Sen. Cassidy knocked out of Louisiana Republican primary as Trump-backed Letlow, Fleming make runoff
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming have advanced to a runoff in Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary. Letlow capitalized on the power of President Donald Trump’s endorsement in another attempt to purge his party of people he views as disloyal. Trump supported Letlow over incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of the few Republican senators who voted to convict him during his second impeachment trial over the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Cassidy has also clashed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. By receiving less than 50% of the vote, Letlow and Fleming were unable to avoid a runoff. It takes place June 27.
Trump says Islamic State group leader was killed in a joint US-Nigerian mission
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out a mission to kill a leader of the Islamic State group. Trump made the announcement of the joint operation to take out Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki in a late-night social media post Friday that offered few details. The president said al-Mainuki was second-in-command of the Islamic State group globally. Al-Mainuki was viewed as the key figure in the group's organizing and finance, and had been plotting attacks against the United States and its interests, according to a U.S. official.
Bulgaria wins the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with upbeat party anthem 'Bangaranga'
VIENNA (AP) — Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with singer Dara’s party anthem “Bangaranga.” Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final in Vienna. The song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine was a hit with both viewers and national juries. It’s Bulgaria’s first-ever Eurovision victory. Israeli competitor Noam Bettan came second after a contest clouded by protests against the country’s participation. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third and Australian star Delta Goodrem fourth. Five countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — boycotted in protest of Israel’s inclusion in the contest following the war in Gaza. Several hundred protesters marched near the contest arena in Vienna.
Brass bands in Beijing make way for sticker shock at home as Trump returns to escalating inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has returned from his state visit to China to face a challenging U.S. economy. Consumer inflation rose to 3.8% annually in April, driven by the Iran war and tariffs. The Cleveland Federal Reserve estimates inflation could reach 4.2% in May. Trump's trip to China seems unlikely to help despite his claims of trade deals. Many U.S. voters are facing rising costs for essentials. Democrats criticize Trump for being indifferent to inflation concerns. Trump insists he's focused on growth and affordability, but inflation continues to affect businesses and interest rates. The November elections could be influenced by these economic pressures.
Trump's description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties
U.S. President Donald Trump has described arms sales to Taiwan as a "very good negotiating chip" in dealings with China. This comment, made in a Fox News interview, has heightened anxieties in Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Trump suggested that a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan depends on China, raising concerns about Taiwan's security. China has warned of potential conflicts over Taiwan, framing it as a crucial issue in China-U.S. relations. Trump's remarks also included a call for Taiwan's microchip makers to move to the U.S., adding to the island's concerns.
North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike
NEW YORK (AP) — North America’s largest commuter rail system has shut down after unionized workers went on strike. The Long Island Rail Road in New York ceased operations early Saturday morning as five unions representing about half its workforce walked off the job. The two sides have been negotiating for months on a new contract. But the unions were legally allowed to strike starting at 12:01 a.m. The MTA has said it would provide limited shuttle buses to New York City subway stations in the event of a strike. Gov. Kathy Hochul urged Long Islanders to work from home if possible.
Venezuela says it deported a close ally of Maduro to face criminal proceedings in US
MIAMI (AP) — Venezuela’s government says it has deported a close ally of Nicolás Maduro to face judicial proceedings in the U.S. less than three years after the business owner was pardoned by President Joe Biden as part of a prisoner swap. The Venezuelan government in a statement Saturday did not explicitly say where it had deported Alex Saab but said its decision was based on several ongoing criminal investigations in the U.S. The Associated Press reported in February that federal prosecutors have been digging for month into Saab’s role in an alleged bribery conspiracy involving Venezuelan government contracts to import food.
Israeli strike kills Hamas’ military wing leader, who Israel says was an architect of Oct 7 attacks
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed Hamas military wing leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad. The Israeli military said Saturday that al-Haddad was one of the last surviving architects of the Hamas-led militant attacks on southern Israel that triggered the war on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas confirmed his death. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile with accusations of violations from both sides. Violence has flared in the West Bank meanwhile. Israeli troops shot and killed a 34-year-old Palestinian in the Jenin refugee camp. The Israeli military said that the man was shot after failing to comply with warning shots.
Driver plows into pedestrians in Modena, 8 injured as driver detained after attempted escape
ROME (AP) — A driver has plowed into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, injuring eight people, four of them critically, before trying to flee and being detained by police, local authorities said. They added the man, a second-generation Italian, was known to local heath services official for mental disorders. Authorities identified the driver as Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old man born in Bergamo and living in the province of Modena. El Koudri, who holds a degree in economy, is currently unemployed. He was detained and questioned at police headquarters in Modena as investigators tried to determine whether he acted deliberately. Investigators said there was no immediate indication the man was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No links to extremist groups had emerged.
Napoleon Solo holds off Iron Honor by 1 1/4 lengths to win the Preakness at Laurel Park
LAUREL, Md. (AP) — Napoleon Solo has held off Iron Honor in the stretch to win the Preakness Stakes, rebounding from a pair of fifth-place showings for his first victory of the year. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo was held out of the race, leaving a wide-open field of 14 horses to contest the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. The Preakness was held at Laurel Park this year because Pimlico in Baltimore is being rebuilt. Taj Mahal was the top choice at 9-2 — the longest odds for a Preakness favorite since the race moved to its current distance of 1 3/16 miles in 1925. Napoleon Solo went off at 7-1.
