Gulf states intercept new missiles and drones as Iran threatens to widen war
CAIRO (AP) — Gulf states are reporting new missile and drone attacks after Tehran threatened to widen its campaign and called for the evacuation of three major ports in the United Arab Emirates. The war, which started on Feb. 28 with the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran, is now in its third week. Iran said the U.S. had attacked Kharg Island, crucial to Iran's oil sector, from the UAE, which denied the accusation. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. destroyed military sites on Kharg Island and warned that its oil infrastructure could be next. Trump has said he hopes other countries send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe."
Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Two weeks of war in Iran has President Donald Trump increasingly knocked back on his political heels. He has struggled to sell the Iran war at home as oil prices rise, his polling numbers fall and his own electoral coalition shows signs of splintering. In response, Trump has fumed at news coverage and sent mixed signals on goals. On Saturday, he posted that other countries may need to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, but it was unclear how or when that might happen. Iran says it will keep using the strait as leverage. The turmoil has allowed Democrats to try to seize the moment and unite ahead of the midterm elections.
As other Iran‑allied groups are engaging in the Mideast war, Yemen's Houthis hold back
CAIRO (AP) — Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are staying on the sidelines as the Iran war expands. Iran has retaliated against the U.S. and Israel with missiles and drones, targeting American military bases and other locations. Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group and Iraqi militias have also stepped up, while the Houthis have only held protests and issued statements condemning the war. Analysts say the group fears assassinations and is concerned about reduced weapons supplies, but appears to be building up their forces and sending reinforcement to areas along Yemen's western coastline on the Red Sea. Should they choose to join Iran, the Houthis will most likely resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
After attacks on Iran's oil facilities, toxic black rain endangers the public
Black rain fell in Iran's capital after airstrikes on oil facilities sent up dark clouds of toxic smoke. Health officials warned of serious risks to anyone who breathes or comes into contact with it. Soot, toxic chemicals and acidic gases combined with water droplets in the atmosphere, then fell back to Earth when it rained. Experts say microscopic soot particles can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing breathing and heart problems that can lead to premature death. Some toxic substances can increase cancer risk.
As Trump pushes deportations, immigration data becomes harder to find
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is expanding, but the public data that tracks it is drying up. Researchers and advocates say they can't hold the administration to account for one of its most contentious policies. The Department of Homeland Security has stopped or slowed updates on major dashboards and monthly reports. Those tools used to show arrests, detentions, removals and nationalities. The numbers that are available have come from lawsuits or are mandated by Congress. Researchers are having to piece together the immigration landscape based on what they say are incomplete and unverifiable figures from the Republican administration.
Hospital officials say an Israeli strike killed 4 in Gaza, including 2 children and a pregnant woman
CAIRO (AP) — Palestinian hospital officials say an Israeli airstrike hit a home in central Gaza and killed at least four Palestinians, including two boys and a woman pregnant with twins. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported the strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp killed a couple and their 10-year-old son. The body of a 15-year-old neighbor went to Awda hospital in Nuseirat. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. There has officially been a ceasefire since October but Israeli fire is still frequent, Gaza officials say. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 72,200 Palestinians have been killed in the war.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine waiting on US and Russia to set next round of talks
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready for the next trilateral peace talks with the U.S. and Russia, but the meeting depends on Washington and Moscow. He says the U.S. offered to host talks, but Russia refused to send a delegation. Zelenskyy warned the new conflict in the Middle East, which led to the postponement of the talks, could drain air defense supplies Ukraine needs. He says he discusses alternatives to Patriot systems with France. He also disputed Trump’s claim that the U.S. does not need Ukrainian drone technology.
US-China trade talks open in Paris, paving the way for Trump-Xi summit
BEIJING (AP) — China's official news agency Xinhua reports that representatives from Beijing and Washington have begun their economic and trade talks in Paris. Sunday's meetings, led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, are expected to pave the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in about two weeks. The White House has said that Trump will travel to China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has not officially confirmed it. Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said it would be a “big year” for China-U.S. relations.
From slavery to the White House, the Ficklin family served presidents for nearly 8 decades
WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidents come and go from the White House every four year or eight years. But descendants of John Strother Ficklin, a Virginia man who was born enslaved, were a constant presence among presidents for nearly eight decades. A son, a grandson and other relatives served 13 presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama. Son John Woodson Ficklin worked 44 years as a butler and maitre d' on the residence staff. Grandson John Wrory Ficklin spent 40 years on the National Security Council staff. Wrory Ficklin shares his family's story in his book, “An Unusual Path: Three Generations from Slavery to the White House.”
Stars pack the Polo Lounge for Chanel and Charles Finch’s 17th pre-Oscar dinner
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Chanel and producer Charles Finch host a star-packed pre-Oscar dinner at the Polo Lounge, mixing Hollywood buzz with a pitch for supporting filmmakers. On Saturday night, guests crowd the patio at the Beverly Hills Hotel and mingle over drinks. Jessie Buckley says the smaller red carpet feels intimate ahead of the Oscars on Sunday. Co-director Maggie Kang hypes the big “Golden” performance tied to “KPop Demon Hunters.” The night also doubles as a reminder of Chanel’s long link to movies. Kristen Stewart points to the brand’s backing of her work and other independent projects.
