US says it destroyed 16 mine-laying vessels as Iran threatens to block Gulf oil exports
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. says it took out more than a dozen mine-laying Iranian vessels, and the Islamic Republic vowed to block the region’s oil exports, saying it would not allow “even a single liter” to be shipped to its enemies. As concerns grew Tuesday about the war’s effect on a strategic waterway, the American military said it destroyed 16 minelayers, though President Donald Trump said in social media posts that there were no reports of Iran planting explosives in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil is shipped. The American military released the figure, along with unclassified footage of some of the vessels.
Israel says Iran is using cluster munitions. What to know about the weapons
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says Iran has been firing cluster munitions throughout their 10-day war — adding a complicated and deadly challenge to Israel’s already stretched air defenses. The warheads burst open at high altitudes, scattering dozens of smaller bomblets across a wide area. The smaller bombs are difficult to intercept and have proven lethal. Normally restrictive about releasing information on Iranian hits and damage, Israeli authorities in recent days have publicized their dangers, which can persist as unexploded bombs on the ground even after civilians leave shelters. Over 120 countries have signed an international convention banning the use of cluster munitions, although Israel, the United States and Iran are among the nations that have not joined the treaty.
US stocks hold steadier as Wall Street waits for the next signal on how long war with Iran may last
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks held steadier as Wall Street waited for the next signal on when the war with Iran may end. The S&P 500 dipped 0.2% Tuesday, a day after its latest wild swings caused by extreme moves in the oil market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 34 points, and the Nasdaq composite edged higher by less than 0.1%. Oil prices remained sharply below their peaks hit the day before. They had plunged from nearly $120 per barrel toward $90 late Monday on hopes for a quick end to the war. Stocks rose in Asia and Europe in their first chance to trade after that fall for oil prices.
Trump-backed Fuller and Democrat Harris move to Georgia runoff to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene
ROME, Ga. (AP) — Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris are advancing to an April 7 runoff for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s former U.S. House seat in Georgia. President Donald Trump in February endorsed Fuller, who has called Trump’s endorsement “rocket fuel” for his candidacy. Harris, a cattle farmer and retired brigadier general, was the Democratic nominee in 2024, losing handily to Greene. He’s promising moderation and a focus on the district’s problems, contrasting himself with Greene’s bomb-throwing style. Fuller is likely to be a favorite in the runoff in northwest Georgia’s 14th Congressional district. The runoff winner must run again later this year to secure a full two-year term.
What to know about the Alabama man granted clemency two days before his execution
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of a 75-year-old man who was set to be executed this week even though he was not in the building when the victim was killed during a 1991 robbery. Ivey on Tuesday reduced Charles “Sonny” Burton’s sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Burton was sentenced to death for the shooting death of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building. The shooter’s death sentence was later reduced on appeal to life imprisonment. Ivey said she thought it would be “unjust” to execute Burton, considering that the shooter was spared the death penalty.
What to know about the embezzlement charges facing a former Chaldean Catholic bishop in California
A Chaldean Catholic bishop in California has resigned and pleaded not guilty after prosecutors accuse him of stealing more than $270,000 from his parish. Pope Leo XIV announced Bishop Emanuel Shaleta’s resignation on Tuesday. Shaleta's attorney says she plans to show the allegations are false. Here are some things to know about the case, the bishop and the Chaldean Catholic church.
In a time of war with Iran, Americans unite in aggravation over sticker shock at the gas pump
DE SOTO, Iowa (AP) — It seems that a country divided on many fronts is finding common ground at the gas pumps. There, the cost of the Iran war is hitting Americans squarely in the wallet and aggravating people across the political spectrum. That was the message from Associated Press interviews Monday with people at gas stations and beyond in five states. The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war, according to tracking by AAA. But in interviews, some owners of electric vehicles expressed renewed gratitude for their vehicle choice as they sit out the sticker shock.
FDA finds little evidence that a drug touted by Trump can help people with autism
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administation is approving a generic drug for a very rare genetic disorder, but not for autism. On Tuesday, the U.S. agency said the drug helps children and adults who cannot get enough folate into the brain. That’s a major turnaround from announcements made at a White House news conference in September. At that event, President Donald Trump and the FDA commissioner said the drug was under review for approval in patients with autism. FDA officials say they narrowed the review to the strongest evidence. They say that evidence supports use only in patients with a specific genetic mutation.
Prosecutor says Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, 3 kids were home when woman charged with attempted murder fired
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities say a Florida woman has been charged with attempted murder and other felonies over gunshots fired at Rihanna's Los Angeles home last weekend. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that the singing superstar, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their three small children and her mother were all on the property at the time. Court records showed 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz was charged Tuesday with one count of attempted murder as well as 10 counts of assault on a person with a semiautomatic firearm and other felonies. Ortiz appeared in court Tuesday as her public defender entered a not guilty plea for her but then withdrew it in favor of postponing arraignment until March 25. Bail was set at $1.8 million.
Kenneth Walker III joins Mahomes in KC and Malik Willis starts QB reset in Miami, AP sources say
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is the new running back for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, and Miami settled on Malik Willis for a reset at quarterback after releasing Tua Tagovailoa. Indianapolis is keeping its top free agent in receiver Alec Pierce. People with knowledge of the agreements said the deals were among those reached on the opening day of NFL free agency. Two edge rushers are on the move. Jaelan Phillips is joining Carolina after Philadelphia traded for him last season. Dallas added edge rusher Rashan Gary in a trade with Green Bay.
