Iran's top diplomat says a lack of trust is impeding talks to end war with the US
NEW DELHI (AP) — Iran’s foreign minister says that a lack of trust remains the biggest obstacle in negotiations to end the war with the U.S. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said contradictory messages from the U.S. have made Iran reluctant about its intentions in the stalled ceasefire negotiations. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week dismissed Iran’s latest formal proposal as “garbage.” Trump has demanded a major rollback of Iran’s nuclear activities while Iran has said that it has a right to enrich uranium. Iran’s top diplomat says the issue of its enriched uranium stockpile is another one of the difficult sticking points in its negotiations.
As Netanyahu spotlights Israel's ties to the UAE, its rulers prefer to be discreet
JERUSALEM (AP) — The tight relationship between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is typically managed discreetly. But this week, it was thrust into the open, illuminating tensions underlying the alliance as the Iran war embroils the entire region. First, the U.S. ambassador to Israel revealed that Israel had sent air-defense weapons to the UAE to help protect it from Iranian attacks. Then Israel's prime minister said he had quietly made a wartime visit to the UAE, prompting a hasty public denial from the Gulf nation. As Netanyahu and the Trump administration ballyhoo their alliances, the Gulf states prefer to downplay these partnerships — a sign of how public ties to Israel remain deeply controversial in the region.
Long Island Rail Road workers go on strike, halting busiest US commuter rail system
NEW YORK (AP) — Workers on New York’s Long Island Rail Road are on strike, paralyzing the busiest commuter rail system in North America. Labor unions representing about half the system’s workers announced the walkout early Saturday after negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority failed to produce a new contract. The five unions represent about half the system’s 7,000 workers, including locomotive engineers, machinists and signalmen. They are legally allowed to go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The strike will force the roughly 250,000 people who ride the system each weekday to either work from home or find alternative routes into New York City from its Long Island suburbs. That means more cars on traffic-choked highways and longer work commutes.
Some see 'King of the North' as UK government's savior. First he needs a seat in Parliament
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government is in turmoil, and some see Andy Burnham as the one to save it. But first he needs to get back to Parliament. The popular mayor of Greater Manchester is planning to run for a vacant seat so he can challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The prime minister is under pressure to quit, after his Labour Party was drubbed in U.K.-wide local elections this month. Burnham, who is affectionately known as the “King of the North,” is ready to quit his mayoral job if he wins a special election in Makerfield. His reputation as an effective leader could help him, but will likely face a tough battle against the ascendant anti-immigrant Reform UK party.
FDA official who scrutinized COVID shots and antidepressants is out in latest shake-up
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration's top drug official is leaving in the latest shake-up at the powerful health agency. Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg said in a social media post late Friday that she was fired from the FDA. She had been leading efforts scrutinizing antidepressants, COVID-19 vaccines and other therapies at FDA. Her departure follows the resignation of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary earlier in the week. The FDA has been rocked for months by layoffs, leadership upheavals and scientific controversies. Hoeg and Makary both came to the agency as medical contrarians and critics of COVID-19 health measures. That stance aligned with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s agenda.
Drones are making Sudan's war even deadlier for civilians
CAIRO (AP) — Experts say drone warfare has become the deadliest threat to civilians in Sudan's conflict, with both the military and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces being supplied by various countries. The United Nations says drones now account for over 80% of conflict-related deaths. In recent weeks, the RSF has carried out drone attacks on Khartoum International Airport and other areas. Analysts warn that foreign-supplied drone technology is expanding strikes on densely populated areas, complicating peace efforts. Drones have targeted hospitals, schools, and markets and raised fears of a broader proxy conflict.
Spain's Eurovision boycott over Israeli participation leaves contest fans torn
MADRID (AP) — Spain is boycotting this year’s edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, after repeatedly expressing disapproval over Israel’s participation. As the Eurovision finals take place in Vienna on Saturday, Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE will air a tribute to the network’s musical history, featuring a performance by the musicians who would have represented Spain in the contest. Some Spanish fans respect the choice to take a stand by sitting out the cherished event, even if it’s bittersweet, as it means they can’t enjoy the annual spectacle with friends and family. Spain announced its boycott in December and has been joined by Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland.
Trump weighs Taiwan arms package after summit aimed at steadying US-China ties
BEIJING (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s not yet made a decision on whether a major sale of U.S. arms to Taiwan can move forward following his three-day visit to China. The president spoke to reporters Friday as he flew back on Air Force One. Trump's Republican administration has authorized the sale, but it has yet to proceed. Some Republicans in Congress expressed displeasure at the president's comments on weapons to Taiwan. China opposes the deal and has suggested that Washington’s relationship with the self-governing island is the key factor in China-U.S. relations. Trump also says he raised a potential three-way nuclear deal involving the U.S., Russia and China.
Trump administration prepares to seek Raúl Castro indictment as it pressures Cuba, AP sources say
MIAMI (AP) — The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter tell The Associated Press. The indictment would require approval by a grand jury. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation. One of the people said the potential indictment is connected to Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of planes operated by the Miami exile group. Prosecutors in Miami have been building cases against senior Cuban officials amid renewed pressure from south Florida Republicans and a pledge earlier this year by President Donald Trump to orchestrate a “friendly takeover” of the communist-run island
Judge declares a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial after jury deadlocks
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial has ended in a mistrial. A judge declared it Friday after the jury deadlocked. The former Hollywood mogul has been convicted of other sex crimes on two U.S. coasts and remains behind bars. But the mistrial leaves the New York rape charge in limbo after three trials. The majority-male Manhattan jury weighed whether the former movie mogul raped a woman in a New York hotel in 2013. Defense lawyers argue that the encounter was consensual. Some jurors told reporters that nine people wanted to acquit Weinstein and three wanted to convict him.
