Iran dismisses US economic threats

August 21, 2026

Iran on Thursday dismissed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump of economic pain and isolation for the country, while six European nations condemned Israel over a settlement project. Doctors Without Borders criticized the decision by Israel’s military not to investigate two fatal attacks on the medical humanitarian organization’s staff, and in Gaza City, a mass funeral was held for 50 people killed in Israeli airstrikes nearly three years ago but whose remains were just recovered. Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Thursday. ...

US aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East, relieving long-deployed USS Lincoln

August 21, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Asia-based USS George Washington aircraft carrier is now operating in the Middle East, the U.S. military said Thursday, relieving a long-deployed carrier following reports of mental health challenges and supply shortages aboard while it was supporting the Iran ...

‘An overstep’: Navajo Code Talker descendants criticize New Mexico’s new plan for museum

August 20, 2026

For decades, Navajo Code Talkers and their descendants have dreamed of an expansive museum on the Navajo Nation that would educate the public about the complex code they developed using their language, credited with helping secure Allied victory in World War II. Some have also hoped for a ...

After deadly floods in India’s Assam, experts call for better warnings and long-term planning

August 20, 2026

GUWAHATI, India (AP) — Rojo Neog left his house in India’s Assam state on the evening of July 19 to buy candles after heavy rain knocked out electricity. As he rode back on his bicycle, the Dikhow River suddenly rose and the current intensified. The floodwaters swept him away, and his body was found three days later, said his niece Priyakshi Gogoi, who lives nearby. Gogoi said floodwaters around her uncle’s village Hulang Katoni rose from knee-deep to neck-deep in about 30 minutes. “There was no warning, nothing,” she said. “In the morning we thought it’s fine, there is ...

Vietnam, 1966

August 20, 2026

AP Photo/John Nance Troopers of the 1st U.S. division wade through deep muddy rice paddy 15 miles north of Saigon in Vietnam on Aug. 20, 1966 during an operation against the Viet Cong. The Americans came under heavy fire and were pinned down at one point in the muddy waters by intense enemy ...

A new look and fresh merch are winning customers back at Target as sales rebound

August 20, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Target reported its second straight quarter of comparable sales gains on Wednesday, saying that a merchandising overhaul under the retailer’s new CEO is attracting more customers and boosting sales throughout its stores. The retailer also benefited from a tariff refund of $994 million after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this year that the Trump administration had overstepped its authority when the tariffs were implemented. There is a lot of interest in how tariff refunds from the U.S. government will impact retailers and whether those refunds will be used to lower ...