US military says it carried out 'self-defense' strikes in Iran, including on missile launch sites
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Monday that it carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, including on missile launch sites and boats placing mines, even as President Donald Trump said on social media that negotiations were “proceeding nicely.” Further details were not immediately available, including more specifics on the threats from Iran and what this means for negotiations. Earlier, Trump said any agreement to end the Iran war should include a requirement for several additional countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered agreements from Trump’s first term aimed at normalizing relations with Israel.
What we know and don't know about the emerging deal to end the Iran war
CAIRO (AP) — The United States and Iran appear to be closing in on a deal to end the war. Regional officials say the deal would gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and see the U.S. end its blockade of Iranian ports, easing a global energy crisis. Iran would give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with further talks needed on the details. The deal would also include sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds, and end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. But other issues, like Iran's missile program and the status of Iran’s uranium enrichment, appear to remain unaddressed.
Officials lift evacuation orders for some California residents living near a damaged chemical tank
Emergency officials have lifted an evacuation order for some of the tens of thousands of people who live near a damaged tank containing a hazardous chemical in Southern California. Authorities said Monday that they are reducing the evacuation zone and it is safe for some residents of Garden Grove to go home. Officials ordered about 50,000 residents to evacuate their homes in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles, on Thursday after a tank containing methyl methacrylate overheated, causing pressure to build up inside. Officials said earlier Monday that a crack that was discovered in the tank a day earlier caused the internal temperature to drop, eliminating the risk of a catastrophic explosion.
Cornyn and Paxton flood Texas airwaves in final day of GOP Senate runoff
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Texas Republican Senate candidates Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton had no public campaign events on the last day before Tuesday's runoff. But their faces were unavoidable on TV, given their heavy final round ad spending. Their fight for Tuesday’s runoff continued as it has for months via advertising that has topped $109 million between the two campaigns and groups that support them.
The origins of Memorial Day and how it has evolved
Memorial Day in the United States is officially about mourning fallen service members. But it has come to signal the unofficial start of summer and retail discounts. The first national observance was shortly after the American Civil War and was then called Decoration Day. Veterans decorated war graves with blooming flowers. But even in the 19th century, grave ceremonies were often followed by picnics and other leisure activities. The holiday evolved with the arrival of baseball, the five-day work week and summer vacation. In the mid-20th century, a small number of businesses began to open. Sales and traveling are now commonplace.
Israel's military says it's striking Hezbollah sites as Netanyahu vows to 'increase the blows'
BEIRUT (AP) — Israel's military says its air force struck sites belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The strikes in Bekaa Valley on Monday night came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify attacks in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. The Lebanese militant group has been firing fiber optic drones at Israeli forces. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire since April, tensions remain high. A U.S. State Department official says Hezbollah has ignored requests to stop firing. Monday's escalation comes as Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to meet on Friday at the Pentagon to discuss the ceasefire.
Democrats feud over stock trading as they sharpen anti-corruption case against Trump
DALLAS (AP) — Democrats are increasingly critiquing each other over their personal stock trades as the party looks to hone its anti-corruption message against President Donald Trump in the midterm elections. In primary races across the country, Democrats are critiquing individual stock trades and the personal wealth of their rivals in a bid to build credibility with voters. Polls show the public takes a dim view of insider trading in Washington and supports more guardrails against corruption. The debates have scrambled ideological lines inside the party, with some more moderate lawmakers attacking progressive rivals over past stock trades. Progressives express skepticism that Democrats who have recently highlighted the issue are offering genuine critiques about money in politics.
Pope calls for robust regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders the future of humanity
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence and for its developers to work for the common good rather than profit. He made the call in a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind as the technology impacts everything from work to war. Leo’s first encyclical is called “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity). Its release Monday has been eagerly awaited ever since history’s first U.S.-born pope announced days after his election that he considered AI to be the biggest challenge facing humanity today.
Scripps National Spelling Bee guide: How to watch, who the notable spellers are, rules and prizes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Scripps National Spelling Bee runs from Tuesday through Thursday this week. The bee began in 1925, with this year marking its 98th edition. After a long run at a convention center in suburban Maryland, the bee returns to the nation's capital this year at Constitution Hall near the White House. Mina Kimes of ESPN has joined the broadcast as its host. The bee airs on ION and other channels owned by the Cincinnati-based media company Scripps. The champion of the bee receives more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. Thirty of the past 36 champions have come from families of Indian heritage.
Jodar shaping up as tennis' Next Big Thing and makes quite a debut at the French Open
PARIS (AP) — Rafael Jodar has made a dominant debut at the French Open and dropped just five games. Jodar routed American opponent Aleksandar Kovacevic in boiling heat at the clay-court Grand Slam. The last man to concede fewer games in a French Open debut was Novak Djokovic with three against Robby Ginepri in 2005. Four-time champion Iga Swiatek has eliminate 136th-ranked debutant Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-2. Also advancing were Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and recent Italian Open winner Elina Svitolina. The 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka and Gaël Monfils both lost to to end their 21st and last French Open.
