Trump voices frustration with allies as Iran war and strait closure pushes fuel prices higher
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with allies who have been unwilling to help the U.S. war effort, telling them to “go get your own oil” as the conflict with Iran and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent average U.S. gas prices past $4 a gallon. He made the comments on social media after U.S. strikes hit a city that is home to one of Iran’s main nuclear sites. Tehran meanwhile attacked a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. The attacks showed the intensity of the war more than a month after the U.S. and Israel launched their first strikes. The conflict has left more than 3,000 dead.
Gas prices eclipse $4 a gallon in the US, the highest since 2022
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices have jumped past an average of $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 as fuel prices continue to soar worldwide amid the Iran war. According to motor club AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $4.02 — over a dollar more than before the war began. The last time U.S. drivers were collectively paying this much at the pump was nearly four years ago, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The price is a national average, meaning drivers in some states have been paying well over $4 a gallon for a while now.
Trump's go-to moves to influence the markets are increasingly falling flat as the Iran war drags on
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has prioritized efforts to calm the financial markets during the Iran war, but his go-to moves are starting to fall flat. When the markets have flashed danger, Trump has been quick with a social media post or a remark to claim the war he launched in late February could soon end. That messaging appears to be wearing thin as the Republican president’s various pronouncements have done little to change the reality that a large chunk of the world’s energy supplies is stranded by the conflict. Just 38% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy and only 35% support him on Iran.
Schumer had a plan to win back the Senate. But some Democrats aren't on board
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are trying to win back the Senate. But they are fighting over how to do it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing establishment candidates in key races. Some of his own senators are breaking ranks and endorsing more progressive challengers. The clashes are playing out in Maine, Michigan and Minnesota. They reflect deeper frustration after the 2024 election and growing doubts about the party’s strategy. Allies argue Schumer is recruiting strong candidates and expanding the map. Critics say the old playbook no longer works. The outcome of the midterms could decide both the majority and Schumer’s future as leader.
European ministers in Ukraine for Bucha atrocities anniversary as drones hammer Russian oil ports
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Top European diplomats are visiting Ukraine to mark the anniversary of atrocities committed in a town near Kyiv by Russia’s invading forces four years ago. With U.S.-led efforts to end the war on hold and Washington’s attention gripped by the conflict in the Middle East, European governments are keen to keep a spotlight on the Ukriane war, now in its fifth year. A group of 12 European foreign ministers arrived by train on Tuesday in the Ukrainian capital, where they were welcomed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who noted the “grim anniversary” of the atrocities in Bucha. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s long-range drones hammered Russian oil facilities in the Baltic Sea Monday night.
Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube aren't fully complying with child account ban, Australia says
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia is considering bringing court action against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube after alleging they are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their platforms. Australia banned young children from holding accounts on 10 social media platforms in December. The first report from the eSAfety commission about compliance with the law was issued Tuesday. It found significant concerns with five platforms and was gathering evidence against them before deciding whether to initiate court action. The law also applies to Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch, but they aren't under investigation.
Georgia proposal could take DNA swabs from immigrants in custody for minor offenses
ATLANTA (AP) — A proposal in Georgia could allow DNA to be collected from immigrants taken into custody for minor offenses. The bill awaiting a final vote in the state legislature would make Georgia the third state to single out immigrants believed to be in the U.S. illegally for the collection of genetic materials that wouldn't be taken from others. Supporters say DNA helps solve crimes. But critics say the legislation could create a two-tier system based on perceived immigration status. Legal experts question whether federal immigration detainers meet Fourth Amendment standards for DNA searches.
Seizing Kharg Island would risk US troops' lives and may not end Iran war, experts say
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening to deploy ground troops to seize critical oil infrastructure on Iran’s Kharg Island. It's a military gambit that experts say would risk American lives and could still fail to end the war. Trump has said he could hobble Iran’s oil industry and attack power plants if the country doesn't reach a deal to end the conflict. Trump also says the U.S. could seize Kharg Island. Experts say a better option might be setting up a blockade at sea against oil tankers leaving the island. They say that's because Iran could strike easily from the mainland, and a U.S. seizure of Kharg Island might not force the country to capitulate.
Oil prices hold above $100 and Wall Street rebounds as US exchanges strikes with Iran
Wall Street is rebounding early and oil prices are holding above $100 as the U.S. and Iran trade military strikes in the fifth week of the war. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average each rose 0.9% before the opening bell Tuesday, while Nasdaq futures climbed 0.8%. U.S. strikes hit a city that’s home to one of Iran’s main nuclear sites and Tehran attacked a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Brent crude futures inched back 15 cents to $107.24 a barrel, while benchmark U.S. crude rose 75 cents to $103.63 per barrel.
NASA is shooting for the moon. A guide to the Artemis II mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — It's humanity's first flight to the moon since 1972. In a throwback to Apollo, NASA's Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a lunar fly-around. Three Americans and a Canadian will launch into orbit around Earth and then head for the moon. They'll hurtle several thousand miles beyond the moon, hang a U-turn and then come straight back during the nearly 10-day mission. The Artemis launch will begin at Florida's Kennedy Space Center where the Apollo moonshots did. The mission will end with a splashdown homecoming into the Pacific.
