Trump on Capitol Hill implores divided Republicans to unify behind his big tax cuts bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has implored House Republicans on Capitol Hill to drop their fights over his big tax cuts bill. He spoke privately for at least an hour trying to unite House Republicans on the multitrillion-dollar package that is at risk of collapsing before planned votes this week. Trump was upbeat afterward, saying there was "unity.” But negotiations are slogging along. It’s not at all clear the package, with its sweeping tax breaks and cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and green energy programs, has the support needed. With all Democrats opposed, the Republicans can handle only a few defections from their slim House majority.
US must keep control of migrants sent to South Sudan in case removals were unlawful, judge rules
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled late Tuesday that U.S. officials must retain custody and control of migrants apparently removed to South Sudan in case he orders their removals were unlawful. U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy in Massachusetts ordered an emergency hearing for Wednesday, after attorneys for immigrants said in court documents that up to a dozen people from several countries, including Myanmar and Vietnam, may have been sent to Africa earlier Tuesday. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Rubio defends Trump's foreign policy as Democrats press him on Gaza aid and white South Africans
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Democratic senators have sparred over a wide range of the Trump administration’s foreign policies: Ukraine and Russia, the Middle East, Latin America, the slashing of the U.S. foreign assistance budget, refugee admissions and more. At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Tuesday, Rubio defended the administration’s decisions, saying “America is back.” He claimed four months of foreign policy achievements, even as many of them remain inconclusive. Among them, the resumption of nuclear talks with Iran, efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine into peace talks, and efforts to end to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli strikes kill at least 85 in Gaza as Israel allows more aid into Palestinian territory
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel is pressing ahead with its new military offensive in Gaza despite mounting international criticism. The Israeli military launched airstrikes Tuesday that health officials said killed at least 85 Palestinians. Israeli officials said they also allowed in dozens more trucks carrying aid. It was not immediately clear whether the desperately needed supplies were reaching any of the over 2 million people in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly three months. Experts have warned about the high risk of famine. Under pressure, Israel agreed this week to allow a minimal amount of aid into the Palestinian territory.
Arrested New Orleans jail worker says he helped inmates escape after stabbing threat
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities have arrested an Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office maintenance worker in connection with the escape of 10 jail inmates. Thirty-three-year-old Sterling Williams has admitted he turned the water off in a cell before the men slipped away through a hole behind the toilet early Friday. Williams told authorities an inmate threatened to stab him if he didn't help. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson last week told reporters her agency had suspended three employees pending an investigation. She says she takes “full accountability” for the escape. And on Tuesday evening she announced she had paused her reelection campaign. Five of the fugitives have been apprehended, and five remain at large.
Trump selects concept for $175 billion 'Golden Dome' missile defense system
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced the concept he wants for his future Golden Dome missile defense program — a multilayered system that for the first time will put U.S. weapons in space. Speaking Tuesday in the Oval Office, Trump said the system would cost $175 billion. He expects it will be “fully operational before the end of my term,” which ends in 2029, and have the capability of intercepting missiles “even if they are launched from space.” A U.S. official familiar with the program says it’s likelier that the complex system may have some initial capability by that point. The Air Force secretary told senators Tuesday that Golden Dome overall is “still in the conceptual stage.”
Japan's agriculture minister resigns after his remark about not buying rice causes political fallout
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s agriculture minister has resigned because of political fallout over his comment that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts. Many Japanese saw his remark as a sign he was out of touch with economic reality while prices of the country's traditional staple food are setting records. Taku Eto’s gaffe could be further trouble for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s already struggling minority government, which faces a crucial national election in July. The government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile, but the latest agricultural ministry statistics show it hasn't helped much.
George Wendt, who played beloved barfly Norm on 'Cheers' and found another home onstage, dies at 76
NEW YORK (AP) — George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers,” has died. He was 76. Wendt in later life crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf.” Despite a long career of roles onstage and on TV, it was as gentle and henpecked Norm Peterson on “Cheers” that he was most associated, earning six straight Emmy Award nominations for best supporting actor in a comedy series from 1984-89. The series was centered on lovable losers in a Boston bar and starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, Kirstie Alley and Woody Harrelson.
Cassie's mother says Sean 'Diddy' Combs demanded $20K because her daughter was seeing someone else
NEW YORK (AP) — The mother of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura says she paid Sean “Diddy” Combs $20,000 in 2011 when he demanded the money because he was mad that her daughter had started dating someone else. Regina Ventura testified Tuesday that she made the payment after reading an email from her daughter that said Combs was threatening to release sex tapes of her and harm her over her relationship with the rapper Kid Cudi. She said Combs returned the money days later, and that he and her daughter were soon dating again. Regina Ventura's testimony came in the second week of Combs' federal sex-trafficking trial in Manhattan. Combs has pleaded not guilty.
New Trump vaccine policy limits access to COVID shots
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials will no longer routinely approve annual COVID-19 shots for younger adults and children who are healthy. Companies that want to market their vaccines to those Americans will need to conduct large, new studies, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. It’s a major shift in FDA’s approach to updating vaccines that protect against the virus. It comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his appointees continue to scrutinize the use of vaccines for a number of diseases. The FDA said Tuesday annual COVID shots will still be regularly approved for seniors and younger people with increased health risks from COVID due to underlying medical conditions.
