Hegseth attacks NATO allies and announces a review of US forces in Europe
BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe. The review's outcome will depend on how quickly European allies take responsibility for their own security. Hegseth criticized NATO allies on Thursday for not providing access to bases for U.S. forces to launch attacks on Iran. He also accused Europe of prioritizing gender equity and climate change over defense. The review could impact NATO's collective security guarantee, but U.S. nuclear weapons will remain in Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted a significant increase in European defense spending.
Vance delays trip to Switzerland to lead new US talks with Iran on its nuclear program
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says Vice President JD Vance is delaying his trip to Switzerland to lead nuclear negotiations with Iran. The postponement follows reports that Iran is delaying its delegation due to Israel's military actions in Lebanon. The U.S. recently lifted its blockade, allowing oil tankers to move through the Strait of Hormuz. This initial agreement has faced criticism for potentially conceding too much to Iran. Vance defends the deal, stating Iran must comply with U.S. demands first. The agreement requires Iran to dilute its uranium stockpile and renounce nuclear ambitions. Shipping through the strait has started to normalize.
Some GOP senators and Trump allies have harsh reviews of his agreement to end Iran war
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders on Capitol Hill are voicing strong reservations —- and some outright condemnation — of the Trump administration’s agreement to end the fighting in Iran. The lifting of economic sanctions on Iran’s sale of oil and the plan for a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran were met with criticism from Republican leaders and conservative influencers, including some close supporters of President Donald Trump. The president called his critics “fools." The memorandum of understanding signed by Trump has started a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Ukrainian drones set a Moscow refinery ablaze in a major attack on the Russian capital
Ukraine has hit a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, disrupting hundreds of flights at the capital's airports. Russian officials said Thursday that this is one of Ukraine's biggest drone attacks since Russia’s invasion over four years ago. The attack follows Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's coordination call with the U.S. and France, securing further support from the G7 summit. Ukraine aims to cut Moscow’s war revenue by targeting oil facilities. The Russian Defense Ministry claims its air defenses shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight. Zelenskyy says the attack is part of efforts to force Putin to negotiate.
New York Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans and celebs fill the streets
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade through Manhattan’s “Canyon of Heroes,” drawing thousands of fans dressed in the team’s blue and orange. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson hoisted the trophy toward the crowd so they could touch it, while teammates rode floats through the streets or got off to interact with cheering fans. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a big Knicks fan, and celebrities including Spike Lee and Alicia Keys joined the party Thursday. The parade marks a historic moment for the franchise and city, which did not hold championship parades after the Knicks’ title wins in the 1970s.
Labour's Andy Burnham wins a special election, setting up a showdown with Starmer to lead Britain
LONDON (AP) — Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, defeated Rob Kenyon of Reform UK in Makerfield. The victory strengthens Burnham's status as a leading contender to replace Starmer. Starmer's popularity has declined since a landslide victory in 2024, struggling with economic growth and public services. Burnham's win increases pressure on Starmer to resign. Burnham plans to head to London to be sworn in and may seek a meeting with Starmer to discuss leadership.
Supreme Court sides with a Texas man who says it’s not a crime for marijuana users to have guns
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled against a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users. The decision Thursday is the latest in a line of firearm cases from a court that has expanded gun rights. The justices decided unanimously in favor of a Texas man who argued that a law barring guns from anyone who regularly uses illegal drugs violates the Second Amendment. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that his opinion narrowly limits the government’s power to take guns away from drug users who aren't considered dangerous. The Trump administration had defended the law, but Gorsuch wrote that its core argument “fails under every measure."
Obama Center opens in Chicago with a call to defend democracy and a celebrity crowd
Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday with a call to defend democracy. He and Michelle Obama spoke as three other former presidents and their first ladies joined the Obama family on stage in an extraordinary event featuring politicians, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures. Obama voiced his support for character, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion and sense of duty, praising both Democrats and Republicans for their values. President Donald Trump was conspicuous both in his physical absence and by not being mentioned by any of the speakers or performers. Stevie Wonder closed the show with a rousing rendition of “Higher Ground."
FDA panel backs first-of-its-kind flu vaccine using mRNA technology
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new kind of flu vaccine is moving a step closer to the U.S. market. Federal health advisers on Thursday recommended approval of a shot made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the pandemic. Moderna is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for mFlusiva as an option for people 50 and older. There already are numerous types of flu vaccines to choose from, but experts say adding an mRNA option could be useful. Moderna is seeking full approval for people ages 50 to 64 and authorization for use in those 65 and older while it conducts additional testing.
US gas prices dip below $4 for 1st time since March but remain 25% higher than last year
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices have fallen to just below $4 a gallon on average, bringing some relief to drivers who have seen soaring costs amid Washington’s war with Iran. But filling up is still more expensive than it was before the conflict began. According to AAA, a gallon of regular gasoline is now averaging at $3.999. It’s the first time since March that prices have been that low. The drop aligns with easing crude oil costs overall, as markets feel hopeful about an initial agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end the war. Still, American drivers are collectively paying a $1 more per gallon than they were in late February.
