United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1846
Ownership
The Associated Press is an American not-for-profit news cooperative, founded in 1846 by five New York City newspapers to share the cost of covering the Mexican-American War. It is an unincorporated, member-owned association: its US newspaper, radio and television members are its de facto owners and elect its board. No single company, family, party or government controls it.
Funding
Funded by member dues and fees, by licensing its text, photo and video content to thousands of media clients worldwide, and by commercial services; revenue is reinvested in newsgathering rather than paid out as dividends. In 2024 AP also began building a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit to raise philanthropic funds for local news.
Affiliation & stance
AP has no party or state ownership and is structured as a member cooperative with a long-standing commitment to factual, nonpartisan wire reporting, which makes it INDEPENDENT. The site's INDEPENDENT/CENTER classification is correct.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 394
78/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
434
Articles
427
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Eight US States Doug Ford Wants Canada To Target With Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested that eight U.S. states, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Texas, and Wisconsin, should face additional retaliatory tariffs as part of a trade dispute with the United States. Ford argued these states are politically significant to the current U.S. administration's support base. The call came after trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada collapsed, leading to the suspension of talks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In response, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods, affecting nearly $20 billion in imports. Carney criticized the move as a 'miscalculation,' noting the deep economic ties between the two nations. Ford emphasized that Ontario would use all available tools to retaliate, urging other provinces to follow suit. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concern that the trade tensions could harm businesses in her home state.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has announced plans to terminate the publisher and editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, a U.S. military-funded news outlet, along with a Middle East reporter, citing insubordination. The firings relate to interviews these individuals gave to CBS News for a 'CBS Sunday Morning' segment in July, where they expressed concerns about Pentagon-imposed censorship. Publisher Max Lederer and Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin were given five days to appeal their dismissals, while reporter Lara Korte also received termination notice. Slavin stated that his firing was based on comments about maintaining editorial independence, which he claims is legally mandated. Korte criticized the firings as harmful to military communities and emphasized her commitment to independent journalism. A Defense Department spokesperson did not comment, and White House adviser Stephen Miller suggested the firings were justified. Stars and Stripes later published an open letter from a newly appointed military deputy, alleging lack of communication.
What to know about Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods that just went into effect
The article discusses the implementation of 50% tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian goods. These tariffs are part of a broader trade dispute between the United States and Canada, primarily centered around steel and aluminum imports. The move has significant economic implications for both countries, affecting industries reliant on cross-border trade. The tariffs were enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the president to impose restrictions on imports deemed a threat to national security. This action has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including businesses, policymakers, and international trade organizations.
Supreme Court allows Trump's ballroom construction to proceed for now
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allowed President Donald Trump's plan to construct a secure ballroom at the White House to continue, deferring a lower court's injunction that had previously halted the project. The decision came after a divided federal appellate court blocked the project earlier this month, prompting Trump's legal team to seek a Supreme Court review. The court issued a brief order pausing the injunction but did not determine the legality of the project or set a timeline for further proceedings. Legal arguments centered on national security concerns, with the administration asserting that the ballroom is essential for protecting the president and ensuring government continuity. Critics argue the project is politically motivated, citing past claims of threats and noting that the East Wing was demolished to make way for the construction. The estimated total cost of the project has risen significantly, with taxpayer funds being used for security upgrades.
A trade war between Canada and the US further ruptures a once-close and durable alliance
The article discusses escalating tensions between Canada and the United States, highlighting a growing trade conflict that threatens their historically strong bilateral relationship. The focus is on how economic disputes are straining diplomatic ties between the two nations, which were previously characterized by cooperation and mutual trust. The implications of this trade war could affect regional stability, economic partnerships, and international relations. The situation reflects broader concerns about transatlantic cooperation and the impact of protectionist policies.
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, former U.S. senator from Kansas, dies at 94
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a former U.S. Senator from Kansas and the first woman elected to the Senate without being the spouse of another politician, passed away at age 94. She was known for her independent stance and willingness to prioritize the interests of Kansas and the nation over strict party loyalty. Elected in 1978, she served three terms and was recognized for her bipartisan approach, working with colleagues across the political spectrum. After retiring from the Senate in 1997, she continued to engage in public service. Kassebaum Baker was also notable for supporting policies such as a ban on assault weapons, despite being a Republican. She maintained strong connections with her home state and was remembered for her down-to-earth personality.
A quiet channel between ICE and Iran shaped deportation flights, newly released emails show
Newly released emails reveal that U.S. immigration officials coordinated with Iranian authorities to deport Iranians in 2025, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. Over 100 Iranians were deported on three separate flights in September 2025, December 2025, and January 2026, with Iranian officials influencing which individuals were included. Emails show that ICE officials made last-minute changes to deportation lists based on requests from the Iranian Embassy. The coordination continued even during a period of heightened conflict, including the 12-day war with the U.S. and Israel in June 2025. Critics argue that deporting Iranians to a country with documented human rights concerns raises ethical questions. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries, and Iranian officials previously estimated up to 400 deportations under a Trump-era agreement.
Scoop: DOJ, TikTok settle for $400 million in children's privacy suit
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and TikTok, alongside its parent company ByteDance, have agreed to a $400 million settlement to resolve claims that TikTok violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The settlement resolves a lawsuit initially filed by the Biden administration’s DOJ in 2024, which alleged that TikTok allowed minors to create standard accounts and collect personal data from children. TikTok will pay the sum without admitting fault or facing further litigation. According to the DOJ, the company has made significant improvements to its compliance, privacy policies, and youth protections since the lawsuit began. The settlement represents one of the largest recoveries under COPPA. The DOJ emphasized that these changes align with the goals of protecting children online and holding companies accountable for handling personal data responsibly. The settlement comes after previous legal challenges against TikTok, including actions taken during the Trump administration to prevent a potential ban.
Global Bond Markets Put Governments On Notice Over Fiscal, Inflation Risks
Global bond markets experienced significant increases in borrowing costs for governments in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and others, driven by rising government debt, geopolitical tensions, and inflation fears. U.S. 30-year bond yields reached levels not seen since 2007, while Japan's 10-year yields hit a three-decade high and Germany's 10-year Bund yield reached a peak since 2011. Analysts warn that the post-financial crisis era of low interest rates and stable inflation may be ending, with increased uncertainty affecting global economic stability. Factors include U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, the ongoing conflict involving Iran, and the surge in corporate borrowing for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Higher yields negatively impact asset prices and increase borrowing costs for businesses and households.
Here's how America's $40 trillion debt can hit your wallet
The U.S. national debt surpassed $40 trillion, prompting discussions about its potential impact on American households. While individuals do not directly owe this debt, growing federal borrowing could lead to higher taxes, reduced spending, or changes to federal benefits. Economists typically examine the $32 trillion portion held by the public. The Trump administration's tax policies and increased military funding are expected to add significantly to future deficits. Rising debt may increase borrowing costs for mortgages, student loans, and small businesses by pushing up interest rates. Experts warn that higher debt could lead to inflation pressures if investors lose confidence in the government's fiscal stability. The federal government is projected to spend over $1 trillion on interest payments in 2026, surpassing spending on most mandatory programs except Social Security and Medicare.
Texas court slashes $50M judgment against Infowars' Alex Jones
On August 21, 2026, a Texas court reduced a $50 million judgment against Alex Jones, founder of Infowars, to $1.5 million regarding his false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax. The ruling, issued by the Texas Third Court of Appeals, determined that the plaintiffs, Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, failed to prove that harassment stemming from Jones' claims reached a level warranting damages exceeding the state’s $750,000 per plaintiff cap. While this decision does not impact a separate $1.4 billion judgment against Jones in Connecticut, it marks a legal victory for him after he was previously found liable for spreading falsehoods about the massacre. Jones acknowledged the attack was '100% real' but claimed the lawsuit violated his First Amendment rights. The case highlights ongoing legal battles involving Jones, who has filed for bankruptcy, and the broader implications of misinformation and free speech.
Victoire's PWHL championship Walter Cup trophy missing after not arriving in Alberta, AP source says
An AP source reported that the Walter Cup trophy, awarded to Victoire's PWHL team for winning the championship, has gone missing after it was supposed to arrive in Alberta. The report indicates that the trophy did not reach its intended destination, raising concerns about its whereabouts. The situation highlights potential logistical issues surrounding the awarding of the trophy. No further details were provided regarding the cause of the delay or the current status of the trophy.