Iran fully closes Strait of Hormuz over US blockade and fires on ships
CAIRO (AP) — Iran now says the Strait of Hormuz is fully closed until the end of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Its Revolutionary Guard navy said Saturday night that any vessel "approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered as cooperation with the enemy” and be targeted. Earlier Saturday, Iran fired on at least two ships trying to transit the crucial waterway. The developments come after the United States said it would continue its blockade. Meanwhile, Pakistani mediators are working to organize new negotiations between the countries. But Iran's deputy foreign minister tells the AP that Tehran isn't ready for new face-to-face talks.
French soldier killed and 3 others wounded in an attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon, Macron says
BEIRUT (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron says a French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack on U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Macron identified the soldier as Staff Sgt. Florian Montorio from the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment. He added that three of Montorio’s comrades were wounded and evacuated. He said that Hezbollah is likely responsible for the attack. Macron demanded that Lebanese authorities arrest those responsible and work with UNIFIL, the U.N. mission in southern Lebanon. Macron expressed respect and support for the families of the soldiers and all military personnel in Lebanon.
Trump signs order to speed review of psychedelics, including the controversial drug ibogaine
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has directed his administration to speed up reviews of certain psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine. That drug and other psychedelics remain banned under the government’s most restrictive category for illegal, high-risk drugs. But the administration is taking steps to ease restrictions and spur research on using the drugs for medical purposes, including conditions such as severe depression. Trump signed an executive order Saturday that he says will help “dramatically accelerate” access to potential treatments. Veteran organizations and others say ibogaine shows promise for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid addiction. But ibogaine is known to sometimes trigger potentially fatal heart problems.
A mass shooting in Ukraine's capital leaves 6 dead before police shot and killed the gunman
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A gunman armed with an automatic weapon has killed six people and injured at least 14 in a mass shooting in Ukraine's capital before he was shot and killed by police. The attacker barricaded himself inside a supermarket with hostages after opening fire in a busy central district near an apartment block and shopping center in Kyiv on Saturday. Authorities said the suspect, a 58-year-old man born in Russia, had a prior criminal record but gave no other details. Ukrainian police ended a 40-minute standoff by storming the store. Officials continue investigating the motive behind the deadly shooting.
Pope Leo XIV challenges Angola's leaders while delivering a message of encouragement for its people
LUANDA, Angola (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has challenged Angola's leaders to “break the cycles of interests” that have plundered and exploited Africa for centuries. Leo issued the message after arriving in Angola on Saturday to bring encouragement to its long-suffering people. Leo is opening the third leg of his four-nation trip through Africa. Leo had further comments en route to Angola from Cameroon about his back-and-forth with U.S. President Donald Trump over the Iran war. Leo said that it was “not in my interest at all” to debate the president but that he would continue preaching the Gospel message of peace.
A big midterms year in Arizona kicks off with the state's largest county embroiled in election drama
PHOENIX (AP) — Much of the political spotlight this election year in Arizona has been focused on the office that runs elections in Maricopa County, the state’s largest. Republican Justin Heap is overseeing elections in the Phoenix-area and he's an election skeptic. Heap is in a legal feud with the county board over election procedures. He's put in place a controversial system for checking signatures on mail ballots. And he's run voter files through a federal system to check for noncitizens despite questions about the system's accuracy. His actions have drawn pushback from members of the county board, as well as rebukes from the attorney general and secretary of state.
What consumers can do as the Iran war impacts the cost and availability of flights
As the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran squeezes global oil supplies, travelers have valid reasons to worry about the cost and availability of flights as they plan their late spring and summer trips. Experts say booking earlier, and staying flexible on dates, destinations and departure airports can help reduce costs. Packing light means avoiding rising baggage fees. Using airline points or signing up for a travel credit card are other ways to make flights more affordable. Travel experts caution consumers against purchasing Basic Economy tickets, though. Even though they are the cheapest, they may rule out refunds or credits if passengers need to cancel.
Indiana primary will test Trump's control over Republican Party after redistricting defiance
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — President Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party is facing a test in Indiana's upcoming primary. After state senators opposed Trump's push for redistricting, he endorsed seven primary challengers in the May 5 election. One Republican incumbent being challenged is Spencer Deery. He resisted Trump's pressure, and now he's facing nearly $1 million in campaign spending against him. Deery says he works for his constituents, not Trump. Indiana's governor, Republican Mike Braun, says he supports the challengers not because of redistricting but because he needs their help to advance his agenda. Meanwhile, one former governor, Republican Mitch Daniels, is working to back incumbents like Deery who've drawn Trump's ire.
Trump's dyslexia barbs stir anguish and anger, perpetuating a myth about the learning disability
WASHINGTON (AP) — Some of the harshest words that President Donald Trump has used against a leading Democratic rival aren't about political differences but rather a learning disability. Trump's insults geared toward California Gov. Gavin Newsom's struggle with dyslexia are stirring anguish and anger from the president's supporters and critics. Advocates for people with dyslexia are concerned Trump's comments perpetuate a myth about dyslexia. Trump has called the governor “stupid,” “low IQ,” “mentally disabled” and unfit to become president. Dyslexia affects the link between the brain and printed language, and a large body of research has found that dyslexia and IQ are unrelated.
While Trump lashes out at Spain, US Democrats join a progressive rally in Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has hosted two events in Barcelona to rally progressive leaders from around the world who fear for a rules-based world order. Sánchez and other attendees are outspoken critics of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump chose Saturday to lash out on social media again at Sánchez, who has faced Trump’s scorn for not allowing the U.S. to use jointly operated military bases in Spain for operations related to the Iran war and for refusing to raise military spending. Democrats U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were both present alongside the leaders of Brazil, South Africa, and high-ranking officials of other left-leaning governments.
