US military aircraft hit in Iran war are first shot down by enemy fire in over 20 years
WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran shooting down two American military aircraft marks an exceedingly rare assault for the U.S. that has not happened in more than 20 years. It shows the Islamic Republic has a continued ability to hit back despite President Donald Trump asserting the country has been “completely decimated.” The last time a U.S. fighter jet was shot down in combat was during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. Experts suggest a shoulder-fired missile likely was used. Some analysts say the attacks reflect how Iran is “weak but still lethal."
China aims to show global leadership with Iran war diplomacy. US appears uninterested
WASHINGTON (AP) — China is stepping up its diplomacy as the Iran war drags on. It has put forward a five-point proposal with Pakistan and is rallying support for the plan from Gulf countries and Western governments. China also has joined Russia in opposing a proposal by Bahrain to open the Strait of Hormuz using “all necessary means.” China's visible diplomacy in world capitals and at the United Nations headquarters is its latest push for a more prominent role in global affairs. It may, however, prove to be more rhetorical than substantive, with the U.S. appearing uninterested in Beijing’s efforts.
Trump budget seeks $1.5T in defense spending alongside cuts in domestic programs
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has proposed boosting defense spending to $1.5 trillion in his 2027 budget released Friday, the largest such request in decades, reflecting his emphasis on U.S. military investments over domestic programs. The sizable increase for the Pentagon, some 44%, had been telegraphed by the Republican president even before the U.S.-led war against Iran. The president’s plan would also reduce spending on non-defense programs by 10%. The massive document typically highlights an administration’s priorities, but Congress, which handles federal spending issues, is free to reject it and often does.
Trump’s Iran war leaves Republicans adrift ahead of midterms
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump won the presidency by promising to lower costs and end wars. A year and a half later, he is a wartime president contemplating whether to send U.S. ground troops into an expanding conflict in Iran. Gas prices are spiking and Trump is urging Americans to be patient. Everything adds up to a perilous situation for Republicans in the midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The president did little to sell the war to skeptical voters before it started, and he defended his leadership on Wednesday night in his first major presidential address on the conflict.
Bondi struggled to prosecute Trump foes. But will a new attorney general make a difference?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pam Bondi is out of her job after failing to deliver criminal cases against President Donald Trump’s political enemies. But there’s no guarantee her successor will have any better success at placating the president. Over the last year, Bondi’s Justice Department has encountered resistance from judges, grand jurors and its own workforce in trying to establish criminal conduct by one Trump foe after another. A new attorney general will confront not only Trump’s demand for political prosecutions — a constant dating back to his first term in the White House — but also the same skeptical court system, and factual and legal hurdles, that have impeded efforts to deliver the sought-after results.
US employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs last month, rebounding from a weak February
WASHINGTON (AP) — American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%. The Labor Department reported Friday that hiring marked a rebound from the loss of 133,000 jobs in February. The job gains were about three times what economists had forecast. The unemployment rate was down from 4.4% in February. But uncertainty surrounding the war with Iran — and its impact on energy prices — is clouding the outlook for the labor market.
Pope Leo XIV carries cross for full Good Friday procession, the first pontiff to do so in decades
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross for all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff. This marks the first time in decades a pope has carried the cross to every station. Leo says this act is a significant spiritual symbol, representing the suffering of Christ. The procession, accompanied by torchbearers, moved from inside the Colosseum to Palatine Hill, where Leo gives the final blessing. Around 30,000 faithful gather for the event. Leo will continue to lead Holy Week activities, including an Easter vigil and Easter Sunday Mass with the traditiona Urbi et Orbi address.
What to know about Tiger Woods' rollover crash in Florida and the aftermath
Tigers Woods’ second arrest on charges of driving under the influence has put golf on hold for one of the game's most important figures. There will be no chance of a return to the Masters next week or Ryder Cup captaincy in 2027. Woods is seeking treatment outside the U.S. following his crash a week ago in Florida. Authorities say Woods showed signs of impairment. He pleaded not guilty earlier this week to driving under the influence. Body camera footage of his arrest released Thursday shows Woods telling a deputy he was talking to the president shortly after crash. It's not clear if Woods was referring to President Donald Trump.
Descendants of Choctaw code talkers gather in Fort Worth for historical marker unveiling
Nuchi Nashoba has worked for decades to honor the legacy of the Choctaw code talkers, a group of 19 Native American soldiers, including her great-grandfather, who used their language to transmit encrypted messages during World War I. On April 1, their contributions were recognized in Texas with a historical marker at Fort Worth's Veterans Memorial Park. The soldiers volunteered to fight for the U.S. before Native Americans were recognized as citizens. They were part of the 36th Infantry Division at Camp Bowie. Their work paved the way for the Navajo code talkers in World War II. Nashoba's efforts have helped spread awareness of their story, connecting past and future generations.
Artemis II's moonbound astronauts capture Earth's brilliant blue beauty as they leave it behind
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts have captured Earth's brilliant blue beauty as they zoom ever closer to the moon. NASA released the crew's first downlinked images Friday, 1 1/2 days into the first astronaut moonshot in more than half a century. The first photo taken by commander Reid Wiseman shows a curved slice of Earth in one of the capsule's windows. The second shows the entire globe with the oceans topped by swirling white tendrils of clouds. It even includes a pale green aurora. As of midday Friday, the crew was 100,000 miles from Earth and quickly gaining on the moon.
