AP News in Brief at 11:04 p.m. EDT | National

• Political developments have emerged in China leading up to the annual "Beidaihe meeting," an informal gathering where retired party elders and incumbent leaders discuss critical issues. • A primary focus of these discussions is expected to be the nation's economic policy and strategic direction.

• President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is only "semi-negotiating" with Iran, suggesting a strategic "low key" approach as Tehran faces severe economic pressure and a lack of funds. • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that discussions with Oman regarding new maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz are currently in their "final stages."

• On August 9, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Mojtaba Khamenei amid reports regarding the Supreme Leader's health. • Reports indicate that the Supreme Leader's medical condition has become "extremely critical," sparking concerns over the country's leadership.

• The United States and Europe have reintroduced sanctions against Russia and issued warnings regarding Moscow's perceived threats to NATO. • The article argues that these diplomatic and economic measures are being used as a "smoke screen" to hide significant Western military failures.

• Many enterprises spend approximately $7.5 million annually and dedicate 60 staff members to build and operate custom internal developer platforms. • These high costs often remain hidden from executives because expenses are distributed across various engineering cost centers rather than tracked as a single line item.

• Pakistan has indefinitely postponed elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid escalating political instability and widespread civil unrest. • The crisis is driven by a three-pronged resistance involving India's rejection of the polls, internal political rivalry, and intense protests from local residents.

• A book discussion for “Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power,” authored by Umar Khalid, has been moved from its original venue. • The event is scheduled to take place this Monday at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

• The article reflects on the 61st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson following the Civil Rights Movement. • It emphasizes that the Act was not merely a government gift but a hard-won victory resulting from grassroots activism and struggle.

• The U.S. Senate has adjourned for a five-week August recess without passing the SAVE America Act, a piece of legislation focused on voter ID and proof-of-citizenship. • The bill was heavily championed by Utah Senator Mike Lee, who had threatened to disrupt the adjournment process if the legislation was not passed by the end of the week.

• The U.S. Senate concluded its final session on Friday, rushing through a series of critical votes before beginning a weeks-long late-summer recess. • A key achievement of the session was the approval of a stopgap funding measure designed to prevent a government shutdown past the upcoming November elections.

• The Republican-led Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 overnight vote. • Blanche secured the position after winning over GOP holdouts by pledging to eliminate the "anti-weaponization fund."

• Journalists globally are facing escalating threats, including detentions, digital restrictions, economic strain, and violence in conflict zones. • In the United States, recent court decisions have weakened several legal challenges brought by Donald Trump against major news organizations regarding defamation and journalist protections.