Hegseth defends strikes on alleged cartel boats, says Trump can order use of force 'as he sees fit'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended U.S. military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, saying President Donald Trump has the right to take military action “as he sees fit.” The comments were made Saturday at a national security forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It comes as the Trump administration faces intense questioning over the deadly strikes and whether they violate international law. Hegseth also compared Trump to Reagan, saying the current president is the “true and rightful heir” to Reagan.
Russia unleashes massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine as diplomatic talks continue
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and triggering air raid alerts. Ukrainian forces shot down many of the drones and missiles, but several locations were struck, wounding at least eight people. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost power during the assault. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed peace talks with American officials in Florida, aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Progress has been made, but any agreement depends on Russia's commitment to peace. Talks continue as Ukraine and its allies work toward agreement on a security framework for postwar Ukraine
The Supreme Court weighs another step in favor of broad presidential power sought by Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts has led the Supreme Court’s conservative majority on a steady march of increasing the power of the presidency. And that began well before Donald Trump’s time in the White House. The justices could take the next step in a case being argued Monday that calls for the overturning of a unanimous 90-year-old decision that limits executive authority. The court’s conservatives already have allowed Trump to fire almost everyone he's wanted to in his second term. That's despite the court’s 1935 decision that prohibits the president from removing the heads of independent agencies without cause.
Trump administration plays up pipe bomb suspect's arrest. Jan. 6 violence goes unmentioned
WASHINGTON (AP) — Top law enforcement officials in the Trump administration had a clear message when they announced the arrest of a man charged with placing pipe bombs outside political party headquarters in Washington on Jan. 5, 2021. The message was that people coming to the nation’s capital to attack citizens and institutions of democracy would be held accountable. Yet Justice Department leaders who announced the arrest Thursday were silent about the violence that had taken place when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol and clashed with police on Jan. 6, 2021, one day after the pipe bombs were discovered.
A fire at a popular nightclub in India's Goa state kills at least 23, officials say
NEW DELHI (AP) — Officials say at least 23 people, including tourists, have been killed in a fire at a popular nightclub in India’s Goa state. The blaze occurred just past midnight in Arpora in North Goa, a party hub. Goa’s chief minister Pramod Sawant said most of the dead were the club’s kitchen workers, as well as three to four tourists. The fire occurred due to a gas cylinder blast and has been extinguished, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, quoting local police. All the bodies have been recovered.
Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in an Oval Office ceremony
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony. The recipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford. The Republican president said the group was “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.” Songs by Gaynor and Kiss were played on a sound system in the Rose Garden patio just outside the Oval Office as reporters waited to be admitted. Trump also joined the honorees at a traditional dinner at the State Department on Saturday.
Qatari leader says the Gaza ceasefire is at a critical moment
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar’s prime minister says the Gaza ceasefire has reached a “critical moment” as its first phase winds down. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the Doha Forum that international mediators are pushing for a second phase to solidify the deal. He emphasized that a true ceasefire requires a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and stability there. The first phase of the U.S. peace plan began on Oct. 10, halting fighting and exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The next phase involves an international security force and other measures and has not yet started. Concerns remain over force's role and makeup.
Mass shooting at a South African bar leaves 12 dead, including 3 children
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A mass shooting at a bar near Pretoria, South Africa, has left at least 12 people dead, including three children. Police say the shooting occurred early Saturday in an unlicensed bar in the Saulsville township. Another 13 people were being treated in the hospital. Authorities are searching for three suspects. South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with firearms being the leading cause of death. Despite strict gun laws, illegal firearms are commonly used in crimes. Mass shootings at bars have been a recurring issue in the country.
Threats pile up as Indiana Republicans confront pressure from Trump on redistricting
Republicans in the Indiana Senate are facing threats as President Trump pushes for lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional map. Trump's goal is to expand his party's power in the 2026 midterm elections. Redistricting is usually done once a decade, but Trump wants to accelerate the process. Some Indiana senators oppose the plan, which would dilute Democratic influence in Indianapolis. Senators are scheduled to convene Monday to consider the proposal. If they resist, it could signal limits to Trump's dominance in the Republican Party.
Sheriff hunting for the last of 3 inmates who escaped from a Louisiana jail
OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) — Authorities are hunting for the last of three inmates who escaped from a Louisiana jail after removing concrete blocks from a deteriorating wall. St. Landry Parish sheriff's Maj. Mark LeBlanc said detectives were still searching Saturday for 24-year-old Keith Eli, who had been jailed on a charge of second-degree murder. Officials say Eli was among three inmates who escaped Wednesday by removing concrete blocks from a wall after wearing away the degrading mortar that held those blocks together. Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said one of the escapees, Jonathan Jevon Joseph, was captured without incident Friday. Police say the third inmate, Joseph Allen Harrington, killed himself Thursday when a tip helped police find him at a home.
