Global news highlights from AP

August 15, 2026

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to step in and allow the White House to keep building its $400 million ballroom.

It comes after a lower court ruled that congressional approval was needed to move ahead with the project.

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The man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York two years ago has pleaded guilty in federal court.

Luigi Mangione still faces state murder charges, but those could be dismissed in light of his federal plea.

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France's top court has struck down a law banning children under 15 from using social media.

The court says it infringes on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and communication.

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Under the roof of Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, an effort to save dozens of beluga whales that can no longer be cared for by a Canadian aquarium that closed two years ago.

Four beluga whales arrived this week.

They were transported in specially-made slings and containers and flown in by plane.