A new exchange of fire with Iran in the Gulf tests the fragile ceasefire
CAIRO (AP) — Iran has fired ballistic missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Bahrain’s government. The U.S. said it intercepted several aimed at Gulf allies and the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain called on Tehran to stop what it called a “serious escalation.” Iran said it targeted the U.S. military, and its foreign ministry accused the U.S. of attacking surveillance facilities on Qeshm Island. Tehran called it a violation of the fragile ceasefire. The U.S. military reported no harm to personnel. Tensions continue as the Trump administration pushes for a deal with Iran to end the war.
Israeli airstrikes kill 9 including Lebanese army officers after ceasefire deal
BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have killed nine people, including three Lebanese military members, according to the Lebanese army and state media. The strikes occurred days after a new ceasefire deal was reached. An airstrike on a vehicle killed a brigadier general, a captain and another soldier. Another strike in the village of Saksakiyah killed six people and wounded four. The Israeli military confirmed hitting a vehicle, stating it was moving suspiciously. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of sovereignty. The conflict has displaced over a million people since it began in March.
Israeli forces kill a Palestinian baby in the occupied West Bank, say health officials
HEBRON, West Bank (AP) — Israeli troops have killed a 7-month-old Palestinian baby boy in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The incident occurred Friday evening when soldiers fired at the vehicle carrying the boy and his parents in the Tel Rumeida area. The baby, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was critically wounded and later died. His parents were also hurt. Israel's military said soldiers shot at a vehicle perceived to be accelerating toward them. An inquiry found the injured were uninvolved civilians. The baby's funeral is taking place Saturday.
Ukraine targets St. Petersburg again after Putin rejects Zelenskyy's offer for direct talks
Residents of St. Petersburg have been told to stay indoors after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted the city. It highlights Kyiv's growing ability to strike deep inside Russia. St. Petersburg's governor said three people sustained minor injuries and warned of possible mobile internet disruptions. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 376 Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the drones traveled about 620 miles to reach the region. The attack is a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to portray the conflict as distant. Putin rejected Zelenskyy's proposal for a face-to-face meeting.
Leo XIV urges Spain to stop fanning flames of polarization on first papal visit in 15 years
MADRID (AP) — Pope Leo XIV is urging Spaniards to stop “fanning the flames of polarization” as he arrived in Spain. Leo opened his weeklong trip in Madrid, greeted at the airport by the country’s Catholic monarchs, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Leo visited Spain dozens of times before as a priest, but this visit is the first by a pope in 15 years. It signals Leo is returning papal attention to Europe’s Christian roots, after Pope Francis largely stayed away from the traditional centers of Christianity in favor of smaller Catholic communities farther away. It’s a moment of political turmoil for the Socialist-led government and a credibility crisis for the Catholic Church.
Trump issues pardon to former Republican congressman convicted of insider trading
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has issued a pardon to Stephen Buyer, a former Republican congressman from Indiana who served nearly two years in prison for making illegal stock trades based on inside information after he left office. Buyer sentenced to 22 months in prison in 2023 for making those trades while working as a consultant and lobbyist. He maintains that he is innocent. Trump cited Buyer’s career as a judge advocate general in the Army and in the House that was “distinguished and highly productive.” Buyer says the pardon “corrects a politically motivated prosecution” and that it was “horrific to be imprisoned for a crime that I did not commit.”
Female Navy officers say they fear a career cap after Hegseth cuts women from promotions list
WASHINGTON (AP) — Several female Navy officers say they see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent intervention in a promotions list as a sign their careers now have a ceiling. The Navy had selected 31 sailors to promote from the rank of captain to one-star admiral, but Hegseth cut nine people, including all three women, from the list. That's according to a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not permitted to be released publicly. The Associated Press spoke with eight female Navy officers of varying ranks and time in service. They say they now worry for the future generation of female military leaders.
Fuel prices are shaping summer plans as US boaters get ready to hit the water
DEXTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Motorists and airline passengers aren't the only travelers thinking about high fuel prices as summer vacations near. Recreational boaters are feeling a pinch from the Iran war too. The ethanol-free gasoline that many boats prefer is even more expensive than regular gas. So is diesel fuel, which also powers some boats. The National Marine Manufacturers Association says its conversations with boaters indicate that most still plan to head out on the water this year but fuel costs are curtailing some people's plans. Businesses like fishing charters are deciding whether to add fuel surcharges to make up for their higher costs.
The World Cup poses an unprecedented security challenge at a fraught moment. Is the US ready?
NEW YORK (AP) — The upcoming World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across the United, Mexico, and Canada. It also presents a massive security challenge. The World Cup involves more countries and games than ever before, and it kicks off next week amid global tensions and mounting political violence. In the U.S., a vast network of federal agencies, local police, and private entities will manage security. They'll use advanced tools such as hunter drones and artificial intelligence-powered cameras to secure stadiums and fan zones. Officials are confident in their preparations despite concerns about drones and AI misinformation.
Wemby misses at the end, Knicks beat Spurs 105-104 for 2-0 lead in NBA Finals
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Go crazy, New York. Or, perhaps more accurately, crazier. The red-hot Knicks are going home, two wins away from an NBA championship that the capital of the world has been waiting to see for generations. Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds left after a turnover by Victor Wembanyama moments earlier, then Wembanyama missed a jumper at the end of New York’s 105-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night for a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 for the Knicks — who have now won 13 straight, the second-longest streak by any team in NBA playoff history.
