Trump says he's 'not satisfied' with Iran's proposal to end the war
ISLAMABAD (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump says that he’s “not satisfied” with Iran’s latest proposal in negotiations to end war between the countries. Trump told reporters Friday at the White House that Iran wants to make a deal but he says they are asking for things he can’t agree to. Trump did not elaborate on what he sees as the proposal’s shortcomings. The president said negotiations have continued by phone after he called off his envoys’ trip to Pakistan last week. He expressed frustration with Iran’s leadership, describing it as fractured. The shaky three-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears to be still holding.
Trump says he'll place 25% tariff on autos from the EU, accusing it of not complying with trade deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the European Parliament trade committee calls President Donald Trump’s tariff hike on European Union automobiles “unacceptable.” Committee Chair Bernd Lange says the Trump administration “keeps breaking its commitments,” including on import taxes for steel and aluminum products. Trump said Friday he'll increase the tariffs charged on cars and trucks from the EU next week to 25%, which could jolt the world economy. The Republican president says the EU is not complying with a fully agreed to trade deal, though he hasn't fleshed out his objections. Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed to the trade deal last July. It set a 15% tariff on most goods.
Redistricting battle intensifies in states after US Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act
A Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana has amplified an already intense national redistricting battle. The court's ruling Wednesday limits the use of race in drawing voting districts. In response, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has suspended the state's May 16 congressional primary to allow time for state lawmakers to draw new House districts. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has called a special session to start Monday in case the Supreme Court allows the state to change its U.S. House districts, and Tennessee's Republican governor is calling a session starting Tuesday to do the same there.
US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany in next 6-12 months, fulfilling Trump's threat
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says the United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in the next six to 12 months. President Donald Trump had threatened to withdraw some troops from the NATO ally as he feuds with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S. war with Iran. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement Friday that the “decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.” The number of troops leaving Germany would be 14% of the 36,000 American service members stationed there.
Trump's new pick for surgeon general has both praised and cringed at his administration
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has chosen Dr. Nicole Saphier as his third pick for U.S. surgeon general. Saphier is a radiologist and ex-Fox News Channel contributor who's been a vocal advocate for vaccination and has criticized the Trump administration's handling of health issues. Still, Saphier supports Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s agenda, including removing food additives and cutting ultraprocessed foods. Saphier's nomination follows the failed campaign of Dr. Casey Means, who faced scrutiny over her experience and vaccination stance. Means says her failed nomination was the result of a “smear campaign.” The nomination of the Republican president's first surgeon general pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, fell apart after questions about her academic credentials.
Former Miami Congressman David Rivera is convicted of secretly lobbying for Maduro's Venezuela
MIAMI (AP) — A former Miami congressman and close friend of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been convicted in connection with a secret $50 million lobbying campaign on behalf of Venezuela’s socialist government during the first Trump administration. Jurors found Republican David Rivera and an associate guilty on all counts Friday, including failing to register as a foreign agent with the Justice Department and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of its work for former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The seven-week trial offered a rare glimpse into Miami’s role as a crossroads for foreign influence campaigns aimed at shaping U.S. policy toward Latin America.
Florida sheriff identifies body found in Tampa Bay as 2nd missing student from Bangladesh
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida sheriff says a body found in Tampa Bay has been identified as the second missing University of South Florida doctoral student from Bangladesh. Nahida Bristy’s remains were in a garbage bag, discovered by a kayaker whose fishing line got snagged. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the positive identification was eventually made using DNA and dental records. The body of her friend, fellow USF doctoral student Zamil Limon, was found in another garbage bag on a bridge over the bay. Limon’s roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, is jailed on two charges of murder. The sheriff said detectives are still working to determine a motive for what he's calling “a monstrous crime.”
US military reaches deals with 7 tech companies to use their AI on classified systems
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says it has reached deals with seven tech companies to use their artificial intelligence in its classified computer networks This will allow the military to tap into AI-powered capabilities to help it fight wars. The Pentagon said Friday that Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX will provide their resources to help “augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments.” Notably absent from the list is Anthropic, after its legal fight with the Trump administration over the ethics of AI usage in war. The Defense Department has been rapidly accelerating its use of AI. But AI has already raised concerns that its use could invade Americans’ privacy or allow machines to choose targets on the battlefield.
Trump says a Spirit bailout still is possible as doubts about the airline's survival mount
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his administration is still weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines “but only if it's a good deal” for the government. Trump didn't provide details but said an announcement could come as soon as later Friday or Saturday. Lawmakers from both parties and members of the president's administration have criticized the idea of using taxpayer funds to keep the ultra-low cost airline afloat. Speculation around the likelihood of a deal emerging has mounted every day that passes without a resolution. An airline spokesperson declined to comment and says “Spirit is operating as usual.” Some U.S. airlines, meanwhile, say they will step in to support Spirit customers if the airline goes under.
No clear favorite and plenty of contenders: The 152nd Kentucky Derby is a 20-horse puzzle
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — There is no clear favorite in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby that has at least a half-dozen legitimate contenders and maybe more horses that can win it. Todd Pletcher-trained Renegade opened as the 4-1 morning line favorite but horses like Brad Cox's Commander or Further Ado or Bill Mott's Chief Wallabee could be in the mix. It does not yet look like there's a super horse in this 3-year-old class who could sweep the Triple Crown.
