Saudi Arabia issues air raid alerts across the country, and other Mideast developments
Saudi Arabia has issued a string of emergency alerts across the kingdom after warning of a “hostile aerial threat” late Friday and early Saturday. At least one explosion was heard. No casualties or damage were reported after the alerts were lifted. An alert has also been issued for Riyadh, the first such warning for the Saudi capital since the latest escalation with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Meanwhile, Iran has executed a man it said was convicted on charges of spying for Israel.
Oil prices are high but could be much worse. Trump has China's Xi to thank for that
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s conflict with Iran has not led to the doomsday oil price spike many feared at the start of the war. Energy analysts credit China’s oil strategy for this stability. China weathered the energy crunch by building a massive oil reserve and shifting toward electric vehicles and alternative fuels. This allowed China to cut crude imports, easing global demand and softening price effects as oil exports stalled through the Strait of Hormuz. However, tensions in the Middle East continue to pose risks. When Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet this week, the war in Iran and its impact on the global economy are expected to be on the agenda.
Trump targets more news outlets, saying he will ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House due to what he called unfavorable coverage, and threatens that more such prohibitions of media outlets could follow. Trump wrote on his social media site Friday that effective immediately, “I am banning” CNN, MS NOW and Politico “from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” It is the administration’s latest test of constitutional First Amendment protections.
Trump has a deal to build US military presence in Greenland while leaving island in Denmark's hands
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has a deal with Denmark to bolster the U.S. military presence in Greenland. The announcement Friday comes after months of threatening to take the island by force from the NATO ally. The agreement also keeps the Arctic territory in Denmark’s hands. Trump says in a social media post that the agreement “gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns.” The office of Denmark’s prime minister says the deal will be signed by all three governments next week during the United Nations General Assembly, but parliamentary action is still needed by the Danish and Greenland governments.
Trump announces all 50 states joining Medicaid drug pricing model
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced that all 50 states will join a program to provide Most Favored Nation pricing for some Medicaid drugs. The administration claims this plan, called the Medicaid “GENEROUS” model, will save billions on prescription drug costs. Last year, Trump signed an executive order to pay the same price for medications as the lowest-paying nation. The White House estimated these deals could save $529 billion over 10 years. However, details of the deals remain unclear, raising questions about the true savings. The announcement comes as cost-of-living issues are a major concern for voters.
Even as trading and markets moved faster, Warren Buffett made patience profitable and cool
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Even in the age of algorithms, short attention spans and TikTok teases, Warren Buffett continued to profit with his patient bargain-hunting approach while offering folksy advice on investing and life. As chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett became famous for his methodical investing style: Buy good businesses when their prices are low, stay on the sidelines when prices are too high and be patient with well-chosen picks. He rode that to decades of beating the rest of the U.S. stock market before he retired as Berkshire’s chairman on Friday, less than a year after giving up his role as CEO.
Will AI models achieve the ability to improve autonomously? Leading labs say the scenario is near
AI developers are striving for self-improvement, aiming for technology that can enhance itself. Concerns about AI escaping human control have led to questions about recursive self-improvement, or RSI. This concept involves AI models improving themselves and building their own successors, either with human supervision or autonomously. Anthropic has shared metrics showing its model Claude leading in research and development. OpenAI has developed an automated "research intern" and aims for an AI "researcher" by 2028. While some companies push forward, others emphasize the need for human control and global cooperation to ensure safety and alignment in AI development.
Knife attack on Sikh trucker in Wyoming stirs fresh fears in community
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The stabbing of a Sikh truck driver at a Wyoming rest area has the U.S. Sikh community newly on edge. The community of about 750,000 has been experiencing rising anti-immigrant vitriol in recent months. Sikh men wear beards and turbans, and many work as truck drivers. They have been the focus of unwanted attention since deadly crashes blamed on Sikh drivers who the U.S. government says were in the country illegally. So far, there is no known motive for the stabbing of a Sikh man at the Interstate 80 rest stop early Sunday. A man is arrested on a charge of attempted first-degree murder and being held on $1 million bond.
Ed Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday, perhaps alone, after all his supporting acts withdrew. They left in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments. Sheeran has performed much of his Loop Tour concerts solo, but had been joined for several songs by the Irish folk band Beoga. Macklemore was replaced by Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe before they backed out. Sheeran has not commented publicly since losing the artists' support. A coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to protest outside the show Saturday afternoon.
Atlanta Braves clinch 8th playoff berth in 9 years with victory over Astros
HOUSTON (AP) — The Atlanta Braves are back in the playoffs after missing out last season. The first-place Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 to punch their ticket to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years. They clinched at least a National League wild card and reduced their magic number to three for winning the NL East. Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer for the Braves. Atlanta is trying to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East title and could wrap up the division crown as soon as Sunday. Atlanta’s win Friday night coupled with Philadelphia’s 6-3 loss to the Mets gave the Braves a five-game lead over the Phillies with eight to play.
