Israeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion into country in 26 years
BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon in their deepest incursion into the country in more than a quarter century. The Israel military announced Sunday that it has captured Beaufort castle near the city of Nabatiyeh, after days of intense fighting and airstrikes in nearby villages where Israeli troops fought Hezbollah members. It marks a major gain for Israel. The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began in early March. Israel and Lebanon have been at war since Israel was created in 1948 hold direct talks in Washington.
Iran war forces farmers to seek fertilizer alternatives from cow dung to compost
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Governments around the world are being pressed to find and support alternatives to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers as the Iran war drives up prices. The Gulf region produces 30% of globally traded chemical fertilizer. That’s caused concerns about food supply. Experts say the shift away from chemical fertilizer could benefit the environment since its production and use cause significant global greenhouse gas emissions, the main driver of climate change. In Senegal, farmer Abou Sow has turned to organic compost. In Brazil and India, farmers are exploring biofertilizers and natural farming. But there are challenges including in scaling up availability.
Concerns mount that Belarus could be a launchpad for a new Russian offensive in Ukraine
More than four years ago, Belarus allowed Russia to use its territory to invade Ukraine. Now officials in Kyiv warn that Belarus may again provide a launchpad for a new Russian attack. While Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko hasn’t sent any troops into Ukraine, he has backed the war effort by his longtime ally Russia. Belarus has hosted Russia’s nuclear weapons and military infrastructure and produced components for Moscow’s war industries. Earlier this month, the countries held joint drills of nuclear forces that involved Russian weapons deployed in Belarus. Close military cooperation between Moscow and Minsk has increasingly worried Ukraine’s Western allies.
Here are the top candidates for California governor in Tuesday's primary
California voters face a crowded ballot with 61 names during Tuesday's primary to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. The race has no clear front-runner and includes a mix of Democrats and Republicans. The primary operates under a "jungle" system, meaning the top two finishers, regardless of party, will advance to the general election. Key contenders include Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. House member and Biden cabinet member, and billionaire Tom Steyer, known for his climate change advocacy. Republican Steve Hilton, endorsed by Trump, is emphasizing lower taxes and smaller government.
American allies warn division weakens deterrence in calls for global unity to meet new threats
SINGAPORE (AP) — American allies are emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation as security threats increasingly cross regional boundaries, even as the Trump administration criticizes traditional partners. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday praised U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific but warns that divisions among the United States, Europe and allies could weaken deterrence. Koizumi also defended Japan’s recent decision to allow lethal weapons exports against Chinese criticism. Australian and Dutch officials echoed calls for collective action, arguing that global conflicts and challenges require strong alliances and adherence to international rules, backed by credible military power.
Heavy rains threaten to delay search for 2 people missing in Laos cave
BANGKOK (AP) — Heavy rains are threatening to delay the search for two people missing in a flooded cave in Laos after the rescue of five other people who were trapped underground for over a week. The seven villagers entered the cave last week to look for minerals but were trapped by flash flooding. Rescue teams from Laos, Thailand, and several other countries have been working at the site in Xaisomboun province. The first man was evacuated by cave divers on Friday, and four others walked out Saturday as water levels receded. The survivors are being treated in a local hospital. Finnish diver Mikko Paasi told The Associated Press on Sunday that heavy rains again flooded the cave and forced divers to stop until water can be pumped out.
Ethiopia heads to the polls for an election expected to be dominated again by Abiy's ruling party
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Ethiopians are preparing to vote in an election that the ruling party is expected to win by a landslide. The country has 50 million registered voters out of a population of 130 million. Voters will elect members of the House of Representatives, who will then vote for a prime minister. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party is expected to maintain a majority of the seats, giving him another term in office. This election’s main themes include national reconciliation and development.
Colombia's presidential election pits outgoing leader's ally against pro-Trump candidates
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — Colombians are casting ballots in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential elections. Sunday's vote comes 10 years after Colombia signed a historic peace pact with guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, a deal that had offered hope to end a half-century of armed conflict. Since then, violence has roared back, dividing the country. The election has three top contenders, with an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro running against two opponents who have touted their affinity for U.S. President Donald Trump. If no candidate wins at least 50% of the vote, the two top vote-getters will face a runoff in June.
Venice’s growing flamingo population finds refuge in recovering wetlands
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Flamingos are flocking to the Venetian Lagoon in record numbers as ecological efforts restore damaged wetlands. These stately pale pink birds, called "fenicotteri" in Italian, started appearing in the early 2000s. Environmentalists say their arrival signals the lagoon's health and suitability as a feeding ground. Last year, nearly 24,000 flamingos wintered in Venice, marking a record high. A project to reconstruct salt marshes in the southern lagoon could further boost their numbers. This highlights the importance of the Venetian ecosystem and offers a new ecological perspective for visitors to the city.
Wembanyama, Spurs win the West, topple Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 to head to NBA Finals
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs started the Western Conference finals with a win in Oklahoma City, then ended the series the same way. The champions are dethroned. Wembanyama and the Spurs are headed to the NBA Finals. Wembanyama had 22 points, Julian Champagnie got 18 of his 20 points off of 3-pointers and the Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 on Saturday night. The Spurs, who are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014. They’ll play host to Game 1 against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 35 for the Thunder.
