Israeli strike kills Hamas’ military wing leader, who Israel says was an architect of Oct 7 attacks
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed Hamas military wing leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad. The Israeli military said Saturday that al-Haddad was one of the last surviving architects of the Hamas-led militant attacks on southern Israel that triggered the war on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas confirmed his death. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile with accusations of violations from both sides. Violence has flared in the West Bank meanwhile. Israeli troops shot and killed a 34-year-old Palestinian in the Jenin refugee camp. The Israeli military said that the man was shot after failing to comply with warning shots.
Trump says Islamic State group leader was killed in a joint US-Nigerian mission
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out a mission to kill a leader of the Islamic State group. Trump made the announcement of the joint operation to take out Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki in a late-night social media post Friday that offered few details. The president said al-Mainuki was second-in-command of the Islamic State group globally. Al-Mainuki was viewed as the key figure in the group's organizing and finance, and had been plotting attacks against the United States and its interests, according to a U.S. official.
Brass bands in Beijing make way for sticker shock at home as Trump returns to escalating inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has returned from his state visit to China to face a challenging U.S. economy. Consumer inflation rose to 3.8% annually in April, driven by the Iran war and tariffs. The Cleveland Federal Reserve estimates inflation could reach 4.2% in May. Trump's trip to China seems unlikely to help despite his claims of trade deals. Many U.S. voters are facing rising costs for essentials. Democrats criticize Trump for being indifferent to inflation concerns. Trump insists he's focused on growth and affordability, but inflation continues to affect businesses and interest rates. The November elections could be influenced by these economic pressures.
Trump's description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties
U.S. President Donald Trump has described arms sales to Taiwan as a "very good negotiating chip" in dealings with China. This comment, made in a Fox News interview, has heightened anxieties in Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Trump suggested that a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan depends on China, raising concerns about Taiwan's security. China has warned of potential conflicts over Taiwan, framing it as a crucial issue in China-U.S. relations. Trump's remarks also included a call for Taiwan's microchip makers to move to the U.S., adding to the island's concerns.
Trump blasts 'disloyal' Sen. Cassidy while pushing challenger in Louisiana Republican primary
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is fighting for his political life in Saturday's primary against a challenger who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Cassidy has sought to portray U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow as out of step with the party's views. Cassidy voted in favor of conviction after Trump's second impeachment in 2021. And as a liver doctor he has clashed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy. The three-way primary contest also includes state Treasurer John Fleming. If no candidate gets 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff June 27. The GOP nominee will be heavily favored in the general election.
In the birthplace of Civil Rights Movement, groups rally to defend Black political representation
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Thousands of people are expected to gather in Montgomery, Alabama, to mobilize support for voting rights amid concerns about redistricting efforts. Organizers say states are moving to dismantle congressional districts that expanded representation opportunities. The rally will begin in Selma and move to the Alabama Capitol. Participants and veterans of past struggles warn that recent legal decisions threaten decades of progress. Leaders and activists say the moment requires renewed commitment to protecting voting rights and preserving representation gains.
USS Ford returns home after 11-month deployment supporting the Iran war and Maduro's capture
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The USS Gerald R. Ford has returned home to Virginia. The world's largest aircraft carrier is back in port at Naval Station Norfolk after an 11-month deployment. That's the longest since the Vietnam War. The Ford supported the U.S. war with Iran and the capture of Nicolás Maduro when he was Venezuela’s president. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was on hand for the arrival Saturday of the warships, which included the destroyer USS Bainbridge.
A Maldivian military diver dies while searching for the bodies of 4 Italians in underwater cave
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A Maldivian military diver has died while searching for the bodies of four Italian divers believed to be deep inside an underwater cave. The group is thought to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of about 160 feet in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. The Maldivian National Defense Force member died of underwater decompression sickness. The Italian Foreign Ministry is coordinating with a specialist diving organization to support recovery operations. The victims include an associate professor, a marine biologist, and a diving instructor. The Maldives tourism ministry has suspended the operating license of the vessel involved pending an investigation.
North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike
NEW YORK (AP) — North America’s largest commuter rail system has shut down as unionized workers have gone on strike. The Long Island Rail Road in New York ceased operations early Saturday morning after five unions representing about half its workforce walked off the job. The two sides have been negotiating for months on a new contract, but the unions were legally allowed to strike starting at 12:01 a.m. The MTA has said it will provide limited shuttle buses to New York City subway stations in the event of a strike. Gov. Kathy Hochul has urged Long Islanders to work from home if possible.
Walmart and Amazon race to win over rural America with speedier deliveries
PEA RIDGE, Ark. (AP) — Walmart and Amazon are racing to speed up order deliveries in rural areas of the U.S. Small cities and towns are a rich source of untapped sales for whichever retailer builds a loyal base of online shoppers. Analysts at investment bank Morgan Stanley estimate the underserved market could be worth up to $1 trillion in annual sales. The turf battle between the nation's two biggest retailers has intensified as remote workers swell the populations of communities on the far fringes of metropolitan areas. It's also taking place as FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service are scaling back or slowing deliveries to some rural areas.
