In Geneva, US and Ukraine officials report progress on ending Russia's war but offer few specifics
GENEVA (AP) — Top U.S. and Ukrainian officials say they've made progress toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war. They discussed an American proposal for peace, which some European allies fear is too favorable to Moscow on Sunday in Geneva. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as productive, but shared few details on what was discussed. He emphasized that the U.S. peace plan is a "living document" and that it would change. He also said any final agreement would need Russia's approval. President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine for lacking gratitude for U.S. military aid. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts. The U.S. proposal has sparked concern in Kyiv and European capitals for conceding to Russian demands.
Israel says it killed a senior Hezbollah official in its first strike on Beirut in months
HARET HREIK, Lebanon (AP) — Israel has struck Lebanon’s capital for the first time since June, saying it killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff and warning the Iran-backed militant group not to rearm and rebuild. Sunday's strike in Beirut was launched almost a year after a ceasefire ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. Hezbollah confirmed the killing of Haytham Tabtabai and said the strike threatened an escalation of attacks. The strike came days before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said five people were killed and 25 wounded. Israeli airstrikes over southern Lebanon have intensified while it pressures Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.
Aftermath of Chicago's intense immigration crackdown leaves lawsuits, investigations and anxiety
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago has entered what many consider an uneasy phase of a Trump administration immigration crackdown that has already led to thousands of arrests. While a U.S. Border Patrol commander known for leading intense and controversial surges moved on to North Carolina, federal agents are still arresting immigrants across the nation’s third-largest city and suburbs. A growing number of lawsuits stemming from the crackdown are winding through the courts. Authorities are investigating agents’ actions, including a fatal shooting. Activists say they are not letting their guard down in case things ramp up, while many residents in the Democratic stronghold where few welcomed the crackdown remain anxious.
Why AP is standing for your right to speak freely
NEW YORK (AP) — The executive editor of The Associated Press says the news organization is fighting for the right of the press and public to speak freely without being targeted by the government. AP is back in court Monday in its case against the White House. The case challenges the government's decision to block AP from covering presidential events because of the news organization's style on what to call the Gulf of Mexico, which the administration calls the Gulf of America. Julie Pace says in an opinion published by AP that the case could have wider implications for freedom of speech. She points to recent government decisions taking action against other journalists because it doesn't like their reporting. She says it is AP’s duty to stand up when fundamental freedoms are at stake.
Big changes to the agency charged with securing elections lead to midterm worries
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The federal agency that oversees the security of election systems was largely absent from planning before elections this month in several states. That's leading many state election officials to be concerned about how engaged the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will be for next year’s midterms. Officials are citing the shifting priorities of the Trump administration, as well as staffing reductions and budget cut. Some officials say they've begun scrambling to fill the anticipated gaps. But representatives of the federal agency say it's ready to provide election expertise if asked and that future organizational plans will be announced “at the appropriate time.”.
Mamdani stands by Trump criticism despite friendly White House meeting
WASHINGTON (AP) — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is standing by his past criticisms that President Donald Trump acted like a despot and a fascist. This comes after a surprisingly friendly White House meeting between the two on Friday. The democratic socialist and the Republican president have fiercely criticized each other in the past. Despite their differences, they emerged smiling after the meeting and spoke of shared goals. Mamdani said his views remained unchanged during a “Meet the Press" interview that aired Sunday. Trump had earlier brushed aside Mamdani’s criticisms and even jumped in on his defense several times Friday.
Pope calls on kidnappers in Nigeria to free 265 students and teachers after some pupils escape
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria’s Niger state have escaped and are now with their families. The school authority said Sunday that 50 children aged 10 to 18 had escaped individually between Friday and Saturday. The Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state, confirmed the news. A total of 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still missing after gunmen attacked the St. Mary’s School in the remote Papiri community on Friday. No group has claimed responsibility. The pope on Sunday called for the immediate release of all those being held.
A sheriff, a billionaire, a tinge of scandal. California governor's race packs drama, uncertainty
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The race for California governor features former presidential wannabes, a county sheriff, two women who could become the first female to hold the office, current and former House members and at least one billionaire. And it hasn’t officially started yet. The pending exit of term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has created the most wide-open field for the state’s highest office in memory. The 2026 race has lured a long list of candidates that include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and billionaire Tom Steyer, who sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
The G20 summit in South Africa ends with the glaring absence of the US after Trump's boycott
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The Group of 20 summit in South Africa has ended with the glaring absence of the United States — the next country to lead the bloc. The Trump administration boycotted the two days of talks involving leaders of the world’s richest and top developing economies. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the summit in Johannesburg closed Sunday by banging a wooden gavel on a block like a judge would, in a G20 tradition. The gavel would normally be handed over to the leader of the next country to hold the rotating presidency, but no U.S. official was there to receive it.
Takeoff of China's flying taxis hits turbulence
HONG KONG (AP) — Chinese companies are rushing to deploy low-flying vehicles and drones for various uses as the country finds innovative ways to drive its economy. Flying taxis, once a sci-fi dream, are being tested in southern China, where pilotless, oval-shaped crafts hover like mini helicopters. In Shenzhen, which neighbors Hong Kong, food-delivery drones already are part of daily life and a novelty attraction for tourists. The industry is growing with support from the government, but strict airspace controls, battery limitations and other obstacles are hindering the rise of the low-altitude economy. Analysts say the industry is still in its early stages and more obvious successes in commercialization may take years.
