AP News Briefing: August 30, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) - Israel declares Gaza City combat zone Israel’s military has formally declared Gaza’s largest city a combat zone as it resumed major operations against Hamas fighters. Health officials in Gaza report the death toll has surpassed 63,000, with 59 deaths in the past 24 hours alone. Despite widespread calls to evacuate, relief organizations and a church sheltering displaced residents say they will remain to provide food and medical care in the besieged city.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Gym coach grooming warnings went unheeded Years before his arrest on charges of sexually abusing young gymnasts, coach Sean Gardner was the subject of multiple “grooming” concerns. His former employer, parents, and athletes reported inappropriate behavior as early as 2018 to USA Gymnastics and at his subsequent academy, yet Gardner not only remained employed but was promoted until his eventual removal from the sport.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Trump blocks $4.9 billion in foreign aid President Donald Trump notified Congress he will withhold $4.9 billion in foreign assistance approved by lawmakers, invoking a rarely used “pocket rescission” power. The move effectively cancels the funding near the end of the fiscal year without a congressional vote, prompting criticism over executive overreach and potential impacts on U.S. diplomatic initiatives.

WASHINGTON (AP) - EPA fires employees over policy criticism The Environmental Protection Agency dismissed at least eight staff members who publicly criticized agency leadership under Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Trump. The firings follow the circulation of a letter inside the agency that challenged its environmental and public health policies, fueling debate over dissent and free speech within federal agencies.