Ship runs aground in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state TV reports

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz while using a route not approved by Iran. That’s according to a report Wednesday by state television in Tehran. The vessel was identified as a foreign container ship, with no other details. The report appeared aimed at underlining Tehran’s claims to control the strait, which the world has long considered an international waterway. Iran has used its ability to choke off the waterway as a key source of leverage since the war began Feb. 28. Meanwhile, talks aimed at ending the Iran war were taking place in Qatar, with U.S. and Iranian negotiators present.

Trump filing shows he took in about $1.2 billion from crypto businesses last year

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump took in nearly $1.2 billion from his crypto businesses last year, a federal filing released Tuesday shows. Trump got more than $500 million from his World Liberty Financial business selling new crypto products, including “governance tokens,” while another crypto business, CIC Digital LLC, took in more than $600 million from sales of souvenir-type “meme” coins. The mainstay real estate business also boomed last year. The 927-page disclosure form paints a picture of the massive growth of the president’s wealth since taking office last January through a web of business interests.

The US, Canada and Mexico begin bumpy negotiations to renew North American trade pact

WASHINGTON (AP) — The North American trade pact that President Donald Trump negotiated and boasted about in his first term is up for renewal. It’s a process that is likely to last months, maybe longer. And the path forward is lined with landmines. The U.S. is making demands that could effectively force Canada and Mexico to surrender some factory production to the United States. That push would upend established regional automotive supply chains and would put upward pressure on U.S. prices for new cars. Trump has added to the tension by threatening to pull out of his own agreement altogether.

Defying Pope Leo XIV, traditionalists go ahead with bishop consecrations in Switzerland

ECONE, Switzerland (AP) — A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics has directly defied Pope Leo XIV by consecrating four bishops without his consent. The Society of St. Pius X is dismissing the resulting excommunications and schism by declaring it was a “sacred duty” to defend the Catholic faith. The group opposes the modernizing reforms of the Catholic Church. It went ahead with the consecrations at its seminary in Econe, Switzerland, despite a last-ditch appeal by Leo to call it off. The ceremony drew thousands of people who prefer the Latin Mass to the modern liturgies celebrated in most of the Catholic Church. The Vatican has said the ceremony is a schismatic act that incurs automatic excommunication.

Most US stocks rise, but drops for tech keep Wall Street in check

NEW YORK (AP) — Most U.S. stocks are rising, but drops for some influential technology companies are keeping the market in check. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Wednesday after erasing an early loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 269 points, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. General Mills led the market after delivering better results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Stocks also got a lift after Treasury yields pared gains following a weaker-than-expected report on U.S. manufacturing. That could allow the Federal Reserve to hold off on increases to interest rates this year. But drops for some AI winners restrained the market’s gains.

Federal Reserve Chair Warsh emphasizes political independence, signals focus on inflation

WASHINGTON (AP) — New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said Wednesday that the central bank would remain independent and seek to bring down inflation, likely foreclosing the rate cuts President Trump has sought. The Fed typically combats inflation by raising borrowing costs. When asked about Trump’s oft-repeated desire for lower rates, Warsh underscored the Fed’s independence from day-to-day politics. Such comments suggest that Warsh has shifted his views since replacing Jerome Powell as chair May 22.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine has hit a Russian oil refinery for the second time in a week

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces have struck Russia’s major Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday. Attacks on Russian oil facilities have created a fuel crisis and increased political pressure on the Kremlin. The Ufa refinery is one of Russia’s largest producers of lubricants. Ukraine also targeted a missile component plant in Russia’s Penza region. Russian officials did not confirm the strikes. Ukraine’s drone and missile attacks have slowed Russian advances, according to officials. Meanwhile, Ukraine is gaining interest globally for its military technology, especially drones. Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, with three civilians reported killed Wednesday.

Trump will visit newly built Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota’s Badlands

MEDORA, N.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump is visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. The $450 million library project explores the 26th president’s life in the rugged, remote landscape where he roamed as a cowboy and big game hunter in the 1880s. The library was pushed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum when he was governor. The facility’s grand opening is July Fourth, but Trump is visiting Wednesday to see the library and to speak to a crowd at a nearby amphitheater. Roosevelt served from 1901 to 1909 and said he never would have been president were it not for his experiences in North Dakota.

Spotless uniforms, stalled cranes: Inside Venezuela’s faltering quake rescue effort

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Many Venezuelan earthquake survivors across northern La Guaira state, in Caracas and surrounding regions are asking the same question. Who’s in charge? Venezuela’s self-described socialist government, which long prided itself on being protector and provider, has been neither when it mattered most, many say. The powerful June 24 earthquakes have brought to the forefront the inability of the party that’s ruled the country for 27 years — now with acting President Delcy Rodriguez at the helm — to carry out basic government functions. Many residents say most rescues and recoveries have been carried out by fellow Venezuelans and foreign teams. While civilians and foreign rescuers worked, men and women in Venezuelan uniforms watched and state workers took selfies, they say.

Serena Williams tweaked her knee during Wimbledon return at age 44 but still aims to play doubles

LONDON (AP) — Serena Williams’ agent says the 23-time Grand Slam champion tweaked her right knee at Wimbledon during her first singles match in nearly four years but still hopes to play doubles with sister Venus later in the week. The 44-year-old Williams did not ask for medical treatment during a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss to 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the first round on Tuesday. Williams did not meet with media after the match. Agent Jill Smoller says “Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams.” Smoller adds “she left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”