Bondi hearing, Supreme Court on 'conversion therapy,' US coal sale

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 October 07, 2025 By Sallee Ann Harrison October 07, 2025 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, Attorney General Pam Bondi deflects questions in a combative congressional hearing, the Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on "conversion therapy," and a Navajo tribe-owned company bids less than a penny per ton in biggest U.S. coal sale in over a decade. UP FIRST Attorney General Pam Bondi appears before a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Bondi dodges questions as she clashes with Democrats over claims she's weaponized Justice Department  Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly deflected questions as she sought during a combative congressional hearing on Tuesday to defend herself against growing criticism that she's turning the law enforcement agency into a weapon to seek vengeance against President Donald Trump's political opponents. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Trump administration threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown Trump expresses ambivalence toward the future of US-Mexico-Canada trade deal as he meets with Carney  Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts TOP STORIES Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on 'conversion therapy' for LBGTQ+ kids  A majority of Supreme Court justices on Tuesday seemed to lean in favor of a Christian counselor challenging bans on LGBTQ+ "conversion therapy" for kids as a violation of her First Amendment rights. The arguments come months after the court found other states can ban transition-related health care for transgender youths, a setback for LGBTQ rights. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Florida removes Miami Beach rainbow crosswalk after city loses appeal Company bids less than a penny per ton in biggest US coal sale in over a decade A Navajo tribe-owned company bid $186,000 to lease 167 million tons of coal on federal lands in southeastern Montana on Monday in the biggest U.S. coal sale in more than a decade. The offer equates to one-tenth of a penny per ton, underscoring coal's diminished value even as President Donald Trump pushes to mine and burn more of the heavily polluting fuel. Federal officials did not immediately say if they would accept the offer. It was the only bid received. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Buildings are turning to 'ice batteries' for sustainable air conditioning Solar and wind power has grown faster than electricity demand this year, report says ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Mohammad and Tahani al-Najjar hold a cellphone showing a picture of their son, Ahmad, at their family's tent in Muwasi, along Gaza's southern coast, in February. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) Israel-Hamas war: Thousands in Gaza are missing 2 years into the war. Tormented families search for clues Targeting faith: Authorities find body of missing priest in violence-torn region of Mexico Mideast: Iraq's amnesty law frees 35,000 and recovers $34.4M, Supreme Judicial Council says NFL analyst: Truck driver sues Mark Sanchez and Fox after violent fight over parking space Subscription meal kits: USDA warns that Hello Fresh meals may contain listeria-tainted spinach Rush reunion: Rush announce reunion tour five years after the death of drummer Neil Peart In photos: Egypt's 'strongman' pulls ships, trains and cars in jaw-dropping feats WATCH: A Seattle scientist learned from the AP she is 1 of 3 to win the Nobel in medicine TRENDING INSERT PHOTO CAPTION Photos of October's supermoon: A stunning start to a trio of celestial events  October's supermoon — a phenomenon when the moon is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter — is the first of three this year. The subtle difference can be observed without special equipment if skies are clear. 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