Qatar strike, disaster aid, fake electors case

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sallee Ann Harrison September 09, 2025 By Sallee Ann Harrison September 09, 2025 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, an Israeli strike targets Hamas leaders in US-allied Qatar, U.S. presidents are taking longer to approve disaster aid, and a Michigan judge tosses the case against 15 people accused of falsely acting as electors in the 2020 election. UP FIRST Smoke rises from an explosion, allegedly caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. (UGC via AP) Israeli strike targets Hamas leaders in US-allied Qatar as they weigh Gaza ceasefire proposal Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at winding down the war and freeing hostages. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Live updates: Hamas says top leaders survived Israeli strike on Qatar while five lower-ranking members were killed WATCH: White House says Trump believes the Israeli attack on Hamas in Qatar doesn't advance peace WATCH: UN chief reacts after Israel targets Hamas leadership in Qatar TOP STORIES Buddy Anthony surveys the remnants of his home in Tylertown, Miss., on Aug. 14. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates) Major disaster declarations are taking longer under Trump, AP finds Disaster survivors are having to wait longer to get aid from the federal government, according to a new Associated Press analysis of decades of data. On average, it took less than two weeks for a governor's request for a presidential disaster declaration to be granted in the 1990s and early 2000s. That rose to about three weeks during the past decade under presidents from both major parties. Read more.  RELATED COVERAGE ➤ WATCH: After a tornado destroyed his home, this man lived in his truck for weeks Kiko weakens into a tropical storm but still could create dangerous surf in Hawaii Michigan judge tosses case against 15 accused fake electors for President Donald Trump in 2020 A Michigan judge dismissed criminal charges Tuesday against a group of people who were accused of attempting to falsely certify President Donald Trump as the winner of the 2020 election in the battleground state, a major blow to prosecutors as similar cases in four other states have been muddied with setbacks. Read more.  RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Georgia judge to toss landmark racketeering charges against 'Cop City' protesters Judge rejects challenge to Georgia election law provisions on absentee ballots ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS A construction worker carries steel decking at a construction site in Portland, Maine, in July. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)  US job market: New data shows the US job market was much weaker than thought in 2024, and this year as well Forced contraception: Over 350 Greenlandic women and girls forcibly given contraception by Danish officials, report says Red Sea: Commercial shipping likely cut submarine cables that disrupted internet access, experts say Decades-old mystery: Girl identified in New Hampshire serial killer case Leprosy settlement: Guided tours resume at the remote Hawaii leprosy settlement of Kalaupapa iPhones 17: Apple unveils its latest iPhone lineup amid Trump's trade war Ford recall: Ford recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in US due to rear view camera issue TRENDING A model presents a creation by Maggie Ma collection during the SS2026 China Fashion Week on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) China Fashion Week highlights autumn creations in photos This photo gallery curated by AP photo editors shows what goes on behind the scenes and on the runway at China Fashion Week in Beijing. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT