Trump at South Florida rally revives the idea of military intervention in Cuba after Iran
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump says U.S. warships returning from Iran could stop in Cuba. It's his latest suggestion of taking an interventionist approach to the nearby country. This idea, mentioned during a rally in South Florida on Friday, is part of efforts to force political change in Cuba. Trump has previously hinted at intervention in Cuba, especially after the administration announced charges against Raúl Castro. But Trump has also said he didn't think that the U.S. would need to intervene militarily. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been vocal about taking action against Cuba, citing national security concerns. Cuba faces economic struggles, including blackouts and food shortages.
Trump says he ordered the Justice Department's lawsuit over Alaska's US Senate race
President Donald Trump says he ordered the Justice Department lawsuit over Alaska’s U.S. Senate race. Trump's administration has filed a lawsuit to block certification of the Senate race in Alaska if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. Another candidate with the same name is on the ballot. The lawsuit has sparked concerns about a lengthy battle between the U.S. government and states over election certification. The Department of Justice filed the lawsuit Thursday, demanding Alaska be blocked from certifying a win for Democrat Mary Peltola if the other Sullivan remains on the ballot. The Alaska Supreme Court previously rejected efforts to remove the other Sullivan.
2 ex-FBI officials charged with lying about involvement in investigation into Hunter Biden's laptop
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two former FBI intelligence officials who specialized in foreign election interference have been charged with lying about their roles in investigating the origins of Hunter Biden’s laptop in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election. Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides surrendered Friday and made their first appearance in federal court in Washington. The Justice Department says Floris and Benavides lied to Congress in 2023 about the involvement of a specialized foreign-influence task force in investigations into Biden. Floris’ lawyers describe the case as “nonsense.” The case marks the latest in a series of politically charged investigative actions the Justice Department has undertaken in the run-up to the midterm contests.
Melania Trump brokers a ceasefire deal in Russian-occupied Ukrainian city to get relief aid in
WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump has brokered a coming ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky so that humanitarian aid can be delivered and people can be evacuated. The first lady announced the agreement Friday, saying Oleshky is “on the brink of disaster.” The localized ceasefire is set to begin Tuesday, two days before the humanitarian mission starts, and last several days. Ukrainian, Russian and U.S. negotiators reached a deal Friday. Ukraine's top negotiator says it will be “extremely challenging" to implement. A Russian general says Russian forces will cease fire on Tuesday.
Attack in the West Bank kills 2 Israeli soldiers, and other Mideast news
Israel’s military says it killed two gunmen who fatally shot two Israeli soldiers near Hebron in the West Bank on Friday. The army claims it prevented a “terror attack” on civilians. In Jordan, gunmen attacked a church during a funeral, killing seven and wounding 40. No group has claimed responsibility. Meanwhile, Arab parties in Israel have asked the Supreme Court to ban armed poll observers in the upcoming election. Yemen’s defense ministry retracted a statement targeting gatherings in Houthi areas, calling it “unacceptable.” The U.S. will reduce staffing at four Mideast embassies as fears of Houthi attacks rise.
Gunmen open fire at a church during a funeral in Jordan, killing 7 and wounding 40
JERUSALEM (AP) — Authorities in Jordan say that gunmen have opened fire during a funeral at a church in Jordan and killed seven people and wounded 40 others. The shooting took place at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, which is located about 180 kilometers or 110 miles south of the capital Amman. Images being broadcast on Jordanian state television show two gunmen who appear to be holding pistols approaching the church and firing shots. A third man who appears to be holding a semiautomatic rifle then appears and opens fire and all three then run toward the church. A government statement said that the attack was “carried out by unknown assailants” but didn't say whether any gunmen were captured or killed.
Louvre and other museums closing for Saturday protests as French authorities deploy 70,000 officers
PARIS (AP) — French authorities have announced the deployment of 70,000 law enforcement officers nationwide to prevent violence during planned protests on Saturday. This move aims to avoid a repeat of last week’s unrest. Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will be closed. Demonstrators, including students and labor union members, are protesting high living costs. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons are being deployed. Last week’s protests turned violent, with fires, looting and clashes with police. The Art Basel Paris event has also been affected, with organizers canceling the weekend program due to safety concerns.
Many feared trapped as a tall building collapses in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A multi-story building has collapsed in a busy commercial area of Kenya’s capital, and many people could be trapped beneath the rubble. The building was under construction when it collapsed along a busy commercial street in Nairobi's Eastleigh area, which is often crowded with thousands of traders and residents. Nairobi police chief Issa Mohamud said the building had more than 10 upper floors under construction. Police fired tear gas at people they said were looting shops as officers sought to clear the area. Hours later, the chief said one woman was pulled out alive, while another person who was trapped somewhere inside went silent.
Defense attorneys in Charlie Kirk's killing want to have a trial in 2029
Defense attorneys for the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk have suggested a 2029 trial date. They say several years are needed to prepare their case. Kirk was a political ally of President Donald Trump who was shot in the neck as he spoke to a crowd of several thousand people at Utah Valley University last year. Defendant Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder. An attorney for Kirk’s widow says the defense’s proposal for a 2029 trial is absurd. A state judge held a hearing Friday to consider trial dates but did not make a decision. Prosecutors proposed a trial beginning in January 2028.
Brewers withstand Rays' comeback attempt to win 3-2 in Game 1 of World Series
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Trevor Megill struck out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third to wiggle out of a ninth-inning jam as the Milwaukee Brewers escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series. DeLuca’s strikeout came after Tampa Bay’s Liam Hicks had grounded into an apparent game-ending double play that was overturned after a video review. Replays determined Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt’s right foot was slightly off the bag when he reached to catch a high throw from second baseman Brice Turang. Jacob Misiorowski allowed one run over five innings to earn the win.
