Kash Patel congressional hearings, Equatorial Guinea, world's tallest sunflower

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By Sallee Ann Harrison

September 14, 2025

By Sallee Ann Harrison

September 14, 2025

 
 

Good morning and welcome to the Sunday edition of Morning Wire, where we give you the weekend rundown to get ready for the week ahead. Today, FBI Director Kash Patel faces congressional hearings after missteps in the Charlie Kirk assassination probe, Equatorial Guinea cuts off internet access for island residents who protested a construction company, and the world's tallest sunflower blooms in an Indiana backyard.

But first, political leaders grapple with concerns about security and their own fear after Charlie Kirk's assassination.

 

UP FIRST

Supporters gather at a makeshift memorial for Turning Point USA CEO and co-founder Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah, on Saturday. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Supporters gather at a makeshift memorial for Turning Point USA CEO and co-founder Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah, on Saturday. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Political leaders confront security concerns — and fear — after Kirk’s assassination

Some political leaders are canceling public appearances after Charlie Kirk's killing. Others are relying on a large police presence to keep them safe. And still others insist that the assassination won’t have any impact on their plans. Elected officials at every level and in both parties are grappling with tough choices as they move deeper into an election season in which the prospect of further violence lingers. Read more.

 

TOP STORIES

FBI Director Kash Patel attends a news conference in Orem, Utah, on Friday. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

FBI Director Kash Patel attends a news conference in Orem, Utah, on Friday. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Patel faces congressional hearings after missteps in Kirk assassination probe and turmoil at FBI

FBI Director Kash Patel is bracing for scrutiny over his leadership of the Charlie Kirk investigation and other areas when he appears before Congress this coming week for oversight hearings. He raised eyebrows hours after Kirk's killing when he posted on X that “the subject” in the killing was in custody when he in fact remained on the loose. That confusion was an early misstep in an investigation that has become the most consequential test of Patel's young career as director. Read more.

Equatorial Guinea enforces yearlong internet outage for island that protested construction company

Residents of Annobón island in Equatorial Guinea have faced severe internet outages since complaining about dynamite explosions by a Moroccan construction company. Residents and rights groups say dozens of signatories were imprisoned for nearly a year and the internet shutdown continues. Locals have fled the island, citing fear for their lives and the challenges of living without internet. Read more.

 

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IN OTHER NEWS

Alex Babich climbs on the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Thursday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Alex Babich climbs on the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Thursday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

READ

Record sunflower: The world's tallest sunflower blooms in an Indiana backyard as a tribute to Ukraine

Mideast: Rubio is in Israel in wake of Qatar attack as Israeli strikes intensify in northern Gaza

US and Venezuela: Venezuela says US navy raided a tuna boat in the Caribbean as tensions rise

Trump tariffs: Trump calls on all NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil, threatens 50% to 100% tariffs on China

FACT FOCUS: Assassination of Charlie Kirk prompts flood of false and misleading claims online

National Guard in Memphis: Memphis mayor says he got confirmation National Guard would be deployed from Trump’s TV comments

Chicago: ICE officer fatally shoots suspect after being dragged by car near Chicago, officials say

Denver school shooting: Suspect posted online about mass shootings and neo-Nazi views, report says

Federal Reserve: Fed Governor Lisa Cook claimed 2nd residence as ‘vacation home,’ undercutting Trump fraud claims

Today in History: In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest U.S. president

WATCH

Charlie Kirk: People mourn Charlie Kirk at a memorial set up at Utah Valley University

AP explains: Celebrations in Sao Paulo after Bolsonaro jailed for coup attempt

Europe's highest mountain: People stranded in chairs after deadly ski lift accident on Mount Elbrus

Lagos: Nigerian chef Hilda Baci cooks world’s largest pot of jollof rice

 

Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann

Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann