Trump says Mideast allies have reached outlines of deal to end Iran war, says US to stop new strikes
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is claiming that Mideast allies have reached the parameters of a deal to end the Iran war and says that he would hold off on ordering new strikes in the five-month old conflict for now. In a Saturday evening social media post, Trump added that the emerging deal “would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.” He wrote that he had agreed to hold off on ordering new U.S. strikes, "subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL.” He says that Israel has agreed to join the U.S. in the commitment to try to complete the agreement with Iran. Iran did not offer any immediate public reaction to Trump’s announcement.
Trump's threat to push ahead on settlement fund injects new uncertainty into attorney general talks
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening to push forward with a fund to compensate his allies if two Republican holdouts won’t support his nominee for attorney general. It means new uncertainty about next week’s Senate confirmation vote. And his pronouncement underscores once more his interest in securing payouts for supporters who feel unjustly persecuted. Trump said in a social media post Saturday that he'd keep acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in his current role and press ahead on the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” if Republican John Cornyn and Thom Tillis refuse to support Blanche’s nomination.
'I just want a chance': Moroccans sought better future in collective crossing to Spain territory
CEUTA, Spain (AP) — When he heard that the border was breached, Abdulah Buji jumped on his motorbike and rode as fast as he could to join the tens of thousands of other Moroccans who swam en masse to reach Spanish territory. Buji was inspired by the thought that this collective mad dash could somehow unlock his dream of starting a new life in Europe as a teacher. But he went back home when he realized that his ultimate goal of reaching mainland Europe was unattainable. He says “I haven’t found any opportunities here either, so I have to go back.”
Trump stands to profit off US policy announcements by selling fast access to his social media posts
NEW YORK (AP) — Investors looking to get a jump on White House announcements will be able to buy sneak peeks starting Saturday as a Trump family company starts selling special, fast access to the president's posts on social media. The new business targeting special computerized trading firms raises ethics questions about whether it constitutes insider trading and how far should a president be allowed to use his public office to help his private business. A prolific poster, Donald Trump has sent stocks soaring and plunging with his online musings and threats. The White House had no comment, and the company dismissed the ethics issue, saying Democratic critics just don't like free markets.
Trump says he will order halt to Iran strikes after parameters reached for deal to end war
CAIRO (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump says he will order American forces to hold off on strikes he had threatened against Iran after the parameters of a deal to the end the war were reached. Trump said in a Saturday evening social media post that for now he would halt new strikes in the five-month old war. A day earlier he had threatened more strikes on Iran as the U.S. pushes to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Friday the U.S. would hit Iran “very hard” until they couldn't take it anymore.
Spain installs sea barrier on Ceuta's border with Morocco after frontier rush that killed 67
CEUTA, Spain (AP) — Spain has installed a 500-meter containment barrier on the sea border between its North African territory of Ceuta and Morocco. This follows a massive breach where 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed the frontier between Thursday and Friday. At least 67 migrants died in the journey. Some drowned or were killed in a stampede. On Saturday, some migrants who swam to Ceuta were escorted back by soldiers. Spain's interior ministry says most have returned to Morocco. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized cooperation with Morocco in resolving the situation. Ceuta's President Juan Jesús Vivas noted the city remains unsettled.
Multiple people dead after shooting at fast food restaurant in southern Idaho
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Authorities in southern Idaho say a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant has resulted in multiple people dead and others injured. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said in a news conference that the shooter was among the dead. Police are still trying to determine the shooter’s identity and motive. Hicks did not yet know exactly how many were killed or wounded, and officials were still in the process of notifying next of kin. A customer who was in the restaurant Saturday afternoon said she suddenly heard gunfire from the kitchen. An employee told people it was a shooting and to get down.
Plane carrying European tourists crashes in Peru, killing 13 people on Nazca Lines viewing flight
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Authorities in Peru say a plane carrying European tourists to view the famed Nazca Lines has crashed into a field outside the Peruvian city of Nazca, killing 13 people. Nazca’s municipal government said the plane departed from the nearby city of Ica and was operated by Peruvian company Aerodiana. On its website, the airline said that it has offered scenic flights over the Nazca lines for the past 14 years using Cessna Grand Caravan planes. Among the dead in Saturday's crash were seven Italian citizens, two Spaniards and two Germans, Peru’s Transportation Ministry said. The other two fatalities were the pilot and copilot.
Russia hits Ukrainian capital with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least 9
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones into Kyiv, killing at least nine people and wounding 33. The strikes, which occurred overnight into Saturday, follow a major Russian attack two days earlier that killed at least 10 people across Ukraine. Russia's defense ministry claims the attack targeted military-industrial facilities in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the U.S. for more Patriot defense systems to counter these attacks. The cycle of violence continues to hinder diplomatic efforts to end Russia's invasion.
All 10 climbers swept away in avalanche in Pakistan are confirmed dead
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Renowned climber Nirmal Purja and nine others have died in an avalanche in Pakistan, according to Purja's expedition company. The tragedy occurred Thursday on Broad Peak. Rescuers found four bodies Friday, recovering three despite harsh weather. The search continued Saturday with military helicopters. The Alpine Club of Pakistan's president called it an immeasurable loss to the global mountaineering community. Purja, a former British Army soldier, was known for climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in 189 days. His company described him as a leader who inspired millions. Accidents are common in northern Pakistan due to challenging conditions.
