Ukraine and Western allies meet in Geneva to discuss US peace plan
GENEVA (AP) — Talks between Ukraine and its Western allies on a U.S.-proposed peace plan to end Russia's invasion are underway in Geneva, Ukrainian officials said Sunday. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Andrii Yermak, said they held their first meeting with national security advisers from the U.K., France, and Germany. The next meeting is with the U.S. delegation. The 28-point blueprint drawn up by the U.S. has sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country could face a stark choice between standing up for its sovereign rights and preserving the American support it needs.
The G20 summit in South Africa is set to end with another diplomatic spat involving the US
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The Group of 20 summit in South Africa is set to end with another diplomatic spat involving the United States after the host country refused to hand over the rotating presidency of the bloc to what it described as a junior U.S. official. The U.S. boycotted the two-day meeting of leaders from rich and emerging economies in Johannesburg over the Trump administration’s claims that South Africa is violently persecuting its Afrikaner white minority. The U.S. is due to take over as G20 president for 2026. South Africa says a traditional handover ceremony likely won’t happen because the U.S. only wanted to send an official from its embassy.
Trump pledge to 'immediately' end protections for Minnesota Somalis sparks fear and legal questions
President Donald Trump has pledged to end temporary legal protections for Somalis in Minnesota, sparking fear in the state's immigrant community. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would strip Somali residents of their Temporary Protected Status, which protects immigrants from deportation. Experts and state leaders have criticized the move as legally questionable and divisive. Most Somali residents in Minnesota would not be affected, as only 705 nationwide are covered by the program. Advocates warn the decision could fuel hate against the community, which has deep roots in the U.S.
US senators say Rubio told them Trump’s Ukraine peace plan is Russia's 'wish list'
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — U.S. senators critical of President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war say they spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio who told them that the peace plan Trump is pushing Kyiv to accept is a “wish list” of the Russians and not the actual U.S. plan. The 28-point peace plan was crafted by the Trump administration and the Kremlin without Ukraine’s involvement. It acquiesces to many Russian demands that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has categorically rejected, including giving up large pieces of territory. The State Department called the senators' account “false,” and the White House insisted the plan was authored by the U.S. Rubio subsequently posted similar comments, saying the plan “was authored by the U.S.”
Guinea-Bissau votes as president seeks second term and main opposition party is barred
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (AP) — Guinea-Bissau has begun voting as President Umaro Sissoco Embalo seeks a second term. Embalo, a former army general, faces a tight race against Fernando Dias da Costa, analysts say. Dias da Costa is backed by former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira. The election requires a candidate to gain more than 50% of the votes to avoid a runoff. Nearly half of the country’s 2.2 million citizens are registered to vote. Political and ethnic tensions mark the election, with the opposition accusing Embalo of losing legitimacy. Guinea-Bissau has faced multiple coups, and tensions have heightened fears for the region.
Trump paints Zelenskyy into a corner with his new plan to end Russia's war on Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is resurfacing his argument that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesn’t “have the cards” to continue on the battlefield. Trump made the comment while discussing his new proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump has long had a tortured relationship with the Ukrainian leader, and says he expects Zelenskyy to respond to his new plan in less than a week. “He’s going to have to approve it,” Trump told reporters. Zelenskyy has been hit by a corruption scandal in his government as well as battlefield setbacks. Another difficult winter looms as Russia continues to bombard Ukraine’s energy grid. Zelenskyy now says Ukraine is facing the most difficult choice in its history.
Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire's latest test as hospitals say 24 killed
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel's military says it has launched new airstrikes against Hamas militants in Gaza, testing the ceasefire that began on Oct. 10. Health officials in Gaza said at least 24 people were killed and at least 54 wounded, including children. Israel says it launched the strikes after an "armed terrorist" crossed into an Israeli-held area and shot at troops in southern Gaza. No soldiers were hurt. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said five senior Hamas members were killed. The strikes occurred amid international momentum on Gaza, with the U.N. Security Council on Monday approving the U.S. blueprint to secure and govern the territory.
Epstein's accusers grapple with complex emotions about promised release of Justice Department files
Trump has signed legislation compelling the Justice Department to release the files on Jeffrey Epstein. Marina Lacerda publicly identified herself less than three months ago as someone who was abused by Epstein. She says the abuse started when she was 14 and ended when he told her she was too old, at the age of 17. Lacerda says she's relieved the files are going to become public. But some survivors are concerned about the sudden political shift and the potential for manipulation. Despite these fears, they remain hopeful for a public reckoning and a step toward healing.
Cargo ship fire in Los Angeles nearly contained after shelter-in-place order lifted
A fire that broke out aboard a container ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles was nearly contained by Saturday afternoon. The blaze briefly prompted a shelter-in-place order Friday night for surrounding communities over concerns about hazardous materials within the ship’s cargo. The order was lifted Saturday and port operations also resumed as normal. All 23 crew members of the ship were accounted for and there were no injuries from the electrical fire, officials said. Roughly 100 cargo containers were burned. Officials said they had identified hazardous materials, such as lithium-ion batteries, aboard the vessel. It was not immediately clear how the fire started.
UAB football player accused of stabbing 2 teammates before game
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The University of Alabama at Birmingham says a football player stabbed two teammates Saturday morning hours before the game against the University of South Florida. UAB says both wounded players are in stable condition. A suspect is in custody. The university has not released the names of those involved. County jail records show offensive lineman Daniel Mincey was arrested and charged with assault and attempted murder. It was not clear if he had legal representation yet. Attempts to reach family members for comment were not successful. University officials would not confirm his involvement. Interim Coach Alex Mortensen said some players chose to sit out the game but most played to honor graduating seniors. The Blazers lost 48-18.
