The Latest: Iran warns the US against a ground invasion as regional powers plan to meet in Pakistan
Regional powers plan to meet in Pakistan to discuss how to end the fighting in the Middle East after about 2,500 U.S. Marines arrived in the region and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels entered the monthlong war. Pakistan said Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will send top diplomats to Islamabad for talks. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held “extensive discussions” on regional hostilities. The war has threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertilizer shortages and disrupted air travel. Iran’s grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz has shaken markets and prices.
Jerusalem heads into a subdued Passover and Easter under the shadow of the Iran war
JERUSALEM (AP) — Jerusalem’s major holy sites are shuttered and the mood ahead of Passover and Easter is subdued as the Iran war rages on, now in its fifth week. Metal shutters are drawn on nearly all stores in the Old City, and only scattered footsteps echo on deserted stone alleyways. Vast plazas are missing the typical throngs of faithful and tourists. The Latin Patriarchate has canceled a procession on Sunday commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz said the massive priestly blessing for Passover will take place with just 50 worshippers. That’s how many are allowed to pray at a time in the enclosed area by the Western Wall under wartime safety guidelines.
Pope Leo XIV rejects claims that God justifies war in Palm Sunday Mass message
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV says no one can use God to justify war and he's praying especially for Christians in the Middle East. He used his Palm Sunday homily to call Jesus the “king of peace” who rejects violence. He says God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently invoked his faith to cast the Iran war as a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might. Leo will also bring back the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual in the Lateran basilica. He will then lead major Good Friday and Easter liturgies.
Zelenskyy visits Gulf Arab states to talk drone defense and seek strategic ties
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made unannounced visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as Kyiv seeks to use its drone expertise to help Gulf Arab states blunt Iran’s attacks while the war in the Middle East rages on. Zelenskyy said Saturday that Ukraine has already signed 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He expects to shortly finalize a similar agreement with the UAE. Ukraine has quickly grown into one of the world’s leading producers of cutting-edge and battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective. They are playing a key part in its defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.
Pope visits Monaco to urge its people to reject idolatry of power and wealth fueling wars
MONACO (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has urged the people of Monaco to use their Catholic faith and wealth for good. In his homily at the end of a one-day visit, Leo urged them to reject the “idolatry of power and money” that is fueling wars around the world. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene met Leo at the Monaco heliport Saturday. It is just down the coast from Monaco’s marina, which is home to the megayachts of the rich and famous. It is the first papal visit in modern times to Monaco and the first since Pope Paul III came in 1538.
Bills to pay FAA and TSA workers during shutdowns get introduced but keep stalling in Congress
Members of Congress have repeatedly introduced bills to ensure the federal employees who control air traffic and conduct airport security screenings get paid during government shutdowns. The Keep America Flying Act. The Keep Air Travel Safe Act. The Aviation Funding Stability Act. None passed in time to keep essential aviation workers from missing paychecks. President Donald Trump on Friday offered a short-term fix for the empty pockets of TSA agents who have gone unpaid since funding lapsed for the Department of Homeland Security in mid-February. Labor unions, airline executives and industry groups are urging Congress to provide a permanent solution by acting on any of the pending pay-protection bills with bipartisan support on paper.
North Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of targeting US mainland
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea reports that Kim Jong Un watched a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland. State media say the test boosts the country’s strategic strike capability. Experts say the claim may be exaggerated because key data is missing. Some say the program faces delays or seeks a better design. Solid-fuel engines help missiles move fast and hide before launch. North Korea has pushed hard to expand its nuclear arsenal since Kim’s high-stakes diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019.
'No Kings' rallies draw crowds across US, in Europe. Springsteen headlines Minnesota demonstration
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Tens of thousands of people joined “No Kings” protests across the U.S. and in Europe against the war in Iran and President Donald Trump’s actions. Minnesota took center stage Saturday because of its resistance to Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement. Thousands of demonstrators stood packed shoulder-to-shoulder on the Minnesota Capitol lawn and surrounding streets in St. Paul. The event’s headliner was Bruce Springsteen, who sang “Streets of Minneapolis” to honor Minnesota's resistance and two residents shot to death by federal agents. Washington, New York, London, Paris and Rome had protests, but there also were rallies in smaller cities and towns. One spokesperson for Trump's Republican Party derided the events as “Hate America Rallies.” The protests were mostly peaceful.
CPAC activists embrace Paxton as MAGA's choice for Senate over Cornyn
GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has positioned himself as the grassroots favorite in the runoff election to determine the party's Senate nominee. The election is May 26 and Paxton is trying to unseat John Cornyn. Paxton is drawing praise from right-wing activists who are attending the Conservative Political Action Conference near Dallas. Cornyn skipped the event, but Paxton headlined the Ronald Reagan dinner Friday night and had a private reception on Saturday. Cornyn has more fundraising and support from the party establishment, but Paxton is leaning into his “Make America Great Again” loyalty.
Replacement officials, kickoffs and other rule changes will be discussed at NFL's annual meeting
Replacement officials, potential rule changes, artificial intelligence, health and safety issues, international growth and flag football will be among many topics discussed when NFL owners, executives and coaches gather for their annual meeting this week in Arizona. One topic that dominated the conversation this time last year — the tush push — isn’t on the agenda because there is no proposal to eliminate the play even though it was nearly banned in a close vote in 2025. NFC coaches will speak to reporters on Monday, AFC coaches will do so on Tuesday and Commissioner Roger Goodell closes it out.
