BEIJING — China’s government is trying to reassure jittery homebuyers after a major real estate developer missed a payment on its multibillion-dollar debt, reviving fears about the industry’s shaky finances and their impact on the struggling Chinese economy. There is no indication Country Garden’s problems might spread beyond China, which...
Iran’s Foreign Minister Visits Saudi Arabia on First Such Trip in Years as Tensions Ease
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran's foreign minister traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking the first trip to the kingdom by Tehran's top diplomat in years after the two nations reached a détente with Chinese mediation. The visit by Hossein Amirabdollahian comes as both Saudi Arabia and Iran try...
Western States to Face Lesser Colorado River Water Cuts in 2024 Despite Long-Term Challenges
WASHINGTON — Federal officials said Tuesday they will ease water cuts for Western states reliant on the Colorado River in 2024, thanks to a slightly improved outlook, but long-term challenges remain. The river serves seven U.S. states, Native American tribes and two states in Mexico. It also supports a multibillion-dollar...
In Deadly Maui Wildfires, Communication Failed. Chaos Overtook Lahaina Along with the Flames
WAILUKU, Hawaii — In the hours before a wildfire engulfed the town of Lahaina, Maui County officials failed to activate sirens that would have warned the entire population of the approaching flames and instead relied on a series of sometimes confusing social media posts that reached a much smaller audience....
Federal Reserve Minutes: Too-High Inflation, Still a Threat, Could Require More Rate Hikes
WASHINGTON — Most Federal Reserve officials last month still regarded high inflation as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released Wednesday. At the same time, the officials saw “a number of tentative signs that inflation pressures could...
Aide to Congressman With History of Fabrications Indicted for Impersonating McCarthy Chief of Staff
NEW YORK — A former fundraiser for U.S. Rep. George Santos was indicted Wednesday on federal charges that he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while soliciting contributions for the New York Republican's campaign. Sam Miele was charged with four counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in an alleged scheme...
Will Sacramento Perch Become a California ‘Planter’ Fish Amid Climate Change?
SAN DIEGO — California’s only native sunfish, the Sacramento perch, survived catastrophic floods in the 1860s and was so abundant that it was a regular staple in San Francisco’s markets before invasive species decimated its population. Today it is relegated to mostly isolated lakes, reservoirs, and ponds with few predators....
Target Sales Fall on Muted Spending, Pride Month Backlash
NEW YORK — Target reported its first quarterly sales drop in six years, dragged down by shoppers' inflation worries and a negative reaction by some customers, widely publicized on social media, to its Pride merchandise. The Minneapolis retailer expects high interest rates, which makes credit cards more expensive to use, and higher...
McCarthy Faces GOP Skepticism Over His Pitch to Avoid Government Shutdown
Washington — Congressional leaders are pitching a stopgap government funding package to avoid a federal shutdown after next month, acknowledging the House and Senate are nowhere near agreement on spending levels to keep federal operations running. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy raised the idea of a months-long funding package, known as a continuing resolution,...
Trump Enjoys Strong Support Among Republicans. The General Election Could Be a Different Story
NEW YORK — After every new indictment, Donald Trump has boasted that his standing among Republicans only improves — and he has a point. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans — 63% — now say they want the former president to run again, according to new polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for...