnews.com'Separated from reality': Senate Republicans fume as Dems use Epstein saga to block Trump's agenda
Congressional Democrats and Republicans clashed over transparency surrounding the Epstein files last month, and the issue is set to linger when lawmakers return to Washington next week.
1st human case of flesh-eating parasite detected in US
The U.S. has confirmed the first case of the New World screwworm flesh-eating parasite in a human, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Ukrainian war veterans swim the Bosphorus strait in a triumph over their war injuries
Ukrainian war veteran Oleh Tserkovnyi has inspired two fellow veterans to swim across the Bosphorus on their country's Independence Day.
apnews.com
Sinaloa cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada pleads guilty to flooding US with deadly fentanyl
The guilty plea caps a stunning reversal of fortune for Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, who, with "El Chapo" Guzman, ruled the Sinaloa cartel for decades.
www.usatoday.com
How Trump is elevating potential 2028 Democrats: From the Politics Desk
Govs. Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker and Wes Moore have been eager to jump into the ring against Trump on crime and redistricting.
www.nbcnews.comPhotos show the aftermath of fatal attacks in Colombia
Mourners attended the funeral of Capt. Francisco Merchan, a police pilot killed when his helicopter was shot down by a dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla group, in his hometown of Mongua, Colombia.
apnews.com
Trump wants to punish people for flag burning. Is burning the American flag illegal?
President Trump signed an executive order that seeks to go after people who burn the American flag.
www.cbsnews.com
First human case of New World screwworm parasite confirmed in US
New World screwworm myiasis was found in a patient who returned to the US from El Salvador, authorities say.
www.bbc.comKorean Air plans to buy more than 100 Boeing aircraft
Korean Air has announced a $50 billion deal to buy more than 100 Boeing aircraft and obtain engine maintenance for 20 years.
apnews.com
FEMA staff tell Congress inexperience of Trump officials risks Katrina-style disaster
The letter signed by 35 named employees said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting FEMA director David Richardson lack qualifications.
www.usatoday.com
Trump tells Grassley to tell Democrats 'go to HELL' over blocked judicial nominees in Senate
Trump calls Senate's blue slip tradition unconstitutional, claiming it gives Democrats veto power over his judicial nominees and U.S. attorney appointments.
Asian shares decline following Wall Street's dip
Asian shares are lower following a broad decline on Wall Street that reversed some of the big gains from last week.
apnews.com
South Korea's proposal to win over Trump: 'Make America Shipbuilding Great Again'
Trade and security were high on the agenda as the U.S. ally’s new president, Lee Jae Myung, met with Trump amid growing tensions with China and North Korea.
www.nbcnews.comPhotos of Abrego Garcia turning himself in at ICE office surrounded by family and supporters
BALTIMORE (AP) — Kilmar Abrego Garcia turned himself in at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore on Monday.
apnews.com
Mayor blasts Trump's threat to deploy National Guard to Chicago
Mayor Brandon Johnson's office said it was working with Illinois' governor and Cook County, home to Chicago, in “evaluating all of our legal options to protect the people of Chicago from unconstitutional federal overreach.”
www.nbcnews.com
Trump's plan to create Guard units to quell civil unrest alarms experts
Trump ordered the Pentagon to create National Guard units across the country that could be used to quell civil unrest, alarming outside experts.
Smells of weed. Roars of airplanes. Loud crowds. It's all part of the US Open's chaos
There are some tennis players, such as Frances Tiafoe or Madison Keys or Ben Shelton, who can’t wait for the US Open to come around each year, with its boisterous crowds, its bold-faced names in the stands, its music at changeovers, its buzz.
apnews.com
Mexican drug lord 'El Mayo' enters guilty plea
Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was arrested in July 2024, and is due to be sentenced in the coming months.
www.bbc.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,279
Here are the key events on day 1,279 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Trump signs executive orders aimed at ending cashless bail in D.C. and across the country
The move is Trump's latest effort to reshape how the capital operates.
www.nbcnews.comElectric flying boat that skims the water sparks global commercial and military interest
A new type of winged marine vessel that flies just above the surface of the water is being tested this summer in Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, drawing interest from civilian and military customers.
apnews.com'I'm not a dictator': Trump defends using National Guard for crime crackdown
As Democrats push back on a military crackdown on crime in U.S. cities, Trump defended the move and said it is not about authoritarianism.
www.usatoday.com
Mexican immigrant-turned-congresswoman blasts Dem claims Texas redistricting hurts Hispanic vote
Texas redistricting creates Hispanic-majority districts as border counties flip Republican, sparking debate over minority representation and voting rights.
License plate camera company halts cooperation with federal agencies among investigation concerns
A company that installs license plate-detecting cameras to aid law enforcement has halted operations with federal agencies because of ongoing concerns among officials in Illinois and elsewhere.
apnews.com
'Purge or revolution?' Trump presses South Korea over ousted president, police raids
Trump said he was concerned by "very vicious raids on churches by the new government in South Korea."
www.usatoday.com
House committee subpoenas Epstein estate for 'birthday book' with alleged Trump note
President Donald Trump sued the Wall Street Journal after it reported on a bawdy birthday greeting the paper said he had made for Jeffery Epstein.
www.usatoday.com
Louisiana governor says there's no sign of 'imminent danger' after fire at auto lubricant plant
Following a massive fire on Friday at an automotive lubricant plant in southeast, Louisiana residents are reporting soot on cars and oily residue in nearby bodies of water.
apnews.com
Venezuela sends troops to Colombia border as US ships join cartel operation
Two more US ships said to join amphibious squadron due to arrive off coast of Venezuela in anti-drug cartel operation.
D.C. students return to school as the city remains on edge amid Trump’s takeover
The head of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement told NBC News that agents wouldn't be at D.C. schools on the first day Monday, but they might come onto campuses in the future.
www.nbcnews.comCracker Barrel says it "could've done a better job" with release of new logo that angered some fans
Cracker Barrel is sticking with its new logo. But the chain is also apologizing to fans who were angered when the change was announced last week.
apnews.com
Trump signs orders aimed at requiring criminal suspects to pay cash bonds
Trump signed two orders that aim to require criminal suspects to post cash bail to get released from jail before trial.
www.usatoday.com
