Tehran threatens to halt all Mideast energy exports after US reimposes its blockade on Iran
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian health ministry official says the latest round of overnight U.S. airstrikes on Iran have wounded more than 260 people. The comment Wednesday by spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour did not include fatality statistics. However, far more people were reported injured than in any other round of recent violence between Iran and the U.S. as they vie over control of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which about a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed.
Death toll from Bangkok bar fire rises to 32 as 2 more die in hospital
BANGKOK (AP) — Thai officials say that two more people injured in a huge fire at a Bangkok music bar have died, bringing the death toll to 32. More than 70 people were injured and 30 people remain hospitalized, with 15 of them in intensive care units, the Erawan emergency services center in Thailand’s capital said Wednesday. The blaze at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar was the city’s deadliest in 17 years. It broke out late Sunday in a northern part of the city, and firefighters needed half an hour to bring it under control. An investigation into the cause of the fire and whether the bar was following safety regulations is ongoing. Survivors and relatives of the deceased visited a police station near the scene on Wednesday to seek compensation, gather belongings and share statements about the blaze.
Asian shares rise after rally on Wall Street as data show US inflation slowing
TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares are mostly higher, tracking a rally on Wall Street following a report that showed U.S. inflation was not as bad last month as economists expected. South Korea's Kospi jumped more than 7%, lifted by buying of technology shares. But stock price gains overall were moderate given worries that the United States and Iran may return to an all-out war. That has pushed oil prices higher. Investors are also watching for earnings reports from various companies for the spring. On Wall Street on Tuesday, the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq composite rose.
Trump administration orders ICE to suspend most vehicle stops after 2 deadly shootings
BIDDEFORD, Maine (AP) — Trump administration officials have told Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to suspend most vehicle stops after two deadly shootings in little over a week, according to a person familiar with the matter. Tuesday's order came a day after an ICE officer shot and killed a Colombian man in Maine, renewing criticism of the agency’s tactics during enforcement operations. The suspension is not absolute and there’s room for exceptions when executing a criminal warrant or working with partner agencies, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive law enforcement operations. The Department of Homeland Security says an ICE officer, “fearing for public safety,” shot and killed the man.
Man fleeing immigration officers in Florida is struck and killed by tractor trailer, police say
Authorities say a man running from an encounter with immigration and other federal agents in Florida was struck and killed by a tractor trailer. The 28-year-old was among four occupants of a vehicle that stopped in the parking lot of a gas station and convenience store in St. Augustine before 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Police say during the encounter with agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as Homeland Security Investigations, the four fled on foot. Police say one darted across a busy road into the path of the semi. It marks the third death in a week involving encounters with ICE agents.
Trump will speak on elections in primetime address after pushing debunked conspiracies
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will deliver a primetime address this week that he says will include a focus on elections. The topic suggests he could revisit long-debunked conspiracy theories about his 2020 defeat to President Joe Biden as he’s escalated calls for Republicans to pass tighter federal voting rules before November’s midterm elections. The speech comes as Trump confronts a collapsing deal to end the war with Iran and faces numerous other domestic issues, including recent shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Asked for a preview on Tuesday, Trump said that “without free and fair elections, you don't have a country.”
Darline Graham, sister of late Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been sworn in to finish his term
WASHINGTON (AP) — The sister of the late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham has been sworn in to fill his seat, just three days after his death. Darline Graham was sworn in at the Senate on Tuesday. Darline Graham was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday to fill the remaining months of her brother’s term. A separate special election will be held next month to pick a new Republican nominee in the general election for Lindsey’s Graham’s seat, as he had been seeking a fifth term this year. Darline Graham will be the state’s first female senator. She has not previously held public office.
House passes bill to 'ditch the switch' and make daylight saving time permanent
WASHINGTON (AP) — There will be no turning back the clock if the House has its way. The House passed a bill Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent. Proponents argue the bill would provide more daylight during the times that Americans are most active. Daylight saving time is that period between spring and fall when clocks in most of the United States are set one hour ahead of standard time. States could opt out if their respective legislatures do so before the bill’s enactment. The Senate would also have to pass the bill before it could become law, but it's unclear if it will do so.
Supreme Court justices detail security risks and weigh in on ethics in rare congressional testimony
WASHINGTON (AP) — In rare congressional testimony, Supreme Court justices have shared chilling stories about the threats they increasingly face in public life. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified Tuesday to House and Senate committees, and appealed for more security funding for members of the high court. Like judges around the country, the justices have faced a surge in threats of violence and intimidation. Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest home a few years ago, and struggled to explain that to her 12-year-old son. Kagan condemned rhetoric from public officials who target judges for personal criticism when they disagree with their rulings.
Gibraltar ushers in a new era as British territory's border fence with Spain is removed
MADRID (AP) — The fence separating Gibraltar from Spain has been dismantled, easing travel for thousands who cross daily. This change, which goes into effect on Wednesday, follows years of post-Brexit negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom over Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory that is also claimed by Spain. On Tuesday, the U.K. and the E.U. signed an agreement securing Gibraltar’s economic future. Without it, Gibraltar could have faced a hard border with full passport checks, risking its economy. The deal de facto brings Gibraltar into the EU’s Schengen free travel area. Gibraltar officials say live facial recognition cameras are now set up at entry points.
