More than 400,000 protest across France, challenging Macron as Paris clashes erupt
PARIS (AP) — Clashes erupted in Paris as a mass march drew to a close Saturday. More than 400,000 people rallied across France over school funding and soaring living costs, challenging President Emmanuel Macron. Police made nearly 1,000 arrests. The Paris march began peacefully but turned violent near its endpoint. Masked protesters hurled objects and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 protesters nationwide, while the CGT union estimated nearly 800,000. This unrest is testing Macron's authority in the final months of his presidency before elections in May.
Ukraine and Russia eye new peace talks — and Melania Trump's mission — but steep obstacles remain
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine and Russia have signaled willingness to resume peace talks and back a humanitarian mission led by U.S. First lady Melania Trump, but deep disagreements over territory and security guarantees underscore obstacles to ending the war. U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a new round of negotiations, potentially in mid-November, as Russia continues to demand control of Ukrainian regions it illegally annexed but does not fully control. Kyiv rejects any suggestion of unilateral withdrawal and says stronger Western pressure on Moscow is needed to advance peace efforts.
Trump casts his midterm ballot early in Florida
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump has cast his ballot in the midterm elections, voting for all Republicans in Florida before speaking at a Georgia rally. Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at their West Palm Beach polling location together Saturday after Trump spent the morning at his nearby golf course. Trump has endorsed Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running against David Jolly, a Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat, to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. He has also campaigned for Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who is running to fill the last two years of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s former Senate term against progressive state lawmaker Angie Nixon.
Israelis hold final rally against Netanyahu before election, and other Mideast news
Israelis held a final large rally against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's close election. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to weigh the possibility of new strikes against Iran as well as the chance of making a deal. Elsewhere, airstrikes in Yemen killed 15 people, and the Iranian-backed Houthi health authorities blamed Saudi Arabia. In Jordan, the death toll from a church attack rose to nine. A senior Iranian military commander said Iran will not allow U.S. warships to enter the Persian Gulf. And the United Arab Emirates closed beaches after an oil spill from a tanker impacted its shores.
Musk says he was behind Starlink speed restriction after service in Ukraine is restored
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links has been restored to previous speeds, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He announced Saturday that the restoration began overnight, improving front-line logistics and defense against Russian drones. It comes as U.S. envoys have pushed for an end to the war. Russia agreed Wednesday to resume negotiations with Washington and Kyiv next month. A localized ceasefire was also brokered Friday by first lady Melania Trump in Ukraine's Kherson region. The limitations on Starshield had alarmed Ukraine's military, adding to tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Meanwhile, missile attacks and power blackouts continue in the region.
Soldiers guard center of Milan as thousands of protesters march in cities across Europe
MILAN (AP) — Thousands of young people marched through Italian cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin on Saturday. Authorities deployed soldiers in Milan, where previous protests turned violent, but the demonstrations remained peaceful. There were brief clashes with police in Rome and Turin. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has announced measures, including tougher penalties for minors involved in protests. Demonstrations also occurred in other European cities, addressing issues like education, corruption, and housing. In Albania, protests turned violent, while in Spain and Portugal, demonstrators focused on pensions and housing concerns.
New York's archdiocese and survivors of clergy abuse agree to $800 million legal settlement
The Archdiocese of New York and attorneys for about 1,300 parishioners who say they were sexually abused by clergy have agreed to an $800 million settlement of their legal claims. It is the second-largest involving a Catholic archdiocese in the U.S., following a 2024 settlement of $880 million involving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks sent an email Saturday to clergy confirming the settlement after attorneys for the survivors of alleged abuse announced it. Abuse survivor attorney Jeff Anderson said the settlement represents a powerful moment in the pursuit of justice. Hicks said in his email that the settlement will bring healing and reconciliation.
Sexual harassment rules for Congress are under review after a flurry of ethics cases
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers reviewing the issue of sexual harassment on Capitol Hill say they're disturbed by what they've found. They say congressional staff members are unclear about where they can go for help and they don’t believe there will be repercussions for perpetrators. And the current requirements for reporting harassment can work against those filing complaints. One of the congresswomen leading a task force on the matter is Florida Republican Kat Cammack. She says the current system is designed to have a chilling effect on victims who come forward. The task force is expected to release recommendations with a goal of taking action before year's end.
This US House district was once a political battleground. Now it shows why Congress is dysfunctional
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The number of politically competitive U.S. House seats is shrinking rapidly. There are many reasons. People have stopped splitting their tickets when voting and now usually support one party in all races. More people now live in areas with similarly minded voters. Swing seats have taken a hit since President Donald Trump kicked off an unusual round of mid-decade redistricting last year. The impact is clear in one North Carolina district that went from competitive to safely Republican. The loss of swing districts adds to polarization because most congressional races are decided in party primaries.
Frelick, Pratt lift Brewers to 5-4 comeback win over Rays and 2-0 World Series lead
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Sal Frelick tied the score with his first home run in three months, Cooper Pratt hit a go-ahead single in the seventh inning and the Milwaukee Brewers stunned the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 for a 2-0 World Series lead by overcoming a four-run deficit for the second time this postseason. Tampa Bay, which won the AL pennant by forcing opponents into mistakes, committed one error, made two other misplays on defense and had a runner thrown out at the plate. Down 4-0 in the first inning, Milwaukee rallied for its seventh comeback win of this postseason.
